Why is decluttering so stressful?

Why does mess lead to so much stress? Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli (visual, olfactory, tactile), causing our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren't necessary or important. Clutter distracts us by drawing our attention away from what our focus should be on.

How do I stop being overwhelmed when decluttering?

Why does decluttering make me anxious?

Clutter can affect our anxiety levels, sleep, and ability to focus. It can also make us less productive, triggering coping and avoidance strategies that make us more likely to snack on junk and watch TV shows (including ones about other people decluttering their lives).

Why is decluttering so difficult?

Another reason why it is so hard to declutter is because people find security in owning stuff. If you're someone who grew up without, this is particularly challenging. You begin to view the things you own as a security blanket. You create what-if scenarios in your mind and they become the reason it's tough to detach.

Why is decluttering so overwhelming?

But also, a lot of mental and emotional work to make all of the decluttering decisions and sort through the emotions decluttering and “stuff” in general can bring up at times. And sometimes that work can feel overwhelming. Especially when you have a lot of stuff to sort through and make decisions about.

Decluttering Your Life: How Cleaning and Mental Health Are Connected | Dawn Potter, PsyD

Is clutter related to trauma?

In most cases, this clutter is directly linked to traumatic events. Clutter could stem from the fear of letting go. This would be especially the case if a person grew up during or shortly after a time of war when people did not have much and had to use everything they had until it fell apart.

How do you be ruthless when decluttering?

How do I motivate myself to declutter?

How can I motivate myself to clean and declutter?

Why is it so hard for me to part with things?

According to one study, “getting rid of objects leads to real grief. Parting with possessions that make you feel worthy can cause you to experience sadness–and even depression.” Maybe a specific item brings up the thought of a loved one that has passed, or a photo reminds you of a different time you long for.

Why do I have no motivation to clean my house?

Sometimes, we lose our motivation to clean the house for predictable reasons. Life gets busy with school or work, for instance, and we have a temporary shift in our priorities. Once it's over, though, we sometimes need help easing back into a cleaning routine.

What clutter does to your brain?

But research shows disorganisation and clutter have a cumulative effect on our brains. Our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganisation drain our cognitive resources, reducing our ability to focus. The visual distraction of clutter increases cognitive overload and can reduce our working memory.

Why does clutter make me angry?

Clutter constantly signals to our brains that our work is never done. Clutter makes us anxious because we're never sure what it's going to take to get through to the bottom of the pile.

What is the fastest way to clean a hoarder's house?

How do I get rid of sentimental clutter?

Why do I want to throw everything away?

People that have compulsive decluttering disorder think that any items around them are cluttering or disrupting their every day lives. Throwing these items away gives them satisfaction, and gives them the idea that they are in control of their lives.

How do you get motivation to clean your room when you're depressed?

What to do when you are overwhelmed with housework?

How do I get in the mood to clean?

How do I get energy to clean?

When do you get rid of clothes rule?

What to ask yourself when getting rid of clothes?

Is decluttering good for anxiety?

When things feel out of order and scattered, it can leave us feeling scatter-brained and anxious. Bringing order and organization to our environment can relieve that anxiety. Decluttering your surroundings is a great way of reducing stress, and allows for a relaxed state of mind.

Does decluttering improve mental health?

If you're looking for an easy way to reduce stress, decluttering your environment may be a good place to start. Getting rid of excess stuff can benefit your mental health by making you feel calmer, happier, and more in control. A tidier space can make for a more relaxed mind.