Spring cleaning is the process of deep cleaning your home after the winter months. However, not only does it make your home look and feel fresh, but it can also positively impact your mental health.
In this article, we will discover the ways you can do your spring-cleaning keeping mental wellness in mind.
Ways to Spring Clean with Mental Wellness in Mind
Decluttering
Clutter in your surrounding space can impact your mental health by creating feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. Many people feel that when surrounded by clutter, it takes a toll on their daily productivity and makes them feel slothy.
Decluttering should be the first step in your spring cleaning plan, as it will make you feel active and go through the rest of the cleaning process easily. Here are a few tips for decluttering different areas of your home:
Start small
If you live in a huge home and feel overwhelmed by the idea of decluttering it, start with a small area. My best advice would be to start with your most-used closet or drawer. This will help you build momentum as you make progress and make the process feel more manageable.
Use the KonMari method
Are you a hoarder and find letting go of things ult? The KonMari method can be useful for you. Made famous by Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, the KonMari method involves going through your belongings and asking yourself if they “spark joy.” If they don’t, it’s time to let them go.
Donate or sell the unwanted items
By “letting them go,” it doesn’t mean you will have to throw your things away. Rather than throwing away items that are still in good condition and can be used by someone, consider donating them to a charity or selling them online. This will help reduce waste and also make you feel about giving back.
Cleaning
The next step is cleaning. Not only does it help you to create a more pleasant living space for yourself, but it also enhances your mental health. It is proven that living in a clean space is linked to improved focus, sleep quality, and reduction in anxiety and stress.
Cleaning your home can also give you a sense of accomplishment and control over your environment, which can have a positive impact on your mental health. Here are some tips for cleaning different areas of your home:
Start right
Make sure you start with the areas that have the most impact on your mental health. It can be your bedroom, bathroom, living room, etc.
Start from the top
When cleaning a room, start from the top and work your way down. This will prevent dust and debris from falling onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
Use eco-friendly and non-toxic products
Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can be toxic to both the environment and your health. Consider using eco-friendly and non-toxic products instead, such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Turn on some music
Cleaning can be a tedious task, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Turn on some upbeat music to make the process more enjoyable and energizing. You can also turn on some calming music to reduce the feeling of overwhelmingness while cleaning.
Organizing
Organizing your home helps to deal with stress and anxiety and also creates a sense of order and structure. It makes your life way easier and more organized and also makes you feel content while living in your own space.
However, it is important to keep in mind that you do all the organizing by keeping in mind your lifestyle and habits. If you lack inspiration, go online, where you can easily find pictures and videos to see different organizing styles and even techniques. Here are some tips for organizing different areas of your home:
Create a system
Creating a system is essential while organizing your home. For example, if you’re someone who likes to have everything in its place, consider using labeled storage containers to keep items organized. Or, if you’re always on the go, consider creating a designated spot for your keys and other essentials. If you work from home, create a designated workspace that is free from distractions.
Use vertical space
If you’re short on floor space, consider using vertical space to your advantage. Install shelves or hanging organizers to make the most of your wall space.
Get rid of duplicates
One of the biggest sources of clutter in a home is duplicate items. Go through your belongings and get rid of any duplicates that you don’t need.
Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your spring-cleaning routine can enhance the experience and promote mental wellness. Here are some tips for practicing mindfulness while spring cleaning:
Take deep breaths
When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or stressed, take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
Practice gratitude
While going through your belongings, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. You can practice gratitude by taking a moment to appreciate the items you’re keeping and the space you’re creating. This can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.
Meditate
Take a break from cleaning and spend a few minutes meditating. This can help reduce stress.
Conclusion
Spring cleaning is not only about deep cleaning and decluttering your home, but it’s also about promoting mental wellness. By incorporating the tips and strategies discussed in this article, you can create a home that not only looks and feels fresh but also promotes a sense of calm and well-being.
Remember, spring cleaning is a process and not a one-time event, so take it one step at a time. Happy cleaning!
Author Bio:
Dr. Joann Mundin has been a board-certified psychiatrist in practice since 2003. She is a Diplomate with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She is currently associated with Savant Care, where she provides assessments and treatment for patients with severe mental illness.