Written by a pelvic floor physical therapist at Empower Your Pelvis, in Kansas City, Missouri (Lee Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)

Winter in the Midwest has been wild this year! With all the snow outside, I’ve taken the opportunity to stay cozy indoors, organizing and decluttering my home. Seriously, I’ve gone through things we haven’t touched since we moved in six years ago—crazy, right?

My boys had a blast exploring old boxes. We found our college caps and gowns, trophies from my husband's sports days, and even our baseball card collections. And you know what? It feels so good to get rid of the things that no longer serve a purpose in our lives.

Just like decluttering our homes, we need to declutter our "inner house"—our bodies. Our pelvic floor muscles, in particular, can hold onto a lot of stress and negative energy. They’re the first muscles to tense up when we hear bad news, relive past memories, or deal with everyday stressors.

When we constantly focus on negative thoughts or past events, it doesn’t just affect our mental health—it impacts our pelvic floor too. These muscles can tighten up and become less functional, leading to various pelvic health issues. Think of it this way: just as freeing up space in my home felt liberating, letting go of negative emotions can create room for positivity and improve overall well-being.

So, how do you start the decluttering process? When you’re triggered by a memory or event that brings up negative feelings, try to focus on the positives surrounding that moment. I used to revisit memories of my childhood and be overwhelmed by feelings of sadness and anger. My mind would take me back to times of my parents fighting, or my father’s struggles with alcohol. But, with time and effort, I learned to retrain my brain. I began to highlight the positive moments instead: high school sports, school dances, fun car rides with friends, and sister dates. Shifting my mindset this way has done wonders for reducing my anxiety and stress. It’s as if I’ve reorganized my brain and cleared out the clutter!

Now, I challenge you: is there a memory you’re holding onto that creates a negative space in your life? Revisit that memory and look for the positives around it. Maybe a difficult situation introduced you to someone who’s had a positive impact on your life. Or perhaps a challenging birth led to the joy of holding your beautiful baby. Whatever it is, find the silver lining and encourage your body to release the negativity.

Go ahead, give it a try. You might be surprised at the difference it makes in how you feel!

Note: If reflecting on your past triggers intense emotions, please seek support from a licensed therapist. I’m not a therapist, but I encourage you to reach out to professionals who can help you navigate these feelings.

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With wellness in your pelvis-

Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)