Mess Causes Stress
Whether you prefer a mess or can’t seem to do it any other way, your are suffering from the consequences of it. You may not realize it in the moment or even now as you begin to think about it, but research supports this and so do it!
Mess causes stress.
It isn’t really surprising and is similar to how we understand that anxiety affects performance. When we feel anxious, it is hard to focus. We tend to perseverate on the anxiety, trying our best to make it stop, yet all the while giving it the attention it needs to continue to grow. In fact, the more we think or fear the anxiety , the more it continues, and the more it continues, the less apt we are to focus and perform.
The mess is a distraction that you have accepted as normal, and good enough. Period.
We do understand the limitations caused by stress, which is why many have become open to other tools such as journaling, meditating, exercising, etc. All of those tools do help but may not be enough in isolation.
I have heard the endless justifications in this area of your mess.
“I don’t mind my things being all over the floor…at least I know I can find them easily.”
”I don’t see why it matters. No one ever comes in this room besides myself anyway.”
”I literally don’t have the time to clean it up.”
The truth is that we all justify the things we do, even when the habits don’t serve us well. Even when these habits keep us from having the life that we really want. These habits perpetuate your challenges and exacerbate your stress level.
When I confronted my 30-year old engineering client about the mess he said really didn’t matter, something began to shift.
“When you walk into your room at the end of each day, what is the first thing you think?” I asked.
He was silent at first and then said, “I’m a failure. What I see when I look at this mess day after day is that who I am is a failure.”
I was surprised he said it so easily, given the resistance before, but that was it. That was exactly what had been blocking him from being the success he wanted to be. It was exactly what he carried around all day at work, second-guessing his strengths, his abilities and his intelligence. Even when he wasn’t directly looking at it, it was there. All day long he knew it was just waiting for him, and was merely confirmed each time he looked at it.
I’m a failure.
Of course a messy room isn’t that at all. A messy room, is exactly what it is: a messy room. Yet our thoughts that surround this mess is why we need to clean up. Not so that we can look better, not so that we can announce we are now neat and tidy. But instead so that our insides match our outsides. Mess cause stress in many ways. It is a constant distraction from tasks at hand and a constant reminder that we just don’t care.
How can we feel successful if we just don’t care? How can we feel productive if we feel overwhelmed and stressed?
We can’t. But now that you understand the why, you can clean up! Not just that room, but your thoughts around it and everything that supports you. Not just the people around you, but everything. Your clothing that has the power to make you feel comfy or important, depending on what you choose. Your room, that allows you the space to regroup after a long day, as well as sleep restfully for the next day. Your office, where expectations are high and efficiency and focus is critical.
Take a step back from your mess today and be honest about what it represents. Then give it the attention and time it deserves and clean it up. Start small, but think big! You will be amazed at the results.
Need more help in this area? Try out my new book: “The Organized Thinker” by Lesley Geller