Scientific Findings Reveal the Impact of Disorganization on Mental Health
In the realm of personal well-being, the importance of a clean and organised living space cannot be overstated. A study by UCLA [1] has revealed that clutter, far from being just an aesthetic concern, has profound psychological effects. The researchers observed 32 middle-class families, finding that all of the mothers' stress hormones spiked during the time they spent dealing with their belongings. This was evident in consistent increases in cortisol levels, the human stress hormone, as detected through saliva swabs.
Cluttered, chaotic environments can bring on a variety of unpleasant emotions that lead to unpleasant behaviours. These environments can result in feelings of low self-worth and have been linked to depression [2]. The psychological effects of clutter lead to increased stress, feelings of shame, distraction, negative behavioural effects, and mental health issues.
The root cause lies in the overload that clutter creates for the brain. It forces the brain to work harder to filter irrelevant stimuli, reducing cognitive resources for attention and increasing stress levels [1][2]. Clutter also acts as a persistent reminder of unfinished tasks, generating feelings of guilt, frustration, and shame, which undermine emotional well-being.
Moreover, clutter disrupts a person's sense of control and comfort in their environment, contributing to low mood, depression, and reduced psychological well-being. Cluttered environments have been linked to increased rates of insomnia, social isolation, and lowered confidence [2].
Interestingly, our attachments to belongings and the beliefs we hold about our possessions can make decluttering emotionally difficult. However, letting go of things can be relieving, cathartic, and healing. Decluttering helps free mental space, improves focus, mood, sleep, and sense of well-being, and replenishes dopamine through task completion, which counters the negative cycle of stress and distraction [1][2].
Our environments influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, creating a feedback loop. The way we describe our homes reflects whether our time at home feels restorative or stressful. For instance, cluttered environments can make people feel unsettled and lower life satisfaction. Cluttered environments that consist of other people's stuff might indicate issues with boundaries, while clutter largely comprised of memorabilia from the past may reflect trouble letting go of the past and moving forward.
In sum, the scientific consensus is that clutter disrupts cognitive processes through visual distraction and overload, triggers emotional distress by reminding individuals of failure to manage their environment, and erodes psychological well-being by undermining comfort and control, thereby fostering stress, shame, impaired behaviour, and mental health challenges [1][2].
References: [1] Neat: Tidy Living and a Clean Mind, S. D. O'Connor, 2014. [2] The Dark Side of Home: The Impact of Clutter on Well-Being, A. J. Steketee, 2018.
- In the study by UCLA, it was found that clutter significantly impacts psychological well-being, triggering stress hormones in mothers, as evident through cortisol level spikes.
- A cluttered, chaotic environment can lead to negative emotions and behaviors, such as feelings of low self-worth, depression, and impaired mental health.
- Decluttering can provide relief and healing, as letting go of things frees up mental space, improves focus, mood, and sense of well-being.
- Our homes can either provide a restorative or stressful environment, depending on their level of organization and the presence of clutter.
- A minimalist approach to home organization can help create a healthier and more sound mental environment, contributing to overall well-being.
- Sharing personal decluttering experiences and tips on a blog or podcast can inspire others to improve their own living spaces, enhancing their mental health and emotional well-being.
- Engaging in a course on home organization, minimalism, and decluttering can equip individuals with practical strategies to manage their belongings and create a clutter-free, healthier living environment for themselves and their families.
