Can’t Focus? Your Cluttered Space May Be the One to Blame

Sometimes, we humans are hopeless hoarders with the burning urge to own mind-boggling amounts of stuff. We perceive it as an external phenomenon, failing to realize its internal roots. The global capitalistic behemoth does not help either, having an insatiable need for us to spend money on new products. Well, it is high time to rethink our ways. The consequences of living in a cluttered environment run much deeper that the occasional problem of not being able to find a certain object.

The weight of shackles

People go to great lengths in order to discover the culprit behind emotional exhaustion and impaired focus. Yet, they fail to realize that it may be right in front of their eyes. Our daily reality is shaped by all interactions, including those with the physical world of objects. When we do not know what to do with the stuff, it seems that keeping them is the simplest solution. The illusion lasts as long as we do not step on its tail and stumble.

Of course, we collect and hold onto things for a multitude of reasons. Those reasons, however, are secondary to one bitter truth behind all clutter: It has the ability to weigh us down. It may feel like an anchor sometimes, but what if you need to harness the winds in your sails? Each time you surrender yourself to disorganization, your mental focus and productivity suffer.

Scientists have found that clutter reinforces distress and gives rise to the “brain dance”, a sense of agitation and lack of capacity to think clearly. Hence, the clutter induces mental noise and keeps us churned. The feeling of guilt creeps in and we are haunted by all the “shoulds”. This increases the level of stress, which has a profound effect on our overall health and state of mind. As a result, we find it harder to process information and get distracted more easily.

Facing the monster

Creating a lasting change is a daunting task. It involves a cognitive process and also goes beyond it, encompassing the treacherous emotional realm. The obstacles we face on the road to a well-organized, uncluttered space are both of practical and psychological nature. Nostalgia, for example, turns objects around us into vessels for treasured memories. When we let go of objects we feel attached to, the part of the brain responsible for pain lights up.

Still, it is of the utmost importance to separate the wheat from the chaff and get into the art of categorization, organization, and elimination. Instead of spending money like there is no tomorrow, you can actually earn some by selling your stuff on websites such as Craigslist and EBay. There are many other services and tools that can aid in our endeavors. I have found out that locations providing self-storage in Brisbane were the perfect tool to get the clutter out of the way.

Not all belongings which add to our clutter may be useless. Some are needed seasonally. Take the case of snow ploughs. They do not have much use in spring or summer but that does not make them worthless. They are an invaluable tool during the colder months, especially in those areas prone to heavy snowfall. So, naturally, we would not want to throw them away during the warmer months. Yes, they can add to our home clutter but to prevent that from happening, we can simply tuck it away in a self storage Lynchburg or elsewhere along with other such items in the house that serve a purpose in different seasons. This is the best way to ensure that we are not hoarding stuff inside the house, thereby taking away from its appeal.

Rest assured that dealing with clutter frees you of the huge burden and has a therapeutic effect. Embrace the minimalist way of living, a fresh concept that is gaining traction across the globe. Examine the psychological inner workings that drive your behavior. Do away or recycle anything that does not serve a clear purpose in your household. Show no mercy and do not let the tools you utilize to combat clutter turn into just another manifestation of the same menace.

In control

Our possessions are an external reflection of our inner world. Mental and psychical clutter are interwoven, so start by figuring out where the underlying clutter tendency originates from. Control the constant flow of staff and enable yourself to focus on the things that truly matter. Ultimately, disorganization and mess are a waste of money, time, and energy. Thus, build good habits and make a positive change in your environment. Escape the spiral of chaos and take control over your life.