Life is busy. Often times, we tend to neglect our home, office space, or car and allow items to pile up. Things once considered a ‘project’ no longer continue to be a ‘work in progress’. It becomes a part of your everyday life and clutters your space. Did you know that clutter can lead to a stressful lifestyle? Take a moment to “de-clutter”- your mental, and physical, health may depend on it.
Clutter is an excessive visual and physical stimulation. A study conducted by neuroscientists at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute observed people’s task performance in an organized versus disorganized environment. The results of the study exhibited that physical clutter in your surroundings competes for your attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress.
Stress can reveal itself in various ways demonstrating physical, emotional, behavioral and even cognitive symptoms. These symptoms can include being moody and frustrated, feeling overwhelmed, inability to focus, forgetfulness, and even procrastination. Long term health effects of stress can affect your mental health creating depression and anxiety. Physical stress can suppress the immune system causing fatigue and high blood pressure.
What can you do to “de-clutter”? Some helpful suggestions are:
- Create a three pile system – place items that are cluttering your space into three categories: keep trash or donate. Try using this system once a month or even once a week- this can enhance mental clarity; this is a good idea for home and work.
- Clear your desk before going home – make sure to file away certain items in a designated area, shred documents you no longer need, and create a ‘To-Do’ list to remind you of the things you need to tackle the following day.
- Set an alarm – setting an alarm reminds you to carve out a designated time to clear out a specific area, either in your home or office or car. It can make all the difference to avoid wasting your precious time out with your family and friends.
A little time spent organizing can go a long way in providing some peace of mind, creating clarity and focus on the more important things in your life and career.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.