We’ve all heard the phrase but when we really look into the deeper meaning behind it, having a neat and well-organised home plays an important role in health and well-being.
It goes without saying that exercise and diet absolutely will keep you feeling more energised and ready to take on a new day, but if you’re wanting something extra to help refocus your mind during lockdown keep reading on!
There is a powerful psychology behind cleanliness, which suggests clutter and mess has a direct impact on your mood and state of mind!
We are all finding the effects of lockdown super challenging and while healthy habits such as exercise, meditation, cooking healthy meals and even reading a book all have their place, did you know that by simply cleaning your house can help affect your mental state, improve brain fog, reduce anxiety and even increase motivation.
There’s no doubt a clean house equates to a clear mind, which explains why those who live in cluttered homes may be more prone to anxiety, confusion and feeling overwhelmed.
If your mind is continually buzzing with thoughts and training just isn’t cutting it, try cleaning. Yes, many household chores are often met with dread or procrastination rather than happiness, but getting out the vacuum or mop can actually help relieve stress, provide mindfulness and be incredibly therapeutic for a number of reasons.
Firstly, it covers (some) exercise/movement for the day as the physical act of cleaning works up a sweat and releases feel good endorphins! This may then even encourage you to get out and go for a walk or run post cleaning!
But secondly, an untidy home can subconsciously affect our wellbeing and make us feel depressed or out of control. Something really prominent during Covid is the world around us feels out of control, so it makes sense not to add to that feeling of angst or uncertainty.
We’ve put together 6 tips to help you feel like you are gaining back clarity and control in your headspace:
- Tidy up! Start small with one room first. Declutter by recycling, selling, or donating unneeded items, and then organise everything using storage solutions. Go through your wardrobe, kitchen drawers, home office, business premises, filing cabinets, removing any items that you no longer need. Reorganise everything so you feel accomplished and up to date with everything you actually need.
- Take the dog for a walk! Walking the dog isn’t considered a household chore but it's one of those things that has to be done. Doing exercise and getting outside are both things that are extremely beneficial to a person’s wellbeing. Studies have shown that people are happier and less stressed when they're around nature, so walking the dog is the perfect excuse to get out there.
- Washing your sheets! Good quality sleep starts with a clean bed and tidy bedroom. The benefits of a good night’s sleep are unrivalled when it comes to our wellbeing. Lack of sleep can render a person to be more prone to mood swings, compromise decision-making and impact productivity levels, so rest quality is key.
- Get in the kitchen and cook! It’s proven that you feel better when you eat better, which in turn encourages you to move more. There’s nothing more satisfying knowing you and your family have all eaten a tasty and wholesome meal together that’s satisfying and feels good for your waistline.
- Deep Clean! Once you’ve tidied up, it’s time to dust, scrub and polish! Once all the junk is out, it’s time to get into all those little nooks and crannies that get overlooked in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of everyday life. The microwave, oven, kitchen cupboards, washing machine, garage, the car. The list is endless!
- Paint! There is something calming and yet equally satisfying about getting out a paintbrush and touching up areas around your home that have lacked a little love. Especially when you have little ones around touching every wall in the house!
Focusing on the small things we can control, day by day, ticking off that ‘To-do’ list during this time can really make you happier.
