Cleaning as a Form of Self-Care
Sunday February 20, 2022
You’ve probably found that cleaning can be stressful, and now we’re saying it’s a form of self-care. So … is it actually healthy for us to clean? Or is doing it just making things worse? If you want more time and energy to spend on being your best self, then absolutely, cleaning can be part of a healthy routine. And when we take care of ourselves in small ways—ways that don’t feel like work—we have more energy to devote to the big things in our lives that do matter. Here are a few more tips for getting the clean home you desire without losing your mind.
Cleaning is something that most of us have to do on a regular basis, and if you’re anything like me, then it can be a challenge to take the time to care for yourself while also taking care of this task. Thankfully, with some self-care practices in place, you can clean your home efficiently, while also keeping your self-care on track.
Cleaning as Self-Care?
Adopting a more positive view towards housework can benefit you in many ways. Cleaning can be a powerful way of taking charge of your home and yourself, setting boundaries, and creating time for you . And it can help you to become a better person too.
Ultimately, what’s most important is that you look at cleaning your space and time as a form of self-care, instead of something you have to do because of a lack of interest in a clean home. See it as a hobby, or something you like to do for fun, and break down the tasks in such a way so as to enjoy it and make sure it doesn’t turn into chores. When cleaning becomes second nature, it’s no longer a chore. It becomes enjoyable- not just for yourself, but anyone who visits you.
Staying Healthy
Believe it or not, there is self-care involved in cleaning your home. By taking care of yourself through these small, everyday tasks, you allow yourself an opportunity to de-stress after a hard day at work. By simply sweeping up the dust and detritus of your life and tossing it away, you are protecting both yourself and those around you from the potential dangers of living in a less-than-sanitary environment. Cleansing your space can be a simple, but effective way to take care of the physical body as well as the inner self. And these benefits may come with fewer calories than one might think! Your mental health is just as important as your physical health – so let’s take a stand against negative thoughts and let’s peel our socks off one at a time!
Delegate or Outsource
When it comes to housework, don’t be afraid to delegate. Whether you hire a cleaner or simply ask the people in your life to pitch in on weekends, you can easily make your life more manageable. Cleaning is difficult, easy tasks that make a world of difference. However—and this is important—don’t make a big deal out if it. Housework should be as much fun as it is stressful, and if you’re slaving away on a Saturday afternoon, then you’re probably doing it wrong.
We hope that this article inspired you to create a cleaning routine of your own, one that takes into account the ways in which cleaning can help you feel balanced and focused. There are numerous ways to clean—indoor and outdoor, on a schedule or as needed—so be sure to find the one that works for you. And remember: no matter how messy your house appears, if it’s making a negative impact on your life, it’s time to re-evaluate what you can honestly handle and call in reinforcements for what you can’t.
Even if you aren't normally a clean freak, I hope this article has convinced you that breaking down your cleaning into small tasks and rewarding yourself for each task is the best way to keep your home tidy while also keeping your sanity.