Have you heard how clutter can negatively affect your life? For women over 50, it’s likely that we have accumulated an abundance of possessions over the years. Many of us like collecting things and shopping, myself included, and there’s definitely no shortage of stuff to buy. But how much is too much?
If you’re surrounded by clutter in your environment, research has shown that it can have a negative impact on your brain and body.
My aunt has been a hoarder all her adult life. The extreme kind that you see on TV shows, where it’s taken over your entire house. She has boxes of stuff piled up everywhere, with barely any space to walk and no way to clean. Everyone has tried countless times to help her sell and give her things away, but progress is always slow and challenging. She truly believes there is value in all her stuff, whether monetary or sentimental, and she’s unwilling to let them go.
Does keeping everything truly make her happy? I don’t believe so. She’s aware that her clutter is unmanageable and it gives her anxiety. It’s impossible for her to relax and have a calm mind when her home is in a state of chaos. She knows that reducing the clutter would help to improve her mental and physical well-being, but feels stressed at the thought of getting rid of things.
What Is The Definition Of Clutter?
Clutter can be defined as any object or group of objects that are disorganized or in a state of disorder. It can include physical clutter in your home, as well as virtual clutter on your devices and in your digital life. While most people are aware that clutter can cause stress and anxiety, many are not aware of the full extent of its negative effects on our well-being.
How Clutter Affects You
Clutter in your home and environment can have a profound negative impact on your physical and mental health. Studies show that women over 50, who have an overabundance of stuff, are more likely than younger folks to put off deciding what to get rid of. Consequently, keeping clutter around can make you less satisfied with your life.
There is another school of thought that some clutter in your workspace may promote creativity. Only you know how you function in it!
Here are some more ways in which clutter can affect you:
Stress and anxiety:
Clutter creates a sense of chaos and disorder, which can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. When your environment is cluttered, it can be difficult to relax and focus on your tasks. This can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed.
Affects your sleep:
A cluttered bedroom can interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep. It can lead to difficulty falling asleep, being disturbed during the night, and a general feeling of restlessness.
Makes you less productive:
When your environment is cluttered and disorganized, it can make it harder for your brain to focus on your work or other tasks. The more clutter there is, the more distractions there are. Piles of paper, bills, and trash on your desk make it hard to concentrate and get things done. This can be especially challenging for people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Clutter can also trigger coping and avoidance strategies, like sitting in front of the TV and eating, because we feel debilitated.
Physical health problems:
Clutter can create a breeding ground for dust, mold, and other allergens, which can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. Studies have also shown a link between clutter and poor eating habits. People living in disorganized and messy environments were twice as likely to eat junk food, as compared to people with an organized kitchen and home.
Affects your mental health:
The constant visual reminders of disorganization and disorder are mentally draining. Clutter can be overwhelming and make it difficult to find what you need. This can lead to feelings of frustration and anger. Studies have also shown that people living in cluttered environments have a poorer working memory.
Furthermore, a cluttered home may lead to embarrassment and isolation. You may feel ashamed and are afraid of being judged by others. Therefore, you may shut people out which can result in loneliness and depression.
Safety issues:
Clutter can create tripping hazards and increase the likelihood of things toppling over, which can lead to injuries. It could also pose fire hazards and make it harder for you to get help if pathways and exits are blocked.
Benefits of Decluttering
Decluttering your home and environment can have a number of positive effects on your physical and mental health. It’s a very important form of self-care! Here are some of the benefits of decluttering:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: When you declutter your home and environment, you create a sense of order and calm. Having a neat, tidy and organized home promotes a feeling of control and well-being. You can find what you’re looking for and get on with your day. This can reduce stress and anxiety, and make it easier to relax and focus on your tasks.
- Improves your sleep: When your bedroom is free of clutter, it can be easier to get a good night’s sleep. Your bedroom should be a calm and relaxing space where you can rest comfortably and won’t be disturbed by too much stuff in your room.
- Increases productivity: When your environment is free of clutter, it can be easier to focus on your work or other tasks. Having a neat and organized space will free your mind from distractions and allow you to concentrate on work, which can improve your productivity.
- Improves your physical health: When you declutter your home, you’ll be able to vacuum and clean properly. You can get rid of dust, mold, and other allergens that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. In addition, you’ll reduce the risk of injuries by getting rid of tripping hazards and other safety issues. A well-organized kitchen, clean countertops and cookware are conducive to healthier eating and, therefore, better physical well-being.
- Improves your mental health: When you declutter your home, you’ll create a sense of order and control. This can reduce feelings of frustration and being overwhelmed. As a result, this can improve your mood and overall mental health.
Tips for Decluttering
If you’re ready to start decluttering your home and environment, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Start small.
Don’t try to declutter your entire home in one day. Instead, start with one room or one area at a time. This will make the process more manageable and less overwhelming.
2. Get rid of things you don’t need.
Be honest with yourself about what you really need and what you can live without. Sort items into three piles:
- Discard
- Donate
- Keep
As celebrity organizer Marie Kondo likes to say, does the object spark joy? Did you even remember that you had it? If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s probably time to get rid of it.
3. Ask for help!
Getting rid of clutter is often a huge job. This can make you feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help. You can make a lot of progress with just a few hours of help on the weekend. Also, many organizations will pick up donations of clothing, household items, and even furniture, for free.
4. Create a system for organizing.
Once you’ve decluttered your home, create a system for organizing the things you’ve decided to keep. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your home clutter-free in the future. There are many options available, including closet organizers, drawer organizers, and under-the-bed boxes.
5. Use storage solutions.
If you have items that you need to keep but don’t use on a regular basis, consider using storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelves. This will keep them out of the way and free up space in your home.
6. Stay on top of it.
Decluttering your home is an ongoing process. Make it a habit to regularly go through your things and get rid of anything you no longer need.
Remember, keeping your environment free of clutter is an important form of self-care. Clear your clutter and clear your mind! It can have a number of positive effects, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving your sleep, increasing productivity, and improving your overall physical and mental health.
While the process of decluttering may seem daunting, once you see and feel the results, you will have an immense feeling of freedom and satisfaction. If an object doesn’t spark joy or you haven’t used it in a couple of years, say goodbye to it. By following these tips, you can create a clutter-free environment that you can enjoy, and live a happier and healthier life.
