Spring Cleaning Benefits for Mental & Physical Health!

Spring cleaning benefits people with mops and brooms

The physical act of cleaning helps reduce stress!

What is it about spring that makes you want to box up the tchotchkes and embrace an open concept? Nature’s abundance and renewal after the long winter spur us to transform our surroundings, clean out the garage, and cull the sock drawer. This desire to declutter may have additional benefits beyond an empty laundry basket. Indeed, studies show that reducing clutter lessens distractions, allowing the brain to focus on important tasks.

 

Spring Cleaning Benefits

1. Decluttering Boosts Productivity

The saying “clean space, clean mind” is backed by science. The more clutter you see, the more easily distracted your brain becomes, reducing its ability to process information. And looking at beautiful things (that gleaming table with a vase of posies) stimulates creativity. Likewise, the reward and pleasure centers of the brain are triggered.

 

9 Extraordinary Health Benefits of a Michigan Spring

spring

 

2. Spring Cleaning Reduces Stress

The physical act of spring cleaning helps reduce stress and makes you feel more in control of your life. Accomplishing a goal and creating an attractive space promotes a positive self-image and can also reduce fatigue. Reduced fatigue means energy for a walk, and exercise can give hours of relief from depression and lessen the likelihood of an anxiety disorder by 25%!

 

Exercise for Stress and Anxiety – 5 Days X 30 Minutes!

exercise stress 2

 

3. Encourages a Better Night’s Sleep

Sleep deprivation can affect self-image, appetite regulation, outlook, and optimism. In a survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 73% of respondents said they got a better night’s sleep on fresh sheets. You can read more in our article below.

 

Sleep-Friendly Environments & Mental Health

young girl sleeping on pillow and blanket

 

4. Spring Cleaning Improves Breathing and Reduces Allergic Reactions

Dust and dust mites live in and on bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains, prompting allergies and asthma. In the U.S., studies show that those with allergies are 1.5 times more likely to have major depression. Allergies are also associated with high anxiety. Dusting and vacuuming reduces allergens and lets you breathe easier!

 

Seasonal Allergies and Mental Health

spring-bird

 

When you clean your home, office, or outdoor spaces you can improve both physical and mental health. Reducing clutter triggers the reward and pleasure centers of the brain, improves breathing and sleep patterns, reduces stress, and even prevents physical injury. Clean with a friend and share the sense of accomplishment and goodwill.

 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, or co-occurring mental health conditions, donโ€™t wait to change your life โ€“ click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist.

Sanford Behavioral Health is licensed and accredited as an addiction, eating disorder, and co-occurring mental health treatment facility, serving all of Michigan and beyond. Each of Sanfordโ€™s facilities in Greater Grand Rapids is carefully and diligently crafted to create a welcoming and comforting environment. Sanford is led by a psychiatrist-led team of medical, clinical, and support personnel providing medication-assisted, evidenced-based treatment to residential, outpatient, and telehealth patients. For more information, visit www.sanfordbehavioralhealth.com.