Navigating recovery can often be overwhelming, so it’s essential to have a safe space that promotes calmness and tranquility. Ideally, that place is your home.
Your environment plays a big role when it comes to your mood. Studies have shown that your surroundings can have a strong impact on your emotions. For example, rooms with bright lights can help with issues like depression and sleep, while dark, cluttered rooms can make you feel anxious.
When it comes to your recovery journey, an organized space can have a positive impact, taking away some extra stress and providing you with a clean and calm space to keep moving forward.
Still not convinced? Let’s take a closer look at how home organization can support recovery so you can start taking positive steps toward decluttering your space and your mind.
It’s Something You Can Control
When you’re struggling with addiction, it’s easy to feel like things are spinning out of control. Just because you’re in recovery doesn’t mean those thoughts go away completely. Cleaning, decluttering, and keeping things organized give you a sense of greater control. You’ll feel like a “master” of your own environment, which can calm your anxieties, boost your mood, and make things seem less chaotic even when you’re struggling.
Feeling like you’re in control is an important factor in your mental health. It allows you to be more mindful and present. Cleaning and organizing also serve as positive distractions. There are many paths to sobriety, but feeling like you’re in control and distracting yourself from harmful thoughts are two of the best ways to stay on track, no matter what program you’re using.
You’ll Experience Less Stress
A cluttered home can impact your mental health by raising stress levels and causing you to feel anxious. It creates too many stimuli in one place, which can affect things like:
Feelings of anxiety;
Focus;
Memory;
Motivation.
It’s not uncommon for those who struggle with addiction to be triggered by stress and feelings that overwhelm them. If you know stress is one of your triggers, eliminating it from your life as much as possible can make a big difference, and that starts with your home environment.
Plus, taking the time to clean and declutter now reduces the need for constant upkeep. You’ll have less to worry about on a daily basis when you have a clean house. As a result, you won’t have to worry about things “piling up” or the way you might feel overwhelmed if they do. By taking on small organizational tasks each day, you’ll stay on top of keeping your space clean. That’s one less thing that might otherwise bring stress into your life.
You’ll Boost Your Self-esteem
Organizing things takes time and dedication. If things have been piling up for a while, decluttering and putting your belongings in their rightful place can feel like a big project. However, by the time you’re finished, you’re likely to be more confident. Your self-esteem will improve with every task checked off your list, which can motivate you to do more and keep moving forward.
As a bonus, having more space in your home will make it easier to take on new hobbies and practices. Some of the best activities for those in recovery to boost mental wellness and stay focused on their journey include:
Yoga;
Meditation;
Journaling;
Crafts;
Cooking.
When you know where things are and you don’t have to worry about dealing with a mess, you’re more likely to try new things or get involved with hobbies you used to enjoy. They serve as wonderful distractions, but they can also give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Make sure you’re not ignoring your outdoor space! There are countless mental and physical health benefits associated with being outside, so upgrading your backyard and spending more time there can foster a sense of tranquility and peace. Consider planting a garden to achieve a sense of control and accomplishment, or make sustainable backyard upgrades, like solar lights and a compost bin, to feel good about giving back to the planet.
Your home should feel like your sanctuary when you’re going through recovery. Keeping things clean and organized is a great way to embrace your space, stay calm, and start the next chapter of your life on the right foot.
