LiifeHabit: Set Aside 10-15 Minutes a Day for Cleaning and Tidying
Overview: Setting aside 10-15 minutes a day for basic cleaning tasks can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean, organized, and stress-free home. The idea behind this life habit is that by cleaning a little each day, you avoid the buildup of mess that can make weekend cleaning sessions feel overwhelming. Small, consistent efforts help maintain control over your living space.
Instead of letting messes build-up, which can feel overwhelming and take hours to address, dedicating just a few minutes each day allows you to stay on top of clutter. This prevents the need for big, time-consuming cleaning sessions.
Benefits: Research has shown that living in a cluttered or messy environment can lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression. Clutter overstimulates the brain, making it harder to focus and process information, which can increase feelings of overwhelm. A 2010 study published in Personality and Social Psychology found that women who described their homes as cluttered were more likely to experience elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Conversely, clean and organized spaces promote a sense of calm, improving mental clarity and overall well-being.
On a physical level, maintaining a clean home can help reduce the presence of allergens, bacteria, and mold, which contribute to health issues like asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems. Regular cleaning reduces dust, pet dander, and other airborne particles that can trigger these conditions.
LiifeHabit Guide
Set Aside 10-15 Minutes a Day for Cleaning and Tidying
- Step #1 – Set a Consistent Time for Cleaning Every Day: Consistency is key to forming habits. Choose a time each day that fits easily into your routine, such as right after breakfast, during a work break for those who work remotely, as soon as you arrive home from work, or before dinner. Setting a reminder on your phone or calendar can help until this habit becomes automatic.
- Step #2 – Start with Small, High-Impact Areas: Tackling areas that quickly accumulate clutter gives an immediate sense of accomplishment. Focus on visible, high-traffic areas like kitchen counters, your desk, or the living room. This keeps your space looking tidy without overwhelming you.
- Step #3 – Use a Timer: Limiting the time you spend cleaning helps keep the task manageable and prevents burnout. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and stick to it. The time limit encourages focused effort and makes the habit feel achievable, even on busy days.
- Step #4 – Make It Enjoyable: Positive associations with cleaning help build the habit. Listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook while cleaning. By pairing the task with something you enjoy, you’ll look forward to your cleaning time, and it won’t feel like a chore.
- Step #5 – Break Tasks into Categories: Grouping similar tasks makes cleaning more efficient. Divide tasks into categories like wiping surfaces, doing laundry, or picking up items from the floor. Focus on one category each day to keep things organized without feeling overwhelmed.
Leave a Reply