The relationship between clutter and health

The relationship between clutter and health

Posted 2016-11-25 by Marie Vonowfollow
A person with a seriously cluttered house may suffer depression, compulsive behaviours, Attention Deficit Disorder or chronic pain. Sometimes one or more of these conditions is what leads to a cluttered house. However, an overwhelming amount of clutter can also be the cause of mental and physical health issues. On the other hand a house that is free of clutter can make you feel more energetic, happier and in better physical health.

Image courtesy of Pixabay


What are the effects of clutter on a person's mental health? Clutter may:

  • cause a high level of stress
  • lead to low self-esteem
  • contribute to unhappiness
  • make a person feel helpless
  • decrease creativity
  • distract a person from important matters
  • cause depression or anxiety
  • prevent a person from inviting family and friends to their house which can have a negative effect on their social connectedness
  • prevent a person living in the moment

  • Clutter can cause negative emotions Image courtesy of Pixabay


    What are the effects of clutter on a person's physical health? Clutter may:

  • cause or exacerbate asthma and allergies due to excessive dust, animal dander and mould spores
  • cause tripping hazards. Falls can result in broken bones or head injuries..
  • be a fire risk
  • mean people have to overstretch or twist to reach things and this can cause injuries
  • cause a person to feel tired and lacking in energy
  • cause a build up of bacteria in the house leading to illness
  • result in a person using old medications which are harmful or ineffective
  • lead to food poisoning if perishables are consumed beyond their use by date or left out of the fridge
  • provide a breeding place for disease spreading cockroaches, flies, mice and rats

  • Bacteria will breed when food items are not stored correctly Image courtesy of Pixabay


    What health conditions can contribute to the build up of clutter?

    Someone who has suffered a brain injury may have concentration problems and be confused. This can make it difficult for them to keep their home organised. They may struggle to make decisions of what to discard and what to keep.

    A person with Attention Deficit Disorder who finds it difficult to focus on one activity at a time will have trouble tidying, sorting and discarding.

    People who suffer from depression may lack motivation. A cluttered environment is likely to compound their depression.

    Someone suffering chronic pain may be unable to pick up items that fall on the floor, get rid of clutter and move heavier items. Pain medication may make the person sleepy and unable to concentrate.

    Some compulsive disorders lead to a person obsessively collecting and being unable to part with items.

    An uncluttered home can make a person feel more energetic. Image courtesy of Pixabay


    Many studies show decluttering and having a tidier house makes a person feel more energetic and increases life satisfaction. Sometimes a person needs help with a physical or mental health issue before they are able to declutter their home and then keep it organised.

    Related
    {Cleansing our home energy}
    {How to have a happy home}

    #general_wellness
    #positive_mental_health
    #healthy_home


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