How Does Clutter Contribute to Stress and Decluttering Help You Destress?

Containing the clutter in your home is good for your mental health! Although we all have different levels of tolerance when it comes to clutter, studies have shown that an untidy home can increase stress, whereas a tidy home can help you feel more secure and calm.

How Does Clutter Contribute to Stress?

• A messy home can consciously or subconsciously distract you to the point of physical and mental anxiety, causing an inability to relax.
• Clutter can cause you to feel burned out and overwhelmed because you constantly feel pressured to clean.
• You may feel embarrassed if you have unexpected company.
• A house in disarray makes it easier to lose things and harder to find them.
• A disorderly living space can cause feelings of insecurity.

How Does Decluttering Help You Destress?

Purging your home is active work, which means it can release endorphins. Additionally, when you declutter, you may feel productive, successful, and relieved, all of which help you feel less stressed.

• Tidying up can be cathartic, especially if it’s part of a routine. For example, clearing the coffee tables and counters before bed every night may relax you. Many people find the process of putting things away or sorting things to be very calming.
• You may feel more focused and less physically agitated in a freshly cleaned home. Even if you’re not consciously aware of it, clutter sends your brain constant visual stimulation. So your brain may be working on overdrive, making it more difficult to concentrate and relax.
• With less clutter, you have fewer things to clean and organize. You won’t be grappling with the feeling of “There’s so much to do around here.” Plus, owning fewer items minimizes decision fatigue—you don’t have to make constant decisions about where to put things.
• The state of your home can affect your eating habits and depression symptoms, according to studies. According to Prevention, “A 2009 study in The Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women who described their homes as cluttered and stressful were more depressed than those who described them as restorative spaces. This isn’t surprising, considering plenty of studies have linked a tidier home to healthier habits—like exercising and making smart snack choices—which can really pay off for your overall health and outlook.”
• Finally, decluttering can help you feel more confident if you have company. You won’t have the anxiety of wondering "What will they think of this mess?" "Where can I put these so they won’t see?" or any of the worries that come with scrambling to clean a house for company.

Susan Roddy

Owner - Caring Transitions of Appleton

Mobile:  920-718-9287

Website:  CaringTransitionsAppleton.com