Ask the Coach - Spring Cleaning

By: Merrill Pierce

Spring cleaning – a mind body exercise

With April around the corner, many of us embark on our annual spring cleaning. Experts say cleaning and organizing is likely to have benefits beyond tidier homes, however, with improved mental health topping the list. “Clutter can make us feel stressed, anxious and depressed,” said Dr. Libby Sander, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Bond University in Australia and the author of multiple studies on harmful effects of clutter.

In fact, studies have shown how messiness can negatively impact relationships and the downsides of being surrounded by too much clutter. Research has shown a link between disorganization and depression, a connection between messy environments and poor eating habits, and findings that clutter reduces one’s ability to focus and retain information. “Our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganization drains our cognitive resources,” Sander said.

Recognizing the cumulative negative impact of clutter and disorganization is one thing, knowing how to unbury oneself from the burden is another. To that end, experts offer helpful tips to become organized and stay that way. Here are some of the tips I suggest my clients consider:

1. How you can increase your focus. By removing any potential distractions, your mind can better focus on specific tasks at-hand – especially if you work from home. Surrounding yourself in chaos, like clutter or actual mess, can impact your brain’s ability to process information.

2. You can boost your mood. Studies have shown that clean sheets and an organized room can lead to a better night of sleep, which leads to a handful of mental and emotional health benefits including a better overall mood. 

The time and effort required to clean up and organize may be difficult at first, but such efforts are worth it in the end. A chronically cluttered home environment can be emotionally taxing, whereas a tidy and organized spaces by contrast, are emotionally liberating, more enjoyable to reside in, and better for your physical health.

3. You can reduce your stress.  When we constantly are looking at everything that needs to be cleaned, you can induce stress without even realizing it. Minimize those visual cues, and you can alleviate some stress.

 Reducing stress in your life is important, as it can potentially lead to other health conditions such as high blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, and depression. Too many items can not only take over your home, but your mind and body as well.

4. You can benefit your physical health – which impacts your mental health, too. Experts have explained that not only can cleaning remove potential allergens such as dust, pollen, mildew and pet dander, but it can rid your environment of pollutants, too, which can impact your immune health.

 In fact, studies have shown that people living in tidier homes tend to be in better health than those who live in messier environments. The mind-body connection is ever-present.

So, consider cleaning up your environment and in turn your emotional and physical well-being.

Best,

Merrill

We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.

Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.

Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers. If you want to send a question to Merrill, please submit to askmerrill@gmail.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).