This may seem like a silly thing to be thinking about if you’re suffering from mental illness or just down in the dumps. But a deep organizational overhaul can create a calm launching pad from which to start recovering. Hear me out
When I was at my worst in terms of depression, anxiety, and panic disorder, I had piles of laundry on the floor, my desk was a mess, my bed covers were all over my room, and my clothes had become way too big for me and were just barely on hangers. But it was too much for me to tackle by myself. I kept my daughter’s room immaculate and even the kitchen so she wouldn’t notice too much of the destruction, but my spaces were utter shit.
Organizing your space isn’t just about aesthetics; it directly impacts your mental focus and clarity. In our fast-paced lives, clutter can overwhelm us, causing unnecessary stress and distraction. A well-organized environment, however, provides a sanctuary that promotes calm and concentration.
Why Your Physical Space Affects Your Mind
Have you ever felt mentally exhausted after spending a day in a cluttered room? You might wonder why a messy space affects your mood and productivity. According to Mindful Health Solutions, a tidy, organized space fosters a sense of control and accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and potentially even improving sleep quality. When I walked around my apartment and saw the mess, I had to put out an SOS to my parents and get help. I just couldn’t do it myself and the mess made me a mess. My brain looked like all the piles on the floor … cluttered, chaotic, and senseless.
Visual clutter competes for your attention, making it difficult to concentrate on tasks. An organized space minimizes these visual distractions, allowing your brain to focus on what truly matters. It essentially frees up mental bandwidth, enhancing your ability to concentrate.
Simple Steps to Overhaul Your Space
Whether you need to declutter or do a full-on overhaul, it might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small. Focus on one area at a time rather than tackling your entire home or office in one go. My suggestion, if you have a few friends or family who are willing to help, tackle as much as you can and aim for more than just one area of your home.
If you’re just decluttering, consider applying the question “Does it spark joy?” as Marie Kondo famously recommends. If an item’s presence adds chaos rather than calm, it might be time to let it go. Think about donating items you no longer need. You’ll be surprised at how liberating it can be.
If you’re doing an overhaul, which I had to do, follow these tips. Get trash out, start doing as many loads of laundry needed, start running the dishwasher, and put away clothes you’re keeping. I reduced my clothes choices to just what I needed and what fit. I threw out anything I absolutely didn’t need. Send someone out to get any organization products you may need and any cleaning products. My parents threw out every towel, sheet, and blanket I had and hit up Target to redo my bedroom and bathroom. We vacuumed AND shampooed the carpet, cleared the clutter from my desk, and ordered groceries that I would actually eat. Dust, get some candles, stock up on toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and get a hamper or basket that gets washed as soon as it’s full. All of this took one full day. By the end of the day when the pizza was delivered, I smiled for the first time in months.
The Psychology Behind Cleaning & Decluttering
Decluttering offers more than just a cleaner home. It affects your psychological well-being. WebMD notes that shedding excess stuff can make you feel calmer, happier, and more in control. In a world where many aspects seem uncontrollable, organizing and cleaning your space is a tangible way to exert control.
Once you’ve cleaned and decluttered, maintaining organization can seem challenging. But it becomes easier with a few habits. Regularly assess your space, asking yourself if things have started to pile up. If they have, it’s time for a quick tidy-up. Remember, organization and cleaning doesn’t have to be perfect. The aim is to create a functional space that supports your mental well-being.
How a Clean & Tidy Computer Desktop Improves Focus
In our digital age, our physical desk is often mirrored by our digital desktop. If your desktop is cluttered with files and icons, it could be affecting your focus just as much as a disorganized desk. Decluttering your digital space can have similar benefits. I spent several hours organizing the files on my desktop. At the time I was a technical writer and had loads of files on my desktop for many different projects. Just creating files for each project made a huge difference.
Embracing Minimalism for Mental Peace
I add this only because minimalism is a reality or goal for more and more people. Embracing a minimalist mindset can bring harmony to your life. I know that minimalism has become a trend in 2024, but I literally purr when I see images of minimalistic spaces free of clutter. I can’t quite go as far as some people do because a like color, paintings on my walls, and colorful rugs, but minimalism involves living with less, which translates to having only what truly adds value to your life. The approach goes beyond just decluttering; it’s about intentionally choosing experiences and possessions that matter.
Transitioning from chaos to clean and calm in your space is more than a chic trend—it’s a pathway to mental clarity and enhanced focus and can give you the clean slate from which to start making progress with your mental health.
