3 things I haven't decluttered that have been SUPER F*CKING helpful during quarantine

In case you don't recall, early last year, the world—i.e., the internet—was ablaze with what was the latest Netflix hit of the time, a show centered inspired by (or centered around) a method of "tidying up" (or decluttering) your life and home. Every human being on earth was obsessed with decluttering their space in the name of a tiny Japanese woman named Marie Kondo, and the so-called Konmari method took over the world (even Goop wrote about it).

The world would not shut up about her. Everything in everyone's homes has to "spark joy." I was over it before it even began; I didn't even watch the series. I have nothing against the woman, I'm just not in favor about throwing things out because they don't make you happy. But, though I joined in on the memes (this one is my favorite) and basked in the jokes, I hardly got rid of anything.

Now that we're on quarantine and I have kept about 97% of the stuff I owned since last year, you have no idea how helpful most of them have been to fight against boredom and frustration.

Here are the 3 things that didn't "spark joy" then but sure fucking "spark joy" now:

1. Workout equipment

As a person, I have a love/hate relationship with exercise. Sometimes I absolutely love it and do it for months at a time, sometimes I just slob around like a slob. But, during the high times, I have caved in and bought exercise equipment. Specifically, resistance bands, a skipping rope, and gloves. I can guarantee that I have not used each piece of equipment for at least 6 months, and working out on my own hardly sparked joy before this lockdown, but thank God I kept these.

I work part-time at an indoor cycling studio, and personally, that's my workout of choice. However, since I don't own a bike and can't rent it, I have to find other ways to occupy my time and get fit. And that means home workouts. And while I can always do bodyweight exercises, it's far more fun and effective if you have equipment.

2. Printed books

In the age of digital media, most people turn to pixelated versions of whatever they want to consume for a variety of reasons. For one, books can be stored in an inconsequential amount of memory in the thinnest tablet imaginable instead of carrying a hefty pile of paper. And given that we're on quarantine, a lot of sites have opened their barriers and are offering free trials to their databases, and while that's great for our brains, it's not necessarily great for our bodies.

Extended amounts of exposure to screens are bad for you—yes, even as adults. Harvard Health has an article that states that our sleeping patterns are affected by our blue light exposure (light emitted by screens). Not only that, but, according to the American Association of Opthalmology, it can also affect our eye health.

I know it's ironic to be saying this as we're typing this via blog, but maybe it's time to put down the screen and pick up a book.

3. Beauty-related equipment

A lot of the hot-ticket items that go on online marketplaces are unused skincare and cosmetics. I've sold some, not all, and let me tell you. It was a wise decision.

Back in December of last year, I bought do-it-yourself hair dye, fake nails and nail glue, and some sheet masks. I haven't used them by the time early March came around and was thinking of selling them for a decent amount of money. Well, good thing I didn't, because not only do they help me feel pampered and relaxed while on quarantine, I finally had something to do.

Couldn't sleep? Happened to me. Instead of staring into the dark abyss, I dyed my hair. Needed to feel bougie? Same. So instead of being sad, I did my nails and stuck fakes on them. It helped me feel put together and ready to take on my shit. And honestly, during this kind of time even if things aren't good, feeling good makes all the difference.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that sometimes, you have to trust yourself that you know what's good for you. I kept all these because, at the time, I thought that I would find use for them in the future. Holding on to things because they don't "spark joy" doesn't mean it's "taking up space" in your home (you think a jumprope "sparks joy" within me? Hell no!),  sometimes you keep them because they have potential, or you think you might need it. And that's fine! Keep it. Hide it. Bring it out when you need to. As long as it doesn't rot and/or hurt you, feel free to hold on to it as long as you want.

Unearthed anything that's been helpful this quarantine? Let us know in the comments below!