We often think of healing as something that happens internally—through prayer, emotional work, or mindset shifts. But our physical environment plays a powerful role in our well-being. A cluttered space can create mental overwhelm, while a clean, intentional space can bring peace, clarity, and even a sense of renewal.
Right now, I’m personally experiencing this in real-time. After moving, my house is in complete disarray—boxes everywhere, things out of place, and an underlying sense of stress that comes with it. And I’ve noticed something: my mind feels just as chaotic as my surroundings. My trauma response of freeze and flight, draws me into a place of avoidance and procrastination that further buries my anxiety. It’s a reminder that our external world is often a reflection of our internal world—and vice versa.
How trauma responses show up in our physical spaces
Our nervous system’s response to trauma influences not just our emotions but also how we manage our physical environment. The four primary trauma responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—can manifest in the way we maintain or neglect our spaces.
- Fight: You feel a strong need to control your environment. You may obsessively clean, organize, or feel frustrated when things are out of place.
- Flight: You avoid dealing with clutter or mess altogether. The idea of tidying feels overwhelming, so you distract yourself or leave tasks unfinished.
- Freeze: Your space becomes stagnant—piles of clutter sit untouched because you feel paralyzed by where to start.
- Fawn: You prioritize keeping a space presentable for others but neglect creating a space that feels truly peaceful and nourishing for yourself.
Recognizing how trauma responses affect your relationship with your space is key to shifting toward a more balanced and healing environment. Awareness allows you to approach tidying from a place of self-compassion rather than self-judgment.
Why a tidy space supports healing
1. A cluttered space = a cluttered mind
When our environment is filled with visual chaos, our brains have to process it all. This leads to increased stress, decision fatigue, and even anxiety. Studies show that cluttered spaces can contribute to higher cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.
💡 Try this: Start with one small area—a nightstand, a single drawer, or a corner of your home. As you clear space, notice how your mind feels lighter, too.
2. Tidying is a form of self-care
Cleaning and organizing can be an act of love toward yourself. It’s creating a space where you feel safe, calm, and nurtured.
📖 “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:2-3
When you intentionally care for your space, you create an external environment that mirrors God’s peace and order.
💡 Try this: Turn on worship music, light a candle, and make tidying a calming ritual rather than a chore.
3. Releasing clutter is releasing the past
Sometimes, we hold onto things not because we need them, but because they are tied to memories, guilt, or even an outdated version of ourselves. Decluttering isn’t just about making space—it’s about letting go of what no longer serves you.
💡 Try this: As you declutter, ask yourself, Does this bring me peace or does it weigh me down? If it doesn’t align with the life you’re building, it’s okay to release it.
4. An organized space creates room for new energy
Just like healing requires us to release emotional baggage, a clean space allows fresh energy to flow. When your home feels open, you’ll notice a shift in your mood, creativity, and overall sense of ease.
💡 Try this: After tidying a space, sit in it for a moment. Take a deep breath and feel the lightness that comes with order and clarity.
Additional resources for tidying and organization
If you’re looking for inspiration to create a more peaceful and healing space, here are some valuable resources:
- Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method – A structured approach to decluttering by keeping only what sparks joy. She’s an absolute Queen 👑.
- The Minimalists – A philosophy focused on simplifying life and removing excess for greater clarity.
- Dana K. White’s “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” – Practical steps for overcoming clutter without overwhelm.
- Get professional help – If your budget allows for it, get professionals on Thumbtack or Yelp! to help you declutter. You don’t have to go about this alone.
Tidying isn’t just about having a clean space—it’s about creating an environment that supports your well-being and allows you to thrive.
Choosing progress over perfection
I’m holding myself accountable in this journey. As someone who naturally leans into a flight response, I’ve currently avoided getting unpacked after moving into our new house, because I am overwhelmed by the amount of stuff we have and have to do. I tell myself “I’m too tired” or “I’ll do it tomorrow”. But I’m choosing a different path—one of self-compassion and small, intentional steps.
I’m committing to adapting a flow mindset, embracing tidying as a process rather than a burden. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I’ll take it one small step at a time. To stay accountable, I’ll be sharing a before picture of my space today and revisiting it in two weeks with an update.
This is about progress, not perfection. Healing is reflected in the spaces we create, and I’m choosing to create one that supports peace, clarity, and restoration.
Final thoughts: tidying as an act of healing
Healing isn’t just what happens in your mind—it’s reflected in your surroundings. A tidy space fosters a calm mind, a regulated nervous system, and a deeper sense of peace. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. One drawer. One corner. One step toward creating a space that nourishes you.
💛 Your Next Step:
✨ Pick one small area to declutter today—how does it make you feel?
✨ Shift your perspective: What if tidying was a self-care ritual instead of a chore?
✨ Invite God into the process—pray over your home as you create a space of peace and healing.
You deserve a space that supports your well-being. One small shift at a time, healing is happening.
Edited by Eva Chi
Photo by Hutomo Abrianto on Unsplash