Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning

06.04.2024 | Category: Health & Well-Being

Summary: Spring cleaning can be a deep cleanse of the mind as well as your living quarters. When done in the spirit of renewal and rejuvenation, this practice can boost your overall health and set the stage for new beginnings.

As the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, it’s the perfect time to banish the dust bunnies and clutter that accumulated during the winter months. A thorough spring cleaning of your home and even your workspace can significantly boost your health and well-being. And though the term is seasonal, you can pick any time of the year to undertake a thorough deep-clean of your surroundings.

From reducing stress to improving air quality, let’s explore five ways spring cleaning can help inject a sense of purpose, lightness and wellness into your lives.

Health benefits of spring cleaning

1. Stress reduction

Spring cleaning can significantly reduce stress. Research shows that living in a cluttered or chaotic home can contribute to higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and to lowered productivity. Plus, prolonged stress can lead to chronic health issues.

Simple actions like putting items you don’t need every day into storage, designating fixed spaces for items that you do (books on a shelf, toys in a box or cubby, coats hung up in the closet are a few common ones) and keeping important spaces and surfaces clean and decluttered can do wonders.

An orderly, clean environment is easy on the eye and soothing to the spirit. So, try to make a few adjustments to your personal space to create a peaceful environment that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. A bonus? You always know where to find things.

2. Improved air quality

An almost immediate benefit of spring cleaning is the reduction of allergens. Over time and especially in the winter, dust, pet dander and other allergens can build up in our homes, a result of everyone being cooped up indoors. This can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, making it difficult to breathe easily.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor air pollution, so taking steps to clean and purify your indoor air is essential for your health.

Apart from dusting and wiping down surfaces, make sure to use a good quality vacuum cleaner on your fabric-covered furniture, rugs, carpets and even your curtains. And if possible, try to hire professional cleaners to give these areas a deep clean. You could also consider buying an air purifier if you have pets or seasonal allergies. Look for options that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Don’t forget your wet areas either. Your bathrooms and kitchens can become magnets for mold if you’re not careful, which can be extremely harmful for you and your loved ones.

Additionally, consider wearing a mask while cleaning to protect yourself from allergens, dust and the chemicals in cleaning products.

3. Increased physical activity

Spring cleaning benefits not just your home — it’s also a great way to get moving and pack in more physical activity into your day. Putting some elbow grease into tasks like scrubbing floors, lifting and carrying boxes and gardening can help you break into a sweat and burn calories.

So, instead of dreading your spring-cleaning checklist, think of it as a fun way to sneak in some exercise and get your body moving. If you have a fitness watch or wearable device, you can even track your cleaning as a workout and see how many steps you take or calories you burn. Just remember to hydrate and take breaks when you need to.

4. Enhanced mental clarity

Minimalists swear by the mantra: less is more. By keeping things simple and clear in your physical environment, you might find yourself thinking more clearly, which can lead to positive outcomes and better decisions. On the other hand, a ‘busy’ environment, crowded with innumerable things and knick-knacks, can overwhelm the senses, making it difficult to focus.

For many people, physical clutter competes for their attention, leading to decreased performance and increased stress. When you organize your space, you can free up mental energy and create a sense of calm that allows you to think with clarity.

5. Boost in mood and productivity

Spring cleaning can seem overwhelming at first. But there’s something incredibly satisfying about crossing items off your spring-cleaning checklist and seeing the tangible results of your efforts. As you tidy up your space and create a more organized, hygienic environment, you’ll likely experience a boost in mood and productivity.

A bright and orderly home can have a positive impact on your mental well-being, helping you feel more motivated, focused and content overall.

Spring cleaning for better health

Spring cleaning goes beyond mere appearances; you can convert it into an annual tradition of self-care, that offers several emotional and mental benefits. Or you can turn it into an activity you do with your family, assigning tasks to each member and celebrating together once you’re done.

Through decluttering, deep cleaning and organizing your space, you can alleviate stress, enhance the air quality of your home, boost physical activity, improve mental clarity and elevate your mood and productivity.

So, grab your cleaning supplies and get ready to reap the many benefits of spring cleaning for both your home and your health. Find more helpful resources that can help you live a better, healthier life on the Mutual of Omaha blog.

FAQs

Q1: What is the meaning of spring cleaning?

Spring cleaning is the practice of thoroughly cleaning your home to welcome a change in seasons and getting rid of the accumulated dust and grime of winter.

Q2: How often should I spring clean my home?

Spring cleaning is typically done annually. But you can adapt it to your schedule and lifestyle, doing it more often if required. Ideally, aim for a thorough cleaning at least once a year, that includes tasks like deep-cleaning carpets and upholstery, washing windows, decluttering, cleaning out closets, scrubbing kitchen appliances and tackling often-neglected areas like baseboards and behind furniture.

Q3: What if I don’t have time for spring cleaning?

Even small cleaning tasks can make a difference. Break it down into manageable chunks that you do on a daily or weekly basis. If possible, consider hiring professional cleaners to help tackle the job efficiently.