As someone who’s always valued a tidy, organized living space, I’ve often wondered about the connection between cleanliness and mental well-being. It’s one of those things that just feels true – when my home is neat and in order, I seem to have a clearer head and feel more at ease. But is there real science behind this intuition? Turns out, the research is pretty fascinating.
Clutter and Cortisol
Recent studies have uncovered some eye-opening links between the state of our living environments and our mental health. For example, a 2017 study on young adults found that clutter was associated with higher levels of procrastination, feeling overwhelmed, and a lower overall quality of life. And a landmark project conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, revealed that women who described their homes as cluttered had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared to those who viewed their spaces as tidy.
Cortisol, as we know, is no friend to our mental well-being. Elevated cortisol levels have been linked to a host of negative outcomes, from anxiety and depression to difficulty concentrating and poor sleep. So it makes sense that an orderly, uncluttered environment could have the opposite effect, helping us feel more calm, focused, and rested.
As Dr. Danielle Roeske, vice president of residential services at Newport Healthcare, eloquently puts it, “Our outer environments can act as a container for our emotional and psychic states.” When that container is cluttered and chaotic, it can seep into our inner experience. But when there’s a sense of order and structure to our physical space, it can help us feel more in control of our internal emotional landscapes.
Cleaning as a Mindfulness Practice
And it’s not just the state of our living spaces that matters – the actual act of cleaning and organizing can have mental health benefits as well. In fact, some experts view tidying up as a form of mindfulness practice.
A 2015 study published in the journal Mindfulness found that when people were instructed to wash dishes mindfully – really focusing on the sensations of the water, the smell of the soap, the motions of their hands – they reported a 27% reduction in nervousness and a 25% boost in mental inspiration. The researchers theorize that the repetitive, sensory-rich nature of cleaning can have a calming, almost meditative effect.
“The physical act of cleaning can also release endorphins, which is hugely beneficial as a pain reliever, stress reliever, and overall enhancement of our well-being,” explains Dr. Roeske. So not only does cleaning provide a mental reset, but it can also give us a little mood-boosting physical pick-me-up.
Reclaiming Control
Another reason cleaning and decluttering can be so restorative for our mental health? It gives us a sense of control over our environment. As Dr. Peggy Loo, a licensed psychologist and director at Manhattan Therapy Collective, notes, “When some people feel overwhelmed or stressed out, they might try yoga, mindfulness, or even a massage. For others, giving the shelves a quick dust, wiping down the kitchen, or even organizing the closet is just as beneficial for their mental health.”
This idea of reclaiming control is crucial. In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, having a clean, orderly home provides a stabilizing anchor. It’s a tangible way for us to assert some mastery over our immediate surroundings when other aspects of life may feel beyond our control.
Start Small, Think Big
Of course, the prospect of overhauling a cluttered, messy home can feel downright daunting. That’s why experts recommend taking it one step at a time. As professional organizer Lauren Saltman advises, “It’s amazing how much you can organize and tidy up in just 15 minutes a day.”
The key is to pick one small, manageable task – clearing off the kitchen counter, for example, or going through that overflowing junk drawer – and focus on that before moving on to the next. Over time, those little wins can add up to a significantly more peaceful and Zen-like living environment.
And it’s not just about looking better – that heightened sense of control and accomplishment can do wonders for your mental state. As Lesley Spellman, founder of The Clutter Fairy, notes, “Visualizing a goal can give you something to work for while you clean.” Maybe it’s finally hosting that dinner party you’ve been dreaming of, or simply enjoying the uninterrupted focus that comes with a decluttered workspace.
Bringing in Backup
Of course, even with the best intentions, it’s not always easy to keep up with cleaning and organizing, especially when you’re already feeling mentally or physically drained. That’s where getting help – whether from friends, family, or professional organizers – can make a big difference.
“Ask friends and family for help,” suggests Brenda Scott, owner of Tidy my Space. “Although asking for help may be hard, most people are willing to lend a hand if you ask. Plus, it’s a lot easier to tackle big projects when you have the support of others.”
And if your budget allows, consider hiring a cleaning service or investing in a robot vacuum. “Look for ways to simplify the cleaning that needs to be done, and it will become more manageable over time,” says Scott.
The important thing is to be realistic about your capacity and not let cleaning become yet another source of stress. As with anything related to mental health, it’s all about finding the right balance and strategies that work for you.
Decluttering for the Long Haul
Of course, cleaning and decluttering aren’t one-and-done solutions – they’re ongoing practices that require consistency and commitment. But the payoff in terms of improved mental well-being can be truly profound.
As the experts at Adam Cleaning know, a clean, organized living space isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating an environment that nurtures and supports our overall health and happiness. And with a little bit of time and effort each day, we can all enjoy the mental clarity and sense of calm that comes with a clutter-free home.
So the next time you find yourself feeling stressed, anxious, or just off, take a look around your living space. Is there an opportunity to tidy up, clear some surfaces, or tackle that junk drawer that’s been mocking you for weeks? Chances are, a little cleaning and organizing could be the mental health boost you’ve been looking for. Your mind (and your future dinner guests) will thank you!
