It’s no secret that stress can take a toll on our mental and emotional health. In fact, it’s been linked to everything from anxiety and depression to heart disease and obesity.
While there are many ways to reduce stress, one of the simplest and most effective is through organization. Here are 7 reasons why organizing your life can be the key to reducing stress.
1. Organization helps reduce decision fatigue
One of the main reasons we get stressed is because we have to make so many decisions throughout the day.
From what to wear to work to what to make for dinner, it can feel like our brain is constantly being bombarded with choices.
Organization can help reduce decision fatigue by streamlining our lives and making it easier to make the choices we need to make.
For example, setting out our clothes for the next day or the night before can help reduce the number of decisions we have to make in the morning.
2. Organization saves time
When we’re disorganized, it can feel like we’re constantly playing catch-up. We’re always looking for lost items, scrambling to meet deadlines, and trying to remember important details.
Organization can save us time by helping us keep track of what we need to do and where we need to be.
Having a system in place for our tasks, appointments, and belongings can help reduce the amount of time we spend searching for things and worrying about forgetting things.
3. Organization reduces clutter
Physical clutter can be a major source of stress. A messy desk, a cluttered closet, or a pile of unopened mail can all add to our anxiety and feeling of being overwhelmed.
Organization can reduce physical clutter by giving us a place for everything and helping us get rid of the things we don’t need.
Having a tidy space can help reduce our stress levels and make it easier to focus on the tasks at hand.
4. Organization decreases stress hormones
When we’re stressed, our bodies release cortisol, the “stress hormone.” Cortisol has been linked to a variety of health problems, including weight gain, heart disease, and sleep problems.
Organization can help reduce the amount of cortisol our bodies produce by decreasing the number of stressors in our lives. By reducing the amount of clutter and chaos in our lives, we can reduce our cortisol levels and improve our overall health.
5. Organization improves personal productivity
It’s difficult to be productive when we’re feeling stressed and scattered. When we’re disorganized, it’s hard to find the motivation to start or finish tasks.
Organization can improve our productivity by giving us a clear plan to follow and helping us stay focused on what’s important.
Having a set routine and designated space for our work can make it easier to get things done and reduce the likelihood of procrastination.
6. Organization boosts your mood
When we’re stressed, it’s difficult to feel happy and upbeat. Organization can help improve our moods by giving us a sense of control over our lives. When we feel like we’re on top of things, it’s easier to relax and enjoy ourselves.
In addition, reducing the amount of physical clutter in our lives can help reduce stress and improve our mood.
Studies have shown that messy or cluttered environments can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
7. Organization reduces anxiety
Anxiety is a common side effect of stress. When we’re feeling anxious, we may feel like we’re constantly in a state of panic, which can make it difficult to concentrate or relax.
Organization can reduce anxiety by providing structure and routine. Having a plan for our day and knowing where everything is can help reduce the number of things we have to worry about.
In addition, organizing our thoughts and feelings in a journal can help us manage our anxiety and reduce our stress levels.
Final Note
Organization isn’t a cure-all for stress, but it can be a helpful tool in managing our stress levels. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try implementing some simple organizational strategies into your life. You may be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.
