Surprising Health Benefits of Clean Home

Here's how a little structure and cleanliness might benefit you more than you might think.

1. Cleaning helps maintain a healthy immune system.

If you have seasonal allergies, it's possible that something other than pollen is causing your sneezing fits. People who are prone to allergies may find that dust, mildew, mold, pet dander, and even bugs, which tend to accumulate in cluttered homes throughout the winter, are significant immune system triggers. Many scientists and environmental specialists contend that indoor pollution is frequently worse than outdoor pollution.

Cleaning out moist or possibly damp places like bathrooms, basements, and garages on a regular basis is the greatest approach to prevent the accumulation of these immune system disruptors in your home. According to a 2014 research by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunity, decluttering and cleaning your home can help you feel better and prevent allergy problems.

2. Cleaning eases tension.

According to some experts, the physical act of cleaning may temporarily switch your brain off so that you can unwind. Therefore, despite the fact that cleaning seems boring and repetitious, it might be just what your brain needs to decompress. Not to mention that getting rid of exterior clutter could help you clear your mind of interior congestion. Additionally, studies have shown that even 20 minutes of housework can reduce stress and anxiety by up to 20%. Try cleaning supplies with calming aromas like lavender or eucalyptus to relieve stress more quickly.

According to studies published in the journal Mindfulness, cleaning can even turn into a technique to practice mindfulness if done intentionally and with awareness. People were more at ease and comfortable when they cleaned the dishes after reading a text about mindful dishwashing by the poet and Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh than when they did not read the passage.

3. Cleaning can help your heart.

Many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, can be prevented by regular exercise. Household cleaning supplies chores and other low-intensity physical activity provide heart-healthy advantages. Vacuuming for 30 minutes can, on average, increase heart rate and help you reach your physical activity objectives while burning up to 111 calories for men and 94 calories for women. People who maintain clean houses also have a stronger motivation to invest in their overall physical fitness, which is crucial for heart health in general. According to a Swedish study from 2017, sitting for just 30 minutes or fewer each day reduced the incidence of catastrophic cardiovascular events. If you're searching for a quick and simple strategy to boost your heart health, only 30 minutes per day of light activity, such as mopping, cleaning, and vacuuming the floors, can cut your risk of heart disease by 24%.

4. You'll sleep better if your bedroom is tidy.

Consider and treat your bedroom as your own personal haven of rest. Regular bedmakers had a 19% higher likelihood of consistently having restful sleep. According to a National Sleep Foundation survey, 75% of respondents said they slept better on crisp, scented linens. Clear the clutter from your bedroom, switch up your blankets, and even try a natural room spray if you're having difficulties falling asleep at night.

5. A tidy environment boosts productivity.

The type of clutter in your immediate environment has a big impact on how well you can concentrate. You really free up mental space that enables you to concentrate on any given task more intently when you are less distracted by the chaos around you or the extra things piling up in your home. This was supported by a 2011 study published in The Journal of Neuroscience, which used MRIs to monitor the brain's response to cleanliness and discovered that increased clutter dramatically reduces the brain's cognitive power. As a result, clearing the clutter can reduce distractions, boost overall productivity, and result in a much shorter to-do list.

6. Cleaning can lift your spirits and give you a sense of accomplishment.

While not everyone enjoys cleaning yourself, the finished cleaning products can make the majority of people feel incredibly satisfied. A clean, organized, and fragrant home can increase endorphins in the brain and increase energy naturally. According to one study, maintaining a tidy home has both short- and long-term advantages for mental health, including a temporary boost in mood and a lower overall risk of depression.

7. Cleaning promotes a healthy way of living.

Good habits spread like wildfire! Cleaning up your surroundings and making your home feel more organized can automatically lead to "cleaning" up to other areas of your life, such as your diet, exercise program, and sleeping patterns. In particular, a University of Minnesota study from 2013 indicated that when people were placed in a clean and organized setting, they were more likely to select healthier food selections than those who were placed in a chaotic one. Spring cleaning doesn't just apply to your home; alter up your exercise regimen by practicing yoga outside in the open air, organizing a weekend hike with friends, and switching from the treadmill to the trails. What better time to change things up than in the spring, a season of renewal?