17 Calming Ways To Take The Stress Out Of Cleaning

Does the mere thought of cleaning leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Get ready to take the stress out of cleaning. Say goodbye to the hassle, and hello to a more peaceful and serene home, with these simple and effective strategies.

Why Cleaning Is Stressful (And What To Do About It)

Let’s look at the reasons why cleaning is a stresser, because when you know this, then you can more easily work out ways to help take the stress out of each one.

STRESSOR: Cleaning takes A Long Time

Just the idea of spending hours tidying up and getting things in order can feel overwhelming and adds stress to our already packed lives.

In fact, finding big chunks of time to clean can be a real challenge, which leads to putting it off and having a big pile of tasks to tackle later on.

This build up just adds to the stress.

And the problem gets even worse when cleaning activities aren’t properly planned or organised.

Without a clear plan, you can end up wasting time on less important tasks and neglecting the areas that need immediate attention.

SolutionS:

• #1 – Break your cleaning tasks into smaller chunks and set a time limit for each one. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
• #2 – Declutter regularly to prevent buildup and make cleaning quicker and easier in the long run.
• #3 – Create a schedule that you can achieve given the time you have available. This will help you stay on top of cleaning tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

STRESSOR: Cleaning never feels like it’s done

The sensation of never reaching the endpoint of cleaning can significantly contribute to the stress factor.

Often, as soon as we’ve finished one task, it seems another has appeared out of nowhere, giving the impression that cleaning is a constant and endless chore.

This feeling can be really demoralising, particularly if you’ve spent a significant amount of time and effort on cleaning, only to feel like you’re back to square one.

Also adding to this stress is the unrealistic expectation of maintaining a perfectly clean and tidy home at all times.

Honestly – stop it!

It’s just not practical, especially given the daily activities and routines that naturally create mess and clutter.

SolutionS:

#4 – Accept that some level of mess is a normal part of life and it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect all the time.

#5 – Prioritise tasks. Recognise that some areas of your home will need more frequent attention while others can be cleaned less frequently. Really look at where you need to focus your time and where you can leave a little longer.

#6 – Take a moment to appreciate your efforts after each cleaning task. It’s important to acknowledge the progress you’ve made rather than focusing solely on what’s left to do.

STRESSOR: Doubting Your Cleaning Is Right

The stress of cleaning is often not only about the physical labour involved, but also the mental stress that comes from uncertainties about whether you’re cleaning ‘correctly’.

This typically stems from the fear of not meeting certain standards or doing something wrong, which may lead to more work or ineffective results.

This concern is amplified by the countless cleaning hacks, tips, and techniques available, which can be overwhelming and create confusion about the ‘right’ way to clean.

SolutionS:

#7 – Understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning. Different methods work for different people and situations, so find what works best for you.

#8 – Educate yourself about the basics of cleaning, such as understanding the correct usage of cleaning products or knowing which tools are most effective for certain tasks. When you’ve learned what you need to know, you can move forward safe in the knowledge that you’re doing things right for how YOU want to do them.

#9 – Don’t stress about following every single cleaning tip or hack you come across. Instead, focus on maintaining a consistent routine that suits your lifestyle and needs.

#10 – Lastly, remember that it’s okay to seek help. Whether it’s hiring a professional cleaner for deep cleaning tasks that you’re unsure of (like oven cleaning) or asking family members their advice, these can all make the cleaning process less stressful and more manageable.

STRESSOR: You May Worry about what cleaning supplies are being used

The use of cleaning supplies often causes stress due to concerns about their impact on health and the environment.

Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can potentially lead to health issues, like skin irritation, respiratory problems, or allergic reactions.

Additionally, certain products can have detrimental effects on the environment, contributing to water and air pollution.

This concern can add another layer of stress to the cleaning process as you may feel uncertain about which products to choose and how to use them safely and responsibly.

For example:

• Should you go with natural products for your cleaning?
• Should you have one product that does it all, or different products for everything?
• Is what you’re using in your home good for your family?

SolutionS:

#11 – Switch to eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products. These are safer for both your health and the environment. Ensure to check the labels for ingredients and choose products that are free from harsh chemicals.

#12 – Consider making your own cleaning supplies using natural ingredients, like vinegar, baking soda, or essential oils. Not only is this a cost-effective approach, but it also allows you to control what goes into your cleaning supplies.

#13 – Properly dispose of cleaning supplies. Follow local regulations for disposal to minimise environmental impact.

The Power of Enjoyment

In addition to these tips, incorporating a positive mindset to the process of cleaning can work wonders on your stress levels by making it more fun and joyful.

Try out a few of these ideas to reduce the stress:

#14 – Clean to music or a favourite podcast / audiobook – entertainment can do wonders!

#15 – Be aware of the fact that you’re cleaning for your self and your family – and having a home to clean is a real privilege. This can really change the way you think about a chore.

#16 – Make it a team effort – cleaning with family members or friends can turn the task into a fun and social activity.

#17 – Reward yourself for completing tasks. Whether it’s treating yourself to your favourite snack or taking a break to watch an episode of your favourite show, these small rewards can be motivating and help you stay positive throughout the process.

And there you have it – the main stressors of cleaning, and how to deal with each one.

I truly hope knowing these, and having tools to cope with them, makes for a calmer and happier cleaning session in the future.

Remember, cleaning is not just about the end result, but also the journey.

By changing how you approach and perceive cleaning, you can transform it from a stressful chore to an enjoyable and rewarding part of your routine.

Happy cleaning!

And if you’re ready to get that easy schedule sorted out – go HERE next!