Remedies: The Stress Behind The Mess

Sharon Moore April 18, 2013

With all the stress you experience in the outside world, your home should be a place of relaxation and comfort. But if it is full of clutter, chances are, you will not be relieved at all. Worse, you’ll get even more stressed.

Depression and Clutter

Dainty dishes in the sink, toys stuffed everywhere, and dust all over the furniture – clutter does not only make your house look bad, it also makes you feel bad. Clutter has a special way of stimulating stress and frustration. Maybe you have experienced going home after a tiring day in the office and facing a plethora of mess as you open the door. Most probably, it made you feel more strained and anxious.

If clutter can cause depression, can depression cause clutter? Yes it can. Fatigue, which is a common symptom of depression, often prevents people from keeping clutter away. Those who are depressed may simply feel too tired to do the household chores, which result to the build-up of clutter. Another thing, depressed people often feel hopeless, which discourages them doing their usual activities, even fixing their bed.

Removing Clutter

But unlike other sources of stress, such as work, relationship, and finances, clutter is much easier to deal with. You can convert a messy house into a relaxing sanctuary with the following tips:

· Involve the whole family. Removing clutter all by yourself will surely stress you out and make you feel a little more hopeless. So instead of doing it alone, why not involve the entire family? Cleaning can also be a wonderful way to bond with your kids and your spouse. Maybe you can require your kids to work on their respective rooms while you and your spouse take charge of the kitchen. Set a date when all of you are free, probably on a weekend. If you are living alone, clean one area at a time.

· Make sure everything has its place. You want to keep all the items you regularly use in designated areas. But as much as possible, keep them in closed storage units, such as cabinets and drawers. If you keep them ‘bare’, they will still look messy. And here’s another thing – make sure to put back any item in its proper place right after use.

· Less is more. You don’t want to keep storing items that you do not want to use. Set a schedule to sort out items from each room, from your bedroom to the kitchen. The rule of thumb is if you haven’t been using an item for 6 months, it’s time to take it away. It’s either you recycle it, give it to someone else, or donate it to charity. You may also set up a garage sale.

· Keep your workstation clean. It’s normal to put things out while you’re working. But before you leave, take time to clean up the mess. Throw away unwanted papers, put back your pens, markers and other stuff in the drawer and wipe your table with a clean piece of cloth. It doesn’t only give you a sense of closure when you leave but also makes you feel good whenever you return to a clean and organised space.

· Make it fun. Cleaning doesn’t have to be a boring and exhausting activity. While de-cluttering your space, turn on the radio and listen to your favourite tune. If you have kids, keep them inspired by preparing a sumptuous snack. Once everything is done, give yourself a break. Go out and watch a movie or do some shopping. You deserve it!

A clutter-free environment can certainly uplift your mood and relieve you from stress. By following these simple tips, you can maintain the order and cleanliness in your home day and night, and at the same time, improve your mood and well-being.

Dear Readers,

Do you agree that clutter and depression are connected?

Share your comments below!