Spring cleaning is healthy for you

The last few weeks I have been cleaning more than usual; my urge to purge is at an all-time high. Spring has arrived and my internal spring cleaning gauge has definitely been activated. I’ve always enjoyed spring cleaning, but this year it brought on a whole new meaning. This March marks one year since coronavirus upended our lives, forcing many of us to go on lockdown and adopt new routines as we tried to navigate this different reality. In the last year, I’ve used every inch of my kitchen and every pot and pan we own. The stove is constantly dirty and the dishwasher is always full. I’ve really discovered what items I use and what I don’t. That’s what started my itch to purge. Perhaps you have felt something similar. 

So—Why do we have the urge to spring clean, and is it good for our health?  

There are indeed many benefits to spring cleaning, starting with the way it helps with increasing your productivity and focus. Decluttering your physical space also declutters your mental space. Less visual clutter to sort through, which means your brain can focus more on whatever you choose for it to focus on. Many clients who have felt stuck in life find that after they focused on cleaning out the old (be it paperwork in their office or clutter in their homes) they can start to focus on what they want to bring into their lives. They no longer felt as stuck. Piles of paperwork take our energy in a negative way. Many people find it easier to focus at work with a clean, organized desk. 

Here’s a handy tip: learn to let go. If you haven’t used something since the last spring clean, it might be time to say goodbye. 

A good cleaning also reduces allergens and dust. Clean air helps support a strong immune system. A deep cleaning and decluttering tends to reduce dust and allergens in your home, which, in turn promotes cleaner air for you to breathe. You’ll feel healthier, and, if you suffer from allergies, you might find those symptoms lessen or even diminish completely. 

And believe it or not—cleaning reduces stress. Levels of stress can be reduced during the actual act itself, as cleaning is considered to be therapeutic. Think about it: a cluttered home or office often causes anxiety and stress. When our environment is clean and less cluttered, we tend to feel calmer and more at ease. Take note of your own environment and how you feel in it. If you’re stressing about something, take a break and try cleaning. See if you can shift your energy and, by doing so,  reduce your stress.

The final benefit for me is that spring cleaning makes me happy and improves my mood. A clean, well-organized home can totally boost endorphins in the brain, which increases energy levels and makes you happier and more content. The act of cleaning provides a sense of satisfaction, which in turn puts me in a good mood. And if you really want to do a deep dive into the decluttering world, I recommend Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Marie Kondo is not only an expert on the art of decluttering, but she is also an expert on human behavior and how to change it. I believe in her methods and really enjoyed her book. So I’m embracing my urge to purge and putting on my rubber gloves and grabbing my sponge. Spring is a time of renewal, so what better time to clean up and toss out the things that no longer serve us.