Since May is Mental Health Awareness month, I want to take this opportunity to talk about two things about which I am very passionate: cleaning and mental health. I truly believe cleaning has helped me in my mental health journey, and I would like to share those reasons with you.
Disclosure: I am not a mental health professional. If you are struggling with your mental health, call 800-950-6264.
3 Reasons Cleaning is Good for My Mental Health
Mess=Stress Is it just me or does a messy space equal a stress-y space?? I know; stress-y is not a word, but go with me. When I'm surrounded by clutter, dust, and things that are out of place, my entire attitude is unsettled and unrelaxed. But when I am in a clean space, it clears my mind and allows me to focus on the things that need my attention. No mess may not mean no stress, but it definitely means LESS stress.
Cleaning=Escape When I am feeling overwhelmed, sometimes cleaning or picking up the house can give me the time I need to just let my mind rest. I can use the time cleaning to give myself an excuse to escape into my mind and be distracted from the other things that have been demanding my attention. We all need a time out sometimes. So why not give that to yourself while still being productive?
Productivity=Peace When I'm overwhelmed by a situation or by life in general, sometimes it feels good to just get something done. When life gets hectic, I can go an entire week without feeling like I've truly accomplished anything. For me, that can lead to feelings of guilt or disappointment in myself that sometimes takes me to a place, mentally, that is really unhealthy. Cleaning, once it is done, feels like a solid accomplishment and brings me this intense feeling of instant peace and gratification. All of the other things may still be undone, but this is something I can control, so I make it happen.
So there you have it. Cleaning makes me stronger mentally. The most important thing is to start small, recognize opportunities for little accomplishments, and use cleaning as an opportunity for positive mental health growth as opposed to negative. But hey, if cleaning is just not your thing and does not have the same effect on you as it does me, it is okay to ask for help.
Our team is here for you.