Why Cleaning is Therapeutic

Have you ever found yourself in the house overwhelmed or battling a weight of emotions? You’re not alone. And there’s a way to channel that energy in a positive way.

I remember my mom telling me that she became OCD with cleaning when she was going through her divorce. It was her way of channeling the energy and frustration from her first husband and everything that comes with divorce. I found myself doing the same thing after Richard died. I was cleaning and organizing when I needed something to do. When I didn't want to be social but I had energy and needed to get it out in an introverted way. Sitting still with idle hands only made my mind race more and negative thoughts would consume me. But when I started cleaning, I was almost in a trance of total presence.

Now, I am not on my mom's level of OCD cleaning because honestly, because yes I’m human and get tired of adulting. Laundry will sit there needing to be folded for days or even a full week. (don’t judge me.) But anytime I need instant therapy, I find that cleaning is the perfect outlet. While I’m washing dishes, cleaning floors, or folding laundry, I feel like I'm in a zone. My mind isn't focused on all of my worries and negative thoughts are barely present. It feels good to get my mind off of life and then when I'm finished, I love everything about the end result. The smell of the house, the look, the comfort and the peace that a clean home brings. The overall ambience is deliciously wonderful.

So I strongly encourage you, the next time that you are feeling frustrated or stressed-out or overwhelmed or maybe just in a funk, grab a sponge or a mop or a broom or a dusting cloth and start cleaning. It's an easy way to take action and you'll be happy you did it when you’re done.