One Super Easy Way To Boost Your Mood
Studies have shown that a cluttered home boosts levels of the stress hormone cortisol, this suggests that you can relieve stress and boost your mood by keeping a clean home.
Sometimes we all need a pick-me-up. Something to help us breathe a little easier and feel a little lighter. And the surprising news is that achieving that may be easier than you think, starting with a clean home.
We all get busy and face brutally long days. And when that happens, the last thing we want to do is go home and clean. However, it turns out that a clean home may be just what the doctor ordered to help alleviate the stress in our lives.
CNET explored how a clean home can actually improve our mental health. They discovered five ways a clean home can boost your mood and improve your overall well-being. And that may be enough to convince you to keep your place tidy in the future.
First and foremost, a clean and tidy space helps reduce stress. Science has shown that clutter increases cortisol levels. Therefore, it stands to reason that the opposite is true.
So, if you want to reduce those cortisol levels and feel some relief, bust out your cleaning supplies. There is even a bonus. Exercise is a well-known stress-reducing activity.
And when you clean, you’re moving. You can snag a two-for-one deal on saying goodbye to stress while ensuring you have a clean home.
But that’s not the only benefit of a clutter-free environment. A clean space can also boost happiness levels. “A 2015 study on students showed that those who did dishes and focused on the cleaning aspect and soapy smells experienced a heightened mental inspiration, meaning the act of cleaning actually boosted their minds.”
A clean home will also help you sleep better. And who couldn’t use more (or better quality) sleep in their lives? The act of moving around while you clean generates endorphins.
These endorphins play a critical role in your overall health and well-being. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “endorphins don’t just lower stress levels but they actually help your brain rest.” So next time you find yourself tossing and turning, get up and take care of that week’s old stack of laundry.
Additionally, a clean home leads to improved focus. When not surrounded by clutter, you can dedicate your attention to the tasks at hand…even if that task is relaxing. But sometimes, that is easier said than done.
There is good news, though. “if you find yourself struggling to focus because of the mess you’re surrounded by, try cleaning little patches of space at a time so the task isn’t overwhelming.” After a few small spurts of work, you will find yourself with a clean home.
And then that improved focus you found after tidying up your surroundings will give you space to increase your productivity. Research has shown that clutter causes procrastination. So, once you bite the bullet and start to clean, you are heading in a productive direction.
The even better news is…it is easier to maintain a clean home once you have reached that state. So, you can reward yourself for a job well done. Go ahead and turn your productive mindset toward a hobby you have been dying to learn.
