Organization = Self Care

A lot of the time, organizing can certainly feel like a chore and “organize _____” is simply another to-do list item. However, organization is actually a form of self-care! I know, I know…that seems contradictory. But hear me out! There is a direct link between clutter and the stress & anxiety it causes. Clutter in your daily life leads to stress if items are misplaced and you’re constantly in a rush because you were looking for them and fell behind getting out the door. If you eliminate clutter, you’ll see that organization allows you to always know exactly where your essentials are and instead start your days with a sense of calm and confidence. Organization = self-care? Let me convince you!

Organizing is a mood booster. (Really!) Organizing not only reduces stress and anxiety but also boosts a person’s mood. Sure, it takes a little effort to get it done, but once it is? You can’t deny you feel better! Having a space that’s clean, organized, and welcoming will instantly bring a sense of peace and satisfaction. When your environment is tidy, it naturally elevates your spirits. On the opposite point, a messy environment drains a person’s energy and can make them feel overwhelmed and/or helpless. Having an organized space gives you a sense of accomplishment, which also positively boosts your self-esteem and improves your overall mental well-being.

Organization will also improve your ability (and increase the time you have!) for self-care because it boosts your productivity. Having structured spaces will significantly boost your productivity by eliminating unnecessary distractions. When in an organized environment, your attention won’t be sidetracked by piles of paper or other random clutter. This means you can more effectively focus on your tasks at hand (and get them done quicker!)

One final way that an organized life = a happy life is that it allows you to sleep better! It’s another cause & effect that many people don’t think about, but being organized will enhance your quality of sleep because clutter is shown to cause mental unrest. Clutter also leads to overstimulation, which negatively impacts sleep. A calm, orderly space will naturally allow you to have a calm, orderly mental space, which is better for sleep patterns and critical for mental health. For these reasons, putting in the work to organize your environment is a great way to put yourself first and ensure you’re taking care of yourself.

The good news is that it’s easy to get started! Like we always say – start small! Beginning in a small area will make organizing feel less intimidating, and it will be easier to stay focused. Start with ONE small space such as your desk, a dresser drawer, or a bathroom cabinet. Then, take it one step at a time (at your pace) and slowly build from there! Go around the room clockwise until you’ve completed the space entirely. Develop daily habits such as dedicating 10-15 minutes each evening to declutter and tidy. These simple routines will eventually become second nature to you, and your organized space will be everlasting.

Self-care has never been more important because mental health has never been in such crisis as it is for current generations. If you look at the big picture, yes! An organized space is self-care because it leads to a less-stressed mind. And everyone deserves a life with less stress and more joy! Maintaining an organized environment isn’t only about the aesthetic appeal (don’t get me wrong; it’s definitely still a bonus!), but the better you feel in your space, the better you feel.  The better you feel, the better you will be for your loved ones and those around you.