Does cleaning help you manage stress?
Research suggests that cleaning and creating order in a messy home can reduce a person's stress and manage their anxiety.
Cleaning is said to have several benefits. In addition to the usual benefits, coming home to a clean and tidy home and physically decluttering your space can help you feel more in control of your mental clutter.
According to VeryWellMind, "A study by the University of Connecticut found that in times of high stress, people default to repetitive behaviours like cleaning because it gives them a sense of control during a chaotic time. Other research has found that decluttering can help older adults retain a sense of control over their lives as they age."
It's fascinating that clutter is perceived by the brain as "unfinished business", with disorganised spaces often triggering stress.
Decluttering and cleaning helps people find order in their physical space, which in turn helps them find calm in their mental clutter.
In addition to its stress-reducing benefits, cleaning and decluttering can significantly improve focus. Research shows that "clutter can make it difficult to focus on a particular task".
Studies found that when the visual cortex is overwhelmed by unrelated objects, it becomes harder to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently.
Clutter is often associated with negative emotions like confusion, tension, and irritability. In contrast, a tidy, organised space fosters positive feelings such as calmness and well-being.
Check out these four steps on how to handle a cluttered space – courtesy of YouTube.
Tune in to the 'Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', weekdays from 09:00 – 12:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Image courtesy of iStock