How Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Impacts Your Desire to Clean – And How a Messy Home Can Make It Worse
As winter sets in and the days grow shorter, even the simplest tasks can start to feel overwhelming. Here in California, we may have fewer rainy, gloomy days and a milder chill, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune to the seasonal slump.
If you’re finding it hard to muster the motivation to clean during the colder months, you’re not alone. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can sap your energy, making household chores feel like monumental tasks. But here’s the catch—living in a cluttered, messy space can actually make those feelings even worse.
Clutter, Stress, and the Vicious Cycle
We’ve all heard the saying, “A cluttered space equals a cluttered mind.” But science backs it up! Research has shown that clutter increases stress levels. One study observed young mothers caring for infants in either a tidy or cluttered home. While the visible mess didn’t seem to impact their mood outright, their physical stress responses were significantly higher in the cluttered environment.
Now, imagine adding SAD into the mix. When your brain is already struggling to regulate mood and energy, walking into a messy space can feel overwhelming. It reinforces feelings of being out of control, deepening the cycle of stress and lethargy. And for those who already struggle with depression or anxiety, clutter can heighten those feelings, making it even harder to find the motivation to clean up.
The Endorphin Boost of Cleaning
Pets are another vulnerable group when it comes to household cleaning products. Dogs, cats, and other animals frequently come into contact with floors and furniture, sometimes even licking surfaces or grooming themselves after lying on cleaned areas. Green cleaning products are formulated to be gentle yet effective, reducing the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, or toxicity for your furry companions.
The Power of Scent in Your Space
There is a well-known and long-established link between smells and scents and mental health, such as aromatherapy helping to reduce anxiety and stress. Particular smells can have a specific impact on your mind as well as your body, for instance, lavender is known to act as a sleep aid and would be a perfect scent for use in bedrooms. A musty and dirty-smelling room is not going to have a positive effect on your mental health. Other scents that are linked to mental health are:
Citrus scents = known to give you a lift due to their energizing properties (this is Om Sweet Om Cleaning’s go to)
Pine = Often used in bathrooms but is known to lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression
Rosemary and peppermint = are both known to stimulate your mind
Simple Steps to Break the Cycle
If SAD is making it difficult to keep up with cleaning, don’t beat yourself up! Instead, try these small, manageable steps to maintain your space:
Set a Timer: Start with just 10 minutes. Often, getting started is the hardest part, but once you begin, you may feel motivated to keep going.
Focus on One Area at a Time: Instead of overwhelming yourself with the whole house, choose one small area—a countertop, a single drawer, or one room.
Let the Light In: Open the blinds, sit by a window, or use daylight-simulating bulbs to counteract the lack of natural light.
Play Music or a Podcast: Engaging your mind while you clean can make the task feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable break.
Use Uplifting Scents: Whether it’s a candle, essential oil diffuser, or natural cleaning products with fresh scents, filling your space with pleasant aromas can help shift your mood.
Conclusion
SAD can make even the simplest tasks feel like mountains to climb, but a cluttered and untidy home can worsen depression and anxiety. By making small efforts to tidy up—even in short bursts—you can help break the cycle and create an environment that supports your mental well-being. And for the bounce? You might just find that cleaning gives you a little energy boost, too!
So, the next time you feel stuck, start small, pick up one thing, and let the momentum build. Your mind (and your home) will thank you.
If cleaning feels like a challenge, let Om Sweet Om Cleaning in Roseville, CA, lend a hand. We prioritize the well-being of you and your family, offering essential oil and aromatherapy cleaning to create a safe, uplifting environment. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a mindful approach to making your home feel fresh, welcoming, and toxin-free. Contact us today at (916) 771-0873 or book online to schedule your appointment. Let’s keep your home a peaceful haven for you and your loved ones!