Stressed? Here's a surprising way to find relief

In a prior post, I discussed how anxiety may drive people to clean their homes, organize their offices, or wash their cars.

Cleaning isn't atop most people's lists of things they enjoy doing -- hence the reason so many with the means hire people to do it for them.

I like keeping my condo clean, which is why I try to tidy up at least once a week.

But every now and then, I break out the vacuum cleaner not because the place is a mess, but because I am -- and cleaning helps me unwind.

Perhaps I've had a tough day at work, or my wife and I have just had a terrible argument.

In lieu of taking my frustration out on a punching bag, stress ball, pillow, or some other object, I derive satisfaction from sucking up dust or removing stains. Filthy grime be gone!

Perhaps I see them as embodying the negative emotions I'm wrestling -- anger, frustration, disillusionment -- and picture myself quashing such feelings with the aid of a handy broom or duster.

Once I'm done cleaning, I can address my problems with a clearer head. If I choose to forego cleaning, tensions could escalate further with my wife, boss, or whoever else crosses my path.

And let's not forget that cleaning is a form of exercise, and exercise releases endorphins in addition to allowing you to blow off that steam.

If the house has to be cleaned nonetheless, you're killing two birds with one stone, right?

That being said, next time you feel a little stressed out, give cleaning -- however unpleasant you may find it -- a shot.

While readers may contend that cleaning will actually aggravate them even more, I assure them that they're bound to feel better afterwards.

No one says you have to leave your car or house looking immaculate. Even chucking loose candy wrappers or shredding paid invoices might do the trick.

The goal is to get that negativity out of your system -- or at least redirect it -- in a constructive way.

Give it a try!

Comments

NSpurel said…

Few activities are as relaxing as cleaning

March 12, 2021 at 3:32 PM

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