May 02, 2022

Why Home Care is Synonymous with Self Care

What does home care make you think of?

Is it a counter full of cleaning products, lots of dusting and vacuuming, and having to call a plumber to fix the leaky faucet?

Or is it the shiny counter tops that help you breathe a bit deeper? What about the clutter-free space that helps you focus on making dinner for your kids?

A clean space that's free of clutter and full of meaningful objects can zap stress, boost focus, and help us feel more positive, comfortable, and at ease. ⁠

Home Care Can Help Zap Stress

Darbe Saxbe, PhD conducted a study of 60 families and found that women who viewed their home as messy had increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol (1). They were more stressed than women who saw their home as relaxing, and the researchers believed the disorganized homes contributed to the stress.

Tip from The Bare Home Team: Create a cleaning schedule that works for you so your home gets cleaned regularly, instead of just when you’re stressed. Try cleaning one room per day, or cleaning the whole house once a week, or a combination of the two.

Home Care Can Help Boost Focus

Declutter your space, declutter your mind. It’s a cliche, but it’s true.

A 2011 study from the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that visual clutter makes it difficult for our brains to focus and process information (1). Our brains are overloaded with information; we’re trying to focus on a task but we keep getting distracted by a sinkful of dishes, clothes on the floor, or a spill we’ve yet to wipe.

Tip from The Bare Home Team: If you find yourself getting distracted by clutter, set a five minute timer and clear as much clutter as you can. Toss the shoes in the closet, load the dishwasher, open the windows, take out the trash. Whatever will make the most impact in the least amount of time.

Home Care Can Improve Your Mental Health

So you’ve zapped stress and boosted your focus, both of which are bound to support your mental health. But a clean and organized space can also give you a sense of control, especially during times when it feels like we have no control. Like the last two years.

A clean home can improve your overall quality of life, give you more confidence, and it can create a peaceful environment that helps you relax and unwind at the end of a long day.

All of which supports your mental health.

And don’t dismiss the act of cleaning itself. The process of spraying, wiping, scrubbing, decluttering and organizing can be meditative. Focusing on cleaning can give you a reprieve from the challenges you’re facing and when you’re finished you’re more likely to truly relax and feel at-ease.

How to Take Care of Your Home and Yourself

Whether you’re pressed for time or simply don’t enjoy cleaning, you can create small, sustainable habits that improve your quality of life.

Make your bed every day
Before you go to bed clean the dishes, wipe down the kitchen counters, and sweep the floors
Keep clutter at bay by finding a place for everything and putting everything in its place
Stock up on Refill Kits so you’re always prepared for a cleaning session
Open a window to let in fresh air
Set aside time each week to thoroughly clean your home. Make it more enjoyable by lighting a candle, turning on your favourite podcast or music, and treating yourself to a glass of wine or an extra cup of coffee when your space is just the way you like it.