[Mental Health]( # Stress Management: Clutter, Cleaning and Mental Health ## Share This Post [...] and depressive symptoms. Cleaning can also reduce fatigue as having clean sheets and making the bed has been proven to give you a better night’s sleep. Which in turn is linked to a more positive mood. What is stress management? [...] ## Cleaning and Endorphins
### Conclusion There’s no way we can escape stress entirely. As our modern lives pile things on our plate, stress will often follow. While there are a multitude of strategies we can employ to help mitigate stress, cleaning and organizing is always an easy activity we can engage in that provides numerous benefits. Even better, the more we do, the more effective it becomes. So start organizing today! Kwik Brain Neuroscience Brain Training Organization Stress Management Jim Kwik Jim Kwik [...] Sitemap Open in app Sign in Search Sign in Kwik Brain Neuroscience Brain Training Organization Stress Management # Fight Stress By Cleaning―It Really Works Jim Kwik Jim Kwik 6 min read · Aug 15, 2021 -- Press enter or click to view image in full size Photo by Jess Zoerb on Unsplash [...] One way to fight stress is through cleaning. This is probably a solution many of us have never considered as a destress solution. In fact, cleaning is something many people add to their list of things that adds stress to their lives. But there’s a lot of science to back this up. Here are four ways cleaning helps lower stress. Press enter or click to view image in full size Photo by Volha Flaxeco on Unsplash ### Provides a sense of control
Spike W. S. Lee is an associate professor of management and psychology at the University of Toronto. His research interests include mind-body relations, morality, politics, antiscience, class, culture, language, and technology. Kobe Millet is an associate professor of marketing at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His research interests include cooperative behavior and consumer judgment and decision-making. [...] Given these observations about cleaning behavior, its elicitation, and its adaptive functions in a wide range of nonhuman species, is there a similar link between stress and cleaning in humans? ### A Psychological Link Between Stress and Cleaning [...] ## . Unfortunately, stressors are part of life, be it emotional struggles, interpersonal conflicts, or work demands. Stress can also result from isolated, potent threats. For example, when terrorists hijacked and crashed domestic flights into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers’ collapse left indelible marks on American minds, followed by immediate acute stress and elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms for months (Silver et al., 2002).
focus on what truly matters. Taking breaks from social media and engaging in restorative activities like walking, reading, or meditating can further ease stress and promote inner peace. [...] University of Nebraska–Lincoln Log In Search HealthierU Search Log In # Spring Cleaning for the Mind: How Decluttering Reduces Stress by Lynn McGill March 27, 2025 Cleaning products including a brightly colored sponges, a basket of spray bottles, yellow rubber gloves and then a pile of pink tulip flowers Lynn McGill [...] Lynn McGill Spring is the perfect time to refresh and reset—not just our homes, but also our minds. Mental clutter, like negative thoughts, worries, and endless to-do lists, can increase stress and make it difficult to focus. Just as cleaning a messy room creates a sense of order, clearing mental clutter can bring clarity and calm, allowing you to be more present and intentional in your daily life.
the benefits of doing so. [...] Whether someone is dealing with depression or is simply overwhelmed, we often use a technique called behavioral activation, which involves purposefully engaging in achievable activities to improve mood. This approach has been borne out in research; one study even suggests that cleaning can help alleviate stress, even when the stressor has nothing to do with the clutter. Spring cleaning is a great example of behavioral activation. [...] Skip to content curly haired woman decluttering her home # Reduce Stress through Decluttering ## The Mental Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning April 10, 2024 ## Share this page Share on Facebook Share on X (formerly Twitter)") Share on LinkedIn Share by email Michael Carollo, PsyD Michael Carollo, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist at Columbia
Research has shown that living in a cluttered environment increases stress. In the study, young women cared for an infant in either a normal or cluttered environment.1 While chaos didn’t seem to affect mood or responsiveness, physical stress levels were still higher for women in the cluttered homes. Such findings suggest that parents should consider how cleanliness and clutter in the home may impact their stress levels. [...] Keeping your home clean and engaging in the cleaning process is good for you. In fact, research shows that cleaning—or the lack of cleaning—can have a direct impact on mental health. ### Clutter May Contribute to Stress [...] Additionally, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America indicates that the physical activity of cleaning coupled with the end result of a cleaner home helps reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and depressive symptoms.10 Cleaning can also reduce fatigue and improve concentration. ### Cleanliness and Focus
Conclusion The connection between a clean environment and mental health is undeniable. A tidy, organized space can reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall well-being. By integrating regular cleaning practices and using effective, safe cleaning products, you can create a sanctuary that nurtures both your mind and body. Trust Good Salt Life to be your partner in achieving a clean, healthy living environment that supports your mental health and overall well-being. [...] 4. Involve the Whole Family: Cleaning can be a shared responsibility. Involve family members in cleaning tasks to lighten the load and promote teamwork. 5. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your cleaning achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can motivate you to maintain your cleaning routine. [...] 1. Set Realistic Goals: Break down cleaning tasks into manageable chunks. Focus on one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. 2. Schedule Regular Cleaning Sessions: Dedicate specific times each week for cleaning. Consistency is key to maintaining a tidy space. 3. Use Effective Cleaning Products: Choose products that are safe, effective, and easy to use. Good Salt Life’s Clean Republic All-Purpose Cleaner is gentle on surfaces and safe for families, pets, and plants.