Clutter can lead to stress and other mental health issues
We all know that clutter is bad for your physical health, but it can also often lead to stress and mental health issues. The science is well and truely in, clutter and disorganisation IS bad for your brain.
When I visit a new home, in 9/10 cases, clients often report that they suffer from a range of mental health concerns, with many linked back to the mess and clutter in their space:
- Stressed – just being in the environment
- Embarrassed – refusing to invite friends or family around
- Feelings of failure – because they can’t keep on top of clutter or cleaning
- Anxiety – due to losing items or having to re-buy items they lose
- Conflict – with other family members who may pass the blame for the state of the home
- Fatigued – due to finding the home and space hard to manage on a daily basis
There really is no positive side to having a cluttered or disorganised home. It affects every waking moment of the occupants and this flows on outside of the home (losing work items, eating out to avoid the home etc).
Why clutter is bad for your brain
Haphazardly stacked cupboards and piles of paperwork can be seen as just the sign of a busy household, but it is far more insidious than that. Research has proven that disorganisation and clutter lead to overload in our brain. This cumulative effect is caused by the constant visual chaos around us. Our brains like space, order, and predictability. Looking at clutter makes it harder for our brains to focus and harder to process information.
In 2011, neuroscience researchers using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and other physiological measurements found clearing clutter from the home and work environment resulted in a better ability to focus and process information, as well as increased productivity.
When it comes to keeping your house tidy and organised over time, it pays to have the home sorted initially with a professional organiser, then to maintain it with the help of a housekeeper or changes in routine.
Clutter and your physical health
Living in a cluttered, disorganised, or messy environment will make you feel more stressed, anxious, and depressed. Constant low-level stress has a terrible niggling effect on your body and, beyond the immediate effects, can make you more susceptible to illness and fatigue.
In essence, if you live in an environment that causes you to stress, your body will manifest this and it can cause lingering health issues. Is someone in your home likely suffering due to clutter or mess?
Can a professional organiser help me?
The majority of clients who move through the professional organising process report that they quickly feel
- Happier – with their home than they were before they got organised.
- Connected – proud to have friends and family visit their newly organised space
- Successful & empowered – feel like they learnt new skills of organising and also how to keep clutter away
- Content – less tired in their home and find it easier to keep tidy
Getting your home organised and decluttered by a professional organiser will not solve every problem that you have, but, we are absolutely positive that it will help you to feel less stressed in your home, and possibly in everyday life overall.
What Next?
Think that you might be needing some more space in your home? Tired of being TIRED of your home? If you are ready to chat with a Professional Organiser about your home contact us here or if you’re ready to go? Book Now.
