Today I had an interesting conversation with one of my friends who asked me to help him to declutter and clean his house, which has become increasingly important to him as he is working from home.

It made me wonder how a clean and tidy personal space can affect mental health especially now when we spend so much time at home. I have learned that clutter may contribute to depression according to a study published in 2010 in Personality and Social Psychology. Interestingly women who described their living space as cluttered were more likely to be depressed than the women who thought of their homes as restful and tidy. Furthermore, a study done by Princeton University researchers shows that clutter can result in problems with focusing on work or simply tasks and is linked to negative emotions like confusion, tension or irritability. Workspaces that are clean, tidy and decluttered show the opposite effects, with positive emotions such as calmness and sense of well being.

In another study by Nicole Keith, PhD, a researcher and professor at Indiana University shows that people with clean houses tend to be healthier and cleanness was even more a predictor of good health than the walkability of a neighbourhood.

Aside from the benefits of having a cleaner home, the relationship between a clean house and mental health can help you reduce anxiety. Studies also found that having clean sheets and making your bed are associated with a better night’s rest and improving your mood.

Having a cluttered, messy and dirty home can result in difficulties in focusing. The study done by Princeton University researchers also discovered that keeping a tidy home, we focus more, are less irritable and are able to better concentrate in organised and clean areas.

Most of us don’t prioritise cleaning as we don’t believe it has a big impact on our physical and mental health. We would rather book a massage, go for a drink or pay for a personal trainer but knowing the above it might be worth pursuing a little change in your daily routine.

Start small, it could be just once a day: tidying your work space, organising your post, folding clothes. Commit to doing one thing around your house each day and before you know it, your environment will be much cleaner and less stressful, not to mention the benefit of disconnecting yourself from daily problems.

If difficult tasks seem more daunting, we highly recommend getting a cleaner: cleaning kitchen surfaces, scrubbing toilets, hoovering the floor etc. You will feel better, have more time for yourself and loved ones and also you will be less anxious about the tasks you have. With the vaccination program going well and cases going down as well as the Government relaxing the social distancing rules it is possible to have a cleaner who can help. Whatever you decide, know that we are here ready to make your life beautiful again.