He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth…Psalm 104:14

Hello folks, I’ve been thinking throughout this month about all the things that have accumulated in our homes, especially since the holiday season. I know myself that too much “stuff” can literally make us feel anxious and overwhelmed to the point of making us sick. So, this month I want to focus on the health benefits of “getting rid of stuff.” The following information comes from Six Benefits Of Decluttering Your Life, According To Science by Carolyn Steber, Jan.19, 2016.

Anyone with an overflowing closet or totally stuffed basement can attest to the stress brought on by piles of junk. That’s because not only is it annoying to look at, but it can dredge up so many different emotions. That’s why it’s important to get your clutter under control, once and for all. It’s true that clutter comes with a lot of baggage, both literally and figuratively. When I look at my messy closet I definitely feel some type of way. I feel stressed at the lack of organization, I feel guilty that I don’t wear half of what I own, and I feel confused as to what kind of style I’m even going after. Really, a closet shouldn’t elicit all of those emotions, but it can.

In fact, according to an article by Christopher Peterson, Ph.D, in Psychology Today, clutter can have quite the psychological effect. Peterson pointed out a study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology and notes, “This line of research studies the effects on children of living in what is termed a chaotic environment. The focus is not the interpersonal chaos that may preside in some homes; that too takes a toll. Rather, the focus is on physical settings that are noisy and disorganized. Children who live in these settings have more than their share of problems.”

It’s good to know there is a connection between junk and other problems. We can all feel it when our desks are messy or our kitchen is out of sorts. It’s unsettling, and can hold you back from getting stuff done in life. Getting rid of clutter is quite the chore, but it can have profound effects on other areas of your life. Here are some proven benefits of finally getting rid of all that junk: (1) You’ll suddenly be able to concentrate for days. (2) You’ll feel more creative. (3). You’ll probably sleep a whole lot better. (4). You’ll boost your mood. (5). You’ll let go of the past. (6) You’ll focus more clearly on your goals.

When you let junk pile up, it all stands as a reminder of the things you haven’t accomplished Letting go of clutter can be difficult, but the benefits far outweigh any negatives. Let’s clean out the clutter and feel happier!

Until Next Time.

Alice Russell, also known as “Me Me,” is a guest columnist who resides in the Randolph/ Saxe area. She can be reached at letstalkherbs.com.