The Connection Between Cleaning and Mental Health
Have you felt like things have been a little off lately? Maybe you’re kind of stuck in a rut or you’re just having trouble maintaining a good mood. During times like these maybe you turn to yoga, mindfulness, or even a massage. These things can be a great solution, but if they aren’t providing the benefits you’re looking for, consider giving your home a good and thorough deep clean.
This might not have been the answer you were expecting to any mental health concerns, but it’s what we do here so of course the tie-in was coming. Needless to say, giving the shelves a quick dust, wiping down the kitchen, or even organizing the closet can be equally as beneficial for your mental health as your favorite hobby. For some people, the simple sight of a clean and organized home can help them unwind and de-stress even after an overwhelming day.
Need a mood boost or a mental reset? Keep reading for a closer look at the positive impact of cleaning on your mental health.
Reduces Stress and Depression
If you’ve been following us for a while then this probably comes as no shock to you, but we thought we’d give you another friendly reminder. No mess, no stress! A messy home can often lead some people to experience guilt, shame, or a sense of being overwhelmed.
According to a study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as “cluttered” or full of “unfinished projects” were more depressed, fatigued, and had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than women who felt their homes were “restful” and “restorative.”
A clean and decluttered environment is a great way to make sure you’ll feel welcome to relax and rejuvenate when you come home. This also keeps you from being reminded of all the things you need to do around the house.
Helps You Eat Better
Okay… so this one came as a surprise to us too, but surprisingly it’s true! Research in the journal of Psychological Science proves that a clean, clutter-free environment can help you make better food choices. A recent study recorded a group of people’s choice of a snack item (either an apple or a chocolate bar) and found that people who worked in a neat space for 10 minutes or more were twice as likely to choose the apple.
Boosts Your Relationships
Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, it looks like this news couldn’t have come at a better time. We know the topic of cleaning isn’t exactly the sexiest, but if you notice that things are a little tense at home, take some time to reflect on your environment.
Positive relationships with family, friends and partners are essential to a happy life – but believe it or not, having a dirty house has an effect on these too! If you live with a partner or roommate, not doing their share of the chores it can lead to resentment and be the source of aggravation and bad feelings. Dr Selhub says “For couples, clutter can create tension and conflict. And the time you spend looking for missing items can also take away from time you could be spending together.”
If this sounds like something maybe you or a loved one can benefit from, consider purchasing a Detroit Maid gift certificate here to help foster a more relaxing environment. Remember, “More time living. Less time cleaning.”
Increased Productivity and Focus
If you think about it, this one is actually quite simple. When you have a less stuff around to distract you, you get more stuff done. Untidiness requires your brain to process all of the things you see in your field of vision, but your brain can only process so many things at once. When presented with clutter, your brain gets overstimulated and has trouble processing all of the things you see. This leaves you completing daily tasks less efficiently and can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious.
In a study conducted by Princeton, they found that “the more [items] in your visual field, the harder the brain has to work to filter them out.” It will tire out your brain and leave you with little energy to get the items on your to-do list crossed off. Spending as little as ten minutes a day putting items where they belong and removing the items you don’t need can make it easier for your brain to process the information in front of you.
Improves Sleep
We previously mentioned that living in a clean and de-cluttered environment tends to improve your general mood, which naturally will result in a better slumber. However, this isn’t the only benefit cleanliness can have on your sleep patterns. Sleep is a vital way to keeping stress levels low. An organized space can limit the distractions at bedtime, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. Small actions like making your bed in the morning can be an easy step towards keeping your space clean and improving your sleep.
According to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 75 percent of people reported that they got a better nights rest with freshly changed sheets and fluffed pillows. This study also found that making your bed is linked to a more restful sleep later. Better sleep can help keep spirits high and stress low, so make sure you are keeping your bedroom nice and tidy. Sweet dreams!