HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPRING CLEANING

By Claire Nowak.

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? We bring to you some  reasons why spring cleaning is actually good for you. Let's start!

​It’s a proven de-stresser

More clutter means more stress. So it shouldn’t be surprising that housework can cut stress and anxiety. However, you do need 20 minutes of activity to get these effects. Using lemon-scented cleaning products can help you de-stress faster; studies show this happy smell reduces stress and leaves a positive impression on others. Here’s how to clean your house with real lemons instead of citrus-scented chemicals.

Levels of stress can also be reduced during the act itself, as cleaning is considered to be therapeutic.

​It helps you breathe better

If you or someone from your family are prone to allergies or asthma attacks when spring rolls around, don’t assume pollen is the only culprit. Dust and pet dander are powerful asthma triggers, especially in children. Keeping your home clean can reduce these allergic triggers.

It improves your mood

A thorough house cleaning—and then keeping it that way—is one mood boost you’ll definitely want to make a habit. In a study from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as stressful, in particular talking about clutter and unfinished projects, were more likely to have an increasingly depressed mood throughout the day. That, in turn, led to more fatigue after work. On the flip side, women who described their homes as relaxing (and less cluttered) became less depressed as the day went on. 

The act of cleaning provides a sense of satisfaction, which in turn can put you in a  good mood.

​It gets you active without realizing it

There is a correlation between physical activity and cleanliness: The cleaner the participants’ homes were, the more exercise they got. Simply burning calories while cleaning is one explanation for the find, but this relationship could be connected to self-regulation, the ability to act in a way that drives you toward your goals. If individuals were motivated to take control of how clean their homes were, they may be able to use that drive in another area of their lives, like physical fitness. 

​It can make you more productive at work

Spring cleaning your office is just as important as tidying up your house, especially if the papers and folders cluttering your desk hinder your ability to work. Having your work area clean and tidy increases productivity at work. Adding “Clean desk” as a calendar appointment can help hold you accountable, but why not start now?.

Clearing a room also helps with clearing your mind.

​It could prevent sickness

Spring cleaning gives you an excuse to wash those spots you usually overlook in your daily or weekly cleanups. For instance, small kitchen appliances can be filled with old crumbs and oil splatters, while washing machines can harbor mold and bacteria from your dirty laundry. Washing away rid of food contamination or running vinegar and baking soda through a hot laundry cycle can get rid of the germs hiding inside.

​It improves heart health

Sedentary behavior is associated with health risks in adults. The potential benefits of reducing sedentary time may be dependent not only on decrease per se, but also on the type of activity it replaces. Few longitudinal studies have investigated the effects on mortality when replacing objectively assessed sedentary time with another physical activity (PA) behavior. A 15-year Swedish study of 851 adults found that sitting for just half an hour less every day reduced risk of fatal cardiovascular disease by 24 percent. Even low-intensity activity like household chores had the heart-healthy benefits, so you can feel good about picking up your vacuum.

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​(March - April 2020)

You might feel more relaxed knowing that your home and office ​had been thoroughly cleaned. Really Clean! Give us a call!

Whether you are looking for residential or commercial cleaning services, at Peak Janitorial, we use environmentally-safe products to ensure the health and safety of your family, customers and employers.

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