Clutter and anxiety are very closely related. In my own practice, I often see clients who feel overwhelmed by numerous minor distractions in their physical environments. Although they feel annoyed by growing stacks of magazines and garages filled to the brim with unused items, most prefer to ‘deal’ with their clutter by simply ignoring it.
The truth is that clutter zaps us of our energy, leaving us feeling drained, anxious, and unable to focus. One of the most important lessons I impart to my clients living in clutter is that their physical space has a direct effect on their mental space. People that are weighed down by physical clutter often feel paralyzed to tackle the bigger, more important aspects of their lives.
If you feel that you have no control over the little things in life (like not being able to track down your contact lens solution) you are also more likely to believe you have no control over the big things. Feeling anxious, stressed, or weary about your clutter is a strong indicator that the disorder in your environment needs some immediate attention.
Wishing you a clutter-free day!
Dr. Tami Kulbatski, Psy.D. C.Psych.
www.doctortami.com
