I have felt this many times and I remember when I first started realizing that my space affected my mental health. While I was in school; deadlines, homework, and papers were my priorities. My room was not a factor when I had a 10-page paper due in 3 days. I had clothes piled up in one corner and all kinds of random things on my bureau. Sometimes I had stuff on the floor that should've been put away in my closet somewhere. I found that it was hard to focus or create anything. I felt stuck.
The moment I looked around my cluttered space, I realized that the chaos I was looking at was affecting my inner peace. Every time I looked at the pile of clothes and stuff everywhere I felt unorganized, dirty, irritated, etc. I also found that I began to feel sad about my life. Once I made that connection between my mind and my space, I started cleaning. Once I finished, I felt so free and so refreshed. It was the weirdest thing because I didn't know how much a clean space meant to me. For some reason, I felt more productive and I felt confident in my capabilities to set goals and crush them.
Of course, I am not a master at keeping my space clutter-free, but at least I know the root of my moody moments. My desk is still cluttered but it's also in another room. HAHA. I do feel defeated when I glance at my desk at times but, I know that I can change that feeling just by cleaning it up.
5 benefits of a clutter-free space:
1. Easier to breathe
It's amazing how much the air changes when your space is clean. Sometimes a space is actually clean, just super cluttered. Having so much stuff around can feel oppressing and limited. Stuff occupies so much space so when that stuff is eliminated, it feels as though there is room to breathe. Create room for yourself to breathe and relax.
2. You feel better
Who doesn't want to feel better about themselves and their lives? When you feel better you essentially try to do better. I know when I feel down I don't want to clean or put things away. I'm too focused on my feelings. When my space is clear I feel like I can overcome whatever I am feeling at the moment.
3. Find things easier
This is essential in that if you have clutter everywhere and you are looking for something you won't be able to find it easily. This is frustrating for me because I know that if my bed is piled with clothes and I can't find my phone, I tend to get upset and moody quick. To avoid the possibility of getting angry at myself for misplacing items and my space isn't helping with the mood, I like to keep things tidy and in its place.
4. Decluttering breeds productivity
Decluttering unleashes this spark of productivity and I love it. Once you've mastered your space it feels like you can do anything you put your mind to. I find that I am the most productive and creative when my room is clear of clutter. I am certain that this is a place that God wants us to live in. A place of productivity and creativity.
5. Clear mind
Studies show that there is a link to cluttered spaces and cluttered minds. I believe that your space is a reflection of what is going on inside of you. If your mind is cluttered your space will eventually mirror what is happening inside. This is why prayer for me is so important. When prayer is not the focal point of my life, I start slipping and lose control. I feel more in control when I pray every day and give my clutter and problems to God. When he is in control of my mind and my life, I am in control as well. It sounds weird but it's true. When I decide that I need to take over, that's when I feel out of control. I don't trust myself. The peace you feel on the inside should overflow into your surroundings.
I hope this inspires you to declutter and make room for God, productivity, and creativity in your life. Excuse me while I go declutter that desk! Thank you for stopping by! always remember to put God first.
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