Declutter Your Home for Your Best Health

Declutter Your Home for Your Best Health will show you why living in a clutter-free environment can be like having an insurance policy. Clutter can have a negative impact on our physical, mental, and spiritual health and this article will show you why and how.

The NIH – National Institute for Health – research shows us that Sleep deficiency is linked to many chronic health problems.

Too much clutter affects heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, depression, and accidents.

Poor sleep is disrupted by clutter because it is difficult for some of us to relax in a cluttered room. Make that impossible for someone like me.

Stress

Disorganized chaos in a cluttered environment can have a significant impact on elevated stress levels. The accumulation of clutter in the home creates an overwhelming atmosphere, affecting one’s mental well-being.

The constant visual stimuli of a messy space can activate the body’s stress response, leading to an increase in cortisol levels. The stress response is the flight or fight reaction most of us know.

I call these visual explosions. I detest going into department stores due to the visual overload. Between this and the loud unwelcome muzak, I avoid large stores. This prolonged exposure to a disorganized environment may contribute to chronic stress, impacting both mental and physical health negatively.

Heart Disease

The link between clutter and heart disease is evident through the chronic stress that a cluttered physical environment can induce. Elevated stress levels, often triggered by a messy space, contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.

Our immune system is negatively affected due to the continuous release of stress hormones, such as higher levels of cortisol.

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone and this can lead to inflammation and strain on the cardiovascular system, fostering an environment conducive to heart-related issues over time.

High Blood Pressure

Chaotic environments have been associated with higher blood pressure levels. The stress and anxiety induced by a messy space contribute to the body’s heightened physiological response, resulting in increased blood pressure.

Persistent exposure to clutter-related stressors can become a contributing factor to the development and exacerbation of high blood pressure, posing a risk to cardiovascular health.

​Kidney Disease

​While the direct impact of having too much clutter on kidney disease may not be as apparent.

It is the high levels of cortisol again, the physiological strain from elevated cortisol levels can adversely affect the kidneys.

Prolonged exposure to stress can contribute to the development and progression of kidney disease.

Clutter can lead to stress and stress can affect the autoimmune system. I can vouch for this.

​Diabetes

​The relationship between a lot of clutter in our personal spaces and diabetes is multifaceted, primarily through the influence of stress.

Chronic stress has been linked to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. The sustained release of stress hormones can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, potentially contributing to the development of diabetes over time.

Stroke

Having an overabundance of possessions contributing to clutter problems may indirectly impact stroke risk through its association with stress and elevated cortisol levels.

Prolonged exposure to a messy environment can contribute to chronic stress, which has been identified as a risk factor for stroke.

The physiological consequences of stress, like inflammation and vascular strain, create a situation that may increase the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.

Obesity

​The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has some good information on the widespread problem of obesity.

Their are many factors that can lead to obesity. The psychology of a cluttered environment can play a role in the development of obesity. Stress induced by feelings of anxiety caused by our messy homes can lead to emotional eating and unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Emotional eating can contributes to weight gain.

The negative impact clutter and chronic stress have on mental health may interrupt otherwise healthy eating habits. This may increase the risk of obesity and related health issues.

People sometimes eat to fill a void. Many of us have experienced a change in appetites when affected by traumatic experiences, such as a death, a breakup, and simply overall frustration.

Depression

A cluttered environment in our living space has a profound impact on mental health. There is a strong correlation between the development and exacerbation of depression.

The constant visual chaos and disorganization in an untidy space can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness.

Elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress in a cluttered environment may disrupt neurotransmitter balance, potentially triggering or worsening depressive symptoms.

Declutter your home to prevent accidents and fire hazards

​The physical hazards associated with a cluttered space can lead to an increased risk of accidents. Tripping over objects, misplaced items, and obstructed pathways in a messy environment can result in injuries and fire hazards.

The psychological impact of clutter, including heightened stress levels, may contribute to a lack of focus and attention. This may further increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries within the home.

Mental Health Issues

The overall impact of clutter and household chaos on our mental health condition is profound. Too much clutter can affect various aspects of psychological well-being. A cluttered environment often contributes to heightened stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

The constant visual stimuli and disorganization may and often do impede cognitive functions, making it challenging to concentrate and maintain mental clarity. I have to work in silence.

Prioritizing a tidy home and organized space is crucial for fostering a positive and supportive mental health environment.

Start decluttering today for your best health!

The mental health benefits of living a clutter-free lifestyle are worth the time it will take you to declutter.

The key to decluttering is to do this in your time frame. You schedule the time you can afford to declutter. Whether you can declutter one piece a day 3 days a week or dedicate the time to declutter an entire room is totally up to you.

Schedule your decluttering plan

By scheduling your decluttering plan as you would a haircut or dental appointment you are committing to getting the job done.

Again, do this according to your schedule. If family members aren’t on board continue decluttering. I regularly see the other spouse jump on board after seeing the progress the other spouse or family member is making,

​Decluttering for good health can start today. Ask yourself and answer honestly if you will ever get to the piles of unfinished projects and if it is time to get rid of all the unnecessary items you have kept over the years.

Take a couple of minutes and go through your children’s toys. Turn this into a teachable moment. Have the kids choose the toys that want and then steer them to donate the other toys to kids who may not be as fortunate as they are.

Paperless is a good step to clutter-free

Are the piles of paper serving you? There was a time when we felt the need to save every piece of paper. With the advent of digital files, we can be almost paperless. Try it!

Start with your utility bills. These records are easily and quickly available to us anytime night or day on the websites of your utility suppliers.

Another key to success on your decluttering journey is to have an accountability partner. An accountability partner can be a trusted friend, a family member, or a like-minded community like Declutterbuzz, a safe and private Facebook group. At Declutterbuzz we gather online and offer support and help for you to stay on track.

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutter-er and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

For more Declutter Buzz & Freebies check out our safe and private Decluttering community on our Facebook page. We are a safe and private space of like minded folks tackling this all encompassing clutter thing once and for all. No shame allowed and always a few laughs!

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