Hi -
I was reading an article in the New York Times about Peter Walsh, a professional organiser who found a direct link between clutter-filled homes and people with weight problems. In other words, the more cluttered a home, the more likely it is for the home owner to have weight issues. He figured this out when many people who read his book and decluttered their homes, told him they ended up also losing weight.
He sees the link as a tendency to over-comsume in general. People who are pack rats, who buy things they don't need because they are on sale or might come in handy 'some day' tend to act the same way about their bodies - over comsumption of food and an inability to say no, or recognize when their home - or body - has had enough.
The kitchen is the rooms to concentrate on, getting rid of old appliances and useless contraptions that no-one needs anymore. He advises to "trim the fat from the kitchen".
“Be ruthless,'’ he advises. “Stripping away the excess ‘fat’ from your kitchen is as important as the weight you wish to strip away from your hips.'’
Anyway, I think this link between clutter and weight managment is really interesting and very believable.
Peter Walsh's book is called "Does this Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?" (yes, it's really called that!) and here is a link to the New York Times article.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/putting-your-kitchen-on-a-diet/...
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Peter Walsh is fabulous. I love how he intertwines a person's clutter issues with other issues in their lives. He has wonderful insights. When a person begins to gain freedom from their clutter, they begin to gain freedom in other areas of their lives as well, and weight management is just one of them. I've seen clients overcome fears, strengthen relationships, increase productivity at work, learn to parent better and feel significantly better-all as a result of learning to let go of clutter.
Susan Stewart
April 25, 2008 - 10:14pmPerfectly Placed
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Yes, I do believe there is a connection. Clutter affects us mentally, which then affects us physically and emotionally, which then sends a subliminal message to comfort ourselves.
I used to teach basics of feng shui, of which rule #1 is to clear the clutter. I just wish my darling groom understood that, when I have created an empty space, it's not so that he can fill it - haha! Unfortunately, I am currently overwhelmed by clutter, with 2 college kids constantly moving in and out, my husband with his "projects" in the kitchen or garage, my mom popping in and out to spend weekends, and 2 furry creatures (I'm allergic to) creating their own adventures around the house.
I'm constantly de-cluttering, only to be thwarted by all the activity. Keeping the kitchen counter clear is a challenge (as someone in this house thinks that things should be out where they can be seen, rather than put away where they need to be found - haha!).
When your spaces are clear, you feel more energized, and more like you can exercise - which translates to better eating habits and weight management.
The ancient Chinese are who taught us these things. Peter Walsh practices what he preaches, too - he's awesome!
April 25, 2008 - 4:18pmThis Comment