As spring arrives, many people engage in the tradition of spring cleaning, a practice that not only declutters homes but also offers mental health benefits and opportunities for community contribution.”
Many people are unaware of the origins and benefits of spring cleaning. The tradition dates back to when wooden homes were lit by lanterns, which often left soot around the house. People couldn’t clean in the winter since it was too cold to stop lighting candles and open windows, so they cleaned it all during the spring.
Dignity Health, The Psychology Behind Spring Cleaning, explains “When spring arrived, it was time to open up the windows and doors, pull out the rugs and bedding to beat away the dust, and scrub the floors and windows until they shined.”
Spring was the time when lanterns weren’t necessary anymore, and the house could feel a breath of fresh air without soot and candles all over the place, and the windows closed all the time.
People still spring clean today because we are often busy with activities such as school, sports, and work. The tradition has benefitted many around the globe, whether it’s cleaning out old clothing, to receiving some from a donation drive.
There are many key benefits of spring cleaning that improve one’s mental state. Some include feeling accomplished, improving focus, and feeling more peaceful. Dawn Potter, a clinical psychologist observes, “Cleaning produces a tangible result that we can both see and feel.” Our brains enjoy it when we’ve finished what we’ve started, so when the task is completed, we feel satisfaction.
Laila Spanka, a freshman at Briar Woods High School, explains how she has seen the benefits of donations from spring cleaning.
“My mom and I spring clean every year and we always give some clothes to donation drives. We do it because it benefits a lot of people in our community, and it’s overall a good thing to do since we don’t really wear those clothes anymore.”
She explains how donating clothes can give them to people who need them more, and it gives her a good feeling when helping others in need.
Overall, yearly spring cleaning can keep you focused, organized, and satisfied. It can also benefit those in need of clothes that you may not wear anymore.
