When we hear the term, “spring cleaning,” we all know what this means - it’s that time of year again when deep cleaning and decluttering of our living spaces are in order. Why is it that spring is the best time to clean our homes, and why do we need to do this anyway?
For one, spring has traditionally represented growth and rebirth. As the air warms and we can open windows to let in the fresh air again, this is a great time to assess what we should keep and what we should get rid of, as well as to clean, de-dust, and de-funk. Even though it can be a lot of work, evidence shows that spring cleaning is actually really good for us (and the people we live with) both physically and mentally. Here’s why:
- Decluttering Reduces Stress
According to Dr. Potter, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, in How Spring Cleaning Is Good for Your Health, decluttering your home can have a calming and stabilizing effect on your mental health. “Having a clean and organized home means you know where everything is, which can help you feel in control,” Potter says. “There’s also peace of mind that comes with having an aesthetically pleasing place to wake up in and return to at the end of your workday.” Reducing stress is one of Blue Zones Project’s Power 9 traits for longevity: Right Outlook.
- Cleaning Gets You Moving
Cleaning gets you up and moving, which releases endorphins, the hormones that give us a sense of well-being. While it’s not a vigorous form of exercise, cleaning uses many muscles, especially your arms, and can help you meet your step goal for the day. Move Naturally is another example of the Power 9, as physical movement and exercise reduce health problems and healthcare costs.
- It Helps You Set and Reach a Goal
When you break up your goals for spring cleaning into a series of projects, this can help make them feel more manageable and can lead to a feeling of accomplishment with every task you complete. Goal setting can also lead to a sense of Purpose, another aspect of the Right Outlook characteristic.
- It Helps with Focus
Having a clean, decluttered environment can actually help our brains focus better. This is especially important for us work- and learn-from-home folks. Having an organized living space is even more important for those with ADHD, explains Dr. Potter. “The distraction of clutter can be worse for people who are already struggling to keep themselves focused,” she says.
- It’s Better for our Physical Health
Spring cleaning rids our homes of dust mites, germs, and bacteria that may be lurking in hard-to-reach places. This is better for our breathing and our immune systems, especially for those who suffer from allergies and asthma.
- It Aligns with Feng Shui
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art based on the practice of decorating and arranging your living space to encourage the positive flow of “chi” or energy. According to the feng shui philosophy, when you allow energy to freely flow through your home, you will lead a happier and healthier life. This can be accomplished by such things as keeping areas free of clutter, cleaning out the fridge of older items, and removing the television from your bedroom.“ A clutter-free home, one filled with only the items you truly love or use on a regular basis, allows the positive energy to flow freely,” says Jamie Novak, author of 14 Things Feng Shui Experts Want You to Throw Out Right Now.