Cleaning & Mental Health, Pt. 2: The Anxiety Correlation

You probably know that old adage “A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind”, but have you ever wondered how true it is? To what extent do mess, dirt, and clutter negatively affect our mental health?

What’s more, can high levels of cleanliness, like those achieved by hiring pro house cleaning services in Hilltop, WA, actually reverse the effects and lead to a happier life? There are many questions and, today, we’ll be answering them all.

Can a messy house cause anxiety?

A dirty and cluttered living environment can indeed contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Let’s observe this phenomenon from a purely physical/medical standpoint first. Over the past couple of decades, several studies reinforced the fact that disorganized and unhygienic spaces increase the levels of cortisol.

One of the body’s primary hormones, cortisol is largely responsible for controlling our stress response, including (among other things) fear (“fight or flight” reflex), sleep-wake cycle, and metabolic energy gain. In other words, it controls all bodily functions that cause, contribute to, or exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.

From the perspective of psychology, though, a messy house can have a profound negative impact on multiple facets of mental health, including (but not limited to):

• Cognitive overload: Clutter and dirt can overwhelm the brain with visual stimuli, making it difficult to focus and process information. This can lead to feelings of confusion, unease, and being lost, all of which contribute to anxiety.
• Unfinished tasks: A messy house is often perceived as a conscious avoidance of responsibilities, which can invoke a sense of guilt and shame, ultimately leading to increased stress levels.
• Lack of control: A disorganized environment can make it difficult to feel in control of one’s surroundings. This, in turn, can lead to a person feeling like they’re not in control of their own life, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and being lost.
• Emotional impact: For some people, a messy home can trigger a host of negative emotions which can further exacerbate feelings of anxiety, such as aforementioned shame and guilt, as well as embarrassment or frustration.

With everything mentioned above in mind, it is easy to see why individuals who live in clean homes are typically happier than those living in messy and cluttered environments, as well as why the latter often deal with disorders such as severe anxiety or even depression.

What is stress cleaning?

A relatively recent term, “stress cleaning” refers to the act of cleaning as a response to or a way of managing stress or anxiety. According to a 2011 psychological study, engaging in mindless, repetitive tasks can help reduce anxiety and clear the mind, much like meditation does.

Needless to say, housekeeping definitely contains all the elements necessary to be categorized as both “mindless” and “repetitive”. While stress cleaning is by no means a substitute for professional mental health support, it is an effective way to manage stress and anxiety, for multiple reasons:

• Mindfulness practice: Cleaning is all about present-moment awareness, which is a good way to shift focus away from issues causing stress and anxiety.
• Calming effect: The repetitive nature of cleaning tasks, such as vacuuming or washing dishes, can have a soothing effect, similar to meditation.
• Coping mechanism: Channeling energy into productive activities is a healthy way to cope with overwhelm.
• Sense of accomplishment: Finishing cleaning tasks creates a sense of accomplishment, which is often followed by a mood and energy boost.
• Sense of control: For some individuals, the act of cleaning is a way to take the reigns over their environment and, by transition, over their life.
• Physical activity: Cleaning can be considered a form of exercise, which is proven to help reduce stress and improve mood.

Who offers professional house cleaning services near me in Hilltop, WA?

Are you ready to boost your happiness levels by having your home brought up to the highest cleanliness standards? Then you’re in the right place! NW Maids Tacoma will help you get in touch with some of the finest cleaners in the region, whether you’re near St. Joseph Medical Center or elsewhere in Hilltop.

Our partnering maid services have an extensive history of delivering superb results in record time, ensuring that your home is clean and your free time intact. The best thing? With us, finding your ideal housekeeping crew only takes minutes – so don’t hesitate. Reach out to us today and start living the way you’re supposed to – stress-free!