De-Stress by Organizing your Space

By Jade Caswell, LMHC

            Have you ever felt overwhelmed or frustrated in a cluttered, disorganized space? If the answer is yes, there may be new research to explain that feeling. Living in a cluttered environment has been shown to influence stress response and lead to poorer mental health outcomes (Bodrij FF et al., 2021). To explain this, the human brain has an affinity for completeness and organization. Adding clutter to our surroundings can confuse the brain and represent 'unfinished business' in the psyche. This, in turn, can lead to feelings of being irritated, overwhelmed, and feeling out of control.

By reducing disorganization, we can take back a sense of control of our surroundings and focus on present tasks. Research has additionally demonstrated that not only does living in a clean, de-cluttered home influence positive mental health outcomes, but also can have a positive influence on our physical health too (Keith, 2000). Need more motivation to get organized? Being in a cluttered environment may also reduce your brain's ability to process information and limit concentration on tasks (Ognjanovic S et al., 2019). Read more below on how to get started and take back control of your living space.

1. Enlist the help of others--

By having a team (friends, family, etc.) and deciding on a schedule, you may be able to get much more done in a shorter amount of time, while having fun along the way.

2. Setting a timer--

Try time blocking or setting a timer and devote that time to cleaning and organizing your space. Set a timer for a short period of time (10-15 minutes) and see what you are able to accomplish. It may be more than you think!

3. Start Small--

Focus on one room where you spend the most time (living room, bedroom, office) and try to work on just one room at a time. Trying to prioritize too many rooms at once can lead to feeling overwhelmed.

4. Consider donating items you no longer have use for--

For new or unused items, donation can be a great way to give back to the community and provide more motivation to get rid of things we no longer need.

Need more guidance? Please reach out to us! Call our office today at 813-335-9794.