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Declutter Space
Why it matters?
Our environments are both mirrors and feedback loops that can have negative psychological effects on our well-being — let alone our ability to perform at our best, come up with novel ideas and stay on task. The Journal of Environmental Psychology researches this phenomenon in depth; in particular the toll its plays on our psychological well-being. Four of the more concerning psychological effects of clutter, according to research are:
- Chronic stress and increased cortisol levels.
- Feelings of shame or inadequacy that can lead to depression.
- Distraction from focus that kills productivity and stifles action.
- Negative behavioral effects (in particular with children who are still learning to self-regulate).
How it works?
Decluttering your belongings and the spaces that hold them is a foundational behavior to, literally, “making room” for change in your life. Not doing so is like doing a healthy eating plan without removing sugar. Moot without it. There are plenty of ‘decluttering’ experts out there to support you with the ins and outs of this dilemma. The most famous being Marie Kondo, who’s namesake method follows a handful of principles and a handy checklist:
- Commit yourself to tidying up.
- Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
- Finish discarding first.
- Tidy by category, not by location.
- Follow the right order.
Clothing > Books > Papers > Miscellany (depends on your type of clutter) > Sentimental Items - Ask yourself if it sparks joy.
Now, beyond decluttering is > optimizing. To not only reduce negative emotions around clutter, but instill positive emotions by:
- Getting rid of all noise distractions: people, pets, music > get noise cancelling headphones if possible.
- Minimizing visual clutter by keeping your work space clear and clean
- Allowing for neutral yet soothing ambiance: let in natural light, purified air, plants or green views where possible
Examples
Literally make room for your change in your life by clearing up your spaces and the clutter that is having a psychological toll on your well-being.
Sources:
The Journal of Environmental Psychology: The Dark Side of Home: Assessing possession clutter on subjective well-being
Marie Kondo “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”