House Cleaning Tips - How To Clean Your Home House cleaning tips- How to clean your home | Page 4

Women who described their homes as "cluttered" or full of "unfinished projects" were more
depressed, fatigued, and had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than women who felt
their homes were "restful" and "restorative," according to a study in Personality and Social
Psychology Bulletin. (Try one of these other 20 Ways to Get Happy (Almost) Instantly!) It's no
wonder: When you come home to piles of things or a list of To Dos, it may prevent the natural
decline in cortisol that occurs over the course of the day, researchers say. This, in turn, can take
a toll on your mood, sleep, health, and more. Taking the time to tackle those piles of laundry,
sort through stacks of papers, and spruce up your space won't just clear away the physical stuff,
it'll actually help you feel happier and more relaxed. Now, who needs a bubble bath?
It Can Help You Eat Better
People who worked in a neat space for 10 minutes were twice as likely to choose an apple over
a chocolate bar as those who worked in a messy office for the same amount of time, found a
study in the journal Psychological Science. "Clutter is stressful for the brain, so you're more
likely to resort to coping mechanisms such as choosing comfort foods or overeating than if you
spend time in neater surroundings,". It Will Help You Stick to Your Workouts. People who set
short-term goals, have a plan, and record their progress are more likely to stick with an exercise
program than those who show up to the gym and wing it, reports a study in the Journal of
Obesity. The reason? Using these skills to be more organized about exercise makes you more
aware of your progress, which motivates you to keep going especially when you don't feel like
it. Each week, write out your exercise plan and then note what you do on each day (get as
detailed as you like about duration, weights, sets, reps, etc.). Researchers also found that
jotting down how you feel after a workout, such as your thoughts or feelings, may increase the
likelihood that you'll stick with a program. It can either remind you that a good workout works
wonders for your mood, or help you troubleshoot any issues and revamp your plan to find a
routine that works better for you.
It Can Improve Your Relationships
Happy relationships with your partner and friends are key to warding off depression and
disease, but a disorganized life can take a toll on these bonds. "For couples, clutter can create
tension and conflict,"."And the time you spend looking for missing items can also take away
from time you could be spending together." A messy house may also prevent you from inviting
people over. "Disorganization can lead to shame and embarrassment and actually create a
physical and emotional boundary around you that prevents you from letting people in."
Keeping a standing date with your girls (Wine Wednesdays, anyone?) may be the impetus you
need to keep your space tidy.
It Will Boost Your Productivity