Research shows that a clean environment can reduce stress
"Evidence suggests that having a messy, cluttered environment can create stress and interfere with your ability to concentrate, at least for some people."
Stress has become a major concern in modern life, often creeping in unnoticed until it takes a toll on health. Many people struggle to pinpoint the cause of their stress or find effective ways to manage it.
Dubbed the "silent killer," stress can be overwhelming – yet small, intentional actions can make a big difference.
One of the most effective ways to combat stress is by taking control of your environment. This might mean engaging in physical activities like going to the gym, walking, yoga, or meditation. However, many people also find that organising and cleaning their space can be calming.
According to VeryWellMind, "The actual act of cleaning and decluttering can boost your mood, help you move your body more, improve focus, and help you feel more in control of your surroundings."
Research shows that cluttered spaces contribute to stress. A study on young mothers caring for infants in chaotic environments found that an unclean home negatively impacted their mood and increased their "physical stress levels".
"Such findings suggest that parents should consider how cleanliness and clutter in the home may impact their stress levels. It was also discovered that a person's visual cortex can be overwhelmed by objects unrelated to a particular task, making it harder to focus and complete projects efficiently," says VeryWellMind.
The brain associates clutter with "unfinished business", creating a sense of uncertainty that heightens stress – especially when combined with other life pressures.
Nicole Keith, PhD, a research scientist and professor at Indiana University, also found that people who live in clean homes tend to be healthier than those in cluttered spaces.
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You might find that sometimes you feel an urge to clean or declutter. That's just your brain's way of finding order in your surroundings.
Research also suggests a strong link between mindful cleaning and reduced anxiety. A study published in the journal 'Mindfulness' found that people who fully immersed themselves in washing dishes – focusing on the scent of the soap and the warmth of the water – experienced a 27% drop in nervousness and a 25% increase in mental clarity.
In a world where stress can appear in unexpected ways, keeping your space clean and organised isn’t just about tidiness – it’s a simple yet effective way to support your mental well-being.
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