Exploring the Emotional, Mental, and Environmental Links That Shape Our Health
This subject has been on my mind a lot recently. Spring is coming, and I feel like there’s an innate need to do “spring cleaning.” I want to let in the fresh air and sunshine and toss out all the excess crap in my house. But I’m overwhelmed.
I moved into my “new” home two years ago. Three days after the movers left, I broke my foot and couldn’t walk for a couple of months. Friends and family unpacked the essentials, and to be honest, my office never did get completely unpacked. So instead of being a lovely place for me to work at my perfect desk with my huge monitors, I work at a little table in my living room. And my cats then get a room all to themselves, along with the not-yet-unpacked boxes and the junk I have piled everywhere.
And I don’t even want to talk about the kitchen. It’s small, to say the least, with very little counter space. Cooking, and keeping it clean is a nightmare. I’d rather throw something frozen in the microwave or order take-out than deal with the mess and confusion in my little kitchen.
Let’s be real: Have you ever found yourself standing in a cluttered kitchen, overwhelmed by the mess and reaching for a bag of chips because it’s easy? Women in the Health Warriors Tribe have shared a similar story—feeling stuck in cycles of chaos, both in their homes and in their health. But why do these two struggles so often show up together?
Well, I did a little research.
While being overweight or obese doesn’t cause a messy house (and vice versa), research and lived experience show there’s often a deeper connection. Understanding that link is not about judgment—it’s about compassion, insight, and healing.
Executive Function: The Hidden Link
Executive function is your brain’s CEO. It handles decision-making, planning, prioritizing, and self-regulation. When these mental systems are taxed—by stress, trauma, neurodivergence, or even chronic sleep deprivation—things like meal planning and tidying up fall by the wayside. You’re not lazy, you’re overwhelmed. And overwhelm creates both cluttered spaces and chaotic eating habits.
Depression, Anxiety, and Emotional Weight
Mental health is a big player here. Depression can drain your energy and motivation, making basic self-care feel like a mountain to climb. Anxiety can cause decision paralysis—should you clean the bathroom or go for a walk or start that new meal plan?—leading to avoidance. Both conditions are associated with increased risk of obesity and difficulty managing home environments.
The Cycle of Overwhelm and Avoidance
A messy house can feel like a giant neon sign flashing, “You’re failing.” That emotional hit often leads to avoidance: shutting the door, binge-watching TV, and emotional eating. Sound familiar? It’s a coping mechanism. You’re trying to soothe yourself. But that short-term relief often leads to long-term frustration.
Your Environment Reflects Your Mindset
Our homes mirror our internal state. When life feels out of control, our physical spaces often reflect that. A cluttered environment can keep us stuck in shame and make it harder to develop healthy habits. On the flip side, small wins in your environment—clearing a counter, making your bed—can spark momentum in other areas of your life.
Trauma, Clutter, and Compassion
For many women, both extra weight and clutter serve as emotional armor. If you’ve been through trauma, you may be unconsciously holding onto things (including weight) as a way to feel safe. Healing isn’t just about letting go of pounds or possessions—it’s about creating a life that feels calm, safe, and joyful, and the path that gets you there.
So, What Can You Do?
Start small. Choose one drawer to clean or one healthy meal to make. Don’t try to tackle everything at once. You’re not just changing your environment—you’re reshaping your relationship with yourself. And you don’t have to do it alone.
At Health Warriors, we believe in baby steps, big support, and celebrating every win. Whether you’re decluttering your closet or your snack drawer, you’re making space for the life you deserve.
You are not a mess. You are a WARRIOR. And we’re so glad you’re here.
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