Your home provides safety and security from the outside world and is the place where you build and strengthen relationships with family and friends. And since you spend at least half of each day there, it stands to reason that keeping it tidy is important for your physical, mental and spiritual health.
Clear the clutter so you can focus on what's most important for your family: staying healthy and making memories you’ll all cherish for a lifetime. Here are some ideas on how to refresh and refine your space.
Get Rid of Germs
Germs can suppress your immune system and cause illnesses. They live on doorknobs, countertops, toilets, sinks, tabletops and many other surfaces. Use disinfectants and cleaners regularly to rid your home of germs.
Improve the Air You Breathe
Dust, mildew and mold can cause major health issues, especially if you have asthma, allergies, breathing problems or other lung issues. You can help by:
- Dusting, vacuuming and sweeping regularly to reduce environmental allergens
- Getting indoor plants to help clean the air of pollutants
- Opening windows on a breezy day to let fresh air in
Knowing you’ve removed these harmful substances from your home and improved your home’s indoor air quality can help your family breathe easier.
Make Your Home Inviting
A home that’s cluttered isn’t inviting to you, your family or your guests. Cleaning and decluttering your home takes the focus off "stuff" and puts it back on you and your family. Feeling comfortable in your own home also gives you the confidence to be comfortable in the outside world.
Decrease Your Stress
Piles of laundry stacked high, dirty dishes in the sink, rings in the tub and trash overflowing can trigger depression, anxiety, restlessness and even embarrassment. If your home isn’t presentable, you aren’t likely to invite friends and family over — and your social life (and important interpersonal relationships) may suffer as a result.
Make Cleaning Up a Family Affair
Get the whole family involved to get (and keep) the house clean. Create a chore list that includes each member of the family. Establish clear rules that all should follow, such as taking out the trash, putting dishes in the dishwasher, putting dirty clothes in the hamper and cleaning up after yourself.
Focus on One Area at a Time
Trying to remedy all the mess at once can be daunting. Deep clean one area of the home at a time while keeping other rooms tidy as you go. Set up a schedule to tackle a certain area each week. Breaking it down into manageable tasks means you are more likely to stick to the plan and will lessen your stress.
Get Organized
One important way to keep your house clean and stress-free is to get organized. There are stylish storage solutions available such as cubbies, coat hooks, shelving and ottomans with built-in storage. These come in various price ranges so getting organized doesn’t have to be costly.
The Art of Pre-Cleaning
Pre-cleaning is simply keeping your home clean by not creating a mess. This includes washing your dishes as soon as you’re done with them, putting your clothes in the dirty laundry hamper instead of the floor, making your bed when you wake up each morning and paying your bills before they stack up. These little tasks can make a big difference.
Less Mess, Less Stress
A house that’s clean and clutter-free fosters good health and a better quality of life overall. Make a clean sweep of your home and take control of your physical, mental and spiritual health.
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This material is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis and medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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