From Chaos to Calm

Disorganization is not just a “quirk” or a personality trait. From a psychological perspective, it’s a pattern fueled by multiple factors: task overload, lack of planning, inefficient time management, and even internal beliefs that push us toward procrastination.

As psychologist David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, points out: “Our mind is made for having ideas, not for holding them.” When we try to carry everything in our head, the result is almost always chaos.

Why We Fall Into Disorganization

1. Task overload.
We live in a society where “being busy” has become a badge of honor. Without realizing it, we end up in endless days filled with work, family, social commitments, and household chores. A client once told me: “I feel like my to-do list multiplies while I’m asleep.” This type of saturation not only reduces our ability to execute but also increases cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which, according to neuroscientist Dr. Sonia Lupien, affects both memory and decision-making.

2. Lack of planning.
Without a clear roadmap for the day, priorities get lost between what’s urgent and what’s truly important. For example, someone who arrives at the office without a plan may spend the whole morning answering “quick emails,” only to realize the hours are gone. Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, put it best: “The key is not to prioritize your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

3. Inefficient use of time.
Constant notifications, messages, and social media steal tiny fragments of attention that, when added up, represent hours of lost productivity. In therapy, I often recommend “distraction-free blocks” for tasks requiring deep focus, a practice inspired by Cal Newport’s Deep Work.

Mindfulness in 10 Minutes: Small Practices, Big Impact

Mindfulness—popularized by Jon Kabat-Zinn—isn’t just a trend. It’s a research-backed practice proven to reduce stress and increase mental clarity. And the best part? It doesn’t require hours; just 10 minutes a day can make a difference.

• Brief meditation. Find a quiet place. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for two, exhale for six. If your mind wanders, gently return to your breath. I recommend this especially for people who can’t “turn off” their minds before bed.

• Conscious breathing. Perfect for stressful moments, like before a meeting or after receiving bad news. Just one minute of noticing your breath can calm the sympathetic nervous system.

• Present-moment observation. While waiting in line or for transport, pause to notice the colors, sounds, and textures around you. This practice, rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trains the mind to anchor in the present.

Effective Organization: Tools That Truly Work

Organization doesn’t mean rigidity—it means creating structure to free up mental space. Here are some practical tools:

• Task lists. Writing things down relieves working memory. I suggest limiting yourself to three top priorities per day.

• The 2-minute rule (David Allen). If a task takes less than two minutes, do it right away—whether it’s replying to a short email, filing a document, or rinsing a cup.

• The Pomodoro Technique. Work for 25 minutes, then rest for 5. I’ve seen university students dramatically increase productivity and reduce mental fatigue with this simple method.

• Conscious delegation. Sometimes organization isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less. If someone else can handle a task that isn’t essential for you, delegate it.

Making It Stick: Building Sustainable Habits

Lasting change doesn’t come from bursts of motivation—it comes from sustainable habits. James Clear, in Atomic Habits, reminds us that small daily adjustments create big results over time.

• Start small. If you’ve never meditated, begin with two minutes, not twenty.

• Track progress. Keeping an organization or gratitude journal reinforces growth.

• Weekly review. Spend 10 minutes each Sunday reflecting on what worked and what didn’t.

• Stay flexible. Adapt your strategies to your current stage of life. A rigid system is easier to abandon.

Final Reflection

Transforming disorganization into calm is not only possible—it’s essential. External order reflects internal order. It’s not about doing more, but about doing what matters, with a clear mind and a lighter spirit.

—Lic. Arlenys García