Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It constructs how we think, feel, act and directs how we handle stress and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. But with our busy and unhealthy lifestyle we take our mental health for granted more often and later face a lot of major consequences like anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance etc. that could lead to several physical disorders as well. In recent years many people and organizations are coming forward to spread awareness of mental health and the importance of keeping a positive and healthy mental health, which makes seeking professional help normal and breaks the myth of so called norms of society.
A positive and Healthy lifestyle is what promotes good Mental and Physical health. When some people are feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, they might try yoga, mindfulness, or even a massage, but for others giving the shelves a quick dust, wiping down the kitchen, or even organizing the closet is just as beneficial for their mental health as using a mindfulness app.
Eventually chaos in your mind comes with lots of thoughts coming together like a huge mess and makes you mentally unstable. And it is said that if you are unable to organize your thoughts and feel chaotic inside your head then organizing your surroundings can be therapeutic for you. Keeping things clean and organized is good for you, and science can prove it.
“Taking care of your home is just like taking care of your BODY”
How does “Clean Space” lead towards “Clean Mind”?
1.Gives peace of Mind
When our house is in chaos, just looking at it makes us feel more stressed. Cleaning an untidy home sparks a level of excitement and enthusiasm, almost like a mini adrenaline rush. Being in a neat home makes 80 percent of people feel more relaxed, 60 percent feel less stressed, and 72 more productive. Work from home folks: this should be motivation to pick up around the house more.
Science confirms it's not all in your head. Cleaning really can cheer you up!
2.Benefits physical health
At the end of the day, the interior condition of your house seemed to be the only thing affecting your physical activity. A good cleaning session will always get your heart pumping, especially if it’s a task like scrubbing down the shower or mopping the floors. Vacuum is particularly heavy to lug around, so it’s pretty much like lifting weights, right?
If you hate to exercise, but want to stay active and healthy, just put on your cleaning gloves and tackle a few cleaning jobs for 20-30 minutes. You’ll quickly break a sweat without paying for an expensive gym membership.
“Cleaning gets you moving”
3.Organize your thoughts
Cleaning up our external environment can make us feel like we’re cleaning up our psyche. Clutter and disorganization can be really distracting and make it hard to focus or complete other projects and you can start to feel stuck. So, if you're feeling an urge to clean and declutter when you're stressed, your mind and body is probably looking for a way to bring some order to your environment.
4.Gives you control
When people feel like their life is out of control or they are struggling with some uncertainties, cleaning can be a way to assert some control in their life. Cleaning gives people a sense of mastery and control over their environment.in times of high stress, people default to repetitive behaviors like cleaning because it gives them a sense of control during a chaotic time.
TIDY HOME, TIDY MIND
5.Good Night sleep
Studies have found that having clean sheets and making your bed are associated with a better night's rest. When your home is clean, you can look around before you go to bed without spotting any should-dos that could keep your head active even when you put your head on your pillow. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation conducted a survey that revealed that just making your bed in the morning boosts your chances of getting a good night’s rest by almost 20 percent.
“Clutter is the enemy of clean mind”
How to make cleaning a “FUN” activity?
After knowing the fact that cleaning does help in improving your mental health and reducing stress, the next task that comes is to make it a fun activity.
Here are creative ways to make cleaning a fun activity:
1.Make a cleaning playlistIf you are the one who feels bored while cleaning up your space then all you need to do is make a cleaning playlist and get started!
Music can instantly give you a groovy feel and motivation to sweat it out while cleaning. It is an old tip for sure, but it’s a good one because it really works. So, turn it on and turn it up! But be careful what you choose - Upbeat music helps you get the job done more quickly than those sad, slow, love songs.
2.Clean with your partner or family members
Involving other people instead of doing all the chores by yourself is a great way to get started and feel motivated. This will not only help you bond with them more deeply but also inculcate the concept of sharing the load of cleaning responsibilities at home.
3.Treat yourself to products you love
The kind of products you use definitely plays a major role in making your mind happy throughout your cleaning process. A nice fragrance and effective cleaning with natural ingredients is what you need in your cleaning products to treat your home. So, choose cleaning products wisely, which are Eco- friendly and don't harm the environment.
4.Set routines goals or challenges
Having a set of organised cleaning routines and goals will help you get clear and less chaotic. Make a calendar where you put in different cleaning and organising activities weekly wise.
5.Reward yourself
Well the ultimate reward is definitely your fresh smelling, newly cleaned space. But don’t forget to treat yourself for all the hard work and efforts you have put in cleaning. Maybe you have a piece of chocolate after you finish a room, or you reward yourself with 15 minutes of social media time when you are halfway done. Or, try a big reward when you are completely done.
To feel truly happy and settled in your home, it’s important to take pride in your work – and to stand back and appreciate your space. This will help immensely with the notion that “tiny victories” will add up and improve your mood. We must take care of ourselves mentally, and if having a clean home gives you a sense of peace – make it a priority.