Clutter can cause stress and can have an impact on how we feel about our home, our job, and even ourselves. Cluttered homes and work spaces can leave us feeling helpless, overwhelmed and anxious. Despite that, clutter is rarely seen as a source of stress in our hectic lives. So, you might be asking yourself, how does clutter increase my stress? And what can I do? Studies have shown that clutter can impact an individual physically as well as mentally. Why? Because clutter can flood our minds with incitements which cause our senses to overwork themselves.
Clutter also distracts us and strays us from our priorities as well as sends signals to our brain that our work is never finished. Having clutter causes us anxiety and creates feelings of guilt and shame, especially when we receive unexpected guests. A cluttered home or work space can prevent inspiration and creation by invading the space that allows people to think, suggest and solve. Luckily, much like other sources of stress, clutter is simple to fix and here are a few suggestions:
A great way to tackle stress is getting rid of it as a family. If your home is cluttered, get the whole family involved. You can have every family member clean out their room, as you begin to declutter, you will begin to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Create spaces and labels for items that are used frequently. This will make things easier to find, save time and maintain order.
Your mind is your best asset, so don’t clutter it. Mental clutter can be just as unbearable as physical clutter, if not more. One of the most useful tips for clearing your mind is gratitude. Being thankful of the now or present for every area of your life and not worrying about what is to come. This mental state helps you to focus on one thing at a time.
Keep your focus on one project without distractions such as cell phones, emails, or any other electronic device. You will be surprised how much you can accomplish.
