So you know those articles that tell you to use your broom handle as a free weight, and to lunge across the living room while you're vacuuming it? The ones that claim that you can get in shape while cleaning? Um...Yeah...this isn't one of those. Because truthfully scrubbing isn't likely to compare with jogging, and though I could lunge while vacuuming, frankly I don't want to.
I do, however, want to bring up one major wellness principle that I have confirmed in my life over the past couple of weeks spent spring cleaning, which is that we are more connected to our physical environments than we often realize. Connected emotionally and mentally and with our overall health and well-being.
For instance, I didn't realize how much the clutter in my home was weighing on my psyche until I removed it. The instant relief I felt--a renewed sense of peace and calm--has been almost tangible. I know you know what I'm talking about. Like how something as simple as cleaning off your desktop or kitchen counter can take away that feeling of anxiousness and help you tackle a project. I don't need a degree in psychology to understand that as a woman (maybe men feel this way too--I don't know), my emotions and mental clarity are at least as tied up with how much junk is scattered across my floor as with my relationships, diet, etc. Simply put: cleaner home, better psyche.
Furthermore, even the act itself of clearing away and cleaning up has provided me with a healthy mental break. While my hands are busy, my mind is free to either roam or zone. The latter has been my favorite--it has been nice to take a break from all the chatter clattering around in my mind. It's as if I've been removing the clutter in my mind along with the clutter in my home. Good riddance to both! Now if only Goodwill would only accept the donation of my negative thoughts...
And of course physically I am impacted by my environment. I'm fortunate to be a healthy person in general, but I know that when I vacuum up a year's (okay--maybe more than year's...) worth of dirt and dust from under my sofas, and wash my curtains, and wipe down the inside of my pantry, I'm doing my health a favor. Goodbye allergens and pathogens and nasty little flu viruses. Hello cleaner air and sparkling surfaces.
The bottom line? We are intimately attached to our physical spaces, starting first and foremost with our homes. My formerly cluttered and dirty home was weighing me down emotionally and mentally in a way that I was unaware of. Unaware until I started cleaning it up and witnessed a transformation. Through the practice of simple, simple tasks, I've managed to experience a boost that many people pay therapists and pharmacists loads of money for.
Not bad for a week of cleaning!
Previous Related Posts:
No comments:
Post a Comment