In a cluttered space, various changes occur in our health without us realizing it. What could they be?

 

◇Stress

 

An unorganized space itself causes stress. According to a study by the University of Sydney in Australia, humans experience decreased concentration and increased mental load on the brain when surrounded by distractions. In fact, women who felt their homes were cluttered and messy had higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, compared to women who did not feel that way.

 

Postpone an important decision

 

Clutter hinders decision-making. According to research by Dr. Javin Begum at Decan Medical School in Indonesia, adults over 50 with many accumulated belongings and untidy rooms tend to postpone important decisions more than those who are organized. Clutter also negatively impacts life satisfaction.

◇Decreased concentration and memory

 

When the surroundings are cluttered, various objects can attract attention and make it difficult to focus on important tasks. This is especially true for people with ADHD, for whom an untidy environment can be an even greater distraction. A cluttered space also negatively affects memory. Since the brain can only process a few pieces of information at a time, having too many distracting items around can lead to information overload and impair memory.

 

◇Various allergy symptoms

 

A cluttered room is more likely to accumulate dust and other allergens. Allergic reactions can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and wheezing. In fact, a study by Indiana University found that people who keep their homes clean and organized are in better health than those who do not.

 

◇Weight gain

 

People who have difficulty organizing their rooms due to an excess of belongings may be at higher risk of overeating and obesity. According to a study published in the international journal 'Behavior and Environment,' individuals in cluttered spaces consume twice as many sweet snacks such as cookies to relieve stress compared to those in well-organized spaces. The problem is even more severe in cases of hoarding disorder, where individuals are unable to discard items regardless of their usefulness and tend to accumulate possessions.

 

A research team at the University of Florida in the United States analyzed 20,745 adults with hoarding disorder and found that individuals with hoarding disorder weighed an average of 7 kg more than those without it, and their likelihood of being obese was twice as high. They also had a higher risk of developing various chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

 

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Just organizing the room

The mindset of going on a diet.

It seems like it should be there.

 

Is it because of cognitive ability?

I also have hoarding disorder.

It seems to influence the increase in congestion.