Clutter Is Bad for Your Health
By Donna Stark
Got clutter? If you do, you may want to clear some of it away and get organized. Living in a cluttered home and working on a cluttered desk doesn't only make your days more frustrating and inefficient, they can also increase your risk of significant health issues! Yes, you read that right. Poor health can result from papers strewn about and objects piling up, but fortunately, there is an easy way to keep that from happening. It's time to target the clutter!
Clutter Is Bad for Your Health
From the stacks of paper on your kitchen table to the pile of boxes in your garage to every itty, bitty little thing lying on the floor, the clutter in your home sure does seem to have a life of its own, doesn't it? Clearly, you need to stop it in its tracks because it could be doing irreparable harm to you and your family. Take a look at how too much clutter can impact your overall well-being.
- Increases the risk of stress, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity, respiratory issues, and accidental falls
- Decreases your ability to focus, process new information, concentrate, and utilize memory
- Lowers your desire to cook, exercise, pursue hobbies, or have friends over
Reduce the Clutter, Improve Your Health
If improving your physical, mental, and emotional health is a goal of yours, it's time to get control of your clutter! Here are some simple steps that will get you started on the right path.
- A good fit - If you have clutter from decades ago and it doesn't fit in your life now (and will never fit into your future life as well), it may be time to repurpose it. Toss it, donate it, or sell it ... whatever you choose, it's time to free up the space it is taking.
- Important memories - We all have boxes and bags filled with memorable trinkets, but what was important years ago may not be so important to you now. Take the time to decide if the item in your hand really is the treasure you once thought it to be. Keep it if it's a yes and find a new home for it if it's a no.
- A new rule - It's crazy to see how much paper comes into our homes. Between the junk mail, our children's schoolwork, bills, receipts, and flyers why, those piles on the kitchen table continue to sprout, don't they? Do yourself a favor and adopt the "touch it once" rule. Touch it once and deal with it right away.
Achieving a Clutter-Free Home
It's time to find the potential that is hiding underneath all of your stuff. Take a stand against the clutter in your home to improve the overall health and quality of life for everyone in the family. You won't regret it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sunset Hills, Mo.