“Tidy home, tidy mind” is an adage that’s echoed through generations, emphasising the importance of cleanliness and organisation and how it reflects the mental state of the occupant. While it’s a phrase that’s often associated with interior design and cleaning routines, however, have you ever thought about the legitimacy behind it? Does a tidy home really help create a tidy mind?
Drawing inspiration from Buddhist philosophy and supported by contemporary scientific research, today we will explore how embracing the concept of “tidy home, tidy mind” can positively impact your mental health.
Whether through consistent cleaning routines or the installation of fitted storage solutions, like those offered by the furniture experts at Hammonds, there are several ways to enjoy the positive effects of order and cleanliness in your home without spending a fortune.
Reducing Stress
When our living spaces are more organised and well-cleaned, the reduction in visual distractions and mental clutter can have a profound impact on our stress levels. This clarity of physical space often leads to a clarity of thought, with the absence of chaos reducing stress. This could be because complicated and chaotic spaces cause our minds to constantly process and attempt to filter out unnecessary information. As a result, we experience a more peaceful and relaxed mental state in a cleaner and sparser room, making it easier to unwind and find tranquillity.
Enhancing Productivity
People are naturally more inclined to focus on tasks when their living space is clean and organised. Indeed, even the act of cleaning itself can serve as a form of stress relief and mental rejuvenation for some people (though for many others it can feel like anything but). For some people, cleaning offers something ritualistic and calming and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Positive Psychological Wellbeing
Living in a clean and tidy environment promotes a profound sense of control and mastery over your life and this sense of control can have a profound impact on your self-esteem. People also tend to feel more comfortable inviting others into their homes when their spaces are well-maintained, helping foster more fulfilling social connections. A clean home becomes a source of pride. There’s a reason why the term “houseproud” exists, after all.
Physical Health and Wellbeing
The connection between cleanliness and physical health is already well-established with a clean home reducing the risks of illness, allergies, and infections and when our physical health is strong, our mental health often follows.
