Spring cleaning season is upon us, and as we approach the tasks we might have been putting off all winter, we might not realise the positive impact a big clearout can have on our mental health.
Speaking on behalf of Stocklytics, leading psychologist Dr Lalitaa Suglani is on hand to give some insight into the ‘mental clarity’ spring cleaning can give us following the winter months.
Dr Lalitaa said a clear out is a way to ‘rejuvenate’ and help ‘reduce stress’, while accomplishing these tasks can ‘boost our mood and confidence’ and give a ‘profound sense of achievement’.
Touching on how it can help, Dr Lalitaa added that it can reduce feelings of being “overwhelmed” and help “promote relaxation.”
The psychologist also explains how cleaning can offer a “sense of control over our lives” and can increase dopamine – giving us a feeling of pleasure, satisfaction and “promotes feelings of motivation and reward.”
Speaking on behalf of Stocklytics, Dr Lalitaa Suglani said: “Accomplishing tasks gives us a “profound sense of achievement” and “boosts our self-esteem.”
“Accomplishing tasks and being productive can evoke a profound sense of achievement, providing tangible evidence of progress and forward movement toward our goals.”
“A completed task can serve as a marker of competence and self-efficacy, which in turn can boost our self-esteem and confidence.”
“Fulfilling responsibilities and meeting deadlines brings fulfillment and satisfaction, affirming our reliability, commitment and self-trust within.”
Engaging with tasks also offers a sense of control over our lives, empowering us to influence our circumstances positively – it becomes a reflection of everyday life.
“Additionally, productivity triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reinforcing the behaviour and promoting feelings of motivation and reward.”
“Productivity can contribute to stress reduction by addressing looming deadlines and tasks, alleviating mental burdens and promoting relaxation – as long as we have a balance and it is not connected to our worth.”
Spring cleaning gives us “refresh” after winter and “creates mental clarity.”
“Spring cleaning is often seen as a way to refresh and rejuvenate both the living space and the occupants’ mindset after the winter months.”
“Similar to the meaning behind spring – fresh, new, and rejuvenated, we also connect with nature and follow this rhythm.”
Dr Lalitaa Suglani’s top five spring cleaning mental health benefits:
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Clears the mind: tidying up reduces stress and creates mental clarity. Our environment can impact our mental health, so having a clearout can help.
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Lifts mood: accomplishing cleaning tasks boosts mood and confidence.
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Less stress: organising reduces overwhelm and promotes relaxation.
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Feels accomplished and productive: finishing tasks gives a sense of achievement and energy.
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Promotes a fresh start: decluttering symbolises new beginnings, releasing old energies and rejuvenation.
