In some ways , clutter and mess is linked to negative emotions like confusion , tension , and irritability while an organized home tends to produce more positive emotions like calmness and a sense of well-being .
To the brain , clutter represents unfinished business and this lack of completeness can be highly stressful for some people . This fact is especially true when people have significant concerns pressing in on their lives .
Clutter and mess can create more stress and anxiety , but by cleaning , organizing , and reducing the clutter , people are able to take control of their environment and create a more relaxing environment that helps them focus better on the more pressing issues in their lives .
Research has found that cleaning can have a number of positive effects on your mental health . For instance , it helps you gain a sense of control over your environment and engage your mind in a repetitive activity that can have a calming effect .
A clean home also impacts your physical health . According to a study by NiCole Keith , PhD , a research scientist and professor at Indiana University , people with clean houses tend to be healthier than those with messy or cluttered homes . In fact , cleanliness was even more a predictor of good health than the walkability of a neighborhood .
When people feel like their life is out of control or they are struggling with some uncertainties , cleaning can be a way to assert some control in their life . Cleaning gives people a sense of mastery and control over their environment .
In fact , a study by the University of Connecticut found that in times of high stress , people default to repetitive behaviors like cleaning because it gives them a sense of control during a chaotic time .
What ' s more , clutter and disorganization can be really distracting and make it hard to focus or complete other projects and you can start to feel stuck in a rut . So , if you ' re feeling an urge to clean and declutter when you ' re stressed , your mind and body is probably looking for a way to bring some order to your environment .
Aside from the benefits of having a cleaner home , the relationship between a clean house and mental health can help you reduce your anxiety .