All Things Spring

All things spring. Feeling the need to freshen things up? There are many benefits to having a clean and tidy home. And what’s spring without nature? In this article, we will explore the positive connections between spring and cleaning.

Did you know, that clean spaces can help elevate one’s mood? An article by REALSIMPLE, discusses the effect of a clean home on a person’s mental health, “Experts agree that tidy, organized spaces can improve mental health.”  Mental health benefits can include “a sense of clarity and control, an improved quality of life, a boosted sense of confidence, an increase in productivity, and a more tranquil atmosphere.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of a total house cleaning, break the tasks into smaller, more manageable, tasks. For example, if tackling an entire room seems impossible in the moment, start with a drawer in that room, a bookshelf, or one cabinet. Make clean-up goals simple and doable.

Make a list.

Whether you live in a house, apartment, or in a smaller shared living space, it can be difficult to find a launching site for cleaning to begin. Spring cleaning checklists can help prioritize cleaning projects. They guide the cleaning process by going systematically room by room to avoid the “rabbit trail cleaning method.”  Going from one room to another, doing random projects all around the house, can be exhausting and not as rewarding as completing an entire area or room. We want to work smarter, not harder.

The more the merrier.

Another way to clean more with less (of your energy) is to invite others to join in on the cleaning! Parents can find small tasks for children to do, which will help to keep them occupied and working towards the goal of making a tidy space rather than creating more mess! Or have little ones contained in one area in which they are free to play and not sabotage cleaning efforts. If available and close by, invite friends and family to come over for a cleaning party. Involving others in your efforts makes cleaning more enjoyable because it expedites the process, and the group setting can make cleaning, dare we say it, fun! (Tip: A provided meal is usually a great way to entice free labor.)

Give it up. Out with the old, in with the new.

Don’t give up on your spring cleaning efforts. But, as you clean, assess items that have long been neglected and unused. Be mindful of which items you actually wore throughout the year. Will this item be used in the near future? Gift or donate items that are just creating clutter in your home. Removing old items allows for more space and less items you have to tidy up! Springtime is also a great time to go through your wardrobe, removing unworn items and preparing space for some fresh new looks! It’s important to take the time to evaluate your belongings periodically to keep things that you want to keep and to toss items you don’t.

A natural state of mind.

After all the cleaning is done, spring will be here and the outdoors will be beckoning you to get outside. What a clean and tidy home does for mental health, nature does the same. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), exposure to nature has both physical and psychological benefits to human wellbeing. Whether walking through a green space in an urban setting or hiking in the wilderness, the benefits of being in nature can include improved cognition, lower stress, and an improved and happier mood. One UK study found [that] people who had spent at least 120 minutes in nature a week, reported significantly greater health and well-being.

Looking for ways to get connected to nature? In 2012, the United Nations proclaimed March 21^st the International Day of Forests. A day to “celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.” The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has an idea list for people to observe this global appreciation of forests. Little Bins for Little Hands provides a list of Fun Nature Activities for Kids. Whether walking, playing, getting organized, or going outside, these activities will improve so many aspects of your health. Why wait? It’s time to get started.

AbbaCare is a pregnancy resource center serving Winchester Virginia, Martinsburg West Virginia, and the Northern Shenandoah Valley. All of our services are free and confidential. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 540.665.9660 (Winchester) or 304.726.6582 (Martinsburg) or by sending us a message.