Simple Ways To Feel Better

Most people don't consider decluttering part of a wellness plan. But a messy environment has been linked to stress, sleeplessness and overeating — and cleaning up can pay health dividends.

At the heart of the matter is the interconnection between our psyche and our surroundings. Organizational experts often note that getting rid of unused items not only helps their customers feel productive but also gives them energy to take on new projects or tackle new goals.

A study from the Cornell University Food & Brand Lab, published in the journal Environment and Behavior, found that stressed-out women left alone in a loud, messy kitchen ate twice as many cookies as those left in a clean, quiet kitchen.

Being in a chaotic environment can lead to people feeling out of control, according to the study's lead author Lenny Vartanian, PhD. Lack of control over your surroundings can make it hard to stick to a healthy diet.

Clutter can affect you even when you aren't awake. A 2017 study in Sleep showed that decluttering helped some participants get better quality rest. "Our results indicate that for some patients, recommendations to tidy the bedroom area may be helpful as a way to improve sleep," the authors write. A final thought: Give your unwanted items to someone in need. It will do your heart good.

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