Clean home, calm mind

By:Liesbeth Keuninckx

Ah, spring is in the air. That means many things – longer days, (hopefully) better weather, and spring cleaning. But housework probably isn’t what you want to be spending those spring evenings doing, right? And not to mention, it can be pretty noisy, too.

But cleaning is good for you – and there are ways to make it easier (and quieter). Here’s everything you need to know.

The benefits of spring cleaning

Spring cleaning can give your home a new lease of life – but it can also help to clear your head, too. We’ve all heard of the phrase “cluttered house, cluttered mind” – and it’s true. Cleaning can help to manage stress and anxiety by removing mess that may (consciously or subconsciously) be adding to your stress. Plus, if you’re feeling overwhelmed in other areas of your life, then the repetitive act of cleaning can help to clear your mind and give you a sense of control.

And while housework isn’t a substitute for exercises, it does get your body moving and your heart rate up – which can give you a burst of feel-good endorphins, as well as a sense of achievement once you’ve completed your chores.

If you spend a lot of time at home – particularly if you WFH – then mess and clutter may be distracting. A good spring clean can help you to find your focus and ensure you can concentrate on the task at hand.

How to get started with your spring clean

The spring clean can be daunting. But it doesn’t need to be. Designate a day to complete your chores, write yourself a checklist of tasks to be done, and tick them off as you go along – this will help to ensure you stay on track and get everything done.

Cleaning can be fun, so pop on your favorite tunes, and get to work! Declutter your home by sorting your stuff into piles to keep, donate or discard. You might find it easiest to work through your home room by room – trying to tackle everything at once can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into chunks makes it much more manageable. Clean your surfaces, vacuum carpets and mop hard floors – and don’t be tempted to just throw your belongings into closets and cupboards. Out of sight isn’t always out of mind!

Some household appliances are loud. Some of them (like washing machines) are just annoying, while others (like vacuum cleaners) can be potentially damaging. It depends on the type and brand, but the typical vacuum cleaner is 70 decibels – in other words, very loud. Turning your music up really loud to try to drown out the noise is one option – but that puts your ears at risk of damage, as well as potentially overwhelming your nervous system with all of the noise triggers.

Rather than turning your music up, earplugs can help to reduce the noise levels. That means your hearing will be protected, and your nervous system will stay regulated – meaning you’ll be able to take advantage of all of the mental benefits of spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning life hacks

Want to make spring cleaning a little easier? Try these hacks:

Multi-task: Some jobs, like washing your bed sheets or soaking dishes, take time to complete. Rather than twiddling your thumbs while you wait, tackle another task to maximize your time and efficiency.
DIY cleaners: Lemons and limes can make excellent natural cleaners. Create a DIY all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts water and lemon juice in a spray bottle. Use it to clean countertops, sinks, and surfaces.
Declutter regularly: Little and often is the way forward when it comes to cleaning. Adopt a habit of decluttering and cleaning regularly – making it much easier to keep your home clean and tidy in the future.
Wear earplugs: Chores like vacuuming are loud – but other tasks like scrubbing also cause a really irritating noise. If you suffer from noise sensitivity, earplugs can take the edge off, making your cleaning session more comfortable.

FAQs

How can I make spring cleaning more enjoyable?

Okay, so cleaning isn't for everyone. But there are some things you can do to make it more enjoyable:

Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs to boost your mood
Plan a reward for yourself after completing certain cleaning tasks
Enlist the help of family members or friends
Make the process more peaceful with earplugs to take the edge off loud noises

I find it hard to concentrate on cleaning with all the background noise. How can I stay focused?

Wearing earplugs while spring cleaning can help to minimize distractions and improve your concentration. Our earplugs help to reduce the noise, creating a quieter environment that’s more conducive to productivity and focus.

I’m sensitive to loud noises. How can I make cleaning more comfortable?

If you find loud noises – or even background noise – uncomfortable or overwhelming, earplugs can reduce discomfort, making cleaning more peaceful and enjoyable.

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