Feeling depressed or stressed? Do some cleaning. Studies show that straightening out the physical aspects of your life can help elevate your mood. Doing household chores like organising drawers, washing dishes, or mopping floors, can make you feel good and reduce your anxiety.
An orderly environment can improve mental health, producing more good feelings such as tranquility and a sense of well-being. Tidy and neat spaces give you a sense of clarity and control, an improved quality of life, and a boosted sense of confidence. Cleaning your home creates a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.
In contrast, clutter or an untidy environment generates the stress hormone cortisol in the brain and can make you feel stressed, anxious and depressed. One 2016 study from the University of New Mexico found that clutter directly interfered with the participants’ ability to feel pleasure in a space.
How to get organised, especially if you’re unmotivated? Break your cleaning tasks into smaller doable tasks by reducing its size or scope. Start with a drawer, a bookshelf, or the kitchen pantry.
Grab your cleaning tools – and say hello to happier days!