Let's Get Organized! How Being Organized Contributes to Our Overall Health
- T Benton
- May 24
- 10 min read
Life can often feel like a whirlwind, with tasks piling up and clutter taking over both our physical spaces and our minds. But what does being organized really mean, and how can it contribute to our overall health?
Let’s dive into the fantastic benefits of organization, from reducing stress to enhancing productivity, and discover practical ways to declutter both our spaces and our minds.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
The Connection Between Organization and Health
Research shows that the environment we inhabit can significantly impact our mental and physical well-being. A disorganized space often leads to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
PIH Health Clinical Psychologist, Tanya Diaz, says “A lack of organization may affect how much time it takes you to do things because you don’t always know what you need to do, or you may not have the tools to get it done. It can also affect how much money you spend. Have you ever bought something, only to realize you already had it stashed away somewhere you couldn’t find it? Disorganization makes you stressed, anxious, and unproductive". (PIH Health, 2023).
Fostering an organized environment can promote a sense of control and peace.
When everything has its place, you can focus your energy on what truly matters.
This does not mean that your spaces have to be perfect and sterile (unless that is what you prefer), but for me, I'd be afraid to even think in a perfect and sterile space for fear of messing that perfection up! No, your space should reflect your needs. Spaces where you work should reflect you and be a place of creativity and production. Spaces where you rest should be places of calm and peace.
Clear spaces lead to clear minds, making way for creativity and the pursuit of personal goals. It's more than just tidiness—it's about enhancing our quality of life.
Decluttering for Mental Clarity
I have found that a cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind, making it hard to concentrate or relax. Working outside the home, inside the home, and on my university classes, I found myself surrounded by clutter and discovered I had trouble concentrating on my work and felt unable to focus on a particular task for very long.
After reading the book titled "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" by Marie Kondo (which I highly recommend, by the way), I realized how my surroundings were affecting my mental clarity and concentration.
Decluttering is the first step towards organization and clarity. By eliminating unnecessary items and assigning a place for everything, you can create a calming environment conducive to relaxation and productivity.
Here are some Practical Tips for Decluttering:
1. Set Clear Goals
Before you begin the decluttering process, it's essential to establish clear and achievable goals. Take some time to reflect on what you want to accomplish. Are you aiming to create more space in your home, reduce stress, reduce the time it takes to clean a room, or simply organize your belongings? By defining your goals, you can stay focused and motivated throughout the decluttering journey. Consider writing down your objectives to keep them visible and remind yourself of your purpose.
2. Start Small
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you have accumulated a lot of items over the years. To make the process more manageable, start small. Choose a single drawer, a closet, or even a specific category of items, such as books or clothing, to tackle first. By breaking the task into smaller sections, you can see progress more quickly, which can be a significant motivator to continue.
3. Use the Four-Box Method
A highly effective strategy for decluttering is the four-box method. Label four boxes as follows: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Relocate. As you go through your items, place each one into the appropriate box. This method not only helps you make decisions about what to keep or discard but also encourages you to think critically about your possessions and their value in your life. Once you’ve completed this process, make sure to follow through by donating, assigning a place for the things you keep, or disposing of the items in the respective boxes.
4. Implement the One-Year Rule
One of the most useful guidelines in decluttering is the one-year rule. If you haven’t used or worn an item in the past year, it’s likely that you won’t miss it in the future. This rule can be particularly helpful for clothing, gadgets, and other items that tend to accumulate over time. By applying this rule, you can significantly reduce the number of items you own while ensuring that you keep only what is truly valuable or necessary.
5. Create a Decluttering Schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to decluttering. Creating a decluttering schedule can help you stay on track and make the process less daunting. Set aside specific times each week or month dedicated to decluttering. Whether it’s a couple of hours on a Saturday or a few minutes each day, make it work for you and your schedule. Having a routine will help you build momentum and make steady progress toward your decluttering goals.
Photo courtesy of Jess Bailey Designs
6. Enlist Help
Sometimes, decluttering can be an emotional process, and having a friend or family member to assist you can make it easier. Not only can they provide a fresh perspective on what to keep or let go, but they can also offer support and encouragement throughout the process. If possible, enlist someone who is already organized and has experience with decluttering to help guide you and keep you accountable.
7. Celebrate Your Progress
As you declutter, take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledging your hard work can boost your motivation and encourage you to continue your efforts. Consider rewarding yourself with a small treat or taking a moment to enjoy your newly organized space. This positive reinforcement can make the decluttering process more enjoyable and fulfilling.
For me, I noticed how better focused I was once I decluttered and organized my workspace and how well I was able to relax after decluttering my bedroom. Those small wins improved my overall health by providing healthy benefits, such as a higher quality of sleep and being more creative and productive when I was working on a project.
8. Maintain Your Decluttered Space
Once you have successfully decluttered your space, it’s crucial to maintain it. Develop habits that prevent clutter from accumulating again. For instance, consider implementing a "one-in, one-out" rule, where for every new item you bring into your home, you remove an existing one.
Regularly reassess your belongings and make decluttering a part of your routine to ensure that your space remains organized and clutter-free. Ensuring your space continues to best suits your needs is one of the greatest ways to clear both your physical and mental clutter.
Photo courtesy of Blissful-Health.org using Microsoft Designer
Organization and Time Management
Being organized isn’t just about physical belongings; it extends to our schedules and daily routines. Time management is a crucial aspect of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. By organizing your schedule, stress levels can decrease, allowing you to breathe and maintain your focus on what truly matters.
Consider these strategies to organize your time more efficiently:
1. Prioritize Your Tasks
Start by identifying the most important tasks that need to be accomplished within a specific time frame. Utilize methods such as the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish between what is urgent and what is important. For more information on the Eisenhower Matrix here is a helpful link: https://sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/2023-08/Eisenhower%20Matrix.pdf This will help you focus on high-priority activities that contribute significantly to your goals, ensuring that your time is spent on tasks that yield the greatest returns.
2. Set Clear Goals
Establish both short-term and long-term goals to provide direction and purpose to your daily activities. Make sure these goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By having clear objectives, you can allocate your time more effectively, as you will know exactly what needs to be accomplished and by when.
3. Create a Daily Schedule
Develop a structured daily schedule that outlines your tasks and commitments. Use tools like calendars or planners to block out specific time slots for each activity. This not only helps you visualize your day but also ensures that you dedicate adequate time to each task while minimizing the risk of over-committing or underestimating the time required for completion.
4. Limit Distractions
Identify common distractions that disrupt your focus and productivity. This may include social media, email notifications, or even a cluttered workspace. Take proactive steps to minimize these interruptions, such as setting specific times to check emails or using apps that block distracting websites during work hours. Creating a conducive work environment can significantly enhance your ability to concentrate and manage your time effectively.
5. Use Time Management Techniques
Explore various time management techniques that can help you work more efficiently. The Pomodoro Technique, for instance, involves working in focused bursts of 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This method not only enhances concentration but also prevents burnout by allowing you to recharge at regular intervals. Here is a link for more information on the Pomodoro Technique: https://www.verywellmind.com/pomodoro-technique-history-steps-benefits-and-drawbacks-6892111
This time management technique also helps me to stay focused and prevents distractions. I set an alarm for 25 minutes and focus solely on the task at hand. Then I allow myself a 5-minute break to check my text messages, hop on a social media platform, return a call, or make myself a cup of tea or coffee. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and your personal workflow.
6. Review and Reflect
At the end of each day or week, take time to review your accomplishments and evaluate how effectively you utilized your time. Reflect on what strategies worked well and which ones did not yield the desired results. This practice of self-assessment allows you to make necessary adjustments to your time management strategies, ensuring continuous improvement and greater efficiency in the future.
7. Delegate When Possible
Recognize that you do not have to handle every task on your own. If you have team members or colleagues who can assist with certain responsibilities, do not hesitate to delegate. This not only frees up your time for more critical tasks but also empowers others to take ownership of their work, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances overall productivity.
8. Maintain Work-Life Balance
Lastly, ensure that you are not sacrificing your personal life in the pursuit of efficiency. Allocate time for relaxation, hobbies, and social activities to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This balance is essential for sustaining long-term productivity and preventing burnout, as it allows you to recharge and return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.
My main passion is this website and my other website, Blissful-Faith.org, so I often get caught up for hours upon hours writing for both of these sites. As much as I love researching and writing articles that I know benefit me and I hope will benefit you, I also need to ensure I allow time throughout my week to other creative and passive pursuits. Setting goals to establish a healthy work-life balance should always be a priority for overall good health.
Enhancing Productivity Through Organization
An organized environment can drastically boost productivity in a multitude of ways. When your workspace is clear and well-structured, distractions diminish significantly, allowing for deeper focus and higher efficiency. A clutter-free desk not only provides a visual sense of calm but also creates a mental space that fosters creativity and clear thinking.
Moreover, an organized workspace facilitates better time management. When everything has its designated place, you can easily locate the tools and resources you need without wasting precious minutes searching for misplaced items. This streamlined approach minimizes interruptions and allows you to maintain a steady workflow.
Also, having a systematic organization method, such as categorizing documents or utilizing storage solutions, can enhance your ability to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that you address the most important responsibilities first. This promotes a sense of professionalism, accomplishment, and discipline.
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Implementing these productivity-enhancing organization tips can make a world of difference:
Designate Work Zones: Create specific areas in your home for work, relaxation, and hobbies to mentally separate different aspects of your life.
Optimize Your Tools: Keep the tools and resources you use daily within easy reach. A tidy desk can lead to a swift workflow.
Review and Adjust: Regularly reassess your systems. What’s working? What’s not? Flexibility is key to maintaining an organized life.
As you become more productive, you'll find more time for self-care and wellness, contributing to your overall health.
Reap the Benefits of Being Organized
Organization doesn’t just tidy up our space; it can also soothe our minds. When we take control of our environment, we often experience a boost in confidence and self-worth.
Being organized is not merely a chore; it’s a lifestyle change that can significantly impact our overall health. From creating mental clarity and reducing stress to enhancing productivity and emotional well-being, organization is a crucial aspect of a balanced life.
So, why not take that first step towards a more organized lifestyle today? Embrace the process, employ helpful strategies, and enjoy the transformative effects an organized life can have on your health and happiness. Remember, every little change counts in this journey towards wellness. Let’s get organized and reclaim our peace!
Here's to your Good Health! ❤️
T. Benton
Owner & Writer @blissful-health.org
Copyright © 2025 Blissful-Health.org. All Rights Reserved.
Links for the Benefits of Getting Organized:
Links to Help You Get Organized:
Resources:
PIH Health (Ed.). (2023, January 25). 5 surprising health benefits of being more organized | whittier, CA. | PIH health. 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Being More Organized. https://www.pihhealth.org/wellness/articles/5-surprising-health-benefits-of-being-more-organized/
SPS Academic Resource Center (Ed.). (n.d.). Columbia. https://sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/2023-08/Eisenhower%20Matrix.pdf. https://sps.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/2023-08/Eisenhower%20Matrix.pdf
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You've done it again Tammy! Thank you for this article, loved it!👍