BRITS COME CLEAN ABOUT STRUGGLES WITH MENTAL HEALTH AT HOME, AS EXPERT CLAIMS CLEANING CAN HELP YOU FEEL CALM

There are usually few things people want to do less than housework, however, while doing the dishes and dusting the shelves can seem like an inconvenient chore, a new study has revealed just how important they are to well-being.

According to the poll of 2,000 adults, the research commissioned by premium homeware brand Brabantia, found that three quarters (76 per cent) of Brits see an improvement in their mental health when their home is spick and span.

For those who already experience anxiety and other mental health issues, the figure jumped up to 85 per cent.

With Brits turning to cleaning in order to calm down, a quarter (25 per cent) claim that having a clean and tidy house instantly makes them feel less stressed.

For some the sense of calm brought on by cleaning is so strong, they have cleaned things which didn’t need it, just to clear their mind.

Leading Psychologist, Emma Kenny, said on the subject; “When you spend time focussing on an activity, it has the power to take you away from your worries, which leads to lower stress levels.

“This zoning in on the present means that you have an opportunity to exist in the here and now which is excellent for positive mental health.

“The fantastic thing about giving your home a thorough clear out and clean, is that after you have finished you have a visual reminder of how you have spent your time, and this automatically feeds back how efficient you have been.”

According to the data, it’s not just our minds that suffer when our homes are messy – but our relationships too.

More than half (53 per cent) of poll participants confessed that cluttered cupboards, dirty dishes and filthy floors can change their behaviour and attitude towards their significant others.

In addition to the strain on relationships, the data suggests that those living in disorganised digs feel “uncomfortable” in their own home (35 per cent) and are even less productive at work (34 per cent).

It seems the old adage ‘tidy house, tidy mind’ rings true, with two fifth of us (43 per cent) feeling more positive once we spruce up our space.

Over two thirds (68 per cent) declared that a mere two hours of cleaning gave them a mood boost, and in turn, had a positive impact on their wellbeing.

With household chores such as washing up and hoovering having brilliant stress-busting benefits, it comes as no surprise that 62 per cent wish they could maintain a clean and organised environment at home.

According to the findings, the kitchen has been crowned as Britain’s messiest room, with a fifth of Brits saying it’s the room they wish to clean the most (21%).

The research by Brabantia also shows that 39% of women who live with others handle most of the cleaning compared to only 14% of men.

Charlotte Bird, Marketing Manager at Brabantia commented on the findings; “Our spring-cleaning research brings to life how creating a clean and tidy environment not only lifts our moods and impacts our wellbeing but enables us to enjoy better quality time with our family and simply relax at home.

“This season is a popular moment for a big clear out and clean down, but it’s also the chance to boost our energy, productivity, and positivity.

“The research indicates that the pandemic also greatly affected our cleaning habits, with 40% agreeing that spending more time at home indicated a greater need than ever for a big spring clean.

“With the majority of us agreeing that a tidy house is a tidy mind, now is the time to form small habits that can have a lasting impact.”

Brabantia and expert Psychologist, Emma Kenny, have come together this spring to encourage the nation to ‘enjoy the doing’ when it comes to cleaning, and how to tackle it in a manageable way.

Kenny said “Cleaning your home not only leaves you with a lovely smelling and ordered environment, but it also makes you feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Cleaning is a type of informal mindful practice that has the power to create a mental state of flow which is excellent for wellbeing.”