Surprising Ways a Clean Home Can Impact Your Health, Expert Says
"Home sweet home" can mean different things to different people. Some of us may dream of a white picket fence with roses lining our front yard and a big wrap-around porch with rocking chairs, while others choose to live in a high-rise building, complete with a rooftop, impeccable view, swimming pool, and gym. Others may prefer a cozy, secluded cabin tucked away in the mountains. Some individuals like to surround themselves with lots of furniture and decorative items, while clean lines and no extra "things" whatsoever is a look others prefer. Different strokes for different folks, and that's the way it should be. But the one thing everyone has in common in their dream home? The fact that living in a clean home can positively affect your health and mood.
We spoke with Dr. Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, CPH, MWC, ELS, a member of the Eat This, Not That! Medical Expert Board to discuss the benefits of maintaining a clean home environment, and there are many. Read on to learn more, and next, be sure to check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.
Research reveals individuals who keep their home clean are more focused, relaxed, productive, and happier
One of the kings of clean, Clorox, a name everyone associates with getting rid of germs, conducted a study of 2,000 adults in the U.S. The research shows that individuals who keep their home clean are more focused, more relaxed, and happier than individuals who live in a messy home. And that's not all. Children who reside in cleaner houses seem to study more and show increased empathy. Routine cleaning seems to reflect other healthy paybacks, including getting better sleep and being more productive.
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A tidy home could mean less stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms
Dr. Bohl stresses that everyone's different. Some individuals are much more comfortable living in a cluttered environment than others. "In fact, some people may enjoy clutter—finding it comforting to be surrounded by familiar things," he says, adding, "But there are benefits to at least keeping things orderly and clean—particularly mental health benefits."
When you are surrounded by a tidy environment, you can feel reduced levels of stress and anxiety. A neat home may also help with symptoms of depression. Not only that, you may find it much easier to focus without too many things to distract you.
You may even get a better night's rest and get sick less often
There have been studies that indicate you may even get a better night's rest when residing in a clean space. Dr. Bohl also explains, "A clean home is also more likely to be free of germs, dust, mold, and other allergens, which could mean getting sick less frequently and minimizing allergies."
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A dirty home can have quite the opposite effect on your physical and mental health
Living in a home that's dirty can have quite the opposite effect. According to Dr. Bohl, "You may be at higher risk of disease and allergies, it may be more difficult to get basic tasks done or to concentrate, and your mental health may be affected. This could include feeling more stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms."
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