As humans we’re all different. We seek joy in different ways, we look after our health, both physically and mentally in different ways.
When it comes to the latter, we really do need to look after our mental health, with more and more people suffering from problems involving our mental health, with knock on effects leading to the likes of depression and addiction.
Now, we’re not exactly saying you should start cleaning. But it might be the right option for you. There are many ways in which to look after your mental health. The likes of yoga, meditation and other similar practices in drug rehab clinics are common in order to aid calmness, focus and relaxation, while we’re going off piste a little and maybe you may feel the benefit of cleaning.
Yes, it has been proven that cleaning can improve your overall mental health, and with good reason. Here are some of the practicalities around it…
Clutter can have a negative impact on mental health
Firstly, there’s the fact that clutter can be harmful to your mental health, so ensuring you don’t have clutter around the house is combatting that. A number of studies have shown that people who live in cluttered living spaces are more likely to be fatigued and depressed than those who don’t, while in women in particular, those who live in cluttered or messy homes have higher levels of cortisol.
Clutter can also decrease focus in the mind, with researchers at Princeton University finding that more clutter in a space can make it difficult to focus on a task, with a person’s visual cortex overwhelmed.
The Benefits of Cleaning and Decluttering
Therefore, cleaning and ensuring you are living in an organised and decluttered space can have a positive impact on mental health.
Research has shown a number of positive effects. Firstly, it shows you have a sense of control over an environment, as well as being a calming presence thanks to the repetitive nature of cleaning.
It’s a great way to destress, and the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at the end of cleaning a space can also significantly improve your mood.
Of course, there are also physical health benefits too, with an intense cleaning also offering a bit of a workout, which will release endorphins and also improve your mood as well as overall physical wellbeing.
So, if you don’t fancy yoga, then it may well be time to get out the mop!