By Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM
Professional case managers know a thing or two about juggling responsibilities. Our day usually includes trying to balance documentation, patient coordination, compliance demands, and what feels like a never-ending stream of emails. This juggling act can leave even the most seasoned professional case manager feeling frazzled. Have you ever ended your workday wondering where the time went or why you have a growing number of emails? Sometimes we just need to take a breath and embrace something radical: simplicity.
Simple living is about choosing clarity over chaos, focus over frenzy. As artist Hans Hofmann once said, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” That’s a powerful statement in a world that often equates productivity with packed schedules and overflowing inboxes.
Let’s start with a simple question: What is clutter? Clutter refers to disorganized, unused items that crowd our environments and, quite often, our minds. This can include physical and digital items such as piles of paperwork, clothes you haven’t worn in years, and endless emails. This isn't just a space issue. It’s a mental issue as well. Physical clutter can increase stress and anxiety, impair concentration, contribute to procrastination, and even impact relationships. Digital clutter does much the same, making us feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Modern life itself can feel cluttered. According to Pew Research (2024), over half of Americans say they’re usually multitasking, and 60% report feeling too busy to enjoy life. For professional case managers, the cumulative stress of navigating complex care plans and tight timelines can become paralyzing. But don’t forget about your personal life. Parenting, caregiving, and personal obligations can also add a level of stress.
This is where the concept of simple living comes in. It’s about intentionally reducing what doesn’t serve you. That includes belongings, digital clutter, or emotional obligations. The benefits are real: reduced stress, increased joy, greater clarity, and space for new opportunities and meaningful experiences. As author Richard Carlson advised, “Reduce your stress by decluttering your life—it’s one of the simplest ways to create peace of mind.”
So how do you begin to simplify? Start by identifying what’s truly important. Write it down. What do these things give you? Peace? Purpose? Connection? Then take a hard look at everything else and begin letting go. This is a really hard part for me. I become emotionally attached to some items and can’t let go! When it comes to physical clutter, owning less is a great concept. Donate or discard what you do not need. The experts say start organizing room by room. If you are struggling to release something, ask yourself what’s holding you back. Does it bring back memories or positive emotions? Is a sense of identity tied to the item? Understanding the emotional roots of clutter can help you move forward with compassion. Experts advise having nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. This is a timeless guide for both our homes and workspaces.
There’s also the emotional clutter that comes from always saying “yes.” It’s okay to set boundaries and protect your time. In fact, it is essential. That means scheduling activities that matter such as time with your family, moments of solitude, creative pursuits, even doing nothing at all. Saying “no” to one more obligation is saying “yes” to yourself.
Digital clutter deserves the same attention. Unsubscribe from emails you never read. Delete unused apps. Set up folders. Automate where you can. Designate tech-free zones or times during your day. The point is not to unplug entirely but to make sure your digital tools serve you, not the other way around. Ctrl + Alt + Declutter. What a great idea!
Remember: one step at a time. Focus on one task at a time. There is no universal definition of simple living. It looks different for everyone. Let go of what weighs you down. What matters is finding what works for you. Simplicity is not a destination. It’s daily practice. As professional case managers, we often encourage our patients to focus on what matters most. Clearing out the clutter can create space for what truly matters. Perhaps it’s time we do the same for ourselves.
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Bio: Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM is President of CMSA. She is a transplant case manager with a wide variety of experiences including educator, administrator, team leader, and Director of Case Management. Janet holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Marshall University. She has published many articles in CMSA Today and the Professional Case Management Journal and served as a reviewer for the Core Curriculum for Case Management Third Edition. She has served as President-Elect of CMSA, Chair of the CMSA Today Editorial Board, Chair of the Nominations Committee, and Vice-President of the CMSA Foundation board. Janet was the recipient of the CMSA National Award of Service Excellence and Southern Ohio Valley CMSA Case Management Leadership award and was recently inducted as a Case Management Fellow from CMSA.