What does cleaning do to the brain?

Author: Anne Bechtelar II  |  Last update: Thursday, April 10, 2025

The actual act of cleaning and decluttering can boost your mood, help you move your body more, improve focus, and help you feel more in control of your surroundings.

What does cleaning do for you mentally?

Cleaning also has an undeniably calming effect on your mind, reducing confusion, boosting focus and confidence and allowing you to cultivate a sense of control and mindfulness. Cleaning can improve your well-being in unexpected ways, as well.

Do you get dopamine from cleaning?

Cleaning Can Give You a Sense of Accomplishment

Endorphins aren't the only hormones produced when you clean. Once you accomplish your tasks, your body also releases dopamine. If endorphins are called the “happy hormones,” dopamine is called the “feel good” hormone.

What is the psychology of excessive cleaning?

Obsessive cleaning and an obsession to neatness, tidiness, and order can be indicative of either obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

Why do you feel better after cleaning?

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, the physical exercise you get from cleaning your home combined with the results of a tidy home helps alleviate tension, anxiety and depression. On top of that, some sleep experts have linked clean bedding and making your bed to better sleep.

How Does Your Brain Clean Itself?

What does clutter do to your brain and body?

Clutter can affect our anxiety levels, sleep, and ability to focus. It can also make us less productive, triggering coping and avoidance strategies that make us more likely to snack on junk and watch TV shows (including ones about other people decluttering their lives).

What do you call a person who loves cleanliness?

Meaning of clean freak in English

someone who likes things, especially their home, to be extremely clean and tidy and who spends a lot of time cleaning: I'm a clean freak.

Are cleaner people healthier?

People who keep their homes clean and organized are healthier, both physically and mentally. Spending the time and effort to keep your space clean is well worth it.

Is decluttering good for mental health?

The chaos of an unorganized environment can mirror the chaos in our minds, making it difficult to relax or concentrate. Experts in the field of psychology and organization have observed that decluttering can significantly improve one's mood and mental health.

What is rage cleaning?

View full post on Tiktok. “Rage cleaning is a phrase that makes me laugh," says Katie Ortega of @heyitskatieortega. "It's not as bad as it sounds, but to me, it's when I've just had enough of a mess in my house and I'm aggressively tackling the mess.”

What hormone is released when cleaning?

Dopamine is a chemical released by neurons that sends signals to other nerve cells and plays a major role in both mood and reward-motivated behavior. So, you've tackled cleaning and decluttering and you're making progress.

What does cleaning do for the brain?

This research shows that you will be less irritable, more productive, distracted less often, and able to process information better with an uncluttered and organized home and office.

Why do I suddenly enjoy cleaning?

states that “We want to be able to do something when we get anxious, and what we really want is to be in control and take action.” This is why simple tasks such as cleaning, washing the dishes and organising things in the home can make us feel calmer, as we take a minute to be more mindful and focus our awareness on ...

Can cleaning clear your mind?

For others, giving the shelves a quick dust, wiping down the kitchen, or even organizing the closet is just as beneficial for their mental health as using a mindfulness app. In fact, for some people, the simple sight of a clean and organized home can help them unwind and de-stress even after an overwhelming day.

What is messy house syndrome?

Messy house syndrome presents in older adults, usually 60 and over. People with messy house syndrome cannot maintain a healthy household. They hoard large amounts of useless objects within their homes. Often, their homes are so cluttered that they are inhabitable and unsafe.

Is cleaning a form of therapy?

Improve Your Mental Health

In contrast, a clean and organized space can lead to increased motivation, improved mental clarity, and reduced stress levels. Cleaning is a form of physical exercise that triggers the release of endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that can alleviate stress and improve your overall mood.

What does ADHD clutter look like?

Symptoms of ADHD Clutter Anxiety

This may include cluttered surfaces, piles of paperwork or clothing, and difficulty finding necessary items. People with ADHD clutter anxiety may also experience feelings of overwhelm or anxious when faced with clutter or disorganization.

What is the psychological root of clutter?

While some chalk it up to laziness, there's actually underlying psychology of clutter and disorganization that keeps people from tidying up. Potential reasons people hold onto clutter include: They feel overwhelmed: It's often a huge job to get rid of things, which can be physically and mentally exhausting.

How does a messy house affect you?

Some people who live in cluttered homes have a poorer "working memory," according to research. Your brain is wired to be able to keep track of only a few details at once for a short period, so it can get overloaded when there's too much going on.

What does a clean home say about you?

It signals proactivity, organisation and independence. Having a clean home allows you to think clearly without clutter distracting your thoughts. It also means dust mites, bacteria and other germs will be kept at bay, protecting both your physical and mental health.

Is cleaning hard on your body?

This can be hard on the back, sometimes causing strain and injury to the area. Those Muscles Get Tired - Let's face it: Cleaning house is a lot of work! It's possible that the soreness felt after cleaning actually comes from pulled or strained muscles that don't get enough work except for in the case of cleaning.

Is it OK to clean everyday?

The short answer is daily. Though you won't do a deep-clean every day, daily cleaning can keep your house neat and avoid buildup of dirt and grime. Don't wait until it's laundry day to make your bed, keeping bed linens off the floor means they don't collect dust or allergens.

What is it called when you constantly clean?

With obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), certain thoughts can compel a person to perform cleaning rituals or behaviors in order to prevent a consequence they dread. Specific thoughts, known as obsessions, may compel a person with OCD to perform observable rituals or compulsions to ease their distress.

What do you call a person who wants everything perfect?

A perfectionist is someone with very high standards: they want everything to be just right at all times. You know how perfect things are flawless? A perfectionist wants things to be like that all the time.

What is a word for extremely clean?

gleaming immaculate polished shining spotless.

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