I don’t know about you, but I have clear memories of spring cleaning growing up. It was a time I LOVED! It was cathartic for me, even as a kid (I know, odd right?). There was just something about opening all of the windows, taking curtains down, putting on the new lightweight bedding, getting rid of outgrown toys and broken crayons, I could go on. But for some reason, now that I have a house full of stuff – spring cleaning is more daunting.
Here are some helpful tips from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) that have put some joy back into cleaning for me. According to Luana Marques, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, & President of ADAA, “a large body of research has shown that regular practice of mindfulness can reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. Cleaning provides an opportunity for us to practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment. The result of having a clean space also has been shown to improve sleep and increase productivity.”
So are you ready to de-stress while you attempt to spring clean?
5 Impactful Tips from ADAA to Bring Self-Care to Your Spring Cleaning Routine
Plan Ahead
Break the project down into small, feasible tasks and slot each one into your schedule. For me, this means room by room so I am not leaving the whole house partially done. It also makes it easier to do it over several days then getting it done in one.
Set Time Limits
Use an alarm for specific start and end times and finish when the timer stops. You’ll find you stay on task and don’t get sucked into another project.
Be Mindful in the Moment
Focus on the task at hand and if your mind starts to wander, bring your attention back to the activity. Nothing is worse than dusting the same shelf for 10 minutes while you think about what to make for dinner or any of the other things on your to-do list.
Grab a Buddy
Invite a family member, close friend, or roommate to join in for social support. I choose “child” – they should be a part of the fun.
Celebrate the Accomplishment
When the task is finished, plan to reward yourself with something you enjoy like taking a walk, connecting with friends, a relaxing bath, or indulging in your creative hobby. I don’t recommend shopping and buying more things to bring into your clean home! At least not yet . . .
Spring Cleaning Products We Recommend
A few testimonial from our writers:
Black+Decker 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner
The suction of this little vacuum is very good. Attractive appearance. I haven’t used it for lengthy jobs – it’s my go-to for little pickups on the stairs and car interior. The lightweight and easy swivel control make the cleaning job super easy and fast. It is very easy to put together and take apart, too.
All due respect to my family, but there are few things I love more than vacuuming. What some find to be a chore, I find soothing and incredibly satisfying. The Black+Decker 3-in-1 Stick Vacuum has been a powerful, versatile and lightweight weapon against my kids’ crumbs, hair and other “debris.”
I love to cook but hate the mess that comes with it, especially in the oven and stove. This product is AMAZING and makes it so much easier. Carbona even says: “Our product innovations also enable people to efficiently clean their homes; taking less time to achieve that sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.”
