Why is cleaning therapeutic?

- Akansha Priya

We humans crave for a structure, especially during times of uncertaining. We often tend to
cling to familiar patterns. According to Jaime Zuckerman, a clinical psychologist, based in
Philadelphia, we humans find it easier to rely on already-existing behavioural patterns than
use up the extra cognitive function necessary to pause, take an inventory of one’s situation
and surroundings, and make a conscious decision to engage in a new behaviour. When we
look out for ways for reducing this feeling of helplessness, cleaning becomes one of the
ways one might do that through.

Cleaning helps us filter out the larger picture, which is overwhelmingly uncertain, by giving
us something to have power over — even if it’s something as small as organising our books
by colour. We know the end result and we know how to get there, and that is a very
comforting feeling. We like to be able to predict things, to know what’s coming. From a
survival perspective, predictability allows us to plan and better protect ourselves from
potential threats, and so, cleaning and organising our spaces can be therapeutic.

While it’s unlikely that cleaning and organising will ever be considered a reliable solution
for mental health issues, the latest research does indicate that having a clean and organised
home can bring some serious psychological benefits. Let’s explore some of those below.

Cleaning provides us with a sense of control over our environment

When things feel far outside our control, we often turn to tasks like cleaning as a source to
self soothe. A 2013 study has confirmed that order and disorder each have a measurable
effect on our preferences, choices, and behaviour. Seeing the mess around us can be very
distracting. If suppose, you’re sitting in front of a computer trying to work, certain things
might catch your eye. And that’s when you’ve immediately distracted yourself and it can be
hard to get back into your task again.

The post-cleanup feelings of accomplishment can spill over into other areas of our lives

When you tackle — and conquer — a challenging cleaning project (say, rearranging that
chaotic closet of yours), you’re more likely to also feel capable of tackling other areas of
your life that feel daunting or out of control. (Of course, it helps if you’re intentional in
applying the sense of accomplishment that comes from cleaning.) We could ask ourselves
how can we use the same mindset and set of logical skills in other areas of life.

To heighten your focus and attention span

Living in a clean environment can also boost your concentration and focus, according to a
2011 study published in The Journal of Neuroscience. This is because the brain processes
clutter as a distraction in an attempt to force you to correct the situation. Whether you
realise it or not, your subconscious is using up mental resources to process the clutter in
your home or work environment and taking up valuable bandwidth for other tasks.

Cleaning as Meditation

While the end result of a major cleaning session (a beautiful and clean space) can be a great
stress reliever, the act of cleaning your house can be a stress management technique in
itself. If you incorporate mindfulness into your cleaning, the work can actually be a form of
meditation, leaving you more relaxed after you finish.
Cleaning as an Exercise in Gratitude

Make cleaning a mindful task by taking the opportunity to be thankful for each thing you
touch. For instance, if you are washing dishes, admire your plates, be grateful for the food
that you’re scraping off since some have none or perhaps it’s having your own place, or
living with loved ones. By thinking about what you are cleaning you might find an extra
appreciation that you didn’t realise you were lucky to have before. Because inner peace
comes more from wanting what you have than from having what you want. One of my
favourite things is coming across memories while I’m cleaning and reorganising. If I’m
sorting out a pile of notebooks that I take a read of, it usually reminds me of a good/funny
time. It may even motivate you to pick up your

HOWEVER, do not go overboard in the cleaning department. It can stress you out even
more. It’s healthy to use cleaning to clear your mind, gain perspective, and take a break
from your worries but it shouldn’t be used to hide from problems.

Remember, nobody ever said, I regret organising my house.