Summer is Here and It’s Not Too Late for Some Spring Cleaning for Mental Wellbeing
Mental health is an integral part of long-term wellbeing, and many individuals are now prioritizing it even more. One way to improve mental health is to develop a sense of accomplishment by tackling tasks that we have been putting off. It is human nature to procrastinate on daunting, mundane tasks like spring cleaning, sorting your closet, or cleaning up your living environment. However, such simple tasks can alleviate anxiety and stress, improve our mood, and spark creativity and productivity.
The mental health benefits of accomplishing tasks you’ve been procrastinating on include:
1. Reduced anxiety and stress
Procrastination increases anxiety as the work we’re avoiding continues to pile up. It’s as easy to feel overwhelmed by the mess and chaos around us. Cleaning up and organizing our living environment can have a significant impact on how we feel. Once we start making progress, we’ll feel a sense of pride and control over our lives, which can reduce anxiety and alleviate stress.
2. Improves mood
A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind and negative emotions. Studies suggest that cleaning your living environment can have a positive impact on your mood. A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals who described their home as cluttered or unfinished seek out comfort foods and exhibit lower self-control. However, those who described their home as tidy and organized ate healthier food and had higher self-control.
3. Spark creativity
Being surrounded by chaos and disarray can make it difficult to focus, concentrate and be creative. Studies have shown that a clean, organized environment stimulates creativity and promotes clear thinking. Experts suggest that having a clean and tidy home helps reduce information overload, allowing us to focus and generate more creative ideas.
4. Feel at Peace
A messy environment creates negative effects on your wellbeing. Taking care of your environment can make you feel more at peace as it provides a sense of calm and order. Knowing you have accomplished something on your to-do list will give you a considerable amount of satisfaction, which can help you feel more relaxed and at ease.
Taking control of your living space can have a profound impact on how you feel in your home. Creating a calm and organized environment can help you to feel more at ease and peaceful.
However, if you’re struggling to focus due to overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression, cleaning alone may not be the answer. Sometimes, it’s important to seek therapeutic counselling with a qualified professional who can help you expand your capacity to cope with stress. If you’re feeling this way and need support, let’s talk. I’m here to help, and you can book a free 20-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit for your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out so we can work together towards creating a happier and healthier you.
To find out if I am a fit for you:
Lindy van der Burg (she/her) is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC #2755) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada. Her background is in wholistic health and wellness, with over 20 years’ experience in massage therapy, yoga, conscious connected breathwork and other healing modalities. “Now, I come full circle back to the art of talk therapy where it is my honour to work with individuals on their own unique paths to personal empowerment.”