In our current society, stress and pressure are commonplace. To cope, many working women are looking for solutions to improve their mental well-being. Among these solutions, cleaning may seem surprising. However, a recent study showed that women who regularly do housework see significant benefits on their mental health. In this article, we will reveal six unsuspected benefits of cleaning that contribute to our mental well-being.
A real antidote to stress
Housekeeping can be a great way to reduce stress. Indeed, according to several studies carried out by researchers, the act of cleaning releases endorphins, these hormones responsible for our feeling of happiness. The simple act of sweeping, washing or wiping therefore reduces our stress level and thus improves our mood.
The soothing action of repetitive gestures
In addition, the repetitive actions required to carry out household tasks also have a beneficial impact on our mind. These gestures can in fact have a relaxing and soothing action, similar to that obtained with certain practices such as meditation or yoga.
An ordered environment for an ordered mind
It is well known that working in a disorderly environment can easily affect our concentration and cause attentional problems. Thus, taking the time to regularly tidy and clean our living space helps promote better mental organization. By getting rid of clutter in our environment, we help create a serene space conducive to relaxation and efficient work.
Household = productivity
Additionally, a clean and tidy home makes everyday tasks much easier. This makes it easier to plan and carry out our activities without wasting time searching for or moving bulky objects. So, when we lead an active and hectic life, devoting ourselves to housework has the advantage of optimizing our productivity and reducing our sources of stress.
Better lifestyle
The cleanliness of our home also has a positive influence on our lifestyle. A study conducted by the University of California showed that living in a clean and tidy space subconsciously encourages better eating behaviors. The participants in this study were in fact less tempted by junk food when they lived in a clean and orderly environment.
The resulting physical benefits
Obviously, these improvements in lifestyle also have positive effects on our physical health. A more balanced diet and regular physical activity help prevent health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
A better self-image
Doing household chores is often seen as a chore that we would happily do without. However, by becoming aware of these numerous benefits, it becomes easier to see it as a positive act for our mental and even physical well-being. Having the satisfaction of living in a clean and tidy space also strengthens our self-esteem and encourages us to take better care of ourselves.
The feeling of accomplishment
One of the interesting aspects of cleaning is that it allows you to quickly obtain tangible and visible results: a clean room, laundry put away, dishes washed… Each of these small successes generates a feeling of accomplishment which strengthens our confidence in our abilities and gives us a feeling of control over our environment.
Strengthening family relationships
Cleaning with the whole family can be a great way to strengthen bonds between household members. By sharing tasks and working together toward a common goal, everyone cultivates a sense of responsibility and communication. It then becomes possible to transform a thankless chore into a pleasant moment where everyone puts themselves at the service of others for the collective well-being.
The educational role of the household for children
Including children in household chores also has benefits for their personal development. Indeed, learning to contribute to daily tasks helps them develop their autonomy and sense of responsibility. In addition, it is an excellent opportunity to exchange and share our family values with them.
The pleasure of creating a welcoming environment
Maintaining our home also represents an opportunity to personalize our interior according to our tastes and desires. A clean and tidy living space often gives the opportunity to rediscover forgotten objects or spaces, and thus to renew the decoration. Moreover, take care of our environment allows us to feel good at home, but also to offer a pleasant and welcoming environment to our loved ones when we receive guests.
Considering these multiple benefits for our mental health, it is clear that cleaning deserves to be considered as a real well-being asset. So, why not get started with this therapeutic practice today? You might be surprised by the results you get!