{"id":9004111223108630,"date":"2022-03-04T20:58:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-04T20:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/?p=9004111223108630"},"modified":"2022-03-02T21:18:05","modified_gmt":"2022-03-02T21:18:05","slug":"spring-cleaning-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/spring-cleaning-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"The Health & Wellness Benefits of Spring Cleaning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The air is fresh, the birds are chirping and the flowers are beginning to bloom. It\u2019s spring! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The change of seasons offers an ideal moment to take stock of your habits and surroundings, and leverage some of the fresh new energy circulating through the environment. Love it or hate it, spring cleaning is a quintessential part of this process. It\u2019s not just about getting rid of clutter, it\u2019s about making room mentally and physically to allow new things in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Ways Spring Cleaning Boosts Your Wellness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Organizing the spaces around you can bring an array of health benefits. While cleaning and tidying your home are proven to support well-being, you should also consider how the benefits of decluttering can extend to other areas of your life<\/a>\u2014including work, relationships and habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Improves Self-Esteem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You know the phrase, \u201cclean home, clean mind?\u201d Well, turns out that\u2019s actually true. According to a 2016 study on the effects of clutter in the home<\/a>, the amount of clutter in a dwelling contributes to an individual\u2019s self-image and how much they personally identify with their space. Researchers have also found that using positive words to describe your home will lead to more happiness and less focus on the perceived negative things (like repairs or unfinished chores).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Reduces Allergens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation and immune dysfunction can be a result of environmental contaminants, some of which can be avoided with greater cleanliness. One common household irritant is the house dust mite, which researchers say is the top domestic source for allergic diseases. Another is mold, which is a contributor to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. It can also lead to symptoms like fatigue, bloating and memory loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Inspires Healthier Habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that your environment influences things<\/a> like cognition, emotions and behaviors. More pointedly, a cluttered space can lead to an increase in stress and anxiety, and have a negative impact on eating and sleeping habits. One study examined a group of 49-to 65-year-olds and found that those who kept their homes tidier over the span of 10 years had also maintained a higher level of physical activity. While direct conclusions can\u2019t be drawn from one single study, a working theory is that the act of cleaning is its own form of exercise\u2014one which should not be underestimated.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Increases Productivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With more families working and remote learning from home, having a clean space in which to focus is imperative. Designating different work areas and assigning each family member to clean their \u201chome offices,\u201d will lead to a greater sense of personal pride and accomplishment when the job is finished. Plus, the work area will be associated with task completion which may subconsciously make future work assignments more achievable.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Boosts Mindfulness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many cultures see cleaning as a form of meditation. As such, incorporating some form of tidying into your daily schedule may help you achieve some of the many benefits of mindfulness. A regular mindfulness practice<\/a> has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve sleep and improve happiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spring Cleaning Checklist <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s one thing to read about the amazing benefits of spring cleaning, but actually starting is a whole other process. Consider that you should not only clean out things that take up physical space, but mental and emotional space as well. Check out the below checklist to help you stay on task\u2014you can even print it out and stick it on your fridge for easy reference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bedroom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n