More and more experts are making a connection between clutter and mental health. Simply put, too much mess causes stress.

How? Clutter has been found to cause your body to produce more cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. What’s more, clutter can make it harder to focus and process information. The mess messes with our ability to understand what is going on around us.

Keeping a clean and clutter-free home, on the other hand, can make room for a healthier recovery. You’ll have more time and energy to devote to recovery activities, self-care and sober fun.

• A welcoming space: Packing too many things in a small space can make your home feel like your enemy instead of your friend. As you start to clear the clutter, notice how your home welcomes you after a stressful day. Take note how you feel when you wake up, go into your kitchen to make a cup of tea or coffee and are greeted by a clean and organized kitchen.
• Better self-reflection: Decluttering not only gives you more physical space, but it can result in better mental space to reflect on your recovery goals and your feelings. Experts note that people in recovery often use things to build a wall between themselves and their emotions.
• Day-to-day living: Clearing the clutter in your home can also make sober life easier. Being organized can help ensure that you keep appointments, pay bills, keep up with household chores, practice self-care and good hygiene.

Tips on Decluttering While the benefits of decluttering are plenty, the task itself can be challenging. You may even feel overwhelmed at different points in the process – and that’s okay. Start small and take breaks. Be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling. As you decide on each item, ask yourself: Will this item enhance my recovery? It the answer is “no,” then donate or discard the item. If you feel triggered or find a substance or piece of paraphernalia, stop and go to a safe place. Go for a walk and call a sponsor or trusted friend or family member to help.

Here’s to clearing a love-filled space for your recovery – happy decluttering!

Caring for Your Mental Health at Segue For more information about how our addiction recovery services can help you or someone you love mind your mental health in order to be your best sober self, contact a Segue Recovery Specialist today: 833-485-0789.