Household chores have long been recognized as being crucial for enhancing longevity and brain function, both in old and young age. We know that movement is a potent approach to maintaining the brain fresh, "young age" and sharp—both in the short and long term. Examples of this include leisurely activities like family bike rides and structured, intense exercise like a 45-minute Zumba dance.
However, what about other types of regular physical activity that fall outside of the leisure or "exercise" categories? Is doing yard and household chores as good for your brain as going for a quick stroll or playing tag with younger and older kids or siblings in the backyard?
Caregivers and loved ones of individuals in the early stages of cognitive impairment should allow them to continue with their household tasks because of the possible benefits cleaning may have on their motor skills and, surprisingly, their brain health. Even though it may take them longer now, it's easy to feel like you're helping when you step in and do the dishes or laundry for them.
However, there are many benefits to allowing people to maintain as much of their life skills and independence at an early age as possible, safely, including the fact that it benefits them and keeps them more active.
Household Chores Benefits
If you're anxious or stressed, doing household chores like mopping the floor, organizing drawers, or washing the dishes could lift your spirits. For those who are feeling stuck, here's a look at how chores help the relationship and some professional advice to help you get started.
Clear your area and clear your thoughts.
According to research, cleaning—or not cleaning—may be closely associated with mental health. One way that performing household chores can help you divert your attention from urgent issues and, at the very least, temporarily cease worrying about uncontrollable situations is by providing a productive distraction.
However, messy worktops and cupboards, an overflowing sink, or even unmade beds could all be signs that you're extremely busy. They may, however, also be signs of mental illness.
Obtaining Peace with Cleaning
Those who are overwhelmed by clutter may find it difficult to de-stress and may experience feelings of shame and guilt. Clutter can also be a big time-waster if you can't find your phone or keys when you need them.
These days, with so many individuals working from home in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, you might be experiencing even more of the negative consequences of your busy environment. Apart from getting rid of the dust bunnies (and other unwanted allergens) under your bed, doing household chores has a number of other advantages that may be helpful to take into consideration.
Boost your concentration.
A messy, untidy, or overly cluttered home can throw you off balance and make it difficult to focus. Additionally, the congestion hinders your brain's capacity to digest information.
In reality, studies have shown that people who operate in neat, orderly workspaces are happier, less easily distracted, more productive, and have improved information processing and time management skills.
You might want to try cleaning your workstation first if you're finding it difficult to concentrate on a serious task, project, or other household chores. It could be easier for you to focus and finish your task if you take a few minutes to organize your belongings and clean up any mess.
Reducing the number of items you own can have a similar effect by lowering the number of things competing for your attention.
The Harmful Effects of Mess and Clutter
It's beneficial for you to keep your house tidy and take part in the cleaning procedure. Household chores are life skills, truth be told! As a matter of fact, studies indicate that mental health may be directly impacted by cleaning—or not cleaning.
Clutter could be a factor in depression.
In "Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin," for example, a study indicated that women and children who viewed their houses as relaxing and restorative were less likely to be depressed and tired than those who described them as crowded or full of unfinished projects.
The researchers also found that the women who had dirty or cluttered homes had higher cortisol levels.
Tension, dizziness, and lack of focus can be brought on by clutter.
In the meantime, scientists have discovered that clutter can make it difficult to focus on a particular task. More specifically, they discovered that when a person's visual cortex is overwhelmed with irrelevant stimuli, it can be challenging for them to concentrate and do activities efficiently.
While clutter and disarray can occasionally evoke negative emotions like confusion, frustration, and impatience, a chaotic atmosphere tends to evoke more positive emotions like tranquility and a sense of well-being.
The brain uses clutter as a metaphor for unfinished business, which can be very upsetting for certain individuals. This is especially true for people whose lives are being severely disturbed by big problems.
Although chaos and clutter can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety, people can take control of their environment and enhance their capacity to focus on the things that matter most in their lives by organizing and calming the area.
How To Begin Cleaning When You'd Rather Not
It's okay if you're feeling overloaded. Recalling that tension resulting from clutter can be reduced is beneficial. Here are some easy adjustments you can do right now:
Make a list!
Decide which domestic duties you enjoy performing first so you can fit more of them into your day or make the most of the ones you already do. It matters more whether you will continue to do something than what you do.
It's not about any one activity in particular, but about developing long-lasting, healthy living habits that will keep you moving. While some individuals enjoy cooking and keeping their kitchen immaculate, others enjoy going outside to cultivate flowers and apply fertilizer to their yard.
Consider your everyday chores as an exercise circuit, and aim to learn skills and complete them as fast as you can without sacrificing quality or safety. Especially in a house where children grow, they must learn early, which helps with fine motor skills development.
Use a timer to get you motivated.
Time management is the key! If you are easily sidetracked by boring or overwhelming chores, set a 20-minute timer and start a cleaning project. Scrub your sink and load the dishwasher. Either vacuum and dust your living room, or clean two toilets.
Make a commitment to dedicate the same amount of time—roughly, based on your drive—to the same chore or new assignment around the house the following day. With this method, you'll gradually feel more accomplished, and soon enough, you'll be preparing dinner in a spotless kitchen.
Use exercise concepts to increase the difficulty of household chores by raising the speed, intensity, duration, and number of repetitions involved. For example, mop your floors for fifteen minutes rather than ten. Consider household tasks like chores like cleaning the bathroom mirror or disinfecting the kitchen or bathroom countertops as "movement snacks," and complete them more frequently throughout the day.
Start Small
Cleaning doesn't have to take up a whole weekend. Nobody finds that entertaining when they have some free time. Aim for something simple, like the coat closet or a drawer. Decide to sort things out after supper one weeknight. Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate or a funny television show as a treat for yourself.
Make Your Bed
People who make their beds every morning are 19% more likely to report that they typically receive a good night's sleep, according to a National Sleep Foundation study. Better sleep is also associated with clean clothes and sheets. According to 75% of respondents, sleeping on freshly laundered clothes and bedding makes them feel more at ease.
Declutter Your Workspace Before Quitting for the Day
Before you turn off your computer for the evening, sort through your stacks of papers and throw away everything you're done with. Some find that making lists reduces their anxiety. Make a note of where you want to start each morning if you're afraid you won't remember where you left off.
It feels good to clean up your desk for a few minutes, and you'll feel more energized when you begin your workday in a more ordered workspace.
Listen to a podcast or music you love.
Even in tiny amounts, organizing and cleaning can greatly improve our physical and emotional self-esteem. That is cleaning's power. To raise your heart rate, put on fast-paced music and work more quickly. Remember that the things you originally considered to be a grind are good for your health.
Why not make the chore more enjoyable? Cleaning may be made much more pleasurable by listening to upbeat music or an uplifting podcast.
Stay safe while cleaning.
Turn on the lights. Make sure there is adequate lighting where you are working.
Secure your footing. Throw rugs that move under you while you dust or tidy up should be removed. Steer clear of damp floors. Put on sneakers with plenty of traction.
Remain grounded. When working alone, avoid using step stools or ladders.
Use supports. Use grab bars or handrails in the bathtub or shower, or railings or banisters outside in locations with uneven ground, such as cobblestones, for support or balance.
Time it right. If you are taking medications that can make you dizzy, including blood pressure pills, or if you are dizzy all the time, avoid doing housework when you could feel lightheaded.
Know your limitations. Avoid carrying heavy loads if your laundry room is located on a steep staircase so that you can maintain one hand on the railing. Instead, make several journeys with a tiny basket. Think about moving the appliances to a more secure location.
End Note
Cleaning and decluttering can seem like an intimidating undertaking that may feel important but is just out of reach right now, whether you are dealing with depression, have a new baby, or just have a hectic life. In actuality, a lot of people debate whether or not cleaning ought to come first.
However, given that living in a cleaner atmosphere may lift your spirits and provide you with greater tranquility, it might be worthwhile to pursue good habits. There are many age-appropriate chores that can help your family develop strong teamwork skills, especially those of your younger siblings if you have any. It's as simple as assigning chores, which goes a long way!
By all means, get your cleaning supplies and go to work if organizing and cleaning improve your mood, increase self-esteem, help you feel less stressed, and reduce anxiety. A cluttered or disorganized house can be distracting, after all. Just watch that your cleaning routine doesn't become a crutch. Your life shouldn't be completely governed by cleaning in order to maintain structure, routine, and regularity in family life.
There can be instances when everything doesn't go according to plan and you are unable to clean. Therefore, you must have more resources in your toolbox that you can use to relax and de-stress.
On the other hand, if you are experiencing depression or another mental health problem and desire a tidy and orderly home but lack the motivation to achieve it, consider starting small. Small actions to tidy up your own laundry and surroundings will feel more doable and less stressful, even if that means simply sweeping up all the clothing off the floor in one day and loading the dishwasher the next.
More significantly, having made even a tiny effort to tidy and organize your surroundings may even make you feel happier.
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