24 Seven November 2021

Clutter that has existed for
a long time or that blocks air
circulation from windows
or ductwork, collects
dust, which contributes to
respiratory ailments.
An overstuffed kitchen
is an obvious fire hazard.
Abandoned food and food
wrappers attract rodents
that munch on paper and
clothes, then leave their
droppings. These droppings
give off toxins that get into
the lungs when inhaled
and cause hantavirus, a
serious respiratory disease.
Decaying food also attracts
insects, such as flies, which
carry myriad diseases.
Clutter often causes and
is caused by anxiety and
depression, one aspect of
which is low self-esteem,
which leads to neglecting
one’s personal care. Showering and brushing
one’s teeth may go by the wayside. Improper
oral health can contribute to cardiovascular
disease, dementia, and many other physical
conditions.
Low self-esteem can manifest in having
no energy to exercise, a disinterest in proper
nutrition, and an erratic sleep schedule. These
contribute to impaired cognition and executive
function, making decisions and follow-through
more difficult, which leads to even more
clutter. Sleep deprivation alone is linked to
many physical challenges, including weight
gain, heart disease, impaired immunity, and
diabetes.
A cluttered space and a lack of systems
causes stress and produces the hormone
cortisol, which governs many important bodily
functions.
Cortisol regulates the amount of glucose,
insulin, potassium, and sodium in the blood,
and affects the metabolism of fats. Prolonged
elevated levels of cortisol, therefore, put
increased stress on the liver, kidneys, and small
intestine.
Cortisol affects the absorption of calcium,
which decreases bone formation, contributing
to osteoporosis. Cortisol also down-regulates
the production of collagen, the protein that
forms most of the body’s connective tissue
From The Story
“Clearing
clutter and
getting
organized
creates more
than just a
pleasant living
or working
environment,
it literally
improves your
health and
prolongs
your life.”
(cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and skin).
Cortisol works with adrenaline to create
memories of short-term emotional events, a
means to remember what to avoid in the future.
Long-term exposure to cortisol damages cells
in the hippocampus of the brain, resulting in
impaired learning.
While cortisol prevents the release of
substances in the body that cause inflammation,
it also weakens the immune system by
preventing the growth of T-cells, white blood
cells that fight infection, leaving the body
vulnerable to disease.
Clearing clutter and getting organized creates
more than just a pleasant living or working
environment, it literally improves your health
and prolongs your life.
About The Author
GAYLE M. GRUENBERG
Gayle M. Gruenberg, CPO-CD ® , CVPO, is the chief
executive organizer of Let’s Get Organized, LLC, an
organizer coach, and the creator of the Make Space
for Blessings system.
To Learn More Visit:
www.LGOrganized.com