Cleaning and your mental health

Love it or hate it, cleaning is a universal and necessary human activity. Your feelings about it have a large amount to do with your personal background and how this task was handled as a child.

While some may view cleaning as a tedious chore, for others it can be an effective way to relax, de-stress, and even improve mental well-being.

In this article, we will explore the psychology of cleaning and the various ways it can benefit our mental health as well as our physical health.

First, let's look at the idea of cleaning as self-care. Sounds strange right? Self-care is supposed to be spa days and bubble baths, not mops and brooms.

But...

Many people find that cleaning can be a great way to get into a calming and therapeutic flow state. It can be soothing to take a break from the busyness of our lives and focus on the task at hand.

Do you ever feel anxious and unable to work in certain spaces? Clutter may be to blame! Cleaning is also a great way to increase productivity, as many people find that a clean and organized space can help them to focus better and be more productive.

Everyone feels better after they feel like they have been productive and done a good job. Cleaning can help to create a sense of accomplishment, as it is a task that can be completed in a relatively short amount of time and can often result in a tangible, visible improvement in the space.

Another way that cleaning can help improve mental health is by providing a sense of control.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos of our lives and the world in general. Cleaning can be a way to regain a sense of control over our environment, even if it is only temporary. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, as it is a task that requires us to focus on the present moment and not on our worries or fears.

In addition to the mental health benefits of cleaning, it can also be beneficial to physical health. Research has shown that a clean environment can reduce the number of allergens in the air, which can help those with allergies or asthma to breathe easier.

Having a clean and organized space can help to reduce the spread of disease, as germs and bacteria are less likely to spread in an environment that is regularly cleaned and disinfected.

It is important to remember that cleaning should be a positive experience. It should not be viewed as a chore that must be done in order to avoid punishment. And sometimes it is ok to let things go and focus on more important matters in your life. There is no shame in this and there is no shame in admitting you need some help to get things back on track!

Cleaning should be seen as an opportunity to practice mindfulness and self-care, as well as to take control of our environment and improve our physical and mental health.

In conclusion, cleaning can be a powerful tool for improving our mental and physical health. It can help us to relax, increase productivity, and de-stress! Not sure where to start? I have created a cleaning guide and logbook to help you get started the log comes with a recommended daily cleaning schedule as well as an easy to use checklist!

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. This article is not meant to diagnose or treat any mental or medical condition.