Wipe Away Your Stress with Spring Cleaning
Similar to how we make resolutions for the New Year, when spring rolls around and the weather starts getting warmer, we take this opportunity declutter and deep clean our homes, known as "spring cleaning."
While spring cleaning may seem overwhelming, there are mental and physical benefits to the process, making it a wonderfully healthy way to start the new season.
The Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning
- Reduce your stress. Research has found in times of high stress, people default to repetitive behaviors like cleaning because it gives them a sense of control during a chaotic time, based on a study by the University of Connecticut.
- Improves focus and increases motivation. Knowing that everything is in the correct place, there are no dishes in the sink and you have a dirt-free household will increase your motivation and improve your focus. As an added bonus, research also suggests that you are more likely to eat healthier when you have a clean home!
- Cleaning is your workout. The American Heart Association counts housework as moderate exercise, meaning you can burn as many calories mopping and vacuuming as you can taking a walk.
- Reduces hazards in your home. Not only are you disinfecting your home, but you're also reducing your chances of falling and injuring yourself, which is important especially for older adults. EvergreenHealth's Dr. Bradley Younggren discussed preventing falls in the home on an episode of Check-Up Chat.
- Breathe easier. Since a majority of us spend most of our time in our homes, having healthy air quality is so important. The American Lung Association recommends incorporating dusting into your regular cleaning routine, which can reduce the amount of dust and improve overall indoor air quality in your home.
Tips for Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning your home is not a quick task, so don't expect it to get done all at once. Beginning is the hardest part.
Here are some ways to help you get off to a successful start:
- Set yourself up for success by creating or printing out a check list. You'll feel more motivated as you check off the tasks.
- Begin with one room at a time and choose the room that you spend the most time in.
- Start with the biggest task first and you'll feel a sense of accomplishment right from the start.
- Try not to procrastinate! While this may seem like the best time to look at that old photo album under your bed, use that as your reward for finishing your task.
Safety Tip! Remember that many of the cleaners and disinfectants you use for cleaning your home need to be used carefully, especially if you have kids and pets. There are certain chemicals that you should never mix. Learn what potential hidden poisons that live in your home.
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