4 Reasons to Declutter for a Healthier You
By Genevieve Smith
There’s a fine line between a home that is eclectic and one that is cluttered. The former is borne out of a declaration of personal style, satisfying creative expression; the latter is often a result of indecision. That indecision can take a toll on your health in multiple ways. If you resolve to attack your melange of accumulated items in an approachable way, you will cultivate a calmer, healthier living space, and feel empowered that you did. Before you dig in, let's take a look at how clutter can impact your life.
Poor Eating Choices
If your kitchen is in a jumble and you feel uncomfortable at home, you are more likely to give up cooking and opt for eating out. Dining out presents food options that are higher in fat and sodium, and lead you to miss out on the calming effects of cooking at home.
Heightened Stress
Clutter is most often an accumulation of things with which you can’t decide what to do. Many feel a sense of ongoing procrastination toward their clutter, as they struggle to sort out what is necessary, what isn’t, and what should go where. Without a system, things can additionally get misplaced and add to anxiety when it comes time to recovering lost items, heightened still if there’s a time crunch. Invest the time in creating a system, for your long-term health and ease of living.
Fewer Workouts
You may feel de-motivated to exercise at home if there is a hodgepodge of things everywhere, especially if those things have found their way onto your treadmill. Take the time to clear out rummage and discover a satisfying feeling on the other end.
Allergies and Asthma
Clutter attracts dust, and dust is dessert for dust mites. Those pesky mites irritate your respiratory system, and can set off allergy and asthma attacks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, dust can also contain pesticides and lead. So dampen a rag, reach for the vacuum, and hit the floor and furniture to ward off triggers.
Try breaking down de-cluttering into small, bite-sized tasks that you can address daily. This way, rather than taking on the whole enchilada at once, you are able to stay on top of other commitments, for the sake of living a full life! You will likely find a boost out of tidying up daily, and can carry that energy into the rest of your day. Feel no fear -- it will feel absolutely serene on the other side!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
