Modern-day stress is being fueled by our inherent human tendency to congregate
In our daily lives, clutter can be a common sight in many homes. However, recent research has shown that this seemingly innocuous state of disorganization can have a significant impact on our mental health.
Cluttered homes can be a result of ongoing mental health conditions, such as ADHD, OCD, major depressive disorder, making it difficult for individuals to focus or organize. But it's important to note that not all clutter is bad; a safe space where certain objects bring joy is acceptable.
Scientifically, clutter raises cortisol levels—the primary stress hormone—which disrupts cognitive function, impairs concentration, and can contribute to anxiety and depression. The brain associates clutter with chaos and lack of control, emotionally triggering stress responses and reducing the ability to focus and make decisions.
According to researchers at UCLA's Centre on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF), clutter negatively affects mental health by acting as a chronic environmental stressor that increases psychological stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm. This hormonal imbalance can have downstream effects on both mental and physical health, including unstable blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Psychologically, clutter can produce guilt and shame, further exacerbating anxiety and cognitive overload. People who grew up in messy or cluttered environments often associate clutter with instability or neglect, which can deepen anxiety and the need for order in adulthood as a coping mechanism to reclaim control and calm.
Moreover, hoarding behavior—extreme accumulation of possessions—can spring from emotional attachment and exacerbate mental health difficulties, requiring a mindset shift and management strategies to reduce clutter and its impact on wellbeing.
However, the link between clutter and mental health isn't all doom and gloom. Decluttering and cleaning can offer numerous mental and physical health benefits. Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explains how living amongst clutter can trigger our instinctual 'fight or flight' response. On the other hand, doing regular housework is linked to improved mental and physical health, and is classed as moderate-vigorous intensity exercise.
Leading decluttering coach and author, Juliet Landau-Pope, explains how consumerism plays on this instinct, causing stress, inability to focus, and feelings of unsatisfied. In contrast, Slow cleaning offers numerous mental and physical health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, boosting productivity and focus, promoting physical activity, and providing a sense of accomplishment.
A study conducted by Currys of over 2,000 people across the UK found 64% of people say cleaning and organizing helps them relieve their stress. Even the act of washing up mindfully, as a study published in the journal Mindfulness found, can lead to more positive thoughts and less nervousness.
When it comes to decluttering, Debora Robertson, author of the book Declutter, suggests going for decluttering bursts, setting the task of ditching 15 things in that time, and using tote bags to put unwanted items in as one potters around the house. Catrin Davies, Senior Product Manager at Hoover SDA, promotes slow cleaning as a meditative practice, focusing on movements, breathing, and sensations of cleaning to reduce stress and make the experience more fulfilling.
It's crucial for those struggling with this to seek professional, medical help and not blame themselves. A 2009 study by Saxbe, D. E., & Repetti, R. found untidy homes impact women more than men.
In conclusion, while clutter can have a negative impact on mental health, the act of decluttering and cleaning can provide numerous benefits. By understanding the science behind this relationship, we can make informed decisions about our living spaces and prioritize mental wellbeing.
- The brain associates clutter with chaos and lack of control, leading to stress responses and reducing the ability to focus and make decisions.
- Decluttering and cleaning can offer numerous mental and physical health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, boosting productivity and focus, promoting physical activity, and providing a sense of accomplishment.
- Hoarding behavior, or excessive accumulation of possessions, can stem from emotional attachment and exacerbate mental health difficulties, requiring a mindset shift and management strategies to reduce clutter and its impact on wellbeing.
- In the realm of crafts and hobbies, activities like knitting and crochet, when practiced in an organized, mindful manner, can contribute positively to mental health by promoting focus, relaxation, and creativity while simultaneously beautifying one's home and lifestyle.
