Your environment impacts your mood, and if your surroundings and work area are stressed out, you will most likely feel the impact, even if you are unaware of it.
Objects around us have the power to cause anxiousness, distraction or can be downright annoying. And when you are thinking about a mess that
needs your attention, it can take away energy and focus on other aspects of your life. Published studies found that when questioned about their living spaces, (primarily women) reported that unfinished projects or cluttered spaces in their home made them feel exhausted, frustrated and anxious about the situation. Researchers also found that people with messy, cluttered homes had higher cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
Cluttered spaces at home or work can make it more difficult to focus on a particular task because the continued visual presence of the clutter without realizing it takes up space in the brain, making it harder to focus and complete projects efficiently
Cluttered spaces have also been linked to negative emotions such as anger and irritability, and consequently, when a home is more organized, feelings of calmness, peace and well-being were reported
Removing and controlling the stuff in your environment can benefit your mental health by making you feel calmer and more in control. Decluttering can help increase your focus, especially in your workspace. Gaining control of your environment at home and work can help align your personal feelings of control, satisfaction and accomplishment. Studies also show that the physical act of cleaning can help a person practice mindfulness. For example, the smell of freshly cleaned sheets or the scent of soap while doing dishes may create a sense of calm or mental inspiration
DeStress The Act Of Decluttering
The thought of decluttering itself can feel mountainous so start small. Don’t strive to be perfect; visualize the space you want and work towards your goal. Pick one room, one drawer or one closet. Seeing the results of your new organized space and the feeling of accomplishment can serve as personal feedback and prompt you to do more.
As you purge through your belongings, assess your relationship with your belongings, decluttering may be the perfect time to break the emotional attachment to an object. It can also help to bring back positive feelings, memories etc. which can help uplift your mood
Did you know that cleaning provides some daily exercise? Per hour vacuuming = 123 calories, general cleaning = 127 calories and trimming shrubs =157 calories!
Caring for your mental health is a vital part of your well-being, and keeping a clean clutter free home is one step towards creating homeostasis in your life
Give Yourself Permission to Breathe
Remember to breathe!
Wherever you are in your life, we hope you give yourself permission to breathe. We hope that you take time every day to take stock of all the amazing parts of yourself, and you check personal criticism at the door.
The world we live in today is not easy; demands and stresses are bearing down on us every day. Our hope for you is that in a world that is always rushing, you can find a moment of stillness in your life to just be in the moment. Whatever that moment is.
If you feel grief, give yourself permission to feel it. If you feel tired, give yourself permission to take a rest. If you feel joy, then allow yourself to celebrate happiness. If you are not sure what you are feeling, release the pressure of trying to define the feelings and just be in the moment
Whatever happened today, this week or this month, give yourself “Permission to Breathe
- To remember
- To honour
- To celebrate
- To nurture
- To practice thankfulness
- To laugh
- To cry
- To Breathe
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