NIAGARA, Wis. — At first glance, this headline may lead you to believe that this column today will be a version of “Hints from Heloise.” Fear not; that is not what you will find if you read further. As it turns out, a good annual spring house cleaning is good for the aging brain so let’s begin with that information as motivation to move on to the good reasons for putting yourself through this annual task.

I have long been a fan of annual spring house cleaning. I am sure when my mother looked at the pile of clothes on the chair in my bedroom, she never would have believed I would grow into a neat adult. But I did, and having a clean and neat home has served our family well throughout the years. This tendency followed me into the workplace as well. Before going home for the weekend, I took some time every Friday afternoon to review what I had accomplished and what still needed doing. Projects planned for the coming week each had their own folder, and these folders were lined up on the left side of my desk top waiting for me on Monday morning. This habit allowed me to go home for the weekend with a clear mind as I had a plan for anything still undone.

It turns out that there are more than aesthetic reasons for having a clean and organized environment; there is plenty of science behind the benefits of organized surroundings. Psychotherapists have learned that our brains can process information more clearly and efficiently in an organized space. We humans like to feel in control of ourselves and of our surroundings. We prefer predictable environments that provide a sense of stability and calm. Additionally, possessions are not just things; they represent the emotions or experiences attached to them. So, it is easy to understand that a cluttered or disorganized accumulation of possessions may make it difficult to “move on” from the past so we can more fully live in the present.

So, whether you are decluttering to start a new chapter of life or you simply appreciate an orderly home, here’s what you can expect from a mental health perspective.

Psychologists state that after just one day of a reorganization project, people can experience a range of emotions — from overwhelming sadness to relief to invigoration. But because organizing involves problem-solving and decision-making, most of us do feel a sense of mastery and accomplishment even if we felt some initial trepidation. A disorganized and cluttered environment, while certainly overloading all of our senses, most significantly impacts our visual field. When our visual field is cluttered, our brains must sift through everything and weed out the interfering objects. Consequently, as order is restored throughout the cleaning process and items are removed from our sight lines, a significant decrease in the stress hormone cortisol is experienced. We begin to feel more stable, clearheaded and relaxed as we make our way through the cleaning and decluttering process.

After one week, psychologists continue, we may begin looking for our next decluttering project. Such projects create new, efficient systems of living. For example, when we declutter an entryway, we create a designated place for coats, keys and a bag. As a result, we are no longer spending precious time looking for those objects. My siblings and I remember the amount of time we all spent as kids when we were predictably recruited to help our mother find her car keys before we could leave our house. While a funny memory now, it was a tremendous source of stress in the moment as we were rarely on time for anything. Consequently, we all grew up to be very organized adults in our own homes.

Psychologists state that after three months of living in our newly organized abodes we will be so happy with feeling less stressed, less overwhelmed and more in control that we will naturally feel more capable and empowered in our lives. We are reminded that the anticipation of a dreaded, and consequently procrastinated, task is far worse than actually doing it. It is rather like a trip to the dentist’s office. I, for one, dread getting any dental work done. But, once there and the procedure is underway, I am reminded that I am no longer 10 years old, and dental practices have dramatically improved since I sat in that chair as a kid. So it is with cleaning, organizing and decluttering. Once we have done it and experienced the beneficial results, we begin to view ourselves as an organized person who is perfectly capable of living in an orderly environment.

Now that we have reviewed the psychological benefits of spring cleaning, let’s take a look at three tips from professional organizers. Yes, there is such a career.

Tip one: start small. We may have planned to organize the whole house, but that plan soon fizzles into analysis paralysis because it is just too big of a start. The experts say to begin with small, low-stakes places like medicine cabinets, underneath the bathroom sink, the linen closet, the entryway closet, the junk drawer, or the pantry. These are all places where it will be a lot easier to make a decision about what to keep, what to give away, or what to throw away. Once these small places are finished, move on to places where the clutter interferes most with your routine. What area is driving you the craziest? Finally, leave areas with great emotional attachment for the final steps as they will naturally take the most time.

Tip two: discard with purpose. This is a great help when you know that a space needs to be decluttered, but you are at a loss as to where to start. First, decide on the main purpose of that space and begin by looking to see if there is anything currently stored there that does not fit the designated purpose. As an example, a box of knick-knacks in a bedroom clothes closet doesn’t fit so find a more appropriate place for it. Also, ask yourself how the things in your home fit into your life. If you love it or it serves a vital purpose, hang on to it. If you simply feel too guilty to throw it away, think again. Getting rid of irrelevant things opens up space for new things that are more meaningful to our present lives.

Tip three: devise systems that prevent you from winding up in the same overcrowded spaces you just cleaned and organized. Think of each storage area in your home as a finite container that can only hold so much. A closet is finite as is a cupboard or a drawer. They cannot be expanded to hold more stuff, so when something is added, something else must be removed. Sometimes establishing a “declutter bin” works for people who tend to hang onto things. When faced with removing an item to make room for a new one, place the item you are removing into that bin. When that bin is full, donate the items to your favorite charity. The decision has already been made that you do not need it, and you have been living without it… so move it out.

So, before it gets much warmer outside and before the leaves pop out on the trees and the summer breezes call your name for a relaxing day on the deck, take care of those indoor projects. Because, after all, who wants to be cleaning closets and drawers when the sun is shining? Besides, you will feel much more deserving of that glass of wine or bottle of beer once you have spring cleaning out of the way. Here’s a toast to a happy spring!

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/resident self-activities, 10 a.m.

Monday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; crafts,10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music on YouTube, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; movie time, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Resident Council, 10 a.m.; music on You Tube, 11:45 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; garden club, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice, have fun with the weekend packet.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; high rollers, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9:30 a.m.; DT luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.; Hangman, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee social/just friends, 9 a.m.; hymn sing 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; spa day, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; Sunshine Club, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; scavenger hunt, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/trivia teasers, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10 a.m.; file and style, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; shop op, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Hot cocoa and trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and snacks, 2 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; short stories, 10 a.m.; derby day, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; spelling bee, 10:15 a.m.; luau social, 2 p.m.; evening prayers, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking cupcakes, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Birthday social, 10 a.m.; C&R happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; Kentucky Derby day, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Air hockey, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise-dancing, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Bible study with Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; seed starting, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; movies, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia and coffee, 11 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompts while wetting your whistle, 11 a.m.; happy hour with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Skip-Bo, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; who-what-where and refreshments, 11 a.m.; bingo and birthday party, 2 p.m.; sensory, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday-May Day baskets, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation, open room, 9:30 a.m.; name that tune, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11 a.m.; off to the races, 2 p.m.; Farkle, 4 p.m.; cards, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; kick ball, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center at 415 Main St. is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Tilapia with summer vegetables, baked fries, garlic cheese bread, tartar sauce.

Thursday: Pepper steak with rice, green beans, pudding cup.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Smothered chicken, buttered noodles, California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Oven fried fish and chips, tartar sauce, steamed green beans.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant cooks: Debbie Bigalski and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Ground been goulash, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Beef stew, brown rice.

Wednesday: Brats, tater tots, baked beans.

Home delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Pancakes, hashbrowns, pears, yogurt.

Tuesday: Turkey-spinach-artichoke casserole, wax beans, whole wheat bread with butter.

Wednesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O with fruit, crackers.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken wings, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, garlic biscuit, side salad.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Pancakes, hashbrowns, pears, yogurt.

Tuesday: Turkey-spinach-artichoke casserole, wax beans, whole wheat bread with butter.

Wednesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O with fruit, crackers.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken wings, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, garlic biscuit, side salad.

Friday: Vegetable pizza, low fat cottage cheese, pineapple tidbits, ranch pasta salad with cheese.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.

Tuesday: Oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, Brussel sprouts.

Wednesday: Chicken stir fry with vegetables, rice, egg roll, fortune cookie, pudding cup.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Pancakes, hashbrowns, pears, yogurt.

Tuesday: Turkey-spinach-artichoke casserole, wax beans, whole wheat bread with butter.

Wednesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O with fruit, crackers.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, rutabagas, fruit, pudding, fruit.

Tuesday: Sub sandwich with lettuce and tomato, three bean salad, fruit.

Wednesday: Pulled pork on a bun, Mexican macaroni salad, sweet potato fries, fruit, lemon bars.

Thursday: Baked chicken, au gratin potatoes, baked parmesan broccoli, fruit.

Friday: Beer battered fish, baked beans, coleslaw, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-528-4261

Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program for those who are homebound is available.

Monday: Breaded chicken breast sandwich, hamburger bun, potato wedges, Prince William vegetables, peaches.

Tuesday: Cheese tortellini with red sauce, country trio vegetables, fruited Jell-O, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Beef and bean enchilada, Spanish rice, Mexicorn, tropical fruit.

Thursday: California medley soup, chicken salad on lettuce leaf, whole wheat bread, pea and cheese salad, fruit cup.

Friday: Shepherd’s pie, squash, breadstick, fresh orange.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Dine-in meal served at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lemon garlic tuna burger on whole wheat bun, baked fries, broccoli.

Tuesday: Turkey and cheese wrap, spinach side salad, yogurt, string cheese.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing casserole, California blend vegetables, Jell-O

Thursday: Italian beef sandwich, coleslaw, baked chips.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Open face turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots, tropical fruit.

Wednesday: Beef tips with gravy, sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, fresh fruit salad, wheat bread.

Thursday: Chicken enchilada, refried beans, tortilla chips, Mexican fruit dessert, tomato juice.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski 

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables.

Tuesday: Italian sausage roll-up, breadstick, vegetables.

Wednesday: Salmon, sweet potato fries, vegetables.

Thursday: Beef stroganoff, egg noodles, vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.

Wednesday: Strawberry spinach salad with shredded chicken, croissant, fruit cobbler.

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic bread.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Pancakes, hashbrowns, pears, yogurt.

Tuesday: Turkey-spinach-artichoke casserole, wax beans, whole wheat bread with butter.

Wednesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O with fruit, crackers.