8 Reasons Why Decluttering Your Home Improves Your Health
"Under the influence of clutter, we have a tendency to underestimate how much time we're giving to the less important stuff." —Zoë Kim
If Zoë Kim is right, then there's an important correlation to recognize between having more things that don't matter and being less present with the things that do. If we have more, do more, indulge more, buy more, look for more, more, more...are we missing an opportunity to pay closer attention to the things that are most important to us? Like our children or overall well-being?
Possibly. So, let's consider doing something about it.
According to My Green Fills, decluttering your life and making more space for the things that truly matter starts within your home: "What you keep in and around your home can not only affect your mind and mood, it can also affect your body on a cellular level." From what you wash your clothes with to the disorganization of kitchen cupboards — the "clutter" present in your personal spaces results in clutter elsewhere. Studies even show a relationship between clutter and weight gain!
You don't have to commit to decluttering your entire life in one weekend, but you can start with the space where you spend the most time; and we're here to inspire you with 8 reasons why it's worth it to do so.
Decluttering leaves you with more space to rest and relax.
"Letting go of excess 'stuff' that fills your home often feels like a weight is lifted from your life," says Melissa from the blog Simple Lionheart Life. You create additional breathing room and white space so you can spend more time doing things you enjoy instead of tidying up or cleaning.
Decluttering reduces stress and anxiety.
"It’s clear that clutter stresses us out," says Laurie Larson from Management 3.0.
"The more 'stuff' we have piling up in front of us, the more reminders we have of all the things we need to do. Seeing large piles of dishes, unfolded clothes or unreviewed documents in front of you adds to anxiety and stress. Clear up your space and you’ll clear up your mind."
Decluttering can improve your digestive system.
Symptoms like bloating, acid reflux, indigestion and inflammation are often originally caused by stress. "This can be attributed to the gut-brain connection: as your stress levels decrease and your mind becomes less cluttered, your body has more energy and less oxidative stress," says the blog Bright Side.
Decluttering leads to eating better, which can then result in weight loss.
According to a study from The American Association for Nurse Anesthetists, people with messy homes are 77% more likely to be overweight. A home full of unnecessary clutter is often paired with a kitchen full of unhealthy foods. And, if you immediately enter a disorganized space when you walk through your front door, you're probably not experiencing the best personal dialogue to begin with: "I don't even know where to start," for example. This type of negative interior monologue often seeps into other areas of our lives, and very quickly. If you're feeling this way, you're likely not going to make the healthiest food choices.
Decluttering can detoxify the air you're breathing.
Everything within your home collects dust particles — regardless of how often they're used. "This collection of dust increases the amount of toxins and other contaminants floating through the air around you," says Nathan Resnick, CEO of Sourcify.
"And this leads to coughing, asthma, eye irritation, among other unwanted reactions." By decluttering your home — discarding dust-collecting items, cleaning and organizing them or putting them in boxes for storage) — you'll literally be breathing easier.
Decluttering results in higher self-esteem.
"We tend to buy, keep, and do things because of the stories we tell ourselves," says Jennifer from Simply + Fiercly.
"Your old college textbooks might make you feel intelligent, a designer handbag might make you feel successful, and going to happy hour every Friday night might make you feel well-liked. These stories can make it difficult to let go. After all, what will happen when we don’t have 'stuff' to remind us of our self-worth?"
Jennifer is on to something. If you find the courage to declutter your life, you stop being defined by what you own or what you do. Instead, you're forced to present your true self to the world, and this results in self-confidence. You feel more empowered to live freely and authentically, without hiding behind possessions.
Decluttering can help fight depression.
Decluttering is an accomplishment. “Clutter leads to anxiety, embarrassment, family stresses – some kind of despair,” says Dr. Robert London, a psychiatrist based in New York City.
“When you relieve the problem and learn to throw things away, you feel better. You might even begin tackling deeper problems that cluttering is covering up!"
Decluttering can enhance your relationships.
When you let go of possessions that are no longer serving you, you realize that you can do the same thing with relationships. At the same time, by further organizing your life, you're able to see what's in front of you more clearly — the things and people that matter most to you. Less "stuff" is in the way of you living your life joyfully.
Having a decluttered home allows you more time and space to enjoy your family; and living a more organized life results in higher self-esteem — giving you the confidence to let go of unhealthy relationships just like you let go of that ratty old t-shirt.
For more inspiration regarding decluttering and minimalism, consider reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo or The Minimalist Way by Francine Jay.
Nest Health Connections
Nest Health Connections is a corporate wellness company revolutionizing health and happiness in the workplace. We create holistic customized wellness programs for employers and their employees.
Sources:
https://simplelionheartlife.com/decluttering-for-self-care/
https://management30.com/blog/declutter-space-and-mind/
https://www.today.com/home/study-shows-cleaning-your-home-can-help-you-lose-weight-t22131
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/5-scientific-reasons-decluttering-your-home-will-make-you-happier/
https://www.simplyfiercely.com/benefits-of-decluttering/
https://nourishingminimalism.com/combat-depression-decluttering/