It’s obvious that having a clean home is good for your physical health but research has shown that the clutter and mess in your home can have a significant impact on your mental health as well. It makes sense that when things are chaotic around you, it can make your brain feel chaotic as well. In fact, having a clean home has been shown to improve focus, decrease stress and lessen symptoms of depression.
September is Self Care Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to reflect on what is working in your home and what is not. Here are several ways that cleanliness impacts mental health:
Promotes stability and consistency:
Life is full of change but it’s important to have safe spaces of consistency and order. Making your home that safe space is great for your mental health. It signals to the brain that when you walk through the door you don’t have to worry about unexpected surprises. You can relax and feel at ease.
Improve focus:
Clutter is distracting. It’s easy for the brain to get caught up in all that needs to be done, rather than the task at hand. When your home is orderly, it can reduce these distractions.
Reduce stress:
Messes often translate to the brain as problems that need to be solved and more mess means more problems. Research has linked clutter to many negative emotions like confusion, tension and irritability which can then impact relationships. Reducing these negative feelings can help boost the calm in your life.
Increased endorphins:
While the thought of cleaning may not sound like fun, it has actually been shown to release endorphins. The act of cleaning can be repetitive which in some ways is comforting. It’s also a mood-booster to be able to cross something off your to-do list and feel that sense of accomplishment. Mindful cleaning, in particular, is very beneficial to your mental health. Taking the time to smell the soap, squish a sponge or feel soft fabrics can all help center you in the present moment.
When you are struggling with mental health, it can be incredibly difficult to find the motivation or energy to clean. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to experience the benefits. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Start small:
If the clutter in your home feels overwhelming, know you don’t have to tackle it all at once. Start with one cupboard or one shelf in the closet. Even a tiny improvement can feel like a great accomplishment.
Set a timer:
You may be amazed what you can get done in just five minutes. Start small with the amount of time you set aside for cleaning and as you go you may find yourself eager to do more.
Ask for help:
There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. When daily chores and stress are feeling like too much, reach out to someone you love for their assistance. Doing it together can make the time fly by even faster!