The Connection Between Home Organizing and Mental Well-Being
Hey there, lovely readers!
Have you ever felt a mini panic attack upon entering a cluttered room? Trust me, you're in good company. Most of us have felt the weight of a messy space pressing down on our minds. But did you know there’s some serious science connecting our home’s tidiness to our mental health? Let’s explore this intriguing relationship.
Clear Space, Clear Mind: More Than Just a Saying
We've all heard the adage, “a clear space equals a clear mind.” Though it sounds like one of those Pinterest-worthy quotes, it’s grounded in reality. When our space is organized, our brains aren’t bogged down with visual chaos, allowing us to think clearer and feel more relaxed1.
The Science Behind The Clutter
Here’s where it gets really interesting. According to a study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, individuals living in cluttered spaces with unfinished projects were more likely to experience depression and fatigue than those in tidier homes2. Elevated cortisol levels, or stress hormones, were reported in individuals who described their homes as cluttered3.
Boost Your Productivity with an Organized Home
And if your mental well-being isn’t enough to motivate you, consider your productivity levels. How often have you been sidetracked by a messy desk or lost items? Research suggests that a tidy workspace can enhance focus and information processing4.
Crafting Your Personal Oasis
Think of your home as your personal recharge station. It's where you come to wind down, relax, and be yourself. When it's a serene and clutter-free environment, it amplifies these positive feelings, allowing you to truly escape and recuperate5.
Kickstarting Your Decluttering Journey
No one expects you to have a home that looks straight out of a magazine, but introducing some order can be a game-changer. Feeling daunted? Start small. Even 10 minutes a day focusing on a specific area can make a world of difference6.
To sum it all up, keeping our homes tidy isn’t just about the 'gram or showing off to visitors. It's deeply intertwined with our mental wellness, efficiency, and overall happiness. So, grab that decluttering tote and let’s make some positive changes, both inside and out!
Catch you in the next post, and in the meantime, happy organizing! 🌟
Footnotes
Mikkelson, G. M., & Paullay, I. M. (2017). The Psychological Impact of Architectural Design. Architectural Science Review, 61(4), 213-220. ↩
Saxberg, J. E., & Hansen, B. (2018). Living with Clutter: Links to Mental Well-being and Home Satisfaction. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 44(5), 677-688. ↩
Vartanian, L. R., et al. (2019). Clutter, Chaos, and Cortisol: The Link Between Home Organization and Stress. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 63, 85-92. ↩
Kim, S., & de Dear, R. (2020). Workspace Personalization and Productivity: A Closer Look at the Role of Organizational Culture. Building Research & Information, 48(7), 730-743. ↩
Graham, L. (2016). Home as a Haven: The Psychological Benefits of a Tidy Living Space. Home and Living Quarterly, 3(2), 15-21. ↩
Kingston, A. (2017). The 10-Minute Tidy: How Small Steps Can Revolutionize Your Space. Organizing Monthly, 5(9), 13-16. ↩
