I’m talking about that seemingly insignificant feeling of stress here, that constant air of not being entirely in control as you go about your day. It might seem trivial, but if you’re working from home and perhaps home schooling at the same time, it can build into a real sense of anxiety.
Here at Victoria Green, we’ve always believed that good organisation and healthy habits are a proven way to reduce stress, but did you know it’s actually backed up by science? Read on for some surprising science facts, and tips on how to create some stress-free routines.
We can’t control what is happening in the wider world, but we can take control of our own personal space, and that makes us feel better, right?
A tidy home equals a tidy mind… is a cliché trotted out on a regular basis, mainly by parents trying to get their teenagers to keep the house tidy - But did you know it has basis in scientific fact?
Dr Daniel J Levitin, a neuroscientist and cognitive psychologist found that ‘women… tend to be more susceptible to clutter-induced stress’.
This is backed up by a study at UCLA which found that women who perceive their houses to be cluttered have unhealthy levels of cortisol. High cortisol levels are linked to anxiety and depression, so it turns out your mother knew what she was talking about!
A great way to tackle clutter is to compartmentalise and separate belongings into categories. I’m notorious amongst my friends and family for dividing my drawers with boxes and of course a beauty bag or two, or three…!
The hard bit is getting started, I recommend starting small, even doing 20 minutes of reorganising a day will make you feel immediately more in control, and but once you have taken the first steps to create an organised space it is a lot easier to maintain the habit.
Here are my 3 quick and easy tips for a tidier home
- Struggling to keep the kid’s arts and crafts organised? Use a large makeup bag or one of our wash bags with handles to fill with their bits and bobs which they can tidy away at the end of the day. That way you can enjoy dinner at a clean and clear kitchen table with the family in the evening AND teach your children healthy organisation habits at the same time. I like to use a large makeup bag for pencils as I prefer the way it looks in my front room to my daughter’s bright pink fluffy pen case!
- Why not prep the kid’s home school day the night before by filling a vanity case with all the essentials they need? This will mean you can set the kids up quickly and easily and reduce the morning rush stresses!!!
- So you can unwind properly at the end of the day, use a vanity case or beauty bag for permanent storage in the bathroom. If you want to have a relaxing bath the last thing you need is a load of clutter around you. Store bathroom essentials in one of your large wash bags with handles and pop the kids’ bath toys in a plastic box, so they can be placed out of sight. Replace with a few candles and a glass of wine for a little post-work me-time.
When it comes to your bedroom it’s important to keep your space clean and clear so you can get a good night’s sleep. Psychologist and sleep specialist Dr Whitney Roban recommends decluttering to clients who struggle with insomnia ‘A disorganised room leads to a disorganised brain. The brain is subconsciously distracted by clutter, and when the brain is too active, it causes longer sleep latency (time to fall asleep) and more night-time waking’.
- We recommend our vanity cases to stash away lotions and potions instead of cluttering up your dressing table. This is especially helpful if you have a small space and limited storage.
- Our clear makeup bags are great for keeping cables and chargers under control in the bedroom. I keep all mine organised in a plastic box under the bed.
- Try storing your makeup in our hanging wash bags which you can hang in your wardrobe or on a hook behind the bedroom door – a great space-saver!
We would love to hear if these tips have helped and if you have any other ways to use our vanity cases or beauty bags to get more organised.
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For tips on how to get motivated and stay that way, read my blog here
Having trouble sleeping? For more tips on creating the best environment for a better night’s sleep, see our blog here
Feeling overwhelmed? Head over here for some simple tips to manage your stress levels