The environment around us can have a real impact on our physical and mental health – whether it’s dirty dishes piling up in the sink or endless stacks of paper covering your desk, you are bound to experience the negative effects of clutter in your life. Even though we often tend to think decluttering only improves the aesthetics of our home, it’s actually essential to both our physical and our mental wellbeing, helping us feel more organized and in control of our lives, and leading to a more energizing and revitalizing environment. Listed below are some ways cleaning and organizing can make you healthier, both physically and mentally:

It reduces stress and depression

Studies have shown that people who live in homes filled with clutter and unfinished projects tend to be more depressed and fatigued, and had higher levels of stress than those who lived in restful and restorative homes. It’s no wonder that coming home to piles of things or a never-ending to-do list takes a toll on your mood, sleep and overall health. So, take some time to tackle those piles of laundry, sort through stacks of papers and neaten up your space – not only will it clear away the physical clutter, but it will also help clear your mind, making you feel happier and more relaxed in your home.

It helps you sleep better

A less messy bedroom equals a less stressful life, which naturally results in a much better quality of sleep. But even though making your bed every morning and changing your sheets regularly promotes a good night’s sleep, the biggest problem people around the world face is bringing the chaos and the endless everyday tasks into the bedroom, which often causes them to stay up longer and makes it harder to fall asleep. This is especially the case in Australia, where sleep deprivation is an increasing problem that is having a detrimental effect on Australians’ mental as well as physical health. In an effort to change the nation’s attitude towards a good night’s sleep, Australians are opting for high quality bedroom furniture from Sydney that is not only extremely comfortable and restful, but also has additional storage which helps declutter the bedroom and keep it tidy and organized.

It can boost energy and productivity

Clutter is visually distracting. Whether it’s tangles of cords and cables or an endless amount of work piling up on your desk, the sheer number of objects in your field of vision can affect your ability to concentrate on one thing at a time, even if you think you are multitasking efficiently. So, organize your working space and reduce it to the bare minimum – not only will it be beneficial for your job, but it will also help you in other areas of your life. Since a lack of time is often the greatest barrier to healthy habits, being organized at work, and therefore being more efficient and productive, enables you to finish work at a reasonable time and leaves you with enough time to exercise, prepare a healthy meal, relax, and lead a healthier life.

It helps you eat healthier and lose weight

Clutter is quite stressful for the brain, which is part of the reason why a lot of people resort to coping mechanisms such as ‘comfort foods’ and overeating when they spend their time in untidy surroundings. But apart from triggering poor food choices, clutter can also lead to weight gain, as people are more likely to opt for whatever’s handy, such as fast foods and pre-packaged meals, which in turn leads to obesity, among other health problems. However, in a cleaner and more organized home, there is more time and room to plan and prepare healthy meals, as well as more time to relax and eat meals more slowly and with much more enjoyment.

It can improve your relationships

Healthy relationships with your partner, family and friends are the key to a life filled with happiness, but a disorganized home can take a big toll on these special bonds. Clutter can often create tension and conflict among couples, and the time you both spend searching for misplaced items can also take away from the precious time you could be spending together. A messy home may also prevent you from inviting people over, as disorganization can lead to shame and embarrassment, and it can even create an emotional barrier around you that prevents you from letting people in. So, build better relationships by making your home a place that you are proud to present to others.

When you clear the excess clutter out of your life, you will notice the various positive effects it has on your mental state, as well as your overall wellbeing. So, for the sake of your health and happiness, take the time to declutter your life and start seeing the positive changes that follow.

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids. She’s also passionate about traveling, fashion and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live."