Many people consider being organized an unpleasant task that will never get done or doesn’t really matter. The truth is that being organized offers benefits for a person’s physical and mental health. Think of the difference between a messy, cluttered home or office and a well-organized, clean and tidy set up. People who are disorganized can become anxious and stressed. A cluttered home can mean dust, fire hazards, etc., which can affect you physically. So, being organized in many areas of your life is not only about things looking nicer on the outside – it can boost your overall health in many different ways.
- Boosts Energy and Productivity: Not being organized can make you feel demotivated. Cleaning the mess can give you the energy to focus on what you need to do. If you are overwhelmed with office work, rearrange your desk – throw away what you don’t need, file your emails, etc. Getting organized can boost your physical and mental energy and increase your productivity.
- Helps Save Time: Being disorganized can lead you to waste more time searching for the things you need. When you get easy access to everything you need, you get enough time to do what you want to do. Whenever things get messed up, take time to declutter. This will help you stay arranged and you won’t have to spend the entire day cleaning the mess. A calm and controlled approach to each day can help you make good use of your time.
- Manages Stress and Anxiety: According to a study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, disorganization is stressful for the brain. The study found that women who described their homes as “cluttered” or full of “unfinished projects” were more likely to be depressed and fatigued, and had higher levels of cortisol (the primary stress hormone) compared to women who described their homes as “restful” and “restorative.” When a list of To-Dos piles up, researchers say it may prevent the natural decrease in cortisol levels that occurs over the day. This can affect your mood, sleep, health, and so on. Taking some time to sort out the clutter will not only clear away the physical stuff but also will help you feel happier and more relaxed.
- Improves Sleep: Less mess means less stress, which naturally leads to better sleep. According to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation referenced in shape.com, people who make beds every morning are 19% more likely to report a better sleep at night, and those who slept on fresh and clean sheets were 75% more likely to experience a good rest at night. Chaos throughout the day can result in piling up of last minute tasks like paying bills, and checking or writing emails. This will make you stay up longer at night which will increase stress. An organized life can help make your bedroom what it should be – a restful place.
- Increases “me time”: When you actually make time for your agenda, you will discover you have more time to spare to do things that make you feel good. Being organized will save you a lot of time and allow you to find some quality “me time”.
- Helps you Lose Weight: If your kitchen is well-organized and things with nutritional value are visible and accessible, you will automatically make healthier choices. Cleaning kitchen counters will also automatically lead you to prepare healthier food.
- Improves your Relationships: Clutter could mess up your relationships too. Too much clutter can lead you to become stressed and this will affect how you behave. Also, spending more time to clear up a messy house can prevent you from seeing your friends or socializing.
Physical health and mental health are interconnected. You have to be physically healthy to be mentally healthy and vice-versa. Being organized can help boost your physical health and mental health. It can help you make healthier choices, improve your relationships, and even boost your workout. Get organized and enjoy a more balanced life!
