Spring cleaning for your home and health

Along with the flowers and birds, the warmer temperatures of spring may bring the urge to declutter. Even if it seems like a monumental task to scrub away the remnants of winter, spring cleaning can be worth it. Not only will it have your home looking better, but it may brighten your health outlook as well.

Research has found that how we feel about our home can impact our stress levels and mood. Does your home bring up thoughts of clutter and unfinished projects? Or do you feel peaceful and calm? Target your spring cleaning efforts to create a more restorative space and one that you look forward to coming home to each day.

Researchers at Princeton University found that having too much clutter and disorganization can make it harder to concentrate. If you work from home, tidy up your workspace at the end of each day. The next morning, you'll be able to start fresh and be free from distractions. 

The immediate gratification of seeing a clean room or an organized closet can be a great mood booster. It may even motivate you to take on a tougher task you’ve been avoiding. 

A Sleep Foundation survey found that people who make their bed each day tend to sleep better at night. Having freshly washed sheets also helps. Use spring cleaning as a time to develop these sleep-promoting habits. And be sure to remove any stress-inducing mess from your room, including reminders of work. 

Ready to take on the clutter but don’t know where to start? Here are some tips to get you going:

• Create a schedule. Don’t try to tackle the whole house in a day or even a weekend. Instead, make a checklist with dates to complete the tasks. Bonus: You’ll feel great crossing off each item as you go. 
  
  
• Set a timer. Dedicating just 15–20 minutes a day to cleaning can make a big difference in the long run. Time blocking, for cleaning or any other task, is a great way to stay focused and increase productivity. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish.

• Make it fun. Instead of dreading your chores, use this time to catch up on your favorite podcast or audiobook. After a while, you may find yourself looking forward to these daily cleaning breaks — and cleaning for longer than you intended.

Published March 2023.