Spring is in the air, and it’s time to organize your cleaning supplies and start tackling household dust and dirt that have accumulated over the winter. Although housecleaning might not be everyone’s favorite chore, it does offer several destressing benefits that can help you feel better both while working and when it is done.
1. Physical Activity
Keeping active is a great way to reduce stress. Moving around to dust the rooms, vacuum the floors, and wash windows will keep you busy for a good part of the day. In addition to burning calories and expending pent-up energy, physical motion can stimulate parts of the brain that make you feel happy and productive. When done, you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
2. Eliminate Clutter
Clearing out the closets and dropping off donations at thrift stores is gratifying because you are opening up storage space, if needed. Getting rid of unused furniture and appliances makes those areas of your home more accessible and creates a sense of spaciousness, which can contribute to feelings of serenity and comfort. In addition, donations to thrift stores or charities will make you feel good about helping others, further relieving stressful buildup.
3. Enjoy Me-Time
Spring cleaning or housecleaning any time of the year can be me-centered in a couple of different ways. First, if you are organizing the cleanup tasks, you can assign family members various jobs to help out, which will enhance coordination and expedite the housecleaning overall. On the other hand, if you are doing most of the cleaning work yourself, put on some fun music and dance your way from one job to the next. You’ll have fun while getting work done, both of which will add a glow to your day.
4. Get Organized
If you have been trying to figure out how to catch up on all the extended cleaning that needs to be tackled, schedule a day or two for specific tasks just as you would a professional or medical appointment. Gather or buy needed cleaning supplies and be ready to start first thing in the morning. Having everything ready to go and being organized in your approach provides stability and control. Your confidence will soar as you get busy accomplishing things that have been weighing on the back of your mind for some time, and your stress levels will begin to drop.
5. Meet Goals
Make a checklist of chores you plan to accomplish during your housecleaning session. Then check off each one to visually depict its completion. As you move through the list, your well-being will increase in seeing the objectives that have been met throughout the day. Accomplishing your goals will restore your feeling of control over stressors like housework, allowing you to relax afterward and enjoy other aspects of your life.
Housecleaning can be a welcome diversion and opportunity to reboot during a stressful phase. Make it count toward the above benefits while helping you to get rid of stress and resume a peaceful, well-organized lifestyle.
