Health Update: Wellness Wednesday: Why Spring Cleaning Is Good for Your Mental Health – Rapid City, South Dakota | News, Weather and Sports – What Experts Say

RAPID CITY, S.D.— So long winter! Spring has sprung — but if breaking out the vacuum for a new season refresh doesn’t sound tempting –there’s another reason to do it! It’s good for your brain! Psychologist with Cleveland Clinic Dr. Susan Albers says, “Instead of labeling cleaning as a chore, reframe it as an act of self-care.”

Clinical Psychologist Susan Albers with Cleveland Clinic says having a tidy space can actually boost a person’s mood. She says it’s been shown to improve; sleep, concentration, energy levels, and decrease stress and anxiety. Dr. Susan Albers says, “Cleaning provides immediate, visible, and tangible results, which our brain loves. It likes to see evidence of success. This in turn releases dopamine into the body, the pleasure neurotransmitter.”

But if your motivation is lacking, Albers says to start small. Try tidying your desk, which could also include some digital decluttering; closing out emails, cleaning off your computer’s home screen, and avoiding distractions by muting alerts until your done. If you feel your cleaning momentum begin to shift, Albers says to move on to your bedroom. Dr. Susan Albers says, “Just cleaning your bedroom and making your bed has been shown in studies to improve your sleep by 19%.”

Then, she says to focus on high traffic areas. The most-used places in your home. Dr. Albers says, “This is going to help to reduce the stress and conflict in the family. When these high traffic areas are filled with clutter, they create stress for everyone.”

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