If you’re someone who struggles tremendously with being overwhelmed or deals with sensory overload, then you know that having far too much stuff can be increasingly frustrating and just as draining. Let’s not even get started on the prospect of trying to clear out the knick-knacks flooding our homes.
Research suggests that clutter has a veritable impact on one’s well-being, just like it does on physical space. We’ve discussed several things that chaos can have a negative influence on. Perhaps one of these issues is impacting your livelihood as well.
Clutter Reduces Focus
It can be challenging to focus when surrounded by too much, especially when trying to work from home. Also, clutter makes it harder to think clearly – because your brain can only focus on a certain number of things at one time.
It leads to insomnia.
With so many stimuli taking up our minds, it can be almost impossible for our brains to switch off when it’s finally time to turn in for the evening, which leads to sleepless nights and insomnia that can ultimately negatively impact other aspects of one’s life.
Inspires Procrastination
If you have to dig through the clutter to complete an important task, then it’s more likely that you will put that task off until the last second. For example, putting off the pile of dirty clothes in the corner that needs washing. Only to have it grow into a mountain by the end of the week.
Poor Impulse Control
Studies suggest that clutter inspires a decrease in impulse control, causing those affected to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating. In addition, a chaotic environment leads to a chaotic mindset.
Lower Quality of Life
Considering the above points, the primary encompassing influence of clutter is that it lowers your quality of life, especially when the time spent to attempt to clean up the mess can be spent doing things you love, like spending time with loved ones.
Unfortunately, getting rid of unused items is very emotional work, especially if you have sentimental attachments to these. You may be feeling guilty about throwing them out, they could even be brand new, but that doesn’t mean they need to be kept on hand for the potential ‘what if’ where they could be relevant.
So, what are the benefits of reducing clutter and the impact it has on your mental health and overall well being?
More Energy
The less clutter, or noise you have going on around you, the more energy you will gain! You’ll be able to take back your focus and improve your sleeping patterns because there is far less keeping your mind active throughout the day.
Less Stress
With far less taking up your mind, you won’t feel as stressed out or overwhelmed anymore – allowing you to take a step back and breathe instead of feeling stifled by too much going on.
More control on other aspects of your life
Reducing the amount of clutter in your homes or offices allows you to seize control of other aspects of your life. For example, it will enable you to spend time on a hobby you might have considered taking up. Or perhaps you’d like to spend some time with your family – either way, you won’t be controlled by an unnecessary mess that constantly remains at the forefront of your mind. More control means more confidence, and it results in a positive influence on your mental health!
There are numerous ways to deal with clutter so that it doesn’t negatively impact your livelihood, such as hiring a professional organizer to help you clean up where you can’t. To find out more about our professional organizing services, feel free to contact us.
