Brain on fire

Clutter has a cumulative effect on our brain. All the visual stimuli drain our cognitive resources, and we can’t focus. A cluttered environment also causes sensorial overload, which reduces our working memory.

 Clutter + Cortisol

Clutter can trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can increase tension and anxiety.  Chronic clutter can create prolonged stress, throwing us into a state of low-grade, perpetual fight-or-flight. According a UCLA study, the amount of stress women experience at home is directly proportional to the amount of stuff they and their family had accumulated.  

Clutter and bad eating habits

People with extremely cluttered homes are 77% more likely to be overweight. A cluttered kitchen impacts your mindset and lead to bad eating habits.

Messy room = bad sleep

People who sleep in cluttered rooms are more likely to have sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep and being disturbed during the night. Frequent poor night of sleep compromises their cognitive process, impacting their decision making.  

 Hoarding pains

Hoarding can cause physical pain. A Yale University study using fMRI showed that purging can cause pain in regions of the brain associated with it. Areas of the brain were activated that are also responsible for the pain you feel when slamming a finger in a door.