The psychologist explained the reasons for attachment to unnecessary things

Objects that have long lost their practical value often become symbols of stability and control over life. On August 23, psychologist and real estate therapist Kristina Mizernaya told Izvestia about the psychological mechanisms behind hoarding and the difficulties of parting with things.

"Things can become anchors that create the illusion of stability. They remind us of the past and give us the feeling that we are in control of life," explained Misernaya.

This is especially true for people who experienced scarcity or instability in childhood, when things become a guarantee of permanence.

The psychologist notes a paradox: those who have difficulty parting with objects often easily acquire new ones. This is due to the emotional pendulum — the purchase gives a short-term dopamine surge, after which the item loses its value and goes into storage.

"The point here is not practicality, but an attempt to close an inner void," the specialist emphasizes.

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The difficulties of parting with things are explained by the effect of irretrievable expenses — the feeling of invested time, money and emotions. This often hides the fear of change and uncertainty that arises when it is necessary to get rid of the old.

Misernaya recommends starting small — taking apart one shelf or drawer, asking yourself the question "Would I buy this again?", photographing memorabilia and replacing tangible "anchors" with intangible ones — impressions, meetings and creativity.

"When we let go of excess, we don't lose our memory. We create a space for new things," the psychologist notes.

Freeing up space from unnecessary things reduces anxiety, gives a sense of control and inner freedom, allowing you to live without "reserves just in case."

Psychologist Valeria Litvintseva, in an interview with Izvestia on August 14, spoke about the phenomenon of happiness fatigue. According to her, this phenomenon, referred to in the professional environment as "stability discomfort syndrome," is characterized by a paradoxical reaction of the psyche to the absence of external stressors. So, if a person is used to living in constant tension, his brain begins to perceive calmness as something suspicious.

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