Spring Cleaning Your Thoughts
There’s a meme going around that says, “I feel like I should clean my house. I’m going to lie down until the feeling passes.”
While this might seem humorous, there is a strong relationship between our physical environment and our mental health. Think about it—have you ever struggled to work from home or concentrate on something important while being surrounded by clutter?
Research shows that clutter can distract us, limit our ability to process information and lead to stress. In fact, studies indicate that it significantly raises cortisol levels in women. That’s because a messy environment feels like “unfinished business” to the brain.
If clutter is overwhelming you, here are five ways to “spring clean” both your space and your mind:
Assess how you spend your time.
Are you cluttering your mind by doomscrolling on social media for hours each day? Are you consuming mostly negative content? Consider cutting back or reevaluating who you follow. Instead, dedicate that time to neglected hobbies, meditation, keeping a gratitude journal or learning something new. Studies show that engaging in hobbies reduces stress and anxiety while enhancing overall health and well-being.
Engage in self-reflection.
Is your mind cluttered because something is bothering you? Could writing it down in a journal help you gain better insight into your thoughts? Are you taking on too much or multitasking when you should be focusing on one task at a time? Are you saying “yes” to too many requests? If so, make some adjustments.
Focus on small wins.
You don’t need to clean the entire house in one day. Instead, set a 15-minute timer to complete one task. This could mean making the bed, cleaning the kitchen counter or tidying up a common area like the living room. Achieving small wins can help you feel more in control and reduce stress.
Practice mindful cleaning.
Try not to think of your to-do list as chores. One study found that “mindful dishwashing,” like focusing on the water temperature and the scent of the soap, reduced nervousness by 27% and increased inspiration by 25%. In other words, focus on the present moment instead of fixating on stressors.
Purge with purpose.
One study claims that Americans have over 300,000 items in their households, many of which they’ve never used or have stopped using. Another study indicates that 25% of us can’t even park in our garages because they are used as storage. If clutter is causing you stress, consider what to toss out. However, it’s a good idea to organize first. You might find clothes you never wear because they don’t fit well anymore, or realize you have three of the same sweater. So, why not get rid of what doesn’t bring joy, boost confidence or make your daily life easier?
Remember, a more organized environment can lead to a greater peace of mind.
Find a Doctor
One out of every five people visits their doctor about stress, anxiety and depression. So, don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re feeling persistently stressed—even if the cause isn’t clutter.
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