Although cleaning is physical work, we all know how a messy home makes us actually feel – out of control, unsettled, and even a little irritated.
Of course a clean house won’t fix everything, but a chaotic environment can contribute to a chaotic mind. A fresh and organized space can be your sanctuary. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, looking at your surroundings might offer some clues - and some relief.
Here are five ways that maintaining a clean home can help support your mental health.
1. Reduce stress and visual noise
Have you ever walked into a room piled high with laundry or unopened mail and felt your shoulders instantly tense up? You aren't alone. Clutter provides a constant visual signal to our brains that: work is not done.
According to research in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as "cluttered" or full of "unfinished projects" showed higher levels of cortisol than those who described their homes as “restful”. When your home feels cluttered, your brain can become overstimulated by just the visual noise, making it difficult to relax. Clearing away the mess can help lower these stress levels.
2. Improve focus and productivity
It is difficult to focus on a task when there’s a mess just outside your line of vision. Whether you work from home or just need to manage household life, clutter is always competing for your attention.
Picture a clean workspace and a messy one…how does each make you feel? Researchers at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter can actually cause decreased performance and increased stress. By organizing your space and removing distractions, you may find it easier to process information and focus on your tasks.
3. Support better physical health (which affects mental health!)
There’s a direct link between how we feel physically and how we feel mentally. The CDC notes that exposure to indoor dampness and mold can lead to upper respiratory tract symptoms. Add in dust mites and pet dander and…you may have issues.
Regular deep cleaning, including dusting surfaces, vacuuming upholstery, and sanitizing bathrooms, can help. Breathe easier literally and figuratively!
4. Create a better environment for sleep
We all know how important sleep is to our mental health. But, if the last thing you see before closing your eyes is a pile of clothes, or if your air is dusty and stale, your sleep quality may suffer.
A clean and fresh bedroom signals to your brain that the day is over. Go to sleep with a clean room, wake up with a clear mind.
5. Provide a sense of control
Life is unpredictable. There are so many factors we can’t control, and this can sometimes make people feel unsettled.
Cleaning can give a tangible and immediate result. When you scrub a sink or vacuum the carpet, you instantly can see the difference. This small win can provide a sense of accomplishment. Taking charge of your home can be the first step in improving your mood.
Let Merry Maids help
We understand that when you feel stressed or overwhelmed, the idea of cleaning your entire home can feel impossible. The times we need a clean home the most are the times we have the least energy to make it happen.
That is where Merry Maids can help. We offer more than just cleaning – want you to find a sense of calm. We want to help give you the space and time you need to focus on yourself…instead of the mess.