25. The Science of Clutter: Cognitive Load & Attention | Why Our Minds Need Space

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Mohivate, Dr Mohi Sarawgee explores the science of clutter and how the environments we live in influence attention, stress, and decision making.Research in neuroscience and behavioural psychology shows that visual clutter increases cognitive load and forces the brain to work harder to filter information. Over time this can contribute to mental fatigue, distraction, and decision fatigue.The episode examines how clutter interacts with attention regulation, stress physiology, eating behaviour, and everyday habits. It also looks at why the spaces people live in matter clinically, influencing safety, mobility, and how health behaviours unfold at home.Set within the wider context of modern life and information overload, this conversation invites listeners to reconsider their surroundings and the role physical space plays in supporting clarity, focus, and wellbeing.References:1. Visual clutter and attention (Princeton Neuroscience Institute); McMains S., Kastner S. (2011)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21228167/Princeton Neuroscience Institute explanation of visual competition:https://ipalab.princeton.edu/document/296 2. Clutter and stress hormones (UCLA “Life at Home” study): Saxbe, D. E., & Repetti, R. L. (2010)https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167209352864PDF:https://repettilab.psych.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/302/2023/03/no-place-like-home.pdf 3. Cluttered environments and eating behaviour (Cornell study): Vartanian, L. R., Kernan, K. M., & Wansink, B. (2016)https://doi.org/10.1177/00139165166281784. Cognitive load theory: Sweller, J. (1988)https://doi.org/10.1207/s15516709cog1202_45. Behavioural activation and small task completion: Dimidjian, S. et al. (2011)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2011.02.0036.Indoor allergens and respiratory health: Arshad, S. H. (2010)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2010.10.007Just a gentle reminder: this episode is for information, education, and inspiration only. It’s not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. For any personal health concerns, always seek guidance from your doctor.