The weather is getting nicer, the flowers are starting to bloom, the trees are changing colours and the sun is shining. It is a great time to consider spring cleaning a little early this year. If you are feeling a little down and out, especially at this moment while the world is going through an unprecedented time and we are all trying our hardest to practice social distancing, cleaning may feel like the last thing you want to do. Studies show however that there is a very strong correlation between anxiety and depressing and living in a messy space. There are various reasons as to why cleaning your home will make you feel better mentally.

Declutter Your Home: Declutter Your Mind 

Clutter and disorder can accumulate over time and therefore, you may not even realize that the clutter is contributing to stress. Clutter can create a sense of chaos and conflict throughout your day-to-day life. For example, if you have to climb over mess in order to walk through to the washroom or dig through a pile of clothes to find something to change in to, it is ultimately contributing to inconvenience and frustration. 

Declutter your home – throw away garbage, put things away, organize your belongings and you will notice that a clean home creates a healthier mind.

Dirt, Grime and Mold 

Needless to say that dirt creates unhealthy conditions to live in, and can eventually lead to animals, bugs and spoiled food items within your home. Messy homes can in fact lead to mold, bacteria and mildew which can heighten allergies, and optimize chances of becoming ill. Giving your home a good clean will reduce exposure to unhealthy allergens. Open up some windows and let the fresh air in your home!

Move that Body! 

Though cleaning isn’t exactly exercise, it can sure start to become exercise while you are constantly moving your body. You can also turn it into exercise by lunging, squatting and stretching while you are cleaning, scrubbing and organizing. Move that body, and it releases endorphins in your brain that will make your mind feel better and your body too!

Accomplishment! 

Think of spring cleaning like a project – and most times upon project completion, there is a sense of achievement and accomplishment that we all feel. At the same time you are making improvements in your home and in your mind, and you are bound to fight the feeling of agitation and frustration. 

Cleaning won’t be life changing completely and totally, however, it can help ease feelings of anxiety and depression, and make your home feel safe, clean, secure and calm.