4 Mental Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning

Many rituals and renewals come along with the spring season – the birds start to sing, the trees begin to re-grow their leaves and flowers prepare to bloom.

While nature starts its rituals, many people tend to partake in their own yearly ritual: spring cleaning! 

Spring cleaning can mean different things for everyone, whether you pack your winter clothes until next year, deep clean your floors or prepare your outdoor landscapes for the warmer months. However, all types of spring cleaning can benefit more than just our physical environment. They can also vastly improve our mental health and clarity!

To help you get in the spirit of spring, Astral at Auburn’s senior living team in Auburn, Indiana, is sharing some of the benefits of spring cleaning so you can improve your environment and your mental health! 

1. Increase Focus and Productivity

Have you ever struggled to focus on a task when you’re surrounded by excessive clutter? Perhaps you find it impossible to get anything done when your desk is overflowing with files and papers. 

When an excess of things surrounds an individual, it can be distracting and cause productivity and focus to diminish. In fact, a study conducted by neuroscientists at Princeton University found that clutter can quite literally compete for your attention; it can lead to stress as we focus more on the mess than the actual tasks at hand. 

2. Boost Your Mood

In the same way that clutter can decrease productivity and take away our focus from important tasks and activities, it can also negatively impact mood. When things are in disarray in our environments, it sends a visual signal to the brain that the objects in your space are not where they should be; this causes anger, sadness and even self-deprecation as you begin to get frustrated with yourself for not organizing sooner. 

A UCLA study found that cluttered spaces and messes cause a decline in self-esteem, leading to negative feelings. The Anxiety and Depression Foundation of America has also noted that physical activities, including the ritual of deep cleaning, can lead to a vast reduction in depressive symptoms!

3. Reduce Stress

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the body. This hormone controls your body’s response to stress, which is why you’ve probably heard it called the “stress hormone.” 

Sometimes, when a person looks at all the things in their home or environment that need cleaning and organizing, stress is induced without people even realizing it. Studies have found strong correlations between high cortisol levels and a large density of household clutter.

Just as stress can reduce our depressive symptoms, it can also reduce our cortisol levels by alleviating stressful feelings. 

4. Regain Control

When the holidays are over and the winter months are in full swing, it’s easy to find yourself in a bit of a rut. It’s challenging to get outside, stay active or even get motivated to make the changes to your environment that you want. Cleaning one’s space can positively impact emotional health, as it can help you connect with your sense of control over your environment. 

When tied into the upcoming spring season, spring cleaning can help you out of your winter fog by allowing you to prepare your space accordingly and get excited for the beautiful weather and fun seasons ahead. For example, when we think of the spring season, we think of brighter and longer days, going outside more and feeling energized by sunlight and fresh air. It’s safe to say that spring certainly brings about a more active and spirited surge of energy!

Don’t think of spring cleaning as an annual chore; think of it as an intentional ritual that can help you contribute to a healthier and more powerful lifestyle.  

As we embrace the spirit of spring and the renewal it brings, let’s not forget the profound impact a tidy and organized living space can have on our mental clarity and overall well-being. At Astral at Auburn, we understand the benefits of spring cleaning. By removing the burden of home maintenance, our residents can focus on what truly matters—enjoying a vibrant community life and engaging in activities that foster physical and mental health. 

Let’s welcome the fresh start that spring promises with the peace of mind that comes from choosing senior living in Auburn, Indiana. Astral at Auburn is here to support you every step of the way – contact our team today to learn more!