{"id":429244,"date":"2026-02-08T06:30:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T05:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/?p=429244"},"modified":"2026-01-19T15:50:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:50:50","slug":"pourquoi-aimez-ranger-quand-vous-etes-stressee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/why-do-you-like-to-tidy-up-when-youre-stressed-429244","title":{"rendered":"Tidying up to calm down: what this surprising reflex reveals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Tidying up isn&#39;t just a chore: for many people, it&#39;s an effective way to manage stress and regain calm. In an anxiety-inducing atmosphere, organizing one&#39;s space provides a sense of control and mental clarity. A recent study reveals the close link between the need for tidying and psychological well-being, explaining this practice during periods of emotional tension.<\/p>\n<h2> Tidying up: a stress management reflex<\/h2>\n<p> When stress increases, the brain seeks concrete actions to reduce anxiety. Tidying, sorting, and putting things in order are part of this process, creating a calmer environment. According to a 2025 study by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allegetoi.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Rapport_Harris-Les_Francais_et_le_rangement_Homebox.pdf\">Homebox and Harris Interactive<\/a> , 68% of French people believe that putting everything in its place helps them feel better mentally. This simple act regulates emotions, reduces feelings of being overwhelmed, and promotes concentration.<\/p>\n<h2> Psychological mechanisms behind tidying<\/h2>\n<p> Tidying up relieves mental strain because it provides a tangible sense of control over one&#39;s environment, something often threatened during stressful times. Sorting items and deciding what to keep and what to discard generates an immediate sense of accomplishment, boosting self-confidence. This process also activates the prefrontal cortex, a brain region linked to organization and well-being.<\/p>\n<h2> The effects on well-being and mood<\/h2>\n<p> People who tidy up regularly report feeling better afterward, with fewer negative thoughts and greater serenity. By eliminating visual clutter, they limit the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, a source of tension. The Homebox-Harris Interactive study highlights that 57% of French people experience a marked sense of calm after a tidying session, reinforcing the link between external order and inner peace.<\/p>\n<p>Tidying up when stressed isn&#39;t just a household habit; it&#39;s a powerful psychological mechanism for regaining balance and calm. This encouraging practice suggests that caring for one&#39;s environment becomes a genuine emotional management tool accessible to everyone, revealing that tidying up isn&#39;t pointless but essential during times of uncertainty and anxiety.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Tidying up isn&#39;t just a chore: for many people, it&#39;s an effective way to manage stress and regain...","protected":false},"author":8391,"featured_media":429245,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_msn":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5639],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-429244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-bien-etre"],"image":{"medium":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Voici-pourquoi-vous-aimez-ranger-quand-vous-etes-stressee-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Voici-pourquoi-vous-aimez-ranger-quand-vous-etes-stressee-500x281.jpg",500,281,true]},"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Voici-pourquoi-vous-aimez-ranger-quand-vous-etes-stressee.jpg","author":{"name":"Jade Leclerc","avatar":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/delagejade-96x96.png"},"categories":[{"term_id":5639,"name":"Well-being","slug":"bien-etre","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5804,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<p>The Well-being section of The Body Optimist shares practical advice on staying active, sleeping better, managing stress and understanding everyday aches and pains. Written for women of every size and body type, it starts from a simple idea: taking care of your body works best through enjoyment and consistency, not pressure or guilt.<\/p>\n<h2>What you'll find in the Well-being section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Exercise and movement<\/strong>: getting back into exercise, finding an activity you love and easing in with routines such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/ideal-yoga-poses-to-start-the-day-gently-447131\">gentle yoga poses to start your day<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sleep<\/strong>: trouble falling asleep, waking up at night, snoring or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/after-lunch-an-ideal-nap-lasts-less-time-i-think-427993\">how long the ideal nap should last<\/a>, for more restful nights and days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Emotional balance<\/strong>: stress, mental load, loneliness, friendships and the small pleasures that lift your mood, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/you-feel-guilty-when-you-do-nothing-its-time-to-slow-down-447258\">learning to slow down without feeling guilty<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Everyday aches and pains<\/strong>: digestion, heavy legs, fatigue and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/back-pain-at-work-makes-a-difference-posture-makes-a-difference-447052\">back pain at work<\/a>, with pointers on when to see a doctor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Women's health<\/strong>: periods, endometriosis, perimenopause and menopause, explained without taboos, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/simple-steps-to-help-better-cope-with-menstrual-cramps-447128\">easing menstrual cramps<\/a> onward.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How do you get back into exercise after a long break?<\/h2>\n<p>When you return to physical activity, consistency matters more than intensity. A few ways to ease back in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pick an activity you actually want to do (walking, swimming, water aerobics, dancing, cycling, yoga): enjoyment is what keeps you going over time.<\/li>\n<li>Start with short sessions, then gradually increase how long you go before you increase how hard you go.<\/li>\n<li>Get gear that fits your body: a supportive sports bra and anti-chafing shorts make a real difference.<\/li>\n<li>Stop and seek medical help if you have chest pain, unusual shortness of breath or feel faint.<\/li>\n<li>Check in with your doctor if you live with a chronic condition or are coming back after a long break.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Everyday movement counts too: walking or biking to get around, taking the stairs and gardening all add up as physical activity.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>Here, your body isn't a project to fix. We talk about exercise for pleasure, mood and health, never as a way to \u201cmake up for\u201d a meal or to lose weight, and every tip should work for you whatever your body type. The articles in this section provide general information and do not replace advice from a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to get you started<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/a-10-minute-stretching-routine-could-help-wake-you-up-446378\">quick morning stretching routine<\/a> to help you wake up gently.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/yoga-postures-help-release-tension-after-a-day-at-work-446756\">Yoga poses to release tension<\/a> after a long day at work.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/signs-that-youre-not-drinking-enough-water-446345\">signs you may not be drinking enough water<\/a>, and why they're easy to miss.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/how-long-should-a-digital-detox-without-screens-take-to-feel-better-429376\">digital detox<\/a>: how long you need away from screens to start feeling better.<\/li>\n<li>Why <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/to-feel-good-at-a-good-pace-women-need-to-see-friends-428157\">seeing your friends regularly<\/a> does so much for your well-being.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>How much exercise do you need each week?<\/h3>\n<p>The World Health Organization recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking. It also stresses that some activity is better than none: every session counts, even a short one, and what matters most is finding a pace you can keep up over the long run.<\/p>\n<h3>How can you sleep better?<\/h3>\n<p>Consistency is the first lever: go to bed and get up at similar times, weekends included. A quiet, dark, cool bedroom, less screen time in the evening and a dinner that isn't too late all make it easier to fall asleep. Loud snoring or waking up gasping for air is worth mentioning to your doctor.<\/p>\n<h3>Why am I tired all the time?<\/h3>\n<p>Ongoing fatigue can have many causes: lack of sleep, stress or mental overload, but also iron deficiency, a thyroid disorder or depression. If it lasts several weeks despite rest, or comes with other symptoms, see your doctor to find out what's behind it.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Explore all our topics in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\">the Health section<\/a>, follow moms-to-be in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/grossesse\">the Pregnancy section<\/a> and enjoy a varied way of eating, without restriction, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/cuisine\/nutrition\">the Nutrition section<\/a>.<\/p>","parent":360,"count":1718,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":5639,"category_count":1718,"category_description":"<p>The Well-being section of The Body Optimist shares practical advice on staying active, sleeping better, managing stress and understanding everyday aches and pains. Written for women of every size and body type, it starts from a simple idea: taking care of your body works best through enjoyment and consistency, not pressure or guilt.<\/p>\n<h2>What you'll find in the Well-being section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Exercise and movement<\/strong>: getting back into exercise, finding an activity you love and easing in with routines such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/ideal-yoga-poses-to-start-the-day-gently-447131\">gentle yoga poses to start your day<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sleep<\/strong>: trouble falling asleep, waking up at night, snoring or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/after-lunch-an-ideal-nap-lasts-less-time-i-think-427993\">how long the ideal nap should last<\/a>, for more restful nights and days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Emotional balance<\/strong>: stress, mental load, loneliness, friendships and the small pleasures that lift your mood, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/you-feel-guilty-when-you-do-nothing-its-time-to-slow-down-447258\">learning to slow down without feeling guilty<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Everyday aches and pains<\/strong>: digestion, heavy legs, fatigue and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/back-pain-at-work-makes-a-difference-posture-makes-a-difference-447052\">back pain at work<\/a>, with pointers on when to see a doctor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Women's health<\/strong>: periods, endometriosis, perimenopause and menopause, explained without taboos, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/simple-steps-to-help-better-cope-with-menstrual-cramps-447128\">easing menstrual cramps<\/a> onward.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How do you get back into exercise after a long break?<\/h2>\n<p>When you return to physical activity, consistency matters more than intensity. A few ways to ease back in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pick an activity you actually want to do (walking, swimming, water aerobics, dancing, cycling, yoga): enjoyment is what keeps you going over time.<\/li>\n<li>Start with short sessions, then gradually increase how long you go before you increase how hard you go.<\/li>\n<li>Get gear that fits your body: a supportive sports bra and anti-chafing shorts make a real difference.<\/li>\n<li>Stop and seek medical help if you have chest pain, unusual shortness of breath or feel faint.<\/li>\n<li>Check in with your doctor if you live with a chronic condition or are coming back after a long break.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Everyday movement counts too: walking or biking to get around, taking the stairs and gardening all add up as physical activity.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>Here, your body isn't a project to fix. We talk about exercise for pleasure, mood and health, never as a way to \u201cmake up for\u201d a meal or to lose weight, and every tip should work for you whatever your body type. The articles in this section provide general information and do not replace advice from a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to get you started<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/a-10-minute-stretching-routine-could-help-wake-you-up-446378\">quick morning stretching routine<\/a> to help you wake up gently.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/yoga-postures-help-release-tension-after-a-day-at-work-446756\">Yoga poses to release tension<\/a> after a long day at work.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/signs-that-youre-not-drinking-enough-water-446345\">signs you may not be drinking enough water<\/a>, and why they're easy to miss.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/how-long-should-a-digital-detox-without-screens-take-to-feel-better-429376\">digital detox<\/a>: how long you need away from screens to start feeling better.<\/li>\n<li>Why <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/bien-etre\/to-feel-good-at-a-good-pace-women-need-to-see-friends-428157\">seeing your friends regularly<\/a> does so much for your well-being.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>How much exercise do you need each week?<\/h3>\n<p>The World Health Organization recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking. It also stresses that some activity is better than none: every session counts, even a short one, and what matters most is finding a pace you can keep up over the long run.<\/p>\n<h3>How can you sleep better?<\/h3>\n<p>Consistency is the first lever: go to bed and get up at similar times, weekends included. A quiet, dark, cool bedroom, less screen time in the evening and a dinner that isn't too late all make it easier to fall asleep. Loud snoring or waking up gasping for air is worth mentioning to your doctor.<\/p>\n<h3>Why am I tired all the time?<\/h3>\n<p>Ongoing fatigue can have many causes: lack of sleep, stress or mental overload, but also iron deficiency, a thyroid disorder or depression. If it lasts several weeks despite rest, or comes with other symptoms, see your doctor to find out what's behind it.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Explore all our topics in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\">the Health section<\/a>, follow moms-to-be in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/sante\/grossesse\">the Pregnancy section<\/a> and enjoy a varied way of eating, without restriction, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/cuisine\/nutrition\">the Nutrition section<\/a>.<\/p>","cat_name":"Well-being","category_nicename":"bien-etre","category_parent":360}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8391"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=429244"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429244\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":434259,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/429244\/revisions\/434259"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/429245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=429244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=429244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=429244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}