(Mindscape Studio / Shutterstock)
It's that time of the year again to start thinking about spring cleaning, which means some serious decluttering, reorganization, scrubbing and polishing. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that a good spring clean is a worthwhile exercise. But did you know that it can also benefit your health and wellbeing? Here are five reasons why clearing out those closets and grabbing the polish are actually good for you. Let the cleaning commence!
1. SPRING CLEANING INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY
Making the effort to declutter and organize your home or office can save you tons of time looking for or replacing lost items in the future. Organization experts say that this makes you more productive, while the cleaning process itself can increase energy levels.
HANDY TIP: Learn to let go. If you haven't used something since the last spring clean, it might be time to say goodbye.
Declutter and organize your desk space and watch your productivity rise (Jack Frog / Shutterstock)
2. SPRING CLEANING IS HEALTHY
A good spring clean can help you avoid allergy symptoms, according to a study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Removing allergens from the home can make you feel healthier, especially at a time when allergies are rife.
HANDY TIP: Ask for help moving big pieces of furniture or climbing up ladders when going for those hard-to-reach spots.
Spring cleaning combats dust, which is a common allergen (Photographee.eu / Shutterstock)
3. SPRING CLEANING MAKES YOU HAPPY
Taking the time to thoroughly clean and maintain a tidy home makes people happier, studies have shown. The act of cleaning provides a sense of satisfaction, which in turn can put you in a good mood.
HANDY TIP: Put on some of your favorite tunes while cleaning to make it even more fun.
Spring cleaning turned dance party (El Nariz / Shutterstock)
4. SPRING CLEANING REDUCES STRESS
Cleaning and organizing your personal spaces lets you enjoy a tidier and more organized environment and this can relieve stress. Levels of stress can also be reduced during the act itself as cleaning is considered to be therapeutic.
HANDY TIP: Be realistic. If it's all getting too much, take a break. It's not a race after all.
There's no better feeling than the one that comes after cleaning a house (Comaniciu Dan / Shutterstock)
5. SPRING CLEANING HELPS YOU FOCUS
Those who make a point of clearing out the clutter once in a while are able to free up the brain for more essential decision-making, according to a study carried out by the founder of America's Anxiety Disorder Center. A thorough clean helps to clear your mind of things that need to be done around the house and makes it easier to focus on other more important things.
HANDY TIP: Concentrate on one room at a time to make sure you get the job done properly.
Clearing a room also helps with clearing your mind (gpointstudio / Shutterstock)
