A new research by the Princeton Neuroscience Institute has shown some interesting data about happiness. Who wouldn’t like to be happy? Most people’s goal is to reach happiness, which is known to be something very complex to have. However, this Princeton research shows it sometimes depends on something as simple as keeping your space tidy.
Apparently, this study found that clutter directly affects our capacity of focusing because when there are so many things around us, they tend to compete to get our brain’s attention. Therefore, we find it difficult to concentrate and be productive. So, let’s find out more about this Princeton research, shall we?
Order and happiness
We should give importance to our surroundings because they influence how we feel and how we act. Researchers like Catherine Roster have proved that messy spaces produce more stress, procrastination, and even less self-esteem.
On the contrary, order gives us a sense of control. According to psychologist Danielle Roeske, Ph.D, when our surroundings are tidy it’s much easier to manage inner emotions. So, something as simple as making our beds or clearing the kitchen can reduce mental overload and make you feel calmer.
This Princeton study reinforces this idea: when we avoid clutter, our brain is able to concentrate much better on a task. In offices and working spaces at home, this small change could increase your productivity.
Order and productivity
Apart from making us feel calmer, order can improve efficiency in our jobs and studies. Imagine a clean desk with a few things, only what you need, this will avoid any distraction and you will use all your mental energy on what’s important.
Findings from the Princeton Neuroscience Institute team prove that the brain processes information much better when it’s not full of irrelevant stimuli. This means order is the best option when it comes to productivity.
How to start this habit with no stress
Now that we know the benefits of starting this habit, here comes the challenging part: making it a daily routine without feeling stressed about it. The most important thing is to be constant with small habits:
- Follow the two-minute rule: If it takes less than two minutes—like hanging a coat or rinsing a cup—do it immediately.
- Try the Power Hour: Spend one focused hour each week tidying surfaces, wiping, and putting things back in place.
- Start with visible spots: Kitchens, living rooms, and desks are the areas where clutter is most noticeable and stressful.
- Give items a home: Keys, electronics, and chargers should always go in the same place.
- Make your bed every day: It’s a small task, but it makes a big difference. Starting the day with this habit gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps your evenings feel calmer.
The Princeton research proves…
That what seems like a simple task (clearing off your desk) can free up mental resources which mean more concentration, less stress, and feeling much control over your life.
With the passage of time, these small habits will make your surrounding as something beneficial for your wellbeing.
To sum up
As you can see, happiness is not always the result of big changes, you can also find this feeling in small details. Try avoiding clutters at home to care for your mental health and improve productivity.
So, by following what Princeton studied you can increase your happiness. But remember to start with the basics: save what you don’t use, tidy the space, and allow your mind to breathe. Also, it’s important that you include this in your daily routine and be constant, which is maybe the most difficult part of every change. However, do you know what? In the end it will be worth it.