Spring often represents a fresh start: warmer weather, blooming plants, and a good house cleaning. The origin of spring cleaning can be associated with religious and cultural traditions around the world, including the Jewish Passover and the Thai Songkran.
When we hear the term “spring cleaning,” we think of packing up our winter clothes, decluttering, organizing, deep cleaning, and preparing for outdoor activities. In short, a laundry list of tasks. However, we neglect to remember the way spring cleaning can also help reduce our mental clutter.
“While spring cleaning looks like a physical task, it often creates meaningful mental and emotional shifts as well,” shares Bridget DeFiccio, LPC, Senior Vice President of Integrated Health at Acenda. “Even small changes in our environment can help reduce stress and improve focus.”
So how do we reap the mental and physical benefits of spring cleaning at the same time?
Tips for Effective Spring Cleaning
To tackle your spring cleaning a bit more effectively, Acenda Integrated Health recommends the following tips:
How to Approach Your To Do List
The first step in managing an overwhelming to do list is to adjust the way you view your tasks. Rather than trying to fit everything into one weekend of cleaning, you can divvy up the tasks over time to maintain reasonable and actionable expectations.
Instead of focusing on everything that needs attention:
- Break tasks into small, manageable steps.
- Prioritize progress over perfection.
- Give yourself permission to pause.
“When people look at everything they haven’t done, stress naturally increases,” DeFiccio explains. “Shifting the focus to what can be done right now helps quiet those overwhelming emotions.”
Mental Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning can offer a variety of benefits to your mental health, especially if you take the time to go about your to-do list in a reasonable, manageable way. Benefits can include:
- Improved Focus and Mental Clarity: Tidying your space can reduce distractions and improve concentration.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Clearing your space and your list of tasks can create a calmer environment, both in your physical and mental space.
- Boosted Mood and Sense of Accomplishment: Checking off a task from your to-do list can create momentum and improved mood.
- Stronger Mind-Body Connection: The activities associated with spring cleaning can help release tension and improve circulation, both of which benefit your mental and physical health.
“The mind‑body connection is always present,” DeFiccio says. “When your environment feels healthier, your body and mind often respond positively.”
Tips to Start Spring Cleaning
Keeping your list of spring cleaning tasks realistic and flexible is the key to ensuring the best mental benefits. Try the following:
Start Small
Assigning yourself several small tasks will make your list feel more manageable, and your progress will build up over time.
Set Time Limits
Consider trying the "Pomodoro Method" of allotting time for your tasks. By giving yourself a limited amount of time to clean and a guaranteed break afterward, you are more likely to experience increased productivity than if you set out to clean for an undetermined period.
Involve Others
Gather your family and friends to assist you in your spring cleaning. By coming together, you'll finish your tasks faster while getting to spend quality time with your loved ones. Perhaps you can even offer to help your friends clean out their spaces the following weekends.
Make It Enjoyable
Make an effort to have fun while you're cleaning. Play music, watch a show, listen to a podcast; anything that helps pass the time and makes the process of spring cleaning feel less like a burden.
Moving Forward
Taking the time to participate in spring cleaning will help you create a space that supports your mental and physical well being. By organizing and cleaning your home, you can create meaningful mental health benefits for yourself.
If feelings of stress, anxiety or sadness feel unmanageable, professional support can help. Acenda Integrated Health offers compassionate mental health services for individuals and families.
Check out our counseling services for professional guidance.
About the Authors
Bridget DeFiccio, LPC, is Acenda's Senior Vice President of Integrated Health. DeFiccio has been with Acenda since 2011 and has experience in the development, management, and delivery of clinical services to children, youth, and adults. She holds degrees in counseling from the University of Delaware and West Chester University.
Riley de Jong, the content & engagement strategist with Acenda’s Brand, Marketing & Engagement team, attended the University of California – Los Angeles for her undergraduate degree in Communication and minor in Entrepreneurship. She enjoys supporting her community, telling engaging stories, and connecting with others.
Sources
Spring cleaning has ancient origins. Here's why we still do it. - National Geographic
