Clear headed: Understanding the connection between cleaning and mental health

Whether you live alone, are a young couple and have a bustling family household, staying on top of the weekly house clean can be a struggle. Modern life is tremendously demanding, so letting the washing pile up over the weekend or breaking out the vacuum on a Thursday when you usually clean on a Monday will happen now and again. But when your home really starts to get dirty and dishevelled it can start to have an impact on your mental health. The mundane task of tidying up your living space may have more profound effects than simply achieving a spotless home. It might even pave the way to a clear mind and improved sense of wellbeing. Not quite convinced? Keep reading to find out more.

 

Clutter: The Calm Killer

Picture this: You’ve had a long, exhausting day at work. You come home to a cluttered living room, dirty dishes in the sink, and dust bunnies under the couch. The visual chaos exacerbates your stress, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and anxious. In contrast, imagine returning to a clean, tidy house where everything is in its place. The serenity of the environment provides a much-needed mental rest, and there’s a reason for that.

To our brains, clutter is noise without the noise. And it takes many shapes. If our mind is cluttered with thoughts, we find it hard to concentrate on tasks. If those thoughts are negative, concentration can seem a bridge too far.  When we encounter clutter in our lives, it has the same effect. Nothing is calming about a messy house. Or a footpath littered with people. Heavy traffic? Forget it. These external situations ignite the same feelings as a cluttered mind.

 

Cleaning & The Human Brain

Your nervous system has a say in everything you do and think. Without nervous systems, we are cars without petrol. While the system is complex, some methods are simple to understand, at least on a fundamental level. Enjoyable activities prompt our nervous system to release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These transmitters give us feelings of reward and pleasure. They are the puppet masters who decide what we like and don’t like.

While cleaning isn’t synonymous with pleasure, it is with reward. The person who doesn’t feel content when they finish cleaning doesn’t exist. Motivation for cleaning is often elusive, yet we always feel good when we commit to the task. Afterwards, we continue to feel good.

A cluttered home can prompt your body to release another neurotransmitter called cortisol, often called the ‘stress hormone’. With this release often comes feelings of anxiety. A constantly cluttered home is synonymous with elevated cortisol levels.

 

Cleaning & Emotional Regulation 

When you clean, there is more to gain than a feeling of reward and a tidy kitchen. The physical act is a reward for your body. Think of it: a whole day cleaning your house, up and down stairs, lifting things. It’s not the same as running a marathon or hiking a mountain, but you will feel you’ve earned a rest by the end. And don’t be surprised if those happy feelings join you on the couch.

If you make cleaning a regular activity, you create a positive habit, a positive cycle that your body and mind appreciate. The instant reward is that you feel happy and content. The longer you keep this habit, the more motivated you feel and the more self-esteem you gain. You’ll feel this ripple effect in other areas of your life too. Work, relationships, the lot; anything and everything will sparkle if you clean regularly.

When you clean the house, you also organise your thoughts. Most cleaning tasks are repetitive by nature. Your body and mind will soon get used to them. The mental space you create for yourself is helpful, particularly if you have pressing matters to consider. If nothing is pressing, treat it as an opportunity to empty your mind. Meditate. We’ve long known the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. If you combine them with your cleaning routine, the benefits will multiply.

Again, we return to cycles. Each habit, each routine helps the next, and so on. Discipline will keep you in good shape, both mentally and physically. And if you’re lucky, you might come to enjoy your weekly chores.

 

Cleaning & Productivity

In an ironic twist, doing your best to maintain a clean and organised environment instead of giving in to the desire to be unproductive can enhance your productivity long term. Clutter and mess can be visually distracting and subconsciously stressful, creating a cognitive load that impairs our ability to focus. By reducing clutter and maintaining a clean space, we can minimise distractions and create a more conducive environment for work or study. This, in turn, can lead to improved self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

However, it’s important to strike a balance. While cleaning can be therapeutic, becoming obsessive or relying on it as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety can be harmful. Everyone should define their level of ‘clean’ that makes them comfortable and happy. Don’t pressure yourself into maintaining an immaculate home if it becomes a source of stress instead of relief.

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The connection between cleaning and mental health is significant, yet often overlooked. In our quest for mental well-being, it’s essential to consider all aspects of our lives, including our physical surroundings. A clean home can be much more than just a visually pleasing space—it can be a cornerstone of mental health and a refuge of peace in our often chaotic lives.

So the next time you pick up that broom or duster, remember you are not just creating a healthier physical environment, but also cultivating a clearer, healthier mind. Embrace the process of cleaning, not just for the end result of a tidy home, but for the journey towards mental clarity and peace. Your mind, just like your home, deserves to be well taken care of.

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