Declutter your home...and your mind!
Do you ever feel stressed in the comfort of your own home? (If not, please share your secrets!) Sometimes, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what’s causing that feeling. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to address one subtle but impactful factor that can affect our mental well-being: clutter.
Researchers at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute published a study in 2011. According to an article, “Multiple stimuli present in the visual field at the same time compete for neural representation by mutually suppressing their evoked activity throughout the visual cortex, providing a neural correlate for the limited processing capacity of the visual system.” What does this really mean in simple terms? Your ability to focus is directly impacted by the clutter around you. While this might not be news to many of you, the real question is: What can I do about it?
Here are our top tips for tackling clutter:
Begin with one room at a time. Trying to declutter your entire home all at once can feel overwhelming, so it's best to start small. Focus on clearing clutter from your countertops and visible areas first, then tackle drawers, closets, and storage spaces afterward.
Ask yourself the simple question, “Is this something that gets used?” If you have not used the item in 6 months or if you have multiple of the same items, consider donating or discarding it.
Organize your belongings into four distinct categories: Keep, Sell, Donate, and Discard. As you go through each item and determine what’s truly worth holding onto, you'll be surprised at how much space you can free up. The process will not only help you declutter, but it will also give you a fresh perspective on just how much room you really have!
Reduce decorative items and furniture that aren’t being used. Just like a fresh coat of paint can transform a room, so can simplifying the space! If items no longer serve a purpose or aren't truly loved, appreciated, or used, it's time to let them go.
Devoting just an hour in the evenings or over the weekend can lead to significant changes in your home over time. Spring is the perfect opportunity to get started, clear the clutter, and refresh both your space and your mind, boosting your mental well-being!
