The everyday stresses of life can make it incredibly overwhelming to maintain a clean living space. While the phrase, “cleanliness is next to godliness” has been used by countless American parents to encourage their children to pick up after themselves, many adults still find it difficult to keep motivated to maintain clean living spaces. Although cleaning may fall behind on your list of priorities, there are definitely some great benefits of keeping a clean home and workspace.
We at Clean & Pink have put together a list of 8 great benefits of keeping a clean and tidy home and workspace!
1. Reduced Stress
Several research studies have shown that living in a cluttered environment can take a toll on your mental health. In fact, one research study that was conducted by the University of California showed a strong connection between those living in untidy homes and elevated levels of stress hormones.
Many psychologists also believe that the act of cleaning can result in feelings of accomplishment and security which can help ease feelings of anxiety.
Feeling varying levels of anxiety in untidy environments is natural and is meant to push us to take action. Why not let them motivate you to do a little cleaning for your own peace of mind?
2. More Physical Activity
According to a research study conducted by Indiana University, having a clean home is a good indicator of an individual’s physical fitness. The study found that out of all other indicators, having a clean home was the biggest sign of the physical fitness of each person studied. Physical fitness expert, NiCole Keith, suggests that people who spend time taking care of the environment in which they live tend to take better care of their bodies.
While the physical exertion that is associated with pushing brooms or vacuuming can definitely get your blood pumping, implementing good, quality, self-care practices seems to start with a state of mind.
3. Higher Productivity
Researchers at Princeton University have found that cluttered workspaces make it more difficult to focus on specific tasks efficiently. The researchers found that task-irrelevant objects within the line of vision of those studied took a huge toll on how well they could allocate their attention. The result of what psychologists call, “attentional residue,” or clutter, was lowered performance from the study subjects.
Although it may seem like a good practice to keep clutter and old paperwork around you as reminders to complete tasks, it is more likely that those items are simply distracting you from your goals.
Keeping a clean home workspace might just be the next step needed to boost your career!
4. Healthier Eating Habits
Making healthy food choices might also be linked to a clean home or workspace according to a study published by Psychology Science. This study found that people who worked in an organized workspace were twice as likely to choose healthier foods than those who were working in untidy places.
Researchers found that people who do not maintain organized workspaces are more stressed at work as whatever clutter that surrounds them tends to act as triggers that push them to stress eat on on foods that are less healthy.
Considering that untidy, cluttered spaces can elevate levels of anxiety, it is important to consider how maintaining a clean space can help reduce stress-eating and even lead to weight loss!
5. Better Sleep
A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that 70 percent of people surveyed agreed that they got a more comfortable night’s sleep on sheets with a fresh scent. Clean bedding is not the only factor that might impact sleep according to Illene Rosen, M.D. who claims that a cluttered bedroom can also contribute to issues with sleeping.
Doctor Rosen claims that bedrooms should mostly contain things that contribute to good sleep and all other clutter(including decorative pillows), should be removed or stored away at night as they can distract the mind and contribute to sleep loss.
Keeping clean bedding and regularly vacuuming your bedroom will also reduce the amount of dust and bacteria which could upset allergies and cause symptoms that might also interrupt your sleep.
6. Less Maintainance and Repairs
If you make good habits around keeping your appliances, furniture and other household items clean, you will find that you will have to repair them much less frequently and which will save you money in the long run.
Setting aside the time to remove mold, mildew, and other residue from items and surfaces in your home will help prolong their beauty and function for years to come.
Check out these two guides on how to properly care for different types of leather and wood flooring!
7. Pest Prevention
Pesky insects and rodents are drawn to messy environments and the clutter you leave sitting around your home might just become the home of an unwelcomed guest!
Considering that most rodents and many insects carry germs that can be harmful to you and your family, maintaining a clean living space should be one of your top priorities.
8. More Opportunities to Connect
Having cluttered and untidy living spaces often pushes people to avoid hosting events or inviting others to their homes. Taking the initiative to keep a clean home could be a perfect way to bring yourself into closer relationships and a more fulfilled life.
How has maintaining a clean home impacted the quality of your life? Tell us about it in the comments below!
