Does this clutter make my butt look fat?

Meet "GobbleGobble", our new toy goblin! Our soon-to-be 7 year-old created him as a way to help keep our home free from clutter. If toys, art supplies, clothes, or anything else is left out of its place, GobbleGobble will eat it up. If you want your stuff back, you have to do a chore to earn it back. I thought her idea was genius. Especially since I've been researching how clutter affects our health both mentally and physically.

 *A number of ill effects are pointed out in the The New York Times and by WebMD.

Effects on Physical Health
--Exacerbates allergies by inviting buildup of dust mites, dander, mold and other allergens.
--Creates a germ haven.
--Increases risk of fire and injuries.
--Decreases odds of exercise. (How can you go running when you can’t find your shoes?)
--Makes you late for work and appointments when you can’t find your keys and other important items.
--Makes you fat...WHAT?  Organizational expert Peter Walsh found a link between over consumption of stuff and over-consumption of food.
--Depletes your energy with its overwhelming presence.

“As people start to control the clutter, they begin to take better care of themselves,” according to professional organizer Lynne Gilberg.  Better self-care hits both the mental and physical levels, WebMD adds.

Effects on Mental Health
--Increases stress and anxiety.
--Exacerbates symptoms of paruresis (a type of phobia in which the sufferer is unable to urinate in the real or imaginary presence of others, such as in a public restroom) and other mental issues.
--Blocks out new things from entering your life.
--Strengthens procrastination.
--Weakens decision-making skills, as you’re avoiding any decisions by letting all this stuff pile up.

Several years ago I trained a client who was a hoarder. She had many mental and emotional problems, as well as an obesity problem. Her home was so cluttered, she couldn't use her kitchen to cook and as a result.  She ate out for every meal. Then an interesting thing happened. Her good friend and workout partner began helping her clean up her house. It didn't take long before the weight began to fall off. She lost over 75 lbs.

I realize this is an extreme example, however, I would like to emphasize that when we are organized and free from clutter, we are able to gain more control over our lives. I encourage you to get rid of the things you don't need and organize what you do need. We would love to hear from you about any positive health changes you experience as a result of decluttering your home.

Be well!
BHW

SOURCES:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/clutter-control
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/01/health/01well.html
http://zenhabits.net/crutches/