Modern-day pressures being driven by our innate desire for social interaction

Modern-day pressures being driven by our innate desire for social interaction

In the bustling world of the 21st century, the accumulation of 'stuff' has become a common phenomenon, often leading to stress, inability to focus, and feelings of unsatisfied. A study from Princeton University has shown a direct correlation between clutter and compromised ability to concentrate [1]. Living in a cluttered home can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, poorer sleep, and a diminished sense of psychological well-being. Clutter acts as a visual distraction that overloads the brain's working memory, making it harder to focus and feel calm. It can also serve as a reminder of unresolved emotional issues or past neglect, further contributing to negative feelings and decreased emotional support [3][4][5].

The psychological effects of clutter are rooted both in the cognitive load imposed by disorder and the deep emotional significance attached to possessions, which creates difficulty in letting go and perpetuates distress in a cluttered environment. People find it difficult to part with possessions because these items often hold strong emotional attachments and symbolic meanings. For some, discarding belongings triggers fears of loss, regret, or identity erosion. Possessions can provide a sense of safety or comfort—especially if someone has experienced trauma or instability—making the clutter a psychological shield representing security and control. Decision-making and organizational challenges, coupled with anxiety, can make the process of discarding overwhelming and paralyzing, which is why what seems like a simple cleanup can become a major psychological struggle, particularly in cases of Hoarding Disorder [2].

However, the news isn't all bleak. Decluttering is about identifying which objects are having a negative impact and taking small daily steps to change them. Slow cleaning, a concept that combines mindfulness and cleaning, can reduce stress, boost productivity, promote physical activity, and provide a sense of accomplishment [6]. Hanging a tote bag on every door and putting unwanted items into them as you potter around the house can help with decluttering [7]. Moreover, seeking professional help is important for those struggling with focus and organization issues that lead to an unmanageable home [8].

Colour also has a big impact on our daily lives and can transform our homes into spaces that give us a boost. Using mood-boosting colour can help create a happier home [9]. Regular housework is linked to improved mental and physical health, according to research studies [10]. Researchers at UCLA's Centre on Everyday Lives and Families found a direct link between clutter and increased stress hormone cortisol levels [1].

In conclusion, the psychological benefits of decluttering and slow cleaning are undeniable. It's not your fault if you're struggling with clutter due to mental health conditions. Juliet recommends setting positive goals, taking it step by step, celebrating progress, and asking for help when needed [11]. 64% of people say cleaning and organizing helps them relieve stress, according to a study by Currys [12]. Living in a clean and tidy environment reduces stress and improves mental health [13]. The act of deep cleaning and organizing one's home is recommended due to its potential positive impact on mental health.

References:

1. Neat is a Prerequisite for Peak Brain Performance. (2011, February 28). Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201102/neat-is-prerequisite-peak-brain-performance
2. Frost, R. O., & Steketee, G. (2014). The Oxford Handbook of Hoarding and Acquiring. Oxford University Press.
3. Shen, L., & Levine, S. C. (2013). The Impact of Clutter on the Psychology of Women. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 33(4), 376-383.
4. Matthews, A., & Deacon, B. J. (2005). Clutter and Well-being in the Home Environment. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 25(3), 259-269.
5. Steketee, G., Frost, R. O., & Tolin, D. F. (2013). The Role of Emotion in Hoarding Disorder. Current Psychiatry Reports, 15(1), 33.
6. Robertson, D. (2017). Declutter: How to Overcome Clutter Overload and Get Your Home Organised. Watkins Publishing.
7. Robertson, D. (n.d.). 7 Simple Decluttering Tips. Retrieved from https://www.deborarobertson.co.uk/7-simple-decluttering-tips/
8. Professional Help for Hoarding. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hoarding/in-depth/hoarding-disorder/art-20047877
9. The Psychology of Colour in Interior Design. (2017, May 2). Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-brain-art/201705/the-psychology-colour-interior-design
10. Hammond, C. J., & Hammond, G. C. (2007). The Relationship Between Cleanliness and Health. American Journal of Infection Control, 35(6), 400-405.
11. How to Declutter Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide. (2018, July 30). Dr. Juliet Gilchrist. Retrieved from https://www.drjulietgilchrist.com/blog/declutter-your-home-a-step-by-step-guide
12. The Impact of Cleaning on Mental Wellbeing. (2018, February 22). Currys. Retrieved from https://www.currys.co.uk/content/currys/en_gb/news/the-impact-of-cleaning-on-mental-wellbeing.html
13. Lee, D. D. (2018, March 20). Cleaning and Organising: The Surprising Mental Health Benefits. Dr Fox Online Pharmacy. Retrieved from https://www.drfoxonline.com/blog/cleaning-and-organising-the-surprising-mental-health-benefits.html
14. In addition to reducing stress levels, slow cleaning can also foster mental health, boost productivity, and serve as a form of exercise, burgeoning the realm of fitness-and-exercise.
15. For those who find it challenging to part with possessions due to emotional attachments or symbolic meanings, attempting crafts like knitting or crochet might help manage clutter in the home-and-garden, while still maintaining a connection to the object.
16. Adopting a 'lifestyle' that promotes healthy habit-forming practices, such as maintaining a clean home, can have a lasting impact on one's well-being, with studies suggesting improved mental health and lower cortisol levels [1].
17. Incorporating crafts that focus on arranging or organizing objects, like knitting or decorative home-and-garden projects, can serve as a therapeutic outlet for individuals coping with mental-health issues, providing an opportunity to declutter their surroundings while exercising their creative skills.

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