This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Merry Maids. All opinions are 100% mine.
If you’ve ever felt less stressed when your home is clean and tidy, you aren’t imagining it. There’s data to support the link between the cleanliness of your environment and your mental health. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin revealed a study of 60 women that were asked how they would describe their homes. The women who classified their living spaces as “cluttered” or full of “unfinished projects” were more likely to be depressed and fatigued than women who described their homes as “restful” or “restorative.” They also found that women with cluttered homes showed higher blood levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). YIKES.
Another study conducted by a professor at the University of Southern California noted:
“(Cleaning) gives people a sense of mastery and control over their environment. Life is full of uncertainty and many situations are out of our hands, but at least we can assert our will on our living space. Clutter can be visually distracting, too, and serve as a nagging reminder of tasks and chores undone.”
There are obvious benefits to keeping a clean house, but the mental benefits are very real. According to the ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America) the actual physical activity of housekeeping that ends in a successful result (a clean house) can relieve general stress, and even anxiety and depression.
I know that some people say it doesn’t matter if your space is clean and my hot take is that it’s not totally true. There is clearly even science to support that.
Everyone is certainly different but I have good memories of a clean and clutter free home as a kid. It’s probably why as an adult I feel so much more relaxed and focused when my house is clean. The obvious issue I run into as a busy working mom (especially in a pandemic) is TIME. While I can of course make time to clean my house, it definitely takes away from all the other things I would rather be doing or need to be doing. Especially when it comes to deep cleaning. I end up cutting corners and doing the bare minimum which keeps me stressed… and the cycle continues.
I have been privileged enough to use Merry Maids for home cleaning services many times and it is always such a game changer. There is nothing like walking in the house after they have been there. We all have to make personal decisions with our schedules and our wallets but for me, having Merry Maids come clean my house is something I will always budget in when I can. Not only that, but it’s an amazing evergreen gift idea for anyone with a home! (Mothers Day Merry Maids Gift Card anyone?)
Merry Maids has locations all over the country to help you start the New Year in a clean space.
Here’s a fun printable to help you keep your home clean and your mind clear. Happy cleaning and clearing!
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