As a first-time mom, I know all too well the stress that comes with trying to juggle a million things at once. Changing diapers, feedings, cooking, and sleepless nights while desperately seeking a moment of peace. Between taking care of your little one, running errands, and trying to squeeze in some much-needed “me time.”Â
Your days can feel like a never-ending cycle of chaos and stress. But there’s one thing that I’ve found to be a life saver when it comes to keeping my sanity intact: Cleaning!
I know what you’re thinking.
Cleaning?
How could that possibly help with stress? But hear me out. Cleaning your own place can do wonders for your mental health.
Here are my
11 mental health benefits of cleaning your house
Those 11 benefits have helped me keep my head above water during the toughest of times.
1-A Clean Space, A Clear Mind:
Let’s start with the obvious: when your surroundings are tidy and organized, it has a profound impact on your state of mind.
As a struggling mom, finding even a small oasis of calm can seem like an impossible dream. But trust me, when you declutter and create an environment free of chaos, you’ll instantly feel a weight lifted off your shoulders. It’s like magic!
Picture this – you’ve spent the whole day chasing after your adorable little tornado, and just when you think you can’t handle it anymore, you manage to clean up the living room. Suddenly, you can breathe again, and your inner zen returns.
I know those little hands look adorable but Not when they leave greasy hand prints on your tv. That might add to your anxiety and stress. However, when you wipe that grease off the Tv , it is like erasing a big cloud off of your head already.
2-Active Meditation:
Who needs a yoga mat and incense when you have a mop and broom? As a yoga lover, often times I struggle to get myself to focus on my breathing when my mind is somewhere else.
However, I found cleaning can be a form of active meditation, allowing you to focus your mind on the task at hand while letting go of worries and stress. It’s a chance to be present in the moment and find your inner balance.
According to a survey conducted by Zenith Cleaning Services, 87% of mothers reported feeling a sense of calm and relaxation while engaging in cleaning activities.
3-Energizing Exercise:
Motherhood is a workout in itself, but adding cleaning to the mix takes it to a whole new level. Sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing are fantastic ways to get your blood pumping and release those feel-good endorphins. Think of it as a free fitness session without needing a gym membership!
4-Control in Chaos:
When everything else feels out of control, cleaning gives you a sense of control over your environment. As a first-time mom, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless at times. But by taking charge of your space and making it shine, you’ll regain a sense of empowerment and accomplishment.
Imagine conquering that mountain of laundry or tackling that mountain of dishes. You’ll feel like Wonder Woman, ready to take on any challenge that comes your way!
Personally, it is the dopamine release I get after ticking that box off my to do list. dopamine tells my brain you’ve done a good job, and you are now in control. I feel I’m back to the driver seat, not just riding the roller coaster and screaming my lungs out and not knowing why.
5-Boosted Productivity:
Believe it or not, a clean and organized environment can supercharge your productivity levels. When your space is clutter-free, your mind can focus more effectively, and you’ll find it easier to tackle your to-do list. Say goodbye to the days of searching for misplaced baby socks or losing track of important documents.
A study conducted by the Cleaning Industry Research Institute found that individuals who worked in clean and organized spaces were 38% more productive compared to those in cluttered environments.
6-Outlet for Creativity:
Cleaning can be an outlet for your creative side. Discovering new ways to organize your baby’s nursery or finding clever storage solutions can unleash your inner Martha Stewart. Plus, when you add a personal touch to your cleaning routine, it becomes an enjoyable and satisfying experience.
7-Teaching Valuable Life Skills:
As a mother, you’re not just responsible for raising tiny humans; you’re also their teacher. By involving your children in cleaning activities, you’re instilling in them valuable life skills such as responsibility, discipline, and the importance of taking care of their environment. Plus, it’s a great way to bond and have fun together!
8-Emotional Release:
As a struggling mother ,cleaning can provide a much-needed emotional release. It offers a tangible way to channel our frustrations, anger, and even resentment. As we scrub, sweep, and organize, we’re not just cleaning our physical space but also cleansing our minds and hearts.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that engaging in cleaning activities can reduce stress levels and improve overall psychological well-being. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, grab that mop or dust off that shelf, and let the cleaning serve as a therapeutic release. So, consider cleaning your house as your punching bag from now on and save up on therapy while considering a new shopping session. It’s a win-win situation, eh? 😉
9-Provides a Sense of Accomplishment
Let’s face it, motherhood can be a thankless job. But when you take the time to clean your space, you get to see the fruits of your labor. Seeing a clean home can provide a sense of accomplishment that can be hard to come by as a mom.
10-Helps You Sleep Better
A clean and organized bedroom can help you sleep better at night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a cluttered bedroom can interfere with sleep quality, so taking the time to tidy up can be beneficial for your sleep habits.
11-Reduces Allergens
Did you know that a clean home can actually reduce allergens and improve air quality? This is especially important if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma.
Up for a bonus?
12- Time for bonding
Instead of controlling your baby’s movement and behavior in this crucial developmental stage. Why not let her explore? Remember kids learn through playing, and playing is learning and working. Without playing, staining, breaking, and destroying your house, they won’t learn. Eventually that will impair their development and confidence in their environment.
I know the frustration you feel when you see your little tornado’s small hands all over the wall. I used to feel that myself. But now, I’m much calmer when I let my daughter do what she wants, and then get madame Xaiomi “the vacuum” out and my Lilly holds my hands while both of us watch her do her magic.
My daughter started loving our little vacuuming session and she looks forward to it. And to be honest with you, it gives me endless joy.
So, there you have it.
11 mental health benefits of cleaning that have helped me stay sane during my toughest days as a mom.
While it may not be a cure-all making the time to clean and organize your space can provide a sense of accomplishment, reduce stress, an emotional release of anger and resentment.
In conclusion, cleaning your own place by yourself may not be the most enjoyable activity, but it can have numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Consider it a wider bigger brushing your teeth session- probably boring, but very important. So, roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and get cleaning! And don’t forget to get your kids involved in a bonding session.
One Response