Study: Does a Tidy Home Affect Our Mental Health?

A tidy home can significantly improve our mental health, according to recent studies. Experts in environmental psychology explain that the way we organize our home space directly affects our mood and sense of calm. Research conducted in recent months at the University of California found that people who define their homes as "cluttered" or "messy" report higher levels of stress and have higher cortisol levels in blood tests - a hormone associated with stress. On the other hand, organized homes are linked to feelings of control and achievement, leading to improved mood and mental calm.

The research also revealed that people who dedicate daily time to organizing their environment experience a higher sense of control over their lives, which helps reduce anxiety. Experts emphasize that tidiness is not just about aesthetics, but a significant component in creating an environment that promotes productivity and reduces emotional burden. Clutter, however, can cause feelings of overwhelm and impair our ability to concentrate on daily tasks.

During the coronavirus pandemic, for instance, people who had to spend more time at home often faced mental difficulties due to a cluttered or untidy environment. A study conducted by a team of British researchers showed that a positive attachment to the home contributed to decreasing feelings of depression and anxiety, while a negative attachment to the home space caused the opposite effects. According to the researchers, a tidy home can serve as a kind of "therapeutic space," where the mind finds rest and balance.

The link between a tidy environment and mental health is also supported by additional evidence from therapists and family counselors, who report improvements in relationships among household members when everyone cooperates in maintaining order. Recent studies emphasize that simple actions like sorting belongings, efficient storage, and daily attention to tidiness can lead to significant results not only in terms of the physical environment but also in our mental health.