We think yes! Okay, having a clean home isn’t the answer to life’s problems… but it can help you feel more in control, relaxed and free of constant responsibility. When you’re stressed or bummed out, the last thing you want to see is a sink full of dirty dishes or toys strewn about the Family room. After a long, hard day, coming home to a clean and tidy home can really elevate your mood and help you get into relaxation mode. So what is it about a fresh, clean home that just makes you feel good? How do you keep up on house work to maintain that “tidy home, tidy mind” feeling?
A couple of tips we’ve gathered that might help:
· Get over it! The idea that Cleaning is some big, overwhelming chore is all in our heads. We convince ourselves that for our house to be considered clean, we need to be able to eat off the floor – and that’s just not the case. It doesn’t have to be that serious! Putting this kind of pressure on ourselves will inevitably stress us out, making the task of cleaning even more daunting… so cut it out.
· Remember that a little can go a long way. If you don’t have the time or energy to do a total house clean, but can’t stand the feeling of a messy house… just take five minutes to make your bed, throw out old food from the fridge or put away those clean clothes that’ve been sitting folded in the basket for 2 days. Even tiny victories will boost your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment.
· Prioritize your cleaning routine based on which rooms you spend most time in, make a plan and get your family involved! The guest room no one goes in does not need to be vacuumed as often as the living room – so to save time, skip it! Creating a cleaning calendar will hold each member of the family accountable for his or her tasks, and can become fun and rewarding. Make it a game, or a contest. Nothing like a little sibling rivalry between your kids to get that laundry folded and put away quickly. You could also try assigning dollar amounts or extra TV minutes to different tasks… and suddenly your kids will figure out how the dishwasher works!
· Light a candle! Remember, your home shouldn’t just LOOK clean… for example, a stinky kitchen will never truly feel clean. Aromatherapy is a great, easy way to alter your mood immediately – the right candle or essential oil can make a huge difference. Find a scent that reminds you of family or just simply pleases your senses. Anything from apple pie to clean cotton will immediately transform the space and relax you and your family.
For more ideas, check out our blog post on 10 new habits you can form to keep your home clean and tidy year round. This will help immensely with the notion that “tiny victories” will add up and improve your mood. It’s important to reward yourself mentally and enjoy the home you spend so much time cleaning - what are some of the ways you keep a tidy home and a tidy mind?
