Spring is in the air, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh and renew your living space!
The warmer weather and start of a fresh, new season often motivates us to create a cleaner and more organised home and this can positively impact your physical and mental well-being!
In this blog, we’ll explore the health benefits of spring cleaning, provide tips to avoid injuries while cleaning, and offer motivation to help you get started.
Health Benefits of a Spring Clean or Declutter
Spring cleaning is more than just a tradition that improves your home. It’s a beneficial practice that can improve both your physical and mental health.
Here are some of the key benefits –
- Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress – Decluttering and cleaning your home can provide a sense of accomplishment and control, which can help reduce stress and boost your mood. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Dawn Potter, completing a cleaning task can give you a tangible sense of achievement and satisfaction. Some people even find the act of cleaning to be a great time by themselves, to reset the mind.
- Enhances Focus and Productivity – A clean and organized environment can improve your focus and productivity, especially if you work from home. Clutter can be a significant distraction, making it harder to concentrate on tasks at hand.
- Promotes Physical Activity – Cleaning involves physical activity, which can help you stay active and burn calories. Whether you’re vacuuming, scrubbing, or dusting, these activities can contribute to your daily exercise routine and step count.
- Reduces Allergens and Improves Air Quality – Dust, mold, and pet dander can accumulate in your home, leading to allergies and respiratory issues. Regular cleaning can help reduce these allergens and improve the air quality in your home.
- Decreases Risk of Falls or Injury – A cluttered home can be a hazard, increasing the risk of falls, especially for older adults and children. Keeping your home tidy can help prevent accidents and injuries.
How to Avoid Injuries When Cleaning
As with any cleaning, it’s a physical job, so it’s important to be mindful of potential injuries. Here are some common injuries associated with cleaning-
- Falls
- Pulled Muscles
- Twisted Ankles
- Knee injuries
- Soft Tissue injuries
- Respiratory issues
- Burns
Whether you are a professional cleaner or homemaker, it’s important you are aware of hazards and use proper cleaning tools and techniques to avoid injuries.
Here are some of our top tips –
- House Cleaning Checklist – Rushing through cleaning tasks can increase the risk of injuries. Create a well-planned cleaning schedule to stay organised and focused and save time!
- Appropriate Shoes – Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops. Opt for sturdy shoes with good traction to prevent slips and falls.
- Cleaning Tools – Invest in ergonomic cleaning tools that reduce the need for bending or overreaching. Eg. use a mop with an extendable handle, or a robot or cordless vacuum if you have back issues. These can be more expensive, but can save you a lot of pain and money in the long run, if you were to develop a serious injury.
- Warm-Up – Stretching your muscles before starting can help prevent strains and sprains. Simple exercises like shoulder rotations and hamstring stretches can be beneficial.
- Lifting Techniques – Bend your knees, use your leg muscles and keep your back straight when lifting heavy objects. Avoid twisting your spine or doing jerky movements. Ensure you ask for help when needed.
- Take Breaks – Avoid repetitive muscle injuries by taking regular breaks. Also cleaning in shorter, manageable sessions can reduce the risk of overexertion.
- Hydration – Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent muscle cramps or other injuries or issues like headaches.
- Natural Products – Choose natural, environmentally friendly cleaning products where possible, to avoid respiratory and skin irritations caused by harsh chemicals.
Motivation Tips to Get Started!
Not sure where to begin?? Getting started with spring cleaning (or any cleaning) can be challenging for some, but these tips can help motivate you-
- Set Clear Goals with a Plan – Define what you want to achieve with your spring cleaning. You aren’t going to get it all done at once, so break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Start with High-Impact Areas – Begin with areas that will make the most noticeable difference, such as decluttering the living room or kitchen. Seeing immediate results can boost your motivation.
- Visualise the End Result – Picture how great your home will look and feel once it’s clean and organised. Creating a photo board of your inspiration and putting it up on display, will help you stay focused and motivated.
- Create a Playlist – Music can make cleaning more enjoyable. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs to keep you energised.
- Involve Family Members – Cleaning can be a fun family activity. Assign tasks to each member and work together to achieve your goals.
- Reward Yourself – Set up a reward system for completing tasks. Treat yourself to something special, or enjoy a group reward with the whole family.
Spring cleaning offers numerous benefits for your mind and body, but it’s important to approach it safely to avoid injuries. By following these tips and staying motivated, you can create a clean, healthy, and happy living environment for all the family to enjoy. Happy cleaning from Sandgate Physical Health Clinic!