Love Through Cleaning: 10 Ways A Tidy Home Supports Your Health
When it comes to expressions of love, it’s easy to focus outward on those that bring so much happiness and joy to our lives. Our family, friends, spouses, furry companions… there’s a lot to love!
However, one of the areas that many folks fall short on is showing themselves that same kind of love and appreciation. Taking time to focus on you, your own needs, and your own space can be a game-changer, improving both your physical and mental wellness. You may not think that cleaning plays a big part in either of those things but we’re here to show you otherwise!
Here are 10 ways a tidy home can benefit your health:
1. It Gets the Blood Pumping
Cleaning is more than just a way to declutter your home – it’s also a heart-healthy activity for those looking to get a good workout in. Scrubbing down walls, cleaning out closets, sweeping floors, pushing around the mop and vacuum – they’re all great low-impact activities that can get you up and moving.
This cleaning/exercise combo releases endorphins, the ‘feel good’ chemical, which provides you with a mental boost as well as a clean home! For added fun, try blasting your favorite music while you tidy. Every good cleaning session can be made more fun (and more active) with the add-on of an impromptu dance party.
2. It Can Improve Your Sleep Quality
Did you know that those that make their beds every morning experience a more consistent sleep at night? It’s true!
There’s plenty of research to show that keeping a clean home can improve the quality and consistency of your sleep. Household cleanliness prevents the build up of allergens, such as dust and pet dander, that can trigger allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing, and skin irritations – all of which are disruptive to a good night’s sleep.
While the physicality of housework alone can help you fall asleep more quickly, even the knowledge of sleeping in a clean room is intrinsically more restful. So give it a try before heading into your next sleep cycle or even prior to a mid-afternoon siesta.
3. It Can Help Us Eat Better
Research suggests that when we feel bad or disgusted with our home’s cleanliness, we’re more inclined to reach for sugary, salty, and/or processed foods that give us that quick ‘boost’. Whereas when we walk into a space that we already feel good about, we reach for foods that will help us to continue feeling good.
You may think that one thing has nothing to do with the other, but studies have shown that we’re more likely to make better food choices when our kitchen and dining space are clean and tidy.
4. Cleanliness Reduces the Chance of Injury
You may raise an eyebrow at this one but it’s true! One of the biggest contributors to accidents within the home is having an abundance of clutter where it’s not supposed to be. Once it’s there, it’s only a matter of time before you, the kids, the grandparents, or even Fido trip over the mess.
Avoid accidental falls and stubbed toes by keeping clutter away from high traffic areas such as doors and hallways. If you have rugs, make sure they’re secure and that there are no corners sticking up. Stray electrical cords and loose floorboards should also be taken care of to avoid potential injury.
5. It Bolsters the Immune System
With cold and flu season right around the corner, you want to do everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick. And, believe it or not, regular house cleaning can help you achieve this!
Regular dusting, washing, and vacuuming can help prevent buildups of mold, dust, dirt, and pet dander – all of which can trigger respiratory issues.
To reduce germs that linger on high-contact areas such as counters, doorknobs, and light switches, wipe them down weekly with disinfectant wipes. You’ll also want to trade out old sponges and dishcloths regularly as they’re notorious for holding an abundance of bacteria when left to sit for too long.
6. It Makes Us Feel Productive
Setting ourselves manageable cleaning goals, whether they’re big or small, goes a long way in helping us feel accomplished.
When you’re able to check things off of your to-do list, and visually see the results of your work, it inspires feelings of wellness, productivity, and motivation. These feelings can give your brain a much-needed boost and can help you begin and/or end your day on a positive note.
7. It Improves Mood and Mental Clarity
While cleaning isn’t at the top of everyone’s list of ‘favorite things to do’, there is an undeniable feeling of calmness and tranquility that comes with stepping into a home that looks, smells, and feels good.
Cleaning gives us a singular point of focus which can help prevent feelings of stress and overwhelm. Research has shown that there are short- and long-term benefits to regular cleaning, including bolstering one’s mood and motivation and decreasing feelings of anxiety and depression.
8. It Deters Critters
It’s no secret that bugs and rodents harbor bacteria and disease. What’s less talked about is the emotional and mental stress that critters can cause, even after they’ve been dealt with.
The best way to avoid having uninvited visitors in your home is to make sure you’re regularly cleaning it. Rodents and creepy crawlies love messy areas, especially ones that see plenty of food and liquid spills.
Ensure that you’re cleaning kitchen and dining room counters, sanitizing the areas around pet food bowls, sweeping crumbs off the floor, keeping food in air-sealed containers, and are not leaving dirty dishes to sit in open areas. This will help prevent critters and the mental duress that comes along with them.
9. It Helps Improves Mental Health
You’ve probably heard it said before but it’s worth repeating – a messy home is a recipe for a messy mind.
Why, you ask? Well, when you live in a cluttered environment, you’re always visually seeing the mess. It’s always there, meaning your eyes, and your thoughts, are never truly at rest.
The act of cleaning not only helps to reduce physical clutter, but it also helps us to eliminate mental clutter as well! Tidying releases endorphins in your brain which makes you feel less anxious and more accomplished… and this opens the doors for feelings of contentedness and positivity.
10. It Inspires Us to Get Back to What We Love
Re-organizing and decluttering your space can reconnect you with your passion projects and hobbies. Who knows what kind of hidden treasures you’ll uncover when you take time to sort through the neglected piles, boxes, and storage spaces?!
From paintbrushes, to photo albums, to sports medals, to your favorite books… coming across these items can rekindle your love for them! This sparks feelings of pleasure and joy, and there are few things better for your mental health than actively participating in what you love!
If you’d like to reap the benefits of cleaning without all the heavy lifting, reach out to us! We’re happy to provide the support where and when you need it so that you can feel happy and healthy in your home.
And remember, we love cleaning so you don’t have to.
~Your Friend, Anna