Does a Clean Home Affect Your Mood?

Your environment reflects your mind, right?

So maybe it’s time to see cleaning as less of a chore - and more of a benefit to your well-being.

The benefits of cleaning your home run deeper than lifting dirt off kitchen countertops and floors, a new survey finds.

A national survey conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of Vileda Canada, Canadians revealed a profound connection between their home, its cleanliness and their well-being.

More than three quarters (77 per cent) agreed that when their homes were clean, it allowed them to better focus on their self-care.

The majority of Canadians (81 per cent) said the overall cleanliness of their home was an indicator of how they were feeling.

Whether washing dishes or sweeping the floors, Canadians (88 per cent) say they feel more in control of their lives when their home is clean.

For Canadians, their home is more than a place to hang their hat.

Eighty-four per cent of respondents felt their home was a reflection of who they are, while 67 per cent saw it as a sanctuary - where they could shut out the outside world, unplug and relax.

Home is also truly where the heart is, with almost half noting it’s where they can connect with loved ones, and one-third regularly opening their doors to family and friends.

“When life gets busy, I can easily become overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done around my home,” said lifestyle and DIY expert Denise Wild.

“Tackling small cleaning tasks on a daily basis helps me stay on top of the mess. Cleaning gives me tangible results, so my spirits get an instant lift with each small job I accomplish.”

While 82 per cent of respondents felt cleaning gave them a sense of accomplishment - most Canadians still need a little coaxing when it comes to housework.

Sixty-five per cent of respondents listened to their favourite music to get them in the mood - while 70 per cent of women were more likely to use music as a motivator.

And while music can change our mood, the act of cleaning can be used as a therapeutic tool as well. Almost half of the women surveyed agreed that cleaning was an outlet for negative emotions (48 per cent) - as compared to thirty-eight per cent of men, while three-in-ten respondents (29 per cent) said they found washing dishes therapeutic.

Do you find yourself more stressed when your home is a mess?