Did you know organization was important for mental health?
In this day and age, we often get so caught up in the things we NEED to do. We are racing here and there for this or that. We forget to do the simple things that are so important for not only our self-care, but for the overall wellbeing of our environment to promote healthy living. The simplest thing is organization.
Whether it is stacking dishes beside the sink before you load the dishwasher (or hand wash them), hand jackets, have a system for where to put mail, or dropping bags between work, school, gym, or events, it really does make a difference. The clutter can overwhelm you even when you don’t think it does. It will impact your subconscious mind.
“Research has demonstrated the negative impact of clutter and the positive impact of cleaning on mental health. Citing studies from Princeton University and others, Verywell Mind states that clutter may contribute to anxiety, depression, and higher levels of cortisol (a.k.a. the stress hormone) in the body. Per the report, ‘Clutter and mess is linked to negative emotions like confusion, tension, and irritability while an organized home tends to produce more positive emotions like calmness and a sense of well-being.'”
https://alliancehealthequity.org/why-getting-organized-is-good-for-your-mental-health
“Research has found that cleaning can have a number of positive effects on your mental health. For instance, it helps you gain a sense of control over your environment and engage your mind in a repetitive activity that can have a calming effect.”
Saxbe DE, Repetti R. No place like home: home tours correlate with daily patterns of mood and cortisol. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2010 Jan;36(1):71-81. doi:10.1177/0146167209352864. PMID: 19934011.
Verywell Mind: The Connection Between Decluttering, Cleaning, and Mental Health
Of course, this can all be easier said than done. A lot of times we just feel overwhelmed, over-worked, and just exhausted. I thought sharing some books with tips to help would be beneficial.
Personally, I don’t struggle with trying to organize and clean. No, as a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), I struggle with trying not to use it as my coping method. I have the opposite issue from most people, where my cleaning and organizing becomes overkill to the point of disrupting my life. It is emotion-based, and I have to work to disassociate the two. At least, I don’t have hoarding OCD. I have known people with that, and it is rough!
We all have our crosses to bear.
Great article!