My teen-aged daughter claimed that if she tidied her bedroom she no longer knew where things were. The clutter was ‘organised’, at least according to her. But she appears to be in the minority. According to a study by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute, clutter does more than take up space in our homes and workplaces. It actually limits our brain’s ability to focus and process information and can have an impact on mental health.
Why clutter and mental health are linked
UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF) says that clutter is linked to anxiety and other stress-related issues. This includes depression, low self-esteem and high levels of stress and anxiety.
Having too much stuff is visually distracting and it adds to your stress levels. Following these simple steps will contribute to greater feelings of serenity in your life as you say ‘goodbye’ to clutter. And if your general stress and anxiety levels are high, please get in touch. I can help you get them under control.
An extended version of this article, along with lots of other (previously unpublished) effective and practical advice is now included in our book, Anxiety to Calm: a practical guide to a laid back life which is available in paperback and Kindle.