Spring is a time of warmer weather, blooming flowers, and spring cleaning. It offers refreshment from the messy days of winter and prepares spaces for summer. This cleaning is visually pleasing but provides excellent benefits beyond the aesthetic. 

Spring cleaning is a time for people to organize their homes, which dates back to the days when soot populated houses after using fireplaces all winter. This practice is still used today and has many mental benefits. Although sweeping, dusting, and organizing tend to be seen as a chore, the results are psychologically positive. Spring cleaning declutters more than just a space, but the mind as a whole. 

A room is like a blank canvas. The content within the room can be rearranged to make different masterpieces. When cleaning, creativity can be sparked to make any room a work of art. The endless possibilities of ways to format a room when cleaning and/or decluttering heightens creativity. 

Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are present across the U.S. According to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, the combination of cleaning, and enjoying a clean space can reduce mental symptoms. Although it is not a cure, cleaning is a physical activity with cognitive benefits. The calming presence of a clean house reduces stress levels that would typically worsen symptoms. The physical activity performed while cleaning also allows for better sleep, which improves overall mood and lessens the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In a world of “uncontrollables,” cleaning is one thing people can control. When cleaning, people can control what is given away and what is kept, how the space looks, and much more. This gives people who clean a sense of control. Sophomore Jules Borovcanin adds, “Whenever my school work starts piling up I always clean because I feel like I can be in control of something,” 

Not only does spring cleaning result in a tidy house, but it also gives the brain a sense of accomplishment. According to the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, when a task such as cleaning is complete, the brain “feels good” which can release tension. Cleaning can be labor-intensive, but when completed, people can feel proud of themselves for accomplishing a task. Senior Waiz Shaikh often cleans to feel this sense of accomplishment, “I enjoy cleaning because I like feeling proud of myself when looking at the final result.”

Not only is the result of cleaning rewarding, but the act of cleaning is therapeutic, especially when spring cleaning, many people get rid of unwanted excess. Clutter can make a space feel crowded and overstimulate those inside. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity. To organize homes and only keep things with meaning. Freshman Claire Fritz prioritizes organizing when cleaning, “The first thing I do before disinfecting things is organize. Organizing immediately makes a space look cleaner, making disinfecting even easier.” 

Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to mentally and physically cleanse. Cleaning goes beyond having a tidy home, it has significant mental benefits that positively impact overall wellbeing. Clearing up a space offers a peaceful and productive mindset.