DECLUTTERING TIP: if you find organizing and cleaning stressful, set a timer for 15 to 30 minutes and work until it goes off. Then reward
Clutter and mess can be linked to negative emotions like confusion and tension. Whereas a clean and tidy home leads to positive emotions such as a sense of calm and well-being. By sorting and organising the clutter and mess around you, you can reduce any stress or anxiety you may be feeling and this will help you feel like you are taking control of your life. The physical activity of cleaning combined with the result of a cleaner home helps reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and depressive [...] Can cleaning help you reduce stress? There are lots of different ways that we can manage our stress. We each have our routine that we reach for when we feel overwhelmed. Some may try yoga, or mindfulness exercises, maybe even head to the hairdressers or for a massage. For others, dusting shelves, wiping down the kitchen or organising is their way to deal with stress. Cleaning is just as beneficial for our mental health as mindfulness related activities. For some people, coming home to a clean [...] 3 Set a time limit so you have an end goal. This is very popular with online cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch. Having a set time (30 minutes for example) will keep you focussed on what you want to achieve. Get all your cleaning products organised and ready and refer to your list of what you want to achieve in that time.
### The Mental Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning #### 1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety Cluttered spaces can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. When your environment is disorganized, your mind tends to feel the same way. By systematically cleaning and organizing, you can create a sense of order and control, reducing stress levels and making it easier to relax. #### 2. Boosting Mood and Productivity [...] Spring is a season of renewal, making it the perfect time to refresh your living space and, in turn, your mind. Many people associate spring cleaning with dusting, organizing, and deep cleaning, but did you know that decluttering can also have profound mental health benefits? A clean, organized environment can reduce stress, increase productivity, and enhance your overall sense of well-being. In this blog, we will explore the connection between cleanliness and mental health, along with [...] Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up—it’s about setting the stage for healthier routines. A well-organized kitchen encourages better eating habits, a clean bedroom promotes restful sleep, and a decluttered workspace can enhance efficiency and creativity. ### Practical Spring Cleaning Tips for Mental Clarity #### 1. Start Small and Set Manageable Goals
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. [...] Cleaning and organizing our space may feel overwhelming in the moment, but it’s actually something we have the ability to control, assuming there are no physical limitations or other similar issues preventing us from doing so. ## How do you help clients figure out what stuff to toss or give away? Many people feel stuck when it comes to deciding what to part with. They may hold onto things that don’t have any practical or sentimental value because of anxiety or fear of moving on. [...] This doesn’t mean you need to clean out your closet every week. But everyday tidying and maintenance, like making your bed every day, may have surprising dividends. I often suggest engaging in a two-week trial period for any new habit or behavior. This helps people to assess whether the behavior has any real benefits before deciding whether to commit to it. Additionally, it is usually easier to find the motivation to continue a behavior once we fully understand and experience the benefits of
As mentioned before, decluttering and organizing your stuff can reduce stress. In one scientific study, women who had messy homes had higher cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in their bodies throughout the day compared to women that saw their homes as organized and relaxing.1 Clutter tends to leave a heavy feeling on a homeowner, as it weighs you down both physically and emotionally. ## Organized space helps to increase your ability to concentrate. [...] Decluttering might sound like a trendy buzzword, but there’s real value in it—especially for professionals like you. Clearing off your desk, organizing your notes, or even tackling that chaotic storage room at the clinic isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about reclaiming a sense of control. And research backs it up: people who maintain orderly spaces often report lower stress levels, more focus, and even better moods. You may not be able to control a tough case or an emotional client [...] Have you ever found yourself feeling stressed and easily distracted working in a messy work environment? A clean and tidy space means fewer distractions and therefore helps to make you more focused on what you are doing. ## Organized space equals better sleep quality.
Home » News » The Connection Between Cleanliness and Mental Health # The Connection Between Cleanliness and Mental Health ### Here’s why decluttering can help spark joy and boost mood ### Key Takeaways Maintaining a clean and organized home can help reduce stress, lift your mood, and make you feel more in control. Start small by cleaning one part of your house each day to make cleaning less overwhelming. [...] Clutter and mess can create more stress and anxiety, but by cleaning, organizing, and reducing the clutter, people are able to take control of their environment and create a more relaxing environment that helps them focus better on the more pressing issues in their lives. The Connection Between Cleanliness and Mental Health ## Benefits of Cleanliness and Decluttering [...] A study by the University of Connecticut found that in times of high stress, people default to repetitive behaviors like cleaning because it gives them a sense of control during a chaotic time.6 Other research has found that decluttering can help older adults retain a sense of control over their life as they age.7 What’s more, clutter and disorganization can be really distracting, making it hard to focus or complete other projects. You can start to feel stuck in a rut.
Always begin cleaning with a positive mind. There is no right way to declutter because we all have different needs. Put your mind into a state that will allow you to freely wander as you straighten up and organize. Know that once you do something and see that it is good enough, it is good enough. Shift your focus from perfectionism to simply fulfilling the action. Practice a positive mind with deep breathing and positive thoughts towards yourself, what you’re about to do, and then what you [...] Relieve anxiety. When things are not organized or clean, it can often bring vast amounts of anxiety. You may feel constantly stressed, worried, or afraid of more clutter accumulating. To allow our minds to find some peace, decluttering can lift that weight and help us to think clearer and feel calmer. [...] Boost your mood and help improve your physical health. The ability to complete physical activity while organizing can enhance creativity by allowing the mind to wander. Letting our mind go a little as we organize our clutter can help us relax mentally while our body is staying active. The combination of the two can boost our mood because we feel less stressed about what once was clutter, and we feel accomplished after seeing the progress!
Improved lifestyle and well-being. It's easier to prepare healthy meals in an orderly kitchen. And most people sleep better in a neat room with a tidy bed. ## Tips for Decluttering Your Spaces You'll enjoy the mental health benefits of decluttering more if you make the process low-stress. Use these tips for decluttering: [...] Logo for WebMD # Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering If you're looking for an easy way to reduce stress, decluttering your environment may be a good place to start. Getting rid of excess stuff can benefit your mental health by making you feel calmer, happier, and more in control. A tidier space can make for a more relaxed mind. ## Benefits of Decluttering [...] Untidy environments often increase stress for most people. In one study, women who described their homes with positive language had a lower level of the stress hormone cortisol than women who described their homes as cluttered or unfinished.