Do you ever wonder why a cluttered countertop makes you feel overwhelmed, or why waking up to a sink full of dishes sets you off? You’re not alone. The truth is, everyone experiences this. It’s no coincidence that toys scattered across the floor drive you crazy or that piles of laundry make you want to scream.

So, why do you feel this way?

Numerous studies show a direct correlation between increased cortisol levels—also known as stress—and clutter in your home. When your brain encounters clutter—a messy sink, papers piled on the countertop, or an overflowing kids' craft corner—it triggers stress. But here’s the bigger issue: you might not always feel this stress immediately because we adapt to our environment. This constant state of stress can eventually lead to burnout, which many of us moms just chalk up to "surviving motherhood" or use as an excuse to indulge in a glass of wine at the end of the day. While enjoying a glass of wine...