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We all know by now just how far reaching the effects of stress are. Our jobs, our productivity, our relationships, and even our health are just some of the things that suffer when we experience prolonged periods of stress.
While we may look to quick fixes to treat the symptoms of our stress, like popping an Excedrin to fend off that afternoon headache, or a glass of wine to unwind at the of the day, we should be focusing more on the causes behind our stress, rather than looking for ways to combat its effects.
One way to do just that is to start with our environment. What kind of vibes do you get from your space? Is it tidy and neat? Or chaotic and messy?
The type of space you live and work in can either encourage productivity and focus, or actually trigger stress and anxiety.
Still not convinced? Read on to learn how the act of decluttering benefits your mental health in more ways than one.
How Decluttering Benefits Our Mental Health
1. Less clutter leads to more focus and clarity. Having less clutter in our visual field leads to more focus and clarity, one study found. When we have too many objects vying for our attention, conversely, we struggle to focus and our attention wanes. With less clutter in your space, it’s far easier to focus and have a sense of clarity.
2. Decluttering boosts our productivity. When you see a cluttered space, more than likely you’re going to be visually distracted by its mere appearance. In fact, research has shown that clutter overloads the visual vortex, which hinders our ability to process information. When you declutter, however, you remove this interference, which is why it’s so much easier to think and work efficiently in a tidy space.
3. Decluttering encourages healthier eating patterns. For many of us, clutter is a trigger for stress. And when we’re stressed, we may resort to particular coping mechanisms to reduce the anxiety we experience. One such coping mechanism is overeating and turning to comfort foods. Studies have shown that clutter and disorder can lead to unhealthy snacking patterns, while cleaner spaces actually encourage more healthful, mindful eating habits.
4. Less clutter means more cognitive control. Research has also shown that holding onto too many objects (i.e., hoarding) can actually lead to compromised cognitive functioning. Hoarding habits tend to correlate with issues in planning, organization, memory, and even problem-solving. So by decluttering, you’re actually supporting improved cognitive functioning.
5. Decluttering reduces anxiety and stress. Clutter is definitely a trigger for stress, mental exhaustion, and anxiety. Additionally, when things look and feel out of order, it can make us feel scattered and tense. Reestablishing order and decluttering relieves that tension and anxiety, and gives us more focus towards what we really wish to accomplish.
