Cleaning Improves Mental Health

Does having a clean un-clutter space really have the ability to reduce anxiety, depression and stress? Yes. It has been scientifically shown to increase happiness and lower stress.

VS.

Which image is more appealing?

Clutter is defined by Merriam Webster as:

"a large amount of things that are not arranged in a neat or

orderly way : a crowded or disordered collection of things"

Clutter has been shown through scientific studies to excessively wear on the brain. The average brain has an incredible amof information to process. Everyday more and more is presented for our brains to process. According to one organizing expert, clutter creates a "brain dance" which leads to agitation and the inability to think clearly amidst the stuff. This can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Science

A study conducted by Princeton University noted that "multiple stimuli" (clutter) in the visual field limits processing capacity. It reduces the ability to focus and is thus distracting. Because clutter can be overwhelming to process mentally, it leads to feelings of frustration and mental fatigue.

The Journal of Neurosciences also noted that looking at too many things at once overloads the visual cortex and interferes with the brain's ability to process information.

The study Personality and Social Psychology found that women who described their homes as cluttered were more depressed, fatigued, and had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than women who felt their homes were "restful" and "restorative".

Notable Observations

Tension and conflict are two additional side effects of a clutter environment, especially in the home. Messy homes are a source of embarrassment and shame. Also unorganized spaces make items difficult to find and use - which contributes to stressful interactions with members of a household.

We humans are naturally attracted to shiny, beautiful things. Grime, smudges, grease, dust, mud, scuffs, stains, odor, and any other form of uncleanness naturally makes things unattractive - repulsive. Living in these conditions leads to negative feelings, depression and even be a source of anxiety.

Considering this it is easy to see that keeping work and living spaces clean is not only good for our health and our levels of productivity, but it can also contribute to a positive outlook, better brain function, and less stress.

Psychology Today made this observation: Our bodies are organized on an atomic level. If they weren't they would collapse into chaos. It makes sense that "we crave symmetry and cleanliness in our homes to mirror the organization within our bodies. Neatness and order support health and oppose chaos."

We feel a sense of accomplishment when we conquer a mess or when things are organized so well that we are not hindered by lost items or clutter. Even if we do not personally do the organizing or the cleaning - being in a clean, well arranged room is invigorating, rejuvenating, and uplifting. As Will Wiles from The New York Times said "The home is meant to improve its inhabitant".

To make your home or workspace a "good for you" place you don't need fancy or expensive things. It just needs to be free from dirt and grime, un-cluttered, with healthy air flow. It is in this kind of space your mind can relax and unwind from the daily onslaught of stimulation which will contribute to a positive outlook, mental clarity and help you to recharge.

Resource - Resources: Shape / PubMed 19934011, 21228167 / Regina Leeds / Will Wiles New York Times

Serving Towns in Litchfield & Fairfield Counties of Connecticut

Schedule An Appointment

---

Clean LLC | Keep Naturally Clean

Eco Friendly Home Cleaning Service & More

Serving Fairfield & Litchfield Counties of Connecticut

Including Warren & West Cornwall