There are so many things in our lives that we can’t control. Since we live busy, hectic lives in an over-stimulated environment, our mental health often suffers. However, one thing we can control and that can help us feel better is our home.
A messy and chaotic living space can lead to many health issues, from anxiety to depression. On the other hand, a tidy, well-organized home will make us feel calm and rested. It will reduce stress levels and enhance our creativity as well as productivity. What’s more, the process of cleaning and organizing is beneficial to our mental well-being. This article explores how mental health and decluttering are connected and ways to improve your emotional and physical well-being.
Decluttering will reduce stress
When you come home from a busy day at work or school, you probably need to recharge your batteries and relax. However, if your home is messy and overflowing with stuff, you won’t be able to do so. Your brain registers clutter, half-done chores, etc., as another task you have to deal with soon. So, instead of relaxing, you might end up adding stress and feeling tense and frustrated.
Here’s where decluttering can help you. There are many reasons why becoming a minimalist is beneficial, and reducing stress is one of them. Studies show that those who live in neat, tidy homes experience less stress and feel more energetic. The best approach is to start decluttering on the surface level and then go deeper.
For example, start by removing clothes from the floors and furniture or clearing up the kitchen countertops. This will make a visible change and keep you motivated to continue. Later you can start decluttering kitchen cabinets, closets, etc.
A clean home will increase your focus and productivity
A cluttered home is often distracting. Instead of concentrating on the task in front of you, your attention will be diverted to various items scattered around the room. A limited attention span will make it more difficult for you to focus and productively spend your time. Mental health and decluttering are connected, so clearing your environment will help you clear your head. That way, you’ll increase your ability to focus and process relevant information.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to make your workspace clean and tidy. At first, it may seem counter-intuitive to waste time cleaning instead of focusing on work. However, this will be very beneficial. You’ll feel energized, and with fewer things to distract you, you’ll be more productive and finish the task faster. In addition to making your home clutter free perhaps you can make an attempt to make your schedule less cluttered by using a house cleaner service that will clean your home for you. That way you can focus on more important things uninterrupted.
Making your home clutter-free will improve your mood
Decluttering your home will not only reduce stress and improve focus but will also uplift your mood. For example, cleaning and organizing your kitchen or even one section will provide a sense of accomplishment. The pleasure of having done something constructive will boost your mood. It will make you feel satisfied and happy. Not to mention that cooking will be much easier and more enjoyable!
However, after decluttering, you will have to deal with the stuff you no longer need or want. Selling or donating are some of the options. On the other hand, if you don’t want to permanently get rid of your items and don’t have enough room in your home, shared storing is one of the solutions. By renting a shared storage unit, the expenses won’t be too costly, and your home will turn into an oasis of tranquility.
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A tidy home will enhance your physical health
Making your home tidy and well-organized will lead to reducing anxiety and improving your mood. But decluttering can also improve your physical health, which will positively affect your mental well-being. For example, it can help you to:
- sleep better – healthy sleep is crucial to how we feel throughout a day
- develop healthy eating habits – people who live in tidy, organized homes tend to eat healthier
- lower stress levels – stress causes many illnesses, and reducing it will improve the general quality of life
Decluttering will boost your self-esteem
The sense of achievement you get after decluttering and organizing your space is priceless. An accomplished task can be an excellent boost to your confidence. Successful work will bring you pleasure and give you a chance to view your surroundings in a new light. You’ll appreciate your home more and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Going through your items while decluttering will allow you to remember both the good and the bad times. Old photos, precious gifts, or that silly costume you wore at that party will help you reassess your life and decide what is truly important and what is only holding you down. You may rediscover an old hobby or get inspiration for a new project.
The next step is to decide what items you want to keep and where. For example, you may want to display some items and store others. Of course, if you’re planning to rent a storage unit, make sure you pack your cherished belongings properly, especially if they’re breakable. Protecting fragile items is a must, so pack them neatly and with care. The process of sorting out your things will increase your self-esteem and confidence. What’s more, you’ll be able to better focus on your future goals and dreams.
How to incorporate decluttering in your daily routine?
Organizing our home often leads to organizing other areas in our lives, as well. It helps us gain control, focus on what is essential and create a space in which we’ll feel inspired and motivated.
On the other hand, if you try doing it all at once, it can prove overwhelming and increase stress instead of helping you achieve peace of mind. That is why you should start small, set realistic goals, and not put too much pressure on yourself. Remember that mental health and decluttering are connected, so don’t insist on perfection, and take care of yourself during the process. Even small changes will make you feel motivated and help you become your best self.
© 2021, Sally Norton. All rights reserved.
