
Have you ever noticed when your house gets cluttered and dirty, your mood is affected?
Staring into a sink full of dirty dishes that spill over onto the counter or junk everywhere, all you want to do is curl up and hide because it looks like a task that is too much to handle.
There has been much research on how your mental health and a clean home go hand in hand.
4 Key Ways a Clean Home Benefits Your Mental Health
Psychological Benefits: Clear Home, Clear Mind
In Psychology Today, if you clear your home of clutter, you will help clear your mind, for a cluttered home creates chaos. It also correlates with memory, increase in irritability, feeling of shame, broken sleep, and a feeling of anxiety.
Decluttering can be an overwhelming task for some, and for others, it is a great way to take out some bent-up frustration or anger from a bad day.
Enhanced Sense of Control and Safety (Expert Insights)
Dr. Dawn Potter says that some people feel in control when their home is neat and tidy. She also reminds us it is a safety issue having things on the floor, especially with the elderly and young kids.
Dr. Potter also says that cleaning when you are stressed can give you a sense of accomplishment, especially when dealing with a problem you can’t solve right away.
She suggests making a plan and giving yourself grace by taking on just one task at a time like “just the kitchen today.” But the trick to decluttering is just doing it.
The Physical Health Connection (Research Findings)
Indiana University did a study about clean homes, physical activity, and health. What they found in this study is how someone’s house looked like on the inside also correlated with their physical health.
Doing the day-to-day tasks of dusting, mopping, and cleaning gets people physically moving and being active. Some people would rather clean for 30 minutes than go outside for a 30-minute walk.
Dr. NiCole Keith brought up an interesting question, "Are the types of people who take care of their bodies the same types of people who take care of their homes?"
Overall Mood and Well-being Improvements
Having a clean home will help you be less moody, have a better working memory, and sleep better. It also gives a sense of control or accomplishment. Cleaning a home also helps release endorphins, helping your physical health as well.
Important Considerations: Seek Support When Cleaning Becomes a Challenge
Newport Healthcare notes from Dr. Loo reminds us that cleaning a home can be quite difficult for those with depression, burnout, and anxiety and to seek help from a mental health professional to learn some evidence-based coping strategies.
If you find yourself struggling to maintain a clean home due to these challenges, or if the thought of cleaning adds to your stress, remember that you're not alone, and there are resources available to help.
Sometimes, outsourcing the cleaning can be a helpful step towards creating a more peaceful and manageable home environment. If you're in Mesa, Arizona, Distinguished Manor House Cleaning is here to help.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the benefits of a clean home extend far beyond just aesthetics. From clearing your mind and improving your mood to boosting physical health and providing a sense of control, a tidy living space can significantly impact your overall well-being.
If you find that cleaning or decluttering feels overwhelming, especially if you are struggling with depression, burnout, or anxiety, remember that seeking professional help is a sign of strength.
There are resources available to support you in developing effective coping strategies and creating a healthier, happier home environment.
Wondering how much time a clean home might actually take? Check out how long it should take to clean a 2,000 sq ft. home.
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