Health Advantages Unveiled in Spring Cleaning: Boosting Physique and Psychological Wellness
Spring cleaning, you ask? The dawn of warmer weather brings us more than just blooming flowers and longer days, it also kicks off the much-anticipated season of tidying! Yes, we're talking about spring-cleaning, the perfect opportunity to breathe life back into your living spaces and reap some serious health benefits.
Here's a lowdown on why you should roll up your sleeves and tackle that cleaning list, straight from the experts themselves.
Dr. William Woo, MD, a family medicine physician from Kaiser Permanente in Anaheim, California,Dr. Kirk Sperber, MD, an allergist and immunologist from White Plains Hospital,Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC, a marriage and family therapist from Los Angeles, andKeisha Saunders-Waldron, LCMHC, a licensed professional counselor supervisor share their insights on the countless perks of giving your home a thorough scrubdown.
Get Rid of Allergens
Ever noticed an uptick in sneezing and a runny nose once the spring season rolls around? Guess who's to blame? Allergens. And as it turns out, they lurk in some pretty unexpected places.
Say a big ol' hello to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and good old-fashioned mold – itty-bitty guys who thrive during winter but wreak havoc on your health once spring arrives. They sneak their way into your abode via your clothes, shoes, even open windows, and can aggravate your allergy symptoms like non-stop sneezing and itchy eyes.
No need to reach for the tissues just yet, though! A good old spring cleaning session can help combat these pesky intruders, lower their levels, and alleviate your symptoms.
Breath Some Fresh Air
Indoor air quality is crucial to maintaining good health, and spring cleaning can help take it up a notch. Dr. Kirk Sperber, MD, an allergist and immunologist, suggests using an air purifier with a HEPA air filter to assist in removing indoor and outdoor allergens and enhance your air's overall quality.
Opening windows before, during, and after cleaning and utilizing fans to circulate air are also key to ensuring cleaner, fresher air in your home. As a bonus, doing so can help disperse fumes from cleaning products—something we all love to mention in a romantic dinner conversation!
Time to Move Your Body
Admit it, cleaning isn't typically considered a workout. But get this—the moderately intense tasks involved in spring cleaning, such as sweeping, dusting, and scrubbing, can help us adults meet our recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity as outlined by the CDC.
Ready to get your groove on? Crank up your favorite tunes with a great beat to keep up the pace and make that spring cleaning marathon a calorie-burning dance-off.
Plus, if you involve family members, transform the cleaning process into a fun team-building effort! Getting the whole crew on board can help make it more enjoyable and rewarding.
Stress-free and Restful
The thought of cleaning can be pretty unappealing, right? But hang in there! Once you've given your home a good scrubdown, the benefits are undeniable.
Decluttering, a crucial step in the cleaning process, can help relieve mental and emotional stress, allowing you to find the zen you need to start the new season on the right foot.
Better Sleep, Happier You
Sleep like a baby? Really, who doesn't strive for that luxurious dreamland pleasure? Spring cleaning can help improve your slumber game by reducing exposure to allergens that could be causing congestion and nighttime coughing, thus promoting better sleep quality and overall wellness.
Additionally, the increased levels of physical activity, stress-relieving effects, and a more orderly living space can all contribute to getting those quality zzz's you crave.
Optimism on Tap
It's no secret that springtime symbolizes the promise of new beginnings. And guess what? Spring cleaning has the power to encourage change on a more personal level, too.
As you band together with your family to organize and give your home a makeover, it serves as a reminder that you have the power to transform not only your surroundings but also your perspectives. Decluttering and giving items a new home fosters a renewed sense of optimism, hope, and motivation.
And any cleaning expert can tell you that the overall state of your space translates directly to the state of your mind. Cheryl Groskopf, a marriage and family therapist, notes that in a more orderly and clutter-free environment, our minds can relax and focus, fostering feelings of calmness and tranquility.
So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and embrace the spring cleaning dream! Promise yourself a tidier, cleaner, and healthier home... and maybe even a few extra zzz's along the way!
- Allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold become more prevalent during spring and can be found in unexpected places, causing an uptick in sneezing and a runny nose.
- A thorough spring cleaning session can help reduce the levels of these allergens, alleviating allergy symptoms such as non-stop sneezing and itchy eyes.
- Indoor air quality plays a significant role in maintaining good health, and spring cleaning can enhance its quality by utilizing air purifiers with HEPA air filters and circulating fresh air within the home.
- While not typically considered as exercise, spring cleaning includes moderately intense tasks like sweeping, dusting, and scrubbing, which can help adults meet their recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity.
- Spring cleaning can help declutter your living space, reducing mental and emotional stress, and promoting a sense of calmness and tranquility.
- By eliminating allergens, reducing stress, and promoting physical activity, spring cleaning can improve your sleep quality, overall health, and even foster a renewed sense of optimism, hope, and motivation.
