Why Spring Cleaning is Good for You
I’m just going to come right out and say it—cleaning is the worst. Unless I am pulling a Monica Geller and using it to channel extra frenetic energy or stress, it’s really a downright drag. Weekly tasks like dusting, sweeping and vacuuming take up enough time as it is, but then you throw in the annual tradition of spring cleaning and I get overwhelmed to the point where I just want to brush it under the rug until next year—literally and figuratively.
If you share these sentiments, then we may want to think twice when it comes to skipping spring cleaning—because spring cleaning is actually good for you. Yep, that’s right people. Spring cleaning is not just good for the health of your home, but it’s also good for us. Here are some of the benefits to spring cleaning.
What is spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning is the practice of thoroughly cleaning your home in the springtime. Spring cleaning traditionally starts in the springtime, hence spring cleaning, but it can really take place any time of the year.
Spring cleaning is often used to describe any type of deep cleaning or organizing, but annual spring cleaning is especially prevalent in climates that experience cold winters like the East Coast and Midwest. Think of how much time we spend indoors during the cold winter months. Spring is the perfect season to shake the dust off from fall and winter and start fresh for the upcoming spring and summer months.
Physical benefits of spring cleaning
Besides getting your home super clean, spring cleaning has some pretty stellar benefits. David McHugh, CEO and Founder of My Mixify, a business and blog focused on health, wellness, sports and fitness, explains some of the physical benefits to spring cleaning. “It’s been found that having a clean house free of clutter can reduce stress, which is tied to better sleep quality.”
Stephen Light, a Certified Stress Management Coach and co-owner of Nolah Mattress, further explains. “Clutter is an anxiety-inducing sight. Wherever you see items[that] no longer belong in your home, you subconsciously think that it’s too crowded or too dirty, making it difficult for you to fall asleep.”
He continues, “Another benefit of spring cleaning [especially when it comes to sleep] is the reduction of allergens in your bedroom. The lower concentration of allergens decreases the risk of getting allergies, making it easier for you to fall asleep. Otherwise, you risk disrupting your sleep by sneezing or having a runny nose.”
Bacteria left behind from the winter months and forced air heating can irritate allergies or other health problems, which is why it’s good to give your home a good clean after the winter season. A thorough deep clean of your home can also help remove all types of lingering dust, mold and pollen that could cause any discomfort to you and your health during other times of the year. If you want to set your physical health up for a successful year ahead, you may want to start making a spring cleaning plan.
Mental benefits of spring cleaning
Regardless of how much time you spend inside your house, your home greatly influences you and your way of life. Natalie Maximets, a certified life transformation coach, touts the mental benefits of spring cleaning.
“Just like any other general cleaning activities, spring cleaning can give individuals a sense of fulfillment. It motivates the human mind by giving it a concept of reward through a clean environment, which also stimulates and promotes the production of positive hormones. With this, and in return, these hormones will aid your body to react positively.”
If you work from home (which let’s be real, who doesn’t nowadays), a clean home helps you stay focused on your daily tasks. Sandra Henderson, a Licensed Professional Counselor at LifeHacks, says, “According to studies, a clean and clutter-free home can contribute to the wellness of one’s mind. It affects your mood and focus. Hence, spring cleaning can help you to be more mentally active and sharper, which translates to better decision-making and better execution of other tasks within that flawless space you’ve cleaned.”
On the other hand, if you rarely spend any time at home due to work travel or other obligations, a clean home can act as a restoring environment where you can relax and recharge once you return. There’s a reason Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home.” Whether you spend a lot, or a little, time at home, coming home to a clean and tidy house encourages us to stay organized and keeps us feeling energized and motivated.
Start spring cleaning
Spring cleaning is a great way to destress and release endorphins that can give you the satisfaction and thrill of having achieved something. Whether you take a day, a weekend or even a whole week, find some time to spring clean this year. Grab an eco-friendly cleaning product, deep clean the fridge and organize its drawers, then bask in the awesomeness of a job well done. Happy spring cleaning everyone!
