Posted by: Roo Kailey
It’s finally here! The days have started to get longer and the sun shines a little brighter. It’s Springtime! It’s the season of fresh starts and new beginnings, symbolized by growth and new life.
For many of us, Spring begins with an annual ritual – the spring cleaning. A chance to declutter and say goodbye to junk – to refresh our spaces by getting neat and tidy. However, spring cleaning can actually bring about other benefits when it comes to your mental health. In the spirit of the season, here are some reasons why spring cleaning can be good for your mental well-being.
Reduces Allergens
As we continue to shelter into place during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re staring ahead at a long year that will see us spending more time indoors than ever. One thing that might not be at top of mind when it comes to being inside so much is the air quality of our living spaces.
Clean air helps support a strong immune system. A deep clean and decluttering tends to reduce dust and allergens in your home—which, in turn, promotes cleaner air for you to breathe, and reduces the harmful effects of accumulated dust and allergens. People who have common conditions like seasonal allergies and asthma, who have a reactive airway, all need to be especially aware of indoor air quality. For stronger air quality, avoid vacuuming and dusting too much indoors, and avoid fans that may blow the dust and dirt. We also recommend natural air purifiers to give your indoor air quality an extra boost.
Reduces Stress
A cluttered home can be the cause of even more unnecessary anxiety and stress. Some of our stress or anxiety comes from our environment, so we tend to feel calmer and more at ease in cleaner, less-cluttered spaces.
While the act of cleaning (a repetitive, mindless task) can feel therapeutic in of itself to some, the end result of a tidy and organized home is the ultimate satisfaction. Cleaning can even be used as a form of mindfulness, if you’d like.
Increases Focus & Productivity
Decluttering and cleaning up the home also declutters the brain. With less visual distractions, your brain can focus more on whatever you choose for it to focus on. Many people find it easier to focus at work with a clean space around them, or easier to cook a nice meal with a clean kitchen.
Improves Mood & Encourages a Healthier Lifestyle
The end goal of spring cleaning is to have a space that sparks joy. A clean, well-organized home can actually boost endorphins in the brain, increasing energy levels and making you feel happier and more content.
Moreover, cleaning your space often leads to cleaning up other areas of your life as well: think nutrition, exercise, sleep etc. When we spend the time and energy to clean and organize our homes, we prioritize ourselves and our well-being.