My mother gave me one piece of advice while I was a teenager, which kind of stuck with me – clean while you cry. Some people might find it funny, but think of it like this: when you are done crying, you will get a clean house to think in, and all the sorrows are washed away already. Today I am writing this piece to reflect on my recent breakdown and how I analyzed it while looking at my clean house. Let’s get our feet wet in some analogies and some personal assumptions of the ways of stress relief through cleaning and the concept of emotional cleaning.
How Cleaning Counters Became The New Yoga?
Have you heard of mindful cleaning before? It’s become the latest trend, where people seek their zen zone while scrubbing their floors. Forget yoga—apparently, the new path to enlightenment is wiping down your kitchen counters! People are paying to mop just for the emotional benefits. Studies show that simple cleaning tasks can do wonders for your mental health, offering a structured sense of accomplishment and releasing those much-needed happy hormones.
So, why is mindful cleaning catching on? It turns out that scrubbing counters isn’t just about battling grime; it’s about scrubbing away stress too. Each swipe helps clear both your mental and physical space, reducing anxiety and providing a sense of control. Think of it as yoga, but instead of balancing chakras, you’re balancing the shine on your countertops!
Every time you clean the kitchen counter, your brain does a little happy dance, celebrating a task well done. Suddenly, that mountain of stress you were carrying? It’s not so heavy anymore.
Feeling anxious? Try organizing that cluttered desk. It’s like putting your thoughts in neat little boxes. Once you’ve got things in order, you feel less like a passenger on the Anxiety Express and more like the pilot!
How to Clean with Grace, Even Through Tears
I remember a time when my personal life felt like it was falling apart. Relationships with close people were strained, and I was overwhelmed. One evening, alone in my messy house, I broke down. The clutter around me seemed to mock my inability to hold it all together, and I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.
I looked around at the mess, feeling as though it was staring back at me with pity. Each pile of clothes and every scattered item seemed to add to my sorrow. I cried harder, unable to see a way out of the emotional chaos. But in that moment of despair, a realization struck me like a lightning bolt—I was the one who would ultimately be accountable for how I handled this. If I didn’t pull myself together, I would be the one to blame at the end of the day.
With a deep breath, I decided to act. I started cleaning, not to create a perfect space but simply to regain control over something, anything. It was a process of putting one foot in front of the other, wiping away not just dust but also the weight of my emotions. The physical act of cleaning became a metaphor for clearing my mind, helping me to find a semblance of calm amidst the chaos.
Sometimes, a clean house isn’t just about looking nice—it’s about feeling nice too. So next time you find yourself in a mess, remember these things:
1. Breathe; Don’t Bulldoze
Cleaning while upset? Hold your horses. Before you grab that mop in a frenzy, take a moment to breathe. Why? Because rushing into it like you’re fighting a dirt monster only adds to the stress. Breathe, relax, and then start—your brain will thank you for it.
2. Clean One Corner at a Time
Feel like your whole house is falling apart? Chill. You don’t need to clean it all at once. Pick a corner—yes, just one. It’s easier to feel like a rockstar when you’re dealing with one messy battlefield, not an entire war zone. Little wins add up!
3. Tears Are a Good Cleaning Tool
Got a few tears streaming down your face while you clean? Totally fine. Sometimes emotions spill over while you’re scrubbing, and that’s okay. Crying while cleaning involves allowing your feelings to flow and contribute to the healing process. Embrace it.
4. High-Five Yourself (You Deserve It)
Finished dusting? Managed to clean that dreaded junk drawer? It’s time for a celebration. Don’t wait until everything’s spotless—every small win deserves a cheer. High-five yourself because, honestly, cleaning one drawer is a triumph.
5. Grace Isn’t Perfection, It’s Progress
Cleaning with grace isn’t about making everything perfect. It’s about finding peace in the mess and progress in each task. If you spill a little along the way, don’t sweat it. Graceful cleaning means embracing the process, not chasing perfection.
Confessions of a Messy Bed Lover: Why I Skip Making It (But Still Clean)
Here’s the kicker—despite what everyone says about making your bed in the morning, I don’t like making mine. I find comfort in my unmade bed, like it’s waiting to welcome me back with a big, warm hug. It smells like me, feels like home, and gives me a sense of warmth and comfort. Don’t get me wrong, I clean my bed, but in a way that leaves it messy, warm, and perfectly imperfect—just like life. Still, I sometimes find myself crying while cleaning, and it’s okay. It’s a tool for emotional cleaning.
Cleaning is so much more than just a chore—it’s a way to gain emotional clarity and practice mindfulness. Whether you’re doing it in tears or with a smile, it’s about creating a space that reflects your own journey. So, embrace the emotions, the mess, and the moments of peace that come with cleaning. Let it be a tool for healing, not just tidying.
