Cleaning as a mental strategy

For many, cleaning is more than a routine task. It can be a way to regain control and reduce stress, according to some psychological research.

French cleaning habits

In France, only a third of people clean regularly, with 34% doing so at least three times a week. Those who clean more often are more likely to find pleasure in the activity.

Study on home environment

A 2010 study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people who described their homes as more stressful had less healthy cortisol levels, while those with restorative descriptions had better hormonal profiles.

Clutter and mental load

Visual clutter can increase mental load, as objects act as reminders of unfinished tasks. A cleared space may send a calming signal to the nervous system.

Tidying and psychological well-being

A 2016 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that active strategies to manage stress, like cleaning, are linked to a greater sense of control and better psychological well-being.

Cleaning as a meditative act

The repetitive, focused actions of cleaning can divert attention from anxious thoughts, offering immediate gratification and a sense of accomplishment.