NEWS & INSIGHTS

House Cleaning & Stress: Exploring the Connection

August 1, 2024

Picture of Claire Hebert

Claire Hebert

Let’s set a scene: After a long day at work, you finally arrive home. You open the door and are immediately greeted by a neat and tidy place. There’s no clutter on the floors, no dust on your favorite coffee table, no unsightly streaks on windows. Everything smells fresh and looks welcoming, right as you step in. How does that make you feel?

Calm, relieved, warm, and safe, right? That’s exactly how you should feel in your home! But, is it just a trick of the mind, or does a clean house really have a massive positive impact on your stress levels? Let’s explore the connection to see how and why a space maintained by pro house cleaning services in Prairieville can contribute to your psychological well-being.

Does a clean house reduce stress?

In a word, yes. A clean house can indeed reduce stress levels by creating a more serene and organized environment. By maintaining a tidy home, you not only improve your mental well-being but also create a space that supports a happier, healthier lifestyle. Plus, for many people, the very act of cleaning can serve as a form of stress relief. Now, we know that this may sound too good to be true, so let’s explore a bit deeper.

How does clutter affect your mental health

How does clutter affect your mental health?

To understand how a clean house can impact stress levels, first, it’s essential to examine the psychological effects of clutter. Research has shown that clutter can have a significant negative effect on our mental health. 

A disorganized, chaotic living space packed with out-of-place, unnecessary items is a constant visual reminder of tasks left undone. This effectively adds to our stress load and can make us feel overwhelmed, leading to anxiety and, in most severe cases, full-blown depression.

Does cleaning lower cortisol?

One of the most tangible connections between a clean house and reduced stress is the effect on cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, and high levels of it in our bodies can lead to various health issues, including anxiety, insomnia, and even heart disease.

Studies have indicated that a cluttered home can increase cortisol levels, while a neat and organized space can help reduce them. Let’s refer to a 2010 study published in the journal “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,” just to give you a clearer image.

In this study, researchers found that women who described their homes as “cluttered” or “full of unfinished projects” were more likely to feel fatigued and depressed than those who felt their homes were organized and orderly. In addition, the study also measured the women’s cortisol levels and found that those with cluttered homes had significantly higher levels of this hormone.

Why does cleaning feel like therapy?

Now, here’s a million-dollar question! Many individuals describe the act of cleaning as “therapeutic” and “meditative”. The reason why is in the fact that cleaning is a mindful activity. It effectively helps focus on a single task and clear the mind of other worries or intrusive thoughts.

And here’s a real kicker: This effect is actually emphasized if you approach cleaning in a conscious manner, paying attention to the motions and sensations involved. Focusing on repetitive actions involved in cleaning can be soothing, having almost the same effect as Yoga or Tai Chi.

On the flip side, cleaning is also a physical activity, much like the aforementioned meditative practices. Physical activities and the following exertion are known to release endorphins, which are naturally occurring substances in our bodies proven to reduce stress and boost mood.

The organizational aspect of house cleaning

There are about a dozen adages that amount to “clean space, clean mind” – and reasonably so. When every item has its place and you can find what you need, when you need it, it significantly reduces the cognitive load required to navigate your surroundings.

In addition, the organized space is proven to boost productivity, which is not limited to homes alone. A clutter-free, clean workspace makes it easier to focus on tasks, leading to enhanced efficiency and decreased stress, whether the tasks in question are work-related or hobbies.

Does a clean house reduce stress

Who delivers high-grade house cleaning services near me in Prairieville, LA?

Would you like to reap all the aforementioned benefits of a clean, tidy home – but without having to do any work yourself? Turn to Geaux Maids, the leading cleaning company west of Amite River, and we’ll make it possible! 

Our extensively trained and experienced professionals use modern equipment and methods to remove allergens and contaminants, ensuring that even the dustiest areas in your home are cleaned to perfection.

Reach out to us today and let us give you back your peace of mind and your free time!

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