Healthy home, healthy you: 4 calming effects of cleaning

Housework is having a moment. Whether we’re sweeping floors or following Marie Kondo’s tidying tips, cleaning, while technically a chore, is becoming an increasingly enjoyable task for homeowners (if you don’t believe us, just search for #cleaningobsession on Instagram).

So, why has cleaning suddenly tapped into the nation’s psyche?

Some think it could be linked to the restorative feeling reaped after a thorough cleaning session, while others believe it’s that sweet sense of satisfaction experienced once everything is perfectly in its place. And that’s just the start.

Read on for more about the calming effects of cleaning.

1. Calms anxious thoughts

Whether it’s a stifling commute or a batch of deadlines that have you feeling uneasy, you could find solace in cleaning. The best way to tackle anxious thoughts is to physically take control of your surroundings. As such, a good spring clean is key (even if it is winter-time when you do it). This might mean reorganising your bookshelf, sweeping up the kitchen or wiping down skirting boards - whatever task you choose, you’re bound to feel calmer and more confident when it’s all over.

Other ways you can calm anxious thoughts:

• Take a breather. Breathing slowly (in through the nose, out through the mouth) to calm and refresh your mind.
• Get a good night’s sleep. This will ensure you have a clear mind and will feel energised when approaching potentially worrisome tasks.
• Talk to somebody. Sharing even the smallest of worries will help you realise you’re not alone.

2. Cuts out distractions

Whether you’re working from home or sorting through bills, a messy home can often mean a messy mind. To keep those niggling distractions at bay, think about organising your personal space. For instance, you might want to buy storage boxes to keep your daily clutter out of your eyeline. With greater control over your home, you’ll be able to glide through your to-do list like a pro, giving you extra time to do the things you love the most.

Other ways you can increase your productivity:

• Set your soundtrack. By blasting out your favourite Spotify playlist during your cleaning routine you’ll soon find enjoyment in even the most dreaded tasks.
• Start with the big jobs. While it might feel good to knock several small jobs off your list, you’re more likely to get through them all if you simply tackle challenging jobs when your motivation is at its peak.
• Hours of ‘peak productivity’ differ from person to person. To make sure you’re as productive as possible, discern when you’re feeling motivated and tackle your lengthiest jobs then.

3. Provides peace of mind

Regardless of how broad your network is, or how much space you have to play with, keeping a clean home is key for keeping a good social life. Just by throwing dirty pots and pans into the dishwasher in advance, or brushing a feather duster over work tops, you’ll not only will you feel more confident in inviting guests over, you will also be less stressed when they do arrive (thanks to your awesome organising skills).

Other ways you can boost your social relationships:

• It’s good to talk. Offering to visit a friend or giving them a call, rather than texting, is great for strengthening your bond.
• Smile. It sounds simple, but by showing a smile, you’ll not only look more confident, you’ll also appear much more approachable.
• Start a hobby. Seeing the same faces time and again will help widen your network (and will give you even more guests to invite over!)

4. Eases stress

You needn’t be a clean freak to know that a messy home can cause bad moods. Whether you are struggling to locate the TV remote or can’t find your housekeys, any small inconvenience can exacerbate stress levels. To make sure you’re cool as a cucumber, think about ways you can simplify your everyday tasks in the home. For instance, if you often struggle to find an outfit to wear in the morning (resulting in a mountain of clothes to deal with later), you’ll want to re-organise your dressing room.

For this, you’ll want to take a leaf out of cleaning guru, Marie Kondo’s, book. Her masterful ‘KonMari method’ not only makes drawers look neat and tidy, they also offer up a full display of all your items – ideal if you get stressed out by last-minute rummaging and crumpled clothes!

Other ways you can reduce stress:

• Embrace the great outdoors. Getting ‘green exercise’ can help reduce stress and boost positive thoughts.
• Get a good night’s sleep. You’re more likely to feel overwhelmed if you’ve had a night of tossing and turning. Try to get between 6-8 hours to feel fully restored.
• Head for herbs. Certain herbs, such as lavender, camomile and ylang ylang, are great for calming the mind. Try a scented candle or an herbal tea to wind down after a stressful day.

So, next time you need to break out the vacuum, don’t sweat it. In fact, take a great sigh of relief – you’re bound to feel so much better once you’ve tidied up your space.

To see how you can beautify your home – and to keep yourself serene in the process – browse the Gtech cordless vacuum cleaner range.