It's no secret that our surroundings can greatly affect our mental health. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to help you go from a cluttered and chaotic environment to a calm and controlled space. 

Research has shown that clutter and disorganization can have a negative impact on our mental health. The UCLA Center on Everyday Lives and Families found that physical clutter can actually increase cortisol levels, a stress hormone, in our bodies.

How exactly does clutter affect our mental health? Here are a few ways:

Increased stress and anxiety

When our environment is cluttered and disorganized, it can be difficult to relax and focus. We may feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff around us, and our brains may struggle to process all the visual clutter. This can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

Decreased productivity

Finding what we need and staying on task can be difficult when our space is cluttered. This can lead to decreased productivity and increased feelings of frustration and a sense of feeling overwhelmed.

What can we do to improve our mental health through storage and organization?

Declutter regularly

One of the best ways to maintain an organized space is to declutter regularly. Set aside time each month to go through your belongings and remove anything you no longer need or use. This can help keep your space free of excess clutter and make it easier to stay organized.

Create a designated storage system

Having a designated storage system can help you keep your belongings organized and in their proper place. This can help reduce stress and make it easier to find what you need when you need it. freedomRail^® is a great storage option that can keep up with your lifestyle and adjust to fit your needs. 

Use labels and color coding

Labels and color coding can be powerful organizational tools. Use them to help you easily identify where things belong and make finding what you need easier.

Take breaks

It's important to take breaks throughout the day to refresh your mind and body. When you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to step away from your work and clear your mind. This can help you stay focused and productive throughout the day.

Storage and organization can significantly affect our mental health. Keeping our space organized and clutter-free can reduce stress and anxiety, increase productivity, and improve overall well-being. So, take time to declutter and create a storage system that works for you. Your mind will thank you for it! For more decluttering tips and tricks, check out more from our blog.