Visual clutter competes for your attentional resources, contributing to cognitive load and subconscious stress. Creating order in a small, defined area provides a 'compression of chaos' that reduces this load, freeing up mental energy.
This act is a 'micro-win'—a small, completable task that generates a sense of agency and accomplishment. This triggers a dopamine release, reinforcing the behavior and building momentum for other positive actions.
Princeton Neuroscience Institute research found that physical clutter in your environment competes for your attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress. This habit is a targeted strike against that clutter in a high-traffic area.
In Japanese culture, the genkan (entryway) is considered a transitional space between the outer world and the inner sanctum of the home. Arranging shoes here is a ritual of respect and a practice of mental decluttering before entering.
