How Organising And Decluttering Support Mental Well-Being

Have you ever noticed how a cluttered space can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or mentally drained? It's not just your imagination. The state of our physical environment can have a significant influence on our mental well-being.

The good news is that we can create an environment that nurtures and supports our mental health by embracing the principles of organisation and decluttering. Beyond simply tidying up, managing and decluttering offer many benefits that extend far beyond surface-level cleanliness.

How can a cluttered place affect one's mental health?

Living in a cluttered environment can feel stifling. The piles of belongings, the scattered papers, and the overwhelming disarray not only create physical obstacles but also take a toll on our mental well-being. Here are some ways in which a cluttered place affects one's mental health:

It increases the stress level

Seeing things disorganised around you can really cause stress. A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals living in cluttered homes had higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, compared to those in organised environments. (Saxbe, K., Repetti, R., & Graesch, A. (2009). Time spent in the home: Linking children's lives at school and at home. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(6), 807-817.)

It leads to impaired cognitive function

It can also lead one to lose focus and concentrate on things that do matter, such as work or household matters. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that clutter in the visual field can overload the brain's processing capacity and impair its ability to focus and concentrate. Peers, P. V., Ludwig, C. J. H., Rorden, C., Cusack, R., Bonfiglioli, C., Bundesen, C., & Driver, J. (2005). Attentional functions of the parietal and frontal cortex. Cerebral Cortex, 15(10), 1469¨C1484.

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It also leads to increased anxiety

Anxiety can be caused by various factors, and one of the factors could be stress. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that individuals living in cluttered and chaotic environments reported higher levels of anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. (Tolin, D. F., Frost, R. O., & Steketee, G. (2007). An open trial of cognitive-behavioural therapy for compulsive hoarding. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 45(7), 1461¨C1470.

It leads to bad sleeping patterns

Sleep is extremely important to function properly throughout the day. A study published in the journal Sleep Health found a significant association between clutter in the bedroom and poor sleep quality, including difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings during the night. (Clinkinbeard, S. S., Simi, P., Evans, M. K., & Anderson, A. L. (2016). The effect of sleep deprivation on clutter in the home. Sleep Health, 2(1), 57¨C61.

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What are the benefits of decluttering and organising?

Now that we have talked about how a cluttered place may actually harm your mental health in more ways than one, let us know how organising the place and decluttering it can benefit you:

It leads to mental clarity and focus

A cluttered environment can create mental clutter as well. It can be challenging to think clearly and make sound decisions when surrounded by chaos. Organising your space helps clear the mental clutter and provides a sense of mental clarity, allowing you to think more clearly, make better decisions, and be more productive.

It uplifts emotional and mental wellbeing

A clutter-free and organised space can positively impact your emotional well-being. It creates a visually pleasing and harmonious atmosphere, promoting feelings of peace, relaxation, and contentment. Being in a clutter-free space can uplift your mood and contribute to a more positive mindset.

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It leads to efficient time management

When items are organised and easily accessible, time spent searching for them is reduced. An organised space facilitates efficient time management, enabling individuals to allocate time to more meaningful activities.

There is a sense of control and empowerment

Organising and decluttering give individuals a sense of control over their physical environment. Taking charge of one's space fosters feelings of empowerment and can positively impact other aspects of life.

Safety and health benefits improve

Clutter can contribute to poor indoor air quality as it can accumulate dust, allergens, and even mould. By decluttering and maintaining a clean space, you promote better air circulation and reduce potential health hazards. Additionally, a clutter-free environment reduces the risk of accidents, such as trips and falls, ensuring a safer living or working environment.

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Self-confidence and efficacy increase

Successfully organising and decluttering one's space boosts self-confidence and self-efficacy. It demonstrates the ability to make positive changes and maintain an organised lifestyle, reinforcing a sense of competence and control.

There is an increase in creativity and inspiration

Decluttering stimulates creativity by removing visual and mental barriers. An organised space allows for clearer thinking and encourages fresh ideas and inspiration to flow.

It leads to personal growth and discipline

Practised organisation and decluttering can help develop valuable life skills such as discipline, time management, and decision-making. It requires making intentional choices about what to keep, what to discard, and how to maintain order. These skills can extend beyond your physical space and positively impact other areas of your life.

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Overall, decluttering and organising are important because they contribute to a more efficient, stress-free, and harmonious living or working environment.