Spring Cleaning
Spring is officially here, which means many people have been participating in spring cleaning! This ritual is a great opportunity to do some serious house cleaning after a long winter of being indoors. Most spring cleaning lists include things such as decluttering everything from the closets to the garage, dusting the shelves and cleaning off ceiling fans, doing a deep clean on the bathrooms, tidying up the yard, and even tending to the garden. What might surprise you is that this yearly ritual of cleaning is actually good for your health! Listed below are all the ways that spring cleaning benefits your health, both mentally and physically!
Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning
1. Reduced Stress Levels: Decluttering and deep cleaning is proven to reduce stress levels and improve mental health. Just like 20 minutes of exercise, 20 minutes of cleaning is stress relieving in itself.
2. Increased Motivation: People who clean their house get more exercise, and not just because cleaning burns calories. According to Indiana University research, those who are motivated to clean are more likely to be motivated to workout.
3. Increased Productivity: Whether you work from home or in the office, having a clean and organized work space makes you more productive. You will no longer be distracted or stressed out by clutter and having all your materials organized can help you complete tasks more efficiently.
4. Allergy Symptom Relief: Spring allergens cause a lot of people discomfort. However, by dusting and vacuuming frequently during spring cleaning, you can keep your house clear of dust, pet dander, and pollen. This will help keep your airways open throughout the spring allergy season.
5. Improved Mood: Spring cleaning and then keeping your home and office space clean can actually improve your mood. A study from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin proved women who come home to a clean and clutter free house were happier and less fatigued than those who come home to a dirty house. In addition, Spring Cleaning Week explains that having a clean home can you feel happier, more satisfied, and more accomplished which all reduce your risk of depression.
6. Improved Sleep: A clean house results in a better night’s sleep. According to a study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, when you have a clean house and you regularly make your bed, you are 19% more likely to sleep well.
7. Lowered Risk of Injury: The risk of an accident or injury in a cluttered home is also considerably higher for those of all ages. In particular,, an increasing number of number of child injuries and senior falls can be directly linked to clutter in the home. There is also an increased risk of injuries due to a home fire or smoke inhalation in cluttered homes because it takes longer to respond to the affected area, and there are more flammable materials present.
If you haven’t started cleaning yet, not is the perfect time to get started! Click here to learn more, and be sure to visit Spring Cleaning Week for spring cleaning tips and checklists!
