How Cleaning Can Keep Stress Down        

Have you ever heard the phrase “cleanliness is next to Godliness?” Well, cleaning can be beneficial in multiple ways. Stress, in particular, can be overwhelming; however, cleaning can be a significant stress reliever.

Cleaning regularly can keep stress down; it is an opportunity to focus on turning dirt and mess into cleanliness. This is also a time to center yourself; some people play music and zone out into their own world.

Oxford CBT says cleaning is just as beneficial for our mental health as mindfulness related activities. For some people, coming home to a clean and organzed house helps them to unwind after an overwhelming day.

With mental health being an essential element to proper functionality, having a clean space is perfect in regard to coming home to decompress from the day. Some people also thrive from the smell of a clean home, which brings them peace and allows them to relax and feel safe.

Distractions are great jewels in life. Having the ability to take time away from stressors gives the brain time to relax and process things. Cleaning is a great distraction, especially when things become overwhelming, anxiety-ridden, and/or stressful.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Stress is an inevitable part of life. Seven out of ten adults in the United States say they experience stress or anxiety daily, and most say it interferes at least moderately with their lives, according to the most recent ADAA survey on stress and anxiety disorders. 

Valencia Pro Cleaning Agency says you can meditate while cleaning by following these 4 steps:

1. As cleaning requires attention to detail, you can use this opportunity to concentrate on each movement you make or every sensation you feel.
2. Typically, meditation relies on rhythmic and repetitive movements. Restoring order in your home abounds with these actions, such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, wiping, packing, etc. Their rhythmic nature can take you to a meditative state and fill you with tranquility.
3. Scents, tactile sensations, and sounds present around you while scrubbing around your home can help you stay present in the given moment. If you activate all your senses and observe everything around you, you can easily slide into a meditative state.
4. Decluttering your home can be an ideal moment to declutter your mind. It can provide you with a cathartic experience that can liberate your mind from all the burdens you’ve been carrying.

According to Oxford CBT regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress and reduce anxiety, along with preventing depression. Cleaning will also have these effects on your body and mental health as long as these chores require some physical exertion and they last for at least 30 minutes.

The benefits of cleaning also come with a reward of feeling like you’ve accomplished a huge task. The endorphins along with a clean area are a sure fire way to ensure yourself that stress has no room in your space.