These four things in your basement can cause unnecessary stress

There are likely to be things in every room of your house that are causing you stress. Cecil Ahrens, a psychotherapist who hosts a mental health podcast called “Get Mental,” believes there is a link between your surroundings and your general health, she said. “Certain objects and elements can create tension and cause our bodies to spasm and contract,” Ahrens told Insider. We asked physicians about the most common household stressors and found four main culprits in the basement, such as unfinished projects and clutter.

1. Messy mess

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The basement is often used as a collection basin for items that have no official place elsewhere in the home. “While storing items in a basement can create a more relaxing environment, it can be stressful to go to a basement, where frequently used items tend to clutter up the room,” therapist Veena Collins told Insider. Mark Lowen, therapist and founder of Launchpad Consulting, explained that the disorder gives our brain more visual information to process. He said, “By making space you are giving your mind a break too.” Because of this, Ahrens minimizes the clutter in her home as much as she can, saying that she is separating from “things that are broken or that add value to my life”.

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Collins told Insider that clutter can add to the fear of home cleaning or maintenance. “No matter how hard we try to keep things tidy, if we don’t have storage space for extra laundry, paperwork, toys, or other small things, they’ll be forgotten over and over again,” he says. says. To combat clutter in the basement, Kallins recommends investing in organizing the basement, even if you don’t spend a lot of time there. “Knowing where to find things, even if you don’t use them often, reduces stress when you need them,” says Collins, who goes through cardboard boxes from using clear storage boxes. Rumors survive. If sorting everything out in the basement is too much for you, Collins suggests creating “organized chaos.” “Remove cardboard boxes and clutter from hallways and common areas by neatly lining walls or corners with cardboard boxes,” she says. “If you have random items lying around, find a container or box for them so they can be stored or transported if needed.”

2. Inadequate lighting

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Stephanie Rojas, a therapist who works on the Hope for Depression media advisory team, says that basement rooms can be stressful because they are often dark rooms with low light. “It’s important to consider the function of each room in your home and purchase lighting that works for that purpose,” said Collins. If you spend a lot of time in your basement, lamps, wall lights, dimmers or ceiling lights can help redefine a room,” she says.

In her home, Ahrens uses neutral tones and incense to stay calm and focused. “Research on color psychology is inconsistent, but it appears that white and green light support depression,” she says. A 2005 study by BMC Psychiatry supports this.

3. Obsolete or worn furniture

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“Old decor or worn furniture can spoil our mood,” says Ahrens. For example, a worn-out dining table can keep you from eating often in this room, Ahrens said. “If your living room sofa is old, dirty or out of date, you may not feel so comfortable in this room,” says Ahrens.

4. Unfinished Projects

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An unfinished basement project or renovation can add to your stress. “When we’re surrounded by things that don’t feel inviting or calm, or cause some sort of stress response, we spend very little time in this room,” Ahrens says.

This text was translated from English by Lisa Ramos-Dosse. you can find the original Here,

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