7 Surprising Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning

Wellness

By Lindsey Grossman

Tackling housework can be downright overwhelming…after all, it’s called “work” for a reason. If you need some motivation to get off that couch and start dusting under it, check out these seven healthful incentives.

1. Stress less. Wipe away your worries! Just 20 minutes of cleaning can reduce stress and anxiety levels by as much as 20%, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

2. Boost productivity. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “clean space, clean mind?” The Journal of Neuroscience discovered that too much mess significantly clutters up your brain’s ability to process. Less chaos means more headspace for tackling that to-do list.

3. Breathe easier. The American Lung Association notes that hundreds of thousands of dust mites can live in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets or curtains in your home, triggering allergies and asthma. Dusting regularly helps you breathe better by preventing respiratory issues and supporting a healthy immune system.

4. Fewer falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. Reducing home hazards such as clutter minimizes your risk of tripping and hurting yourself.

5. Eat healthier. How tidy you keep your home office can affect your food choices. A study published in Psychology Science showed that people who worked in an organized area were twice as likely to opt for an apple over a chocolate bar than those who worked at a messy desk.

6. Sleep better. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found that people who regularly wash their bedding and sheets weekly reported 19% better rest at night.

7. Burn calories. This spring, you can get your gut and gutters in gear. The American Heart Association counts housework as moderate exercise meaning you can burn as many calories vacuuming as you can on a leisurely walk.

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