Declutter Your Way to Lower Stress
Cortisol is often called the stress hormone, and for good reason. It’s released by your adrenal glands when you’re feeling overwhelmed or under pressure, giving you a burst of energy to handle challenges.
That’s
helpful in true emergencies. But when cortisol stays elevated for too long, it can make you feel anxious, tired, or mentally scattered. One surprising way to lower cortisol? Getting organized.
Studies show that people who describe their homes as cluttered have higher levels of cortisol throughout the day. Visual chaos,
like piles of paper, messy counters, or laundry that never quite gets folded, signals the brain that something’s unfinished. It keeps your stress response humming even when you’re trying to relax.
In contrast, a tidy, orderly space tells your mind
that things are under control. It creates the same kind of internal calm you get after a deep breath or a good stretch.
You don’t need a full weekend overhaul to get that relief. Pick one small, visible area, like the top of your dresser or your kitchen island, and restore order there. As you clear each item, notice how
your body feels. Shoulders drop, breathing slows, and suddenly you have a little more mental space to think clearly. That’s cortisol easing its grip.
When life feels chaotic, organization isn’t just about appearance. It’s self-care at the hormonal level. Every time you declutter a surface, you’re quietly telling your
body, You’re safe. You’ve got this. Lower cortisol, clearer mind, calmer day.
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Here's what just one GON reader had to
say...
"I just wanted to tell you how much I love your newsletter. I start my mornings by reading your Daily Dose. It’s my little moment of calm before the day gets going.
Your reminders to pause, clear a space, or take things one step at a time have helped me feel less stressed and more centered.
It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a difference. Thank you for bringing a little peace and order to my day."
-- Linda Meyers
