Clean Desk, Clean Mind: Why Your Cubicle Needs a Cleanse
Photography: Ella Jardim
Written by Steph McGovern
“Tidy desk tidy mind.”
We see the words framed on walls and scroll past desk porn posts on Instagram that are the epitome of tidy and organised. What is it about seeing images of organised desks/ pantries/ fridges that brings us a sense of calm?
According to a study conducted by the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, “...having multiple visual stimuli present within range of one’s view will result in those stimuli competing for neural representation”.
In digestible terms, a bit like having too many options on the wine menu, the more clutter (or wine options) you can see, the harder it is to focus and the easier it is for you to get distracted.
Another study conducted by neuroscience researchers with the use of fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and other physiological measurements found subjects that cleared clutter from the home and work environment resulted in a better ability to focus and ability to process information, as well as increased productivity.
Cue: Visual Pollution.
Evidently our brains like order, so constant visual reminders of clutter and chaos drain our cognitive resources and reduce our ability to focus. Clearly, or not so clearly for some of us, the mental strain that clutter has on our mental health affects us more than we may realise.
A pile of paper next to you can bring immediate negative feelings. A second’s glance can cause our cortisol levels to spike and stressful thoughts to run through our heads on overdrive. The flow-on effects of this stress can last from minutes to hours (or even days when coupled with other underlying stress).
It has also been said that exposure to long term clutter and disorganisation can cause a range of negative effects on our bodies and minds, such as anxiety and depression, higher cortisol levels, constant low-grade fight or flight modes, poor sleep quality or bad eating habits.
So, you’re nodding your head, imagining what your desk looks like and getting that knot in your stomach because this is all too relevant.
Cue: Visual Silence.
Visual silence is just that: Visual. Silence. Removing what you can see so you aren’t thinking about it (following the ‘out of sight out of mind’ philosophy).
Whether you work in an office or from home (or, like me, you are temporarily working from home because of COVID-19), visual silence is beneficial in all settings and something that can be incorporated into all aspects of your life.
I recently adopted these few steps when relocating to work from home:
Get clear on your non-negotiables and move everything off your desk. Once I'd made the transition to WFH, I realised how little I needed to work with and what my non-negotiables were. Non-negotiables should be the bare minimum of what you require to get your work done, for me this included:
● Two screens
● Keyboard and mouse
● Pen and notebook
This will look different to all of us. Some can work on just a laptop, and others need the full tech set up to feel productive. Take the time to assess what works best for you and add/remove accordingly.
Add one thing at a time as required. What are you reaching for frequently? Your notebook and a pen? A calculator? Add the items you’re using daily, keep these within reach but in tidy order. All other items that are useful but not required daily can be stored away neatly in your drawer or in a storage compartment.
Add items that inspire you and bring calm to your day. Your workspace doesn’t have to be lifeless! It’s important that you are part of your working space. My personal favourites are using empty Diptyque candles as pen holders and a little ceramic dish holding my favourite crystals. These items either inspire me or ground me and don't add to my visual pollution.
Take a moment before the end of the day to reflect, write your to do list for the following day and pack everything away. This way you’re coming into the office fresh with the ability to focus on your day (with no hangover distractions).
Keeping a clean space and clean desk isn’t just about pride for your workspace, it’s also a matter of clearing your mind of worry and letting you focus on what is important.
Now more than ever, we need to be mindful of our energy and where we put it, so do yourself a favour and take desk clutter out of the equation.