The Broken Windows Theory of Criminology suggests that visible signs of disorder and neglect, such as broken windows or graffiti, can encourage further crime and anti-social behavior in an area, as they signal a lack of order and law enforcement.
The theory is evidence-based, and I believe it can apply to all areas of our lives. When we settle for less broken windows, we invest in keeping our areas (e.g., personal space, homes, communities, nation, and world) attractive.
By attractive, I mean environments that promote health and happiness. Is health contagious? Is happiness contagious? I believe the answer to both of those questions is yes because what we see influences how we feel and what we believe. For example,
Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration.
In some ways, clutter and mess is linked to negative emotions like confusion, tension, and irritability while an organized home tends to produce more positive emotions like calmness and a sense of well-being.
A new study shows that removing trash and adding trees to empty lots helped people feel happier and reduced symptoms of depression.
Today, I will settle for less broken windows, so I can build an environment that promotes health and happiness.
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