Mental health is a complex, yet incredibly important, aspect of our lives. There are many things that can impact your personal mental state, both positively and negatively. One simple way to boost your mental health for the better and achieve lasting effects is to take time to clean out the clutter at home alongside clearing your mind.
Why Clutter and Disorganization Negatively Impacts Your Mental Well-Being
Various studies have shown that clutter and chaotic environments can negatively affect the stress levels and focus of those in the home, as well as increase feelings of tension and confusion. Particularly in the case of an individual caring for a child, those placed in a cluttered environment showed elevated stress-reactive enzymes in their saliva when compared to those in a neutral home. Additionally, clutter and disorganization may contribute to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body, while also making it more difficult to focus and relax.
The Positive Impacts of Cleaning and Organization
On the other hand, cleaning and organizing can give you a much-needed sense of control over your surroundings. In another study, it was found that having a more organized home resulted in a reduction of depressed moods throughout the day. Furthermore, repetitive actions such as washing dishes, wiping counters, vacuuming and mopping floors, and dusting surfaces can have a meditative, mindful effect. All of this comes together to create a lasting sense of accomplishment and a living space that is more comfortable for everyone.
Tips to Help You Conquer Organization
When you first begin organizing, whether it’s just one room or the whole house, the task can seem overwhelming at first and nearly impossible to keep up with. However, there are a few things that you can do to ensure you have a sustainable cleaning and organizational strategy.
First, it’s important to make and stick to a to-do list, but be careful not to try to complete the entire list at once. This is a surefire way to burn out and lose all motivation. You should instead choose one item or a small group of items on your list to focus on and complete before moving on.
Second, it’s much easier to maintain an organized space when you have an easy-to-follow system set up. You should first take time to get rid of unneeded visual clutter and unused items to make the task of organizing simpler. Investing in custom storage solutions, such as those from More Space Place, can help you ensure that everything you need to keep has a designated spot.
Finally, make a plan to put everything away at the end of each day. By taking a small amount of time every day to spot clean and return everything to its place, you can stay on top of your organization process, making the task that much easier over time.
Remember, fully cleaning and organizing your home isn’t something that can be done quickly and then never again. Just like your mental health, this is a task that must be worked on a little at a time to be truly effective.