Life can be messy sometimes - maybe you have a newborn baby, or you have a project that seems to be consuming all your time. It's natural to have moments where you won't be able to prioritize organizing your surroundings, thoughts, or plans.
However, when the clutter begins to affect your mood and causes you to feel anxious, burnt-out, or depressed, it may be a sign that your mental well-being is suffering.
With so many technological advancements in our current world, we now also have to keep our digital lives organized. Some people may find it stressful to have an overflowing email inbox or a phone filled with unorganized apps. Your brain associates clutter with unfinished business, so you may notice your stress levels rising when your surroundings are messier than normal.
What Are the Mental Health Benefits of an Organized Surrounding?
Research has found that cleaning and decluttering have many positive effects on your mental health. Cleaning also helps to provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Here are some of the main benefits:
Your house will look clean. The more messy your surroundings are, the more your brain will have to process, which leads to a constant reminder of how much lingering work you have after you complete your task at hand. Having a clean and tidy space allows you to focus on your current task, without distractions.
Increased productivity. People are less distracted and more productive in a clean environment and organized workspace. Since clutter limits your brain's ability to focus on a particular task, you may feel irritated that you aren't as productive as usual.
Peace of mind. A home is often a place of safety and calmness from the chaos of our everyday lives. However, when you come home to a chaotic space, you're not going to feel as relaxed. Having an organized home is a surefire method of bringing peace of your mind, which helps you unwind after long days.
Improve sleep. As previously mentioned, your brain associates clutter with unfinished business. So, if your bedroom isn't tidy before sleeping, you're creating a less peaceful environment where your brain isn't able to completely shut off before sleeping. Furthermore, lack of sleep directly affects your mental health. The more restless nights you have, the higher the impact will be on your well-being.
Reduced anxiety and stress. People often feel that cleaning allows them to take control of their environments, which helps to create a more calming space.
Saves time. Have you been in a situation where you needed something urgently, and looked for it where you thought you had left it, only to come up empty? Looking for an item you once saw becomes increasingly difficult as it gets buried under clutter. If you keep a tidy home, you'll be able to easily find things in your home and won't have to spend time searching.
Tips on Getting Organized
Even after learning the benefits of getting organized, it can be difficult to know where to start. We'll discuss some of our best tips to get your mental health back on track!
Start Small
Rome wasn't built in one day, and neither will your organizational skills. If decluttering every part of your life seems too overwhelming, then don't focus on the big picture. Give yourself time to get into the swing of things, and start by organizing one area a day. If you set manageable goals, you'll likely succeed in getting organized. Consider starting with something as small as a bookshelf, and work your way around the room when you're ready.
Set a Timer
It may be helpful to schedule a set timer while cleaning. Try setting a timer for 15 minutes to clean that bookshelf. Once you complete your first cleaning task, you'll see that you were capable of successfully finishing it, and will be more prone to clean again.
Let Go of What You Don't Need
When you're overwhelmed or anxious, it can be difficult to think clearly and see through the mental clutter. A helpful tip is to let go or donate what you no longer need.
Olivia Parks of Professional Organizer SF says, "An organized home starts with fewer things. Although a tedious process, this is possibly the most important step in organizing a home and keeping it organized. Clients see the most change in their home when they work together to remove unused and unwanted items”.
Ask yourself these questions while sorting out your items:
When was the last time I used this item?
Would it impact my daily life if I no longer owned this item?
Could someone else find benefit from gaining this item?
Is this item adding any value to my life right now?
If it's not easy to get rid of your items, try donating them to a helpful cause, or a friend or family member in need. Gifting a functional present to someone who will use your item more than you is a great way to declutter.
Hire a Professional
If you have the budget to hire someone to help you organize your space, then give it a try. Outsourcing is a wonderful way to free up your time and allow you to focus on more important projects in your life.
Final Thoughts
Being organized doesn't always have to be a burden. If you turn cleaning into a daily, weekly, or even monthly routine, it will no longer feel overwhelming. Once you have a decluttered space, let yourself truly enjoy it and reap the benefits of your improved mental well-being.
