Self-Care September Day 24: Deep Clean Something

Like many of our self-care tips, this one has both physical and mental benefits.

Cleaning is good for your mental health. This study showed how people who live in cluttered homes have higher levels of cortisol in their systems, indicating a direct link between your space and your stress. Visual clutter leads to mental clutter, even if you try to convince yourself this is just the way you are wired, and you've learned to live with it. Fortunately, this can be reverse engineered, meaning the more piles you get rid of, the calmer you will feel.

Cleaning is good for your physical health, too. A study from Indiana University found that people with clean houses are healthier than people with messy houses. Participants who kept their homes clean were healthier and more active than those who didn’t. In fact, house cleanliness was even more of a predictor for physical health than neighborhood walkability.

A clean home leaves fewer places for germs and bacteria to hide. It's true that some germs can be beneficial for strengthening our immune systems (this is why hand sanitizers should be used very, very sparingly,) but you'll want to pay regular attention to cleaning hot spots where too many germs put you and/or your family at risk for serious illness.

Germ hot-spots include:

• Countertops (aim to keep non-food items off kitchen counters, and disinfect them before and after preparing food)
• Kitchen sink (kitchens usually contain more germs than bathrooms - aim to disinfect your sink twice a week, including the sides)
• Toothbrush holders (especially if they are kept in close proximity to a toilet, double especially if you aren't closing the toilet lid before flushing each time)
• Kitchen sponges (microwave them or run them through the dishwasher to zap bacteria on a weekly basis, and change them out regularly) 
• Carpet, bedding, upholstery (dust and allergens build up over time, contributing to allergies and asthma)
• Remote controls, keys, cell phones, keyboards (these are good contenders for daily cleaning)
• Same with doorknobs, cabinet/faucet handles, light switches, and drawer pulls
• Cutting boards (use different ones for meat and veggies and disinfect after every use)
• Pet bowls and toys (ideally, you're washing their food/water bowls daily and sanitizing toys regularly. Keep in mind that fewer toys equal fewer germs floating around your house)
• Hand towels (especially when you entertain)

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Self-Care September Day 24: Deep Clean Something

Pick one (or two or all) of the places listed above and spend some time today cleaning it completely and thoroughly. Repeat regularly for maximum health benefits. 

Just writing this article has me itching to go give my house a nice, solid cleaning, so I'm off to do just that. 

(Interested in making your own safe, natural cleaning products? Check out this blog post where I share the recipes I use!)

I love you and will see you soon!
xo,
Coach Alex