Clutter and mess affect us all. However, studies have shown that men are less bothered by it than women. Men and women have different ‘field dependence’, a variation in cognitive style.

In English, this means that if a set of coloured cushions aren’t arranged in an eye-pleasing way, women will notice it and find it jarring. In contrast, men see objects out of context from their environment - which means they’ll see the cushions individually and not notice they don’t look right. 

It may sound like an excuse, but it does suggest a good reason why motivations for tidying and decluttering the house on average are so stark. What’s more, mess and clutter can result in increased cortisol levels, the stress hormone, particularly in women, which can cause different feelings of frustration, low mood and anxiety. 

Having a cluttered space can make individuals feel overwhelmed and uneasy. If you have a messy desk at work (in an office or at home), you are more prone to distractions and your productivity decreases. As the saying goes, ‘a messy desk conveys a cluttered mind’. Experts continue to explore why clutter elicits such a strong emotional response. 

It is important to take stress seriously and reduce sources of stress in your life. We know that a clean and organised home can improve mental health and result in a much healthier mindset.

Five reasons why cleaning improves mentality 

There are many benefits to having a clean and tidy house, including an improved mindset. But what exactly happens when we clean, and why is it important? Here are five reasons why clearing is a necessity! 

1. Decluttering your life improves focus.
   Struggling to focus can come as a direct result of your environment. Do you have a messy room? Are there random items dotted around your house with no particular purpose or home? These incomplete tasks can result in your brain feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus. A tidy room equals a clean mind.
   
   
2. Cleaning releases endorphins
   In lesson 4, we discussed the physical benefits of exercise in the release of endorphins. Well, the great news is that the physical exertion of cleaning has the same effect. These endorphins trigger positive feelings in your body, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. 
   
   
3. Cleaning allows you to sleep better.
   When we have a tidy room and a tidy bed, we are more likely to get a good night’s sleep, which vastly improves our energy levels. A well-rested mind leads to you feeling happier, motivated and more productive overall.
   
   
4. Aromatherapy provides holistic healing.
   Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. It uses aromatic essential oils to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. Having a lovely smelling house or room is likely to impact your overall well-being positively, and therefore, memory.
   
   
5. Tidying conveys a sense of achievement.
   The buzz we get when we’ve completed a task that we have been putting off, like cleaning, gives us a rush of endorphins which can only improve mental health and boost our mood and memory. 
   

If there is one thing you take from today’s lesson, it is to schedule some time to spring clean your home and then work in a regular cleaning routine, weekly, to keep yourself motivated and the mind well. 

Recommended reading

‍Hinch yourself happy: All the best cleaning tips to shine your sink and soothe your soul