Control the Clutter: Are you overwhelmed by the “stuff” in your life?

Contributed by Jen Du Bois

When we think of personal wellness activities, decluttering may not always make the list. We are more apt to think about things like exercising, journaling or even healthy food choices. The thing is, clutter can really complicate our lives and negatively impact our overall well being. 

According to an article in the New York Times, “clutter can induce a physiological response, including increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone”. So, adding decluttering to your wellness routine may be something you want to consider. 

Here are 8 ways decluttering could impact the quality of your life:

1. ️Your home will be a place you will want to retreat to. Home will feel more calm, harmonious and relaxing. This is especially important during times of stress. 

2. You will feel more creative. Eliminating clutter minimizes distractions and helps to quiet the mind. Creativity thrives when the mind is quiet.

3. You will have the space to pursue personal hobbies. Clutter takes up the space and rooms in your home that could be used for activities that support the vision for your life. 

4. You will spend less time looking for items. There will be dedicated places for everything.

5. You will save money. You won’t buy duplicate items because you will be able to see exactly what you have, like items will be grouped together.

6. You will have more time to enjoy the things you find meaningful. Less time will be spent cleaning.

7. It will help you release the past. You will eliminate items that no longer serve you. You will release items that are connected to things in the past that you’ve moved on from.

8. You will be more social. You will be pleased with your home and will feel good about sharing it with friends and family.

We have no control over the events of the world, but we get to be intentional about the energy in our homes. 

Information provided for general educational purposes and should not be constructed as professional or medical advice. 

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The Unbearable Heaviness of Clutter. (2019, January 3). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/03/well/mind/clutter-stress-procrastination-psychology.html

Jen Du Bois is the founder and lead professional organizer with Organized by Jen D, a San Diego based professional organizing company. Learn all about her services here: www.organizedbyjend.com