Clutter-free space is a mental necessity: Experts

Decluttering enhances mental clarity and reduces stress, say doctors

- Zain Basalat

What better way to start the new year than decluttering? Experts say it isn't just a trend or a seasonal chore— it's a transformative practice with profound mental health benefits.

While many people associate tidying up with creating space for physical belongings, Dubai-based experts note “decluttering plays a crucial role in enhancing mental clarity, reducing stress and fostering emotional well-being.”

Rebecca McGuane, head of corporate wellbeing at Lockton, explained that clutter often contributes to mental overload, particularly in our modern, fastpaced lives. "Physical clutter creates a sense of visual noise that competes for our attention and can overwhelm our senses," she shared, adding: "This leads to mental fatigue and a decrease in focus."

McGuane elaborated on the emotional weight clutter can carry: "A disorganised environment can also evoke feelings of guilt or frustration, as it constantly reminds us of unfinished tasks, further impacting our emotional well-being." This constant reminder can lead to increased anxiety, making it difficult for individuals to fully relax, especially after a long workday.

Dr Riadh Khudhier, consultant psychiatrist at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, told Khaleej Times: "Cluttering is common and less severe than hoarding".