The Psychology of Cleanliness
You’ve spent all morning vacuuming your floors, scrubbing your toilets, and polishing your windows. It’s finally time to kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Feels good, doesn’t it? The pleasure you feel when your home is clean goes a lot deeper than you probably think – all the way to the hidden recesses of your subconscious brain. The psychology of cleanliness has become a widely studied topic and (although we’ve known this for years) researchers have discovered that not only does spending time in your clean home make you happier, but the actual process of cleaning can contribute to feeling good as well.
The Proof Is in the Research
In 2010 a study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women who described their homes using words such as “cluttered” were more likely to feel depressed and fatigued than women who felt their homes were clean and organized. The women with cluttered homes also exhibited higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
An Indiana University study revealed that a clean home can affect overall health as well. They tracked nearly 1,000 participants and discovered that those with clean homes were healthier and more active than those with disorganized homes.
The National Sleep Foundation conducted a survey which showed that people who make their beds each morning were 19% more likely to get a restful night’s sleep. Additionally, 75% of people reported that they get a better night’s sleep when their sheets are freshly cleaned.
To Relieve Stress You Can Meditate…or Vacuum?
It’s clear that a clean home leads to increased health benefits and just plain makes you feel good. But interestingly enough, some people find pleasure in the process of cleaning itself. Darby Saxbe, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Southern California, shared that cleaning “gives people a sense of mastery and control over their environment. Life is full of uncertainty and many situations are out of our hands, but at least we can assert our will on our living space. Clutter can be visually distracting, too, and serve as a nagging reminder of tasks and chores undone.” So if you find comfort in the repetitive motions of sweeping or organizing, we say go for it – it’s good for you!
What if you’re not one of those people who enjoys cleaning or you just don’t know where to begin in the organization process? Our advice is to start small. Spend just ten minutes a day clearing clutter from your living spaces. Choose one area to tackle, such as a closet, and donate your unwanted items. Clean your home one room at a time or in sections so the task doesn’t feel as monumental. A small step today will lead to good habits down the road.
And of course, if you long for a clean home but simply don’t want to take on that task yourself, that’s where we come in. We offer deep cleans to get you started on the right foot to feeling healthier and happier today. Call for your quote.
(603) 574-4878
www.maidforyounh.com
Maid for You specializes in house cleaning and maid services in the Concord, New Hampshire area including the communities of Penacook, Pembroke, Hopkinton, and Canterbury.
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