Spring cleaning isn’t just an annual ritual for decluttering your home—it’s also an opportunity to declutter your mind. Research shows that cleaning and organising your physical environment can significantly impact your mental well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the various ways that spring cleaning, or simply tidying up your space, can improve your mental health, productivity, and overall mood.
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
What the research says
A cluttered environment can create a feeling of chaos, making it difficult for the mind to focus and relax. Studies have shown that clutter can increase levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to heightened feelings of anxiety. A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals who viewed a cluttered environment reported higher levels of stress and felt less in control of their surroundings.
Why spring-cleaning helps
Spring cleaning allows you to take control of your environment. By organizing and tidying up, you can reduce the visual and emotional noise that contributes to stress. A clean, organized space fosters a sense of calm and order, which can lead to a reduction in anxiety.
Research-backed tip
Breaking down cleaning tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks can help reduce any overwhelming feelings. For example, instead of thinking, “I need to clean the whole house,” focus on one area at a time, like clearing off a desk or organizing a drawer. This makes the task feel less daunting and more achievable.
2. Boosts Mood and Increases Happiness
What the research says
Cleaning your living space can also improve your mood. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people who lived in clean, organized environments reported feeling happier and more positive about their homes and lives. Additionally, having a tidy environment can provide a sense of accomplishment, which boosts self-esteem.
Why spring-cleaning helps
When you clean and organize, you not only make your space more pleasant, but you also give yourself a sense of achievement. This can help combat feelings of helplessness or depression. By tackling cleaning tasks, you’re creating an environment that encourages relaxation and positivity, which contributes to a better overall mood.
Research-backed tip
Start with spaces that make you feel the most overwhelmed—this could be a messy desk or a cluttered kitchen. The act of cleaning these areas and turning them into peaceful, organized spaces can immediately lift your mood.
3. Improves Focus and Productivity
What the research says
Clutter has been shown to negatively affect concentration and focus. A study conducted by researchers at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter in your environment can compete for your attention, reducing your ability to focus on tasks. In contrast, a clean and organized space allows your brain to focus on the task at hand, leading to improved productivity.
Why spring cleaning helps
When you spring clean, you’re removing distractions and creating a space conducive to concentration. Whether it’s a clutter-free workspace or a neat living room, a well-organized environment helps clear your mind and promotes better cognitive functioning.
Research-backed tip
Create designated spaces for specific tasks (e.g., a workspace for work, a reading nook for relaxation). Keeping things separated helps reduce mental clutter, making it easier to focus on one thing at a time.
4. Promotes a Sense of Control and Empowerment
What the research says
Taking control of your physical environment can translate to a sense of control over your life. According to Psychology Today, organizing your space can give you a sense of empowerment, particularly in situations where other aspects of life may feel unpredictable or chaotic. The process of spring cleaning can restore a sense of control, which is important for mental health, especially for those who may feel overwhelmed or helpless.
Why spring cleaning helps
Spring cleaning is an active process—it requires you to make decisions about what to keep, what to discard, and how to arrange things. This decision-making can help you feel more in control, which is essential for managing stress and anxiety.
Research-backed tip
Try starting with a small, personal space that’s entirely in your control, like your bedroom or personal desk. The act of deciding what stays and what goes can give you a satisfying sense of agency and self-assurance.
5. Enhances Sleep Quality
What the research says
A clean and organized bedroom is associated with better sleep. Research published in Sleep Health found that people who maintained a tidy and organized sleeping environment reported better sleep quality and felt more rested. A cluttered bedroom can create mental clutter, making it harder to relax and fall asleep.
Why spring cleaning helps
Spring cleaning your bedroom and creating a serene, clutter-free environment helps signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down and rest. This peaceful space can promote a calming pre-sleep routine and lead to more restful sleep.
Research-backed tip
Focus on the bedroom first. Keep only the essentials on your bedside table, and make sure your bed linens are clean and fresh. A tidy, inviting bedroom helps create a better sleep environment.
6. Fosters Mindfulness and Self-Care
What the research says
Mindfulness practices, which involve being present in the moment, have been linked to improved mental well-being. Cleaning can be a form of mindfulness when approached with intention and awareness. A study in Mindfulness found that people who engage in mindful activities—like focusing on the task of cleaning—experience greater mental clarity and reduced stress.
Why spring cleaning helps
Spring cleaning can be an opportunity to practice mindfulness. By focusing on the present moment and engaging fully in the act of cleaning, you allow yourself to detach from worries and stress. This can help improve overall mental clarity and promote relaxation.
Research-backed tip
Approach cleaning as a mindful activity. Instead of rushing through it, take time to focus on the details: the sound of your cleaning supplies, the feeling of wiping surfaces, or the satisfaction of organizing an area. This can enhance the mental health benefits of the activity.
Conclusion: Spring Cleaning for a Clear Mind
While spring cleaning may seem like a task for decluttering your home, it offers far-reaching benefits for your mental health. By reducing stress, boosting mood, increasing productivity, and providing a sense of control, cleaning can be a simple yet effective way to improve your mental well-being. So, this spring, consider taking the time not just to clean your home, but to refresh your mind as well.
