The Importance of Integrating Cleaning into Your Self-Care Routine
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of adults have realized the profound importance of self-care. In fact, one recent survey found that over 75 percent of consumers in the US feel that focusing on wellness is more important than ever, and half said they were planning on spending more time and money on self-care through things like increased exercise, sleep, meditation, and beauty and wellness treatments.
As someone who has walked the journey of finding balance and prioritizing self-care, I can attest to the transformative power of building cleaning into your self-care routine. It may sound unconventional, but the act of cleaning and organizing your physical spaces can have a profound impact on your mental, emotional, and even spiritual well-being.
The Connection Between Cleaning and Self-Care
Before founding my own beauty brand, Kiramoon, I worked in the tech industry as a sales executive. While I was excelling in my career, I had little time for myself and wasn’t able to prioritize my own wellness. My only real form of self-care was my nightly skincare and beauty routine, which I cherished dearly.
It was during this time that I had an epiphany – the act of cleaning and organizing my physical environment had a direct impact on my mental and emotional state. When my home was cluttered and disorganized, I felt overwhelmed, scattered, and unable to fully relax and recharge. But when I took the time to tidy up, clear out the clutter, and create a sense of order, I experienced a profound sense of calm, clarity, and inner peace.
This realization was a game-changer for me. I began to see cleaning as an essential self-care practice, one that went hand-in-hand with the other wellness activities I was incorporating into my life, like exercise, meditation, and quality time with loved ones.
Reclaiming Your Spaces, Reclaiming Your Life
As I delved deeper into the connection between cleaning and self-care, I discovered that it wasn’t just about the physical act of cleaning itself. It was about reclaiming your spaces and taking back control of your environment. When your home or workspace is cluttered and disorganized, it can feel like an external representation of the chaos and lack of control you may be experiencing in other areas of your life.
By intentionally clearing out the clutter and creating a sense of order, you’re not just tidying up your physical space – you’re also reclaiming your mental and emotional space. You’re sending a powerful message to yourself and the world that you are in charge of your life, and that you have the self-discipline and self-love to prioritize your well-being.
This is why I believe that cleaning should be an integral part of any sustainable self-care routine. It’s not just about aesthetics or efficiency – it’s about self-empowerment and cultivating a sense of control and mastery over your own life.
Cleaning as a Mindfulness Practice
But the benefits of integrating cleaning into your self-care routine go even deeper. When approached with the right mindset, cleaning can actually become a mindfulness practice that helps you stay present, focused, and grounded.
Think about it – when you’re actively cleaning and organizing, you’re fully engaged with the task at hand. You’re not worrying about the past or the future; you’re simply immersed in the moment, focused on the physical sensations and movements of your body as you scrub, sort, and tidy.
This present-moment awareness is a key component of mindfulness, and it can have profound effects on your mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that mindfulness practices like cleaning can reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and even boost creativity and problem-solving abilities.
So by making cleaning a regular part of your self-care routine, you’re not just creating a more organized and harmonious environment – you’re also cultivating a deeper sense of presence, focus, and inner calm that can positively impact every aspect of your life.
Sustainable Self-Care Through Cleaning
Of course, the key to making cleaning a sustainable part of your self-care routine is to approach it with the right mindset. It’s not about perfection or creating a sterile, impersonal environment. It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in the process, and using it as a tool to foster a deeper connection with yourself and your surroundings.
This might look like playing your favorite music while you clean, lighting a scented candle, or taking regular breaks to stretch and recharge. It might also mean letting go of the idea of a perfectly clean space and instead focusing on creating an environment that feels calm, nourishing, and supportive to you.
And just as with any other self-care practice, it’s important to be gentle with yourself and not get discouraged if you don’t stick to a perfectly regimented cleaning routine. Self-care is a journey, and the key is to find what works best for you and to incorporate it into your life in a way that feels sustainable and enjoyable.
Cleaning as a Pathway to Wellness
Ultimately, by integrating cleaning into your self-care routine, you’re not just creating a more organized and harmonious living or working space – you’re also cultivating a deeper sense of mindfulness, self-control, and inner peace that can have far-reaching effects on your overall well-being.
It’s a holistic approach to self-care that acknowledges the inextricable link between our physical environments and our mental, emotional, and spiritual states. And by making cleaning a regular part of your self-care practice, you’re not just investing in your own well-being – you’re also creating a solid foundation for a more sustainable, fulfilling, and joyful life.
So why not start today? Take a moment to assess your current living or working space, and consider how integrating a cleaning routine could help you feel more grounded, focused, and at peace. And remember, self-care is a journey, not a destination – so be gentle with yourself, and celebrate every small step you take towards a more harmonious and sustainable way of living.
