Environment And Emotional Fitness

I remember as a kid there were times that my Mom could no longer stand the mess and utter chaos in the bedroom I shared with my brother. She would corral us and for a few hours we would pick up, organize, pack away, throw out and clean that 15x15 space until it was completely renewed.  Prior to this semi-annual cleaning my brother and I would much prefer being outside playing baseball, football or hockey in the street, riding our bikes around the neighborhood or playing volleyball in the side yard using the fence between our house and the neighbor's as a net.  After our room was transformed into a paradise by our standards, we thoroughly enjoyed staying inside playing board games, setting up hot wheels tracks, drawing, having fun with crafts or reading.  I looked forward to coming home from school or returning from church or going to bed at night just because of the way it felt to be in these pleasant surroundings.  This continued for a month or two until our efforts to maintain this pristine environment began to deteriorate such that our paradise gradually evolved into the chaotic mess it had been previously. 

I have had this same experience as an adult in different homes where I have lived.  As a project is completed----a garage is organized, a room is thoroughly cleaned or a remodeling job finished---the new environment is pleasant and inviting such that you want to bask in the comfort it brings. 

What a difference our environment can have on our mood and our productivity.  Many of my patients over the years have had challenges keeping their environment inviting and pleasant. Don't ignore or underestimate the power your living environment can have on your emotional health. Decide today to do something to organize, clean or revamp your environment so that it is uplifting and you enjoy being there.