In today’s fast-paced world, where clutter seems to accumulate effortlessly, a doctor sheds light on the crucial link between decluttering and mental health. Dr. Faith Coleman, a family practice doctor and medical journalist, emphasizes the profound impact of maintaining an organized living space on overall well-being.
Coleman asserts that clutter not only occupies physical space but also occupies a significant portion of our mental capacity. She stresses that clutter can impair memory, promote poor eating habits, and diminish impulse control. Moreover, cluttered environments can contribute to mood disorders, hinder creativity, and impede productivity and concentration.
According to Coleman, the time spent searching for misplaced items in cluttered spaces can consume up to 5% of our daily lives. This inefficiency not only affects productivity but also carries financial implications, equating clutter to a hidden cost.
Decluttering And Mental Health Link
In a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, researcher Catherine Roster found that possession clutter has a predominantly negative impact on well-being. Roster’s findings highlight the importance of cultivating an organized and clutter-free environment for optimal mental health.
Coleman outlines the numerous mental health benefits of decluttering, including relaxation, mood enhancement, improved eating habits, increased focus, heightened productivity, anxiety reduction, enhanced sleep quality, and improved communication in relationships.
For individuals seeking to embark on a decluttering journey, Coleman offers practical advice. She recommends starting small to avoid feeling overwhelmed and suggests setting aside dedicated time for decluttering tasks. Categorizing items into keep, discard, donate, and relocate piles facilitates the process, while digital decluttering can be achieved gradually by tackling emails incrementally.
In conclusion, Coleman advocates for the transformative power of decluttering in promoting mental well-being. By embracing organization and simplicity in our living spaces, individuals can unlock a myriad of mental health benefits and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity in their daily lives.
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