Spring Cleaning for your Mental Health
Often times we forget how intersectional mental health is. Health isn’t in a vacuum. Your physical health, spiritual health, and emotional health are directly related to each other and rely on one another to function well. Are you struggling with concentration because you live in a cluttered space? Do you have the motivation to clean your home? Why is your living space cluttered, and what impacts does cleaning have on your mood? In this blog post, we are going to examine these questions, and share some of the most effective ways spring cleaning can improve your mental health overall.
Depression’s Relationship to a Cluttered Space
Depression can make it difficult to find the motivation to keep your space clean and organized. When you're struggling with depression, even simple tasks like doing the dishes or putting away laundry can feel overwhelming and exhausting. As a result, clutter can start to accumulate, and before you know it, your space can become disorganized and cluttered.
This clutter can then contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and hopelessness, which can exacerbate symptoms of depression. Our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates is here to help. We specialize in telehealth services for depression, and other mental health conditions.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
A cluttered living space can increase stress and anxiety levels, while a clean and organized space can promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Cleaning can be a form of mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present moment and reduce racing thoughts or worries.
Boosting Self-Esteem
Cleaning can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, which can be especially helpful for people struggling with depression or a low mood. Additionally, if you’re struggling with depression, the physical act of cleaning, such as sweeping or scrubbing, can be a form of exercise and release endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress.
Practicing Gratitude
A clean and organized workspace can improve productivity and concentration, leading to better overall mental wellness. Additionally, cleaning can be a way to practice gratitude and appreciate the things you have, which can improve overall life satisfaction and well-being.
Cleaning can be a form of therapy, providing a sense of control and routine that can be soothing for people with PTSD and OCD. However, this need for control and routine must be done in moderation. Our psychotherapy team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates offers a range of OCD and PTSD treatments via telehealth appointments, and we can provide the help you need to start feeling better.
Building Healthy Habits
Cleaning can be a way to practice self-discipline and build healthy habits, which can promote a sense of personal growth and accomplishments.
These are just a few examples of how cleaning can impact mental health. Studies have shown that people with cluttered homes or workspaces are more likely to experience negative emotions, including depression.
Breaking this cycle of clutter and depression is essential for your mental health. By taking small steps and making cleaning a regular part of your routine, you can start to regain a sense of control over your environment and your life. This can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, and it can help you improve your mood. Cleaning alone is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you are struggling with mental health concerns, our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates is here to help.