"Cleanliness is next to Godliness." Is it true?
This wise old adage has been held as sacred in one form or another, across many centuries and cultures, for which there is good reason. The act of cleaning holds many benefits beyond that of just practical organization. Cleaning can improve your mind and soul by decluttering and giving you time to focus your energy.
How Cleaning is Healthy for Your Mind
The act of cleaning has many mental benefits and maintaining a hygienic space can make all the difference in one’s day. Not only can clutter in your home make it more challenging to focus, but it may even lead to confusion and tension. Further, a study published in “Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin” even found that women who live in cluttered spaces were more likely to be depressed than those who lived in tidy homes.
This is because living in a cluttered and messy space can lead to negative emotions, irritability, and stress. In the brain, clutter can represent unfinished business and incompleteness. Particularly when individuals are experiencing stressful events, and situations outside the home, returning to a cluttered and messy home can exasperate their anxiety or emotional discomfort.
Cleaning, on the other hand, can be good for your mental health. It can help you destress after an overwhelming day and gain more control over your life.
The Psychology Behind Cleaning and Decluttering
Cleaning can directly impact your mental health. Not only does it have many positive effects on your mental health, but the act of conscious cleaning can even help calm your mind. Let's explore more of the mental benefits of cleaning below.
Living in a Clean Home Can Improve Your Mental Health
Your mental health is impacted both directly and indirectly, thorough cleaning. For example, cleaning allows you to control your environment and participate in repetitive behavior that can give you a sense of control when your life is in chaos. Additionally, cleaning may release endorphins because you are getting your body moving and staying active.
Further, cleaning helps to improve your focus and can even improve your sleep quality. Statistics from the National Sleep Foundation show that 19% more people are likely to get a better night's sleep if they make their beds every morning, and 75% have reported sleeping better under freshly washed sheets.
Also, a clean smelling home can lift your mood because quality cleaning products that contain essential oils can boost your mood and improve your mind and wellbeing!
How Cleaning is Good for Your Soul
The conscious practice of cleaning is a powerful tool. Those who have the best hygiene habits can also experience a boost in their soul and spirituality. Several different spiritual and religious traditions have experienced the benefits, including (but not limited to) Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Let’s briefly explore them.
1. A Buddhist Perspective
Buddhist cleaning practices involve sweeping your home from top to bottom and extending these cleaning practices to your mind and body. So not only is your home clean, but your mind and soul are cleansed as well.
Cleaning allows an individual to focus on the present and how their body interacts with their environment. Mr. Shoukei Matsumoto, a Buddhist monk, describes how cleaning has become an essential aspect of enlightenment; he states, "Ancient teachings tell of one of Buddha's disciples, who reached enlightenment by constantly sweeping, while chanting, ‘Clean off dust.’”
Further, cleaning can help us express our satisfaction and respect for the world that surrounds us. When you clean, you have the opportunity to use it as a meditative practice where you can focus your mind and energy on the task at hand. By doing so, you can center yourself and experience a powerful mindfulness booster that can help improve anxiety and remedy other strong feelings you may be experiencing.
2. A Christian Perspective
In Christianity, the maintenance of a clean space holds significance, reflecting values of order, respect, and reverence. While cleanliness encompasses physical aspects of space and body, it also extends to creating an environment conducive to worship and spiritual growth, particularly in cleansing oneself from immorality. Christians believe in caring for the spaces dedicated to prayer and worship, recognizing that a clean and organized environment can foster a sense of peace and focus.
Many churches emphasize the importance of tidiness and cleanliness in their facilities, ensuring that sacred spaces are well-maintained and free from clutter. This practice extends to personal spaces as well, as believers are encouraged to keep their homes clean and inviting, creating an atmosphere that promotes spiritual well-being. By upholding cleanliness in both communal and individual spaces, Christians seek to honor God and create an environment that facilitates deep connection and devotion.
3. A Jewish Perspective
The concept of cleanliness, known as "taharah" in Hebrew, encompasses various aspects of Jewish life. Observing cleanliness is not merely about hygiene, but also about creating an environment holiness and sanctity to flourish. This is particularly evident in rituals such as the weekly practice of cleaning the home before the Sabbath.
The Torah, the central sacred text of Judaism, offers insightful anecdotes on cleanliness. For instance, when the Israelites received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, they were instructed to cleanse themselves and wash their garments before the divine encounter. This exemplifies the belief that physical cleanliness prepares one for spiritual connection and revelation. Jewish practices such as cleaning the home before the Sabbath or meticulously removing all traces leavened products from their homes (even crumbs!) before Passover further illustrate the importance of cleanliness as a means to elevate one's consciousness and foster a deeper connection with the Divine.
4. A Muslim Perspective
In Islam, the upkeep of a clean space holds great importance, embodying principles of purity, order, and reverence. Muslims believe in maintaining a clean and tidy environment as an expression of gratitude towards Allah and as a means of cultivating spiritual well-being.
Particularly, in Sufi tradition, keeping a clean space holds a significant role, reflecting the pursuit of spiritual purity and the quest for divine union. Sufism emphasizes the inner journey and the cultivation of the heart, and a clean environment is seen as essential for facilitating this transformative process. Sufis believe that external cleanliness is a reflection of inner purity, symbolizing the removal of distractions and negative influences that hinder spiritual growth. By maintaining a clean physical space, Sufis create an atmosphere conducive to contemplation, meditation, and the remembrance of God. This practice aligns with the Sufi ideal of Tawhid, the oneness of God, as a clean and orderly environment helps individuals connect with the divine essence that permeates all creation. Ultimately, keeping a clean space in Sufi tradition is not merely about tidiness, but a sacred practice aimed at purifying the soul and attaining spiritual illumination.
Tips on How to Always Keep Your House Clean
Now that you know how cleaning can impact your mind and soul, it's time to review the best tips on how to clear up clutter and how to stop being messy. Some of the best advice on how to always keep your home clean include:
- Make your bed.
- Do a load of laundry every day.
- Set a cleaning schedule.
- Spend 15 minutes at night and 15 minutes in the morning cleaning up.
- Place cleaning supplies in places that are easily accessible.
- Have a spot for everything.
- Involve your entire household.
- Clean up as you make messes.
- Declutter whenever you can.
- Use cleaning as an opportunity for mindfulness practice. Allow the internal cleansing to mirror the external.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a clean household has benefits for both your mind and soul. Not only does it impact your mental health, but finding cleaning motivation can keep you happy and healthy. Yet, the cleaning products that you use can make your cleaning experience even better and further enhance the benefits you achieved through cleaning.
Wipex offers cleaning wipes for any occasion that are not only effective in reducing stress but also beneficial for the spirit. The inclusion of essential oils in our formulations adds a natural and aromatic element to the cleaning experience, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being. The soothing scents of essential oils create a harmonious environment while effectively tackling cleaning tasks, making Wipex products a perfect choice for both a refreshed space and a rejuvenated spirit. They are earth-friendly and easy-to-use making Wipex perfect solution for maintaining a clean space every day.