Being a Georgia Tech student sure does come with its ups and downs. There are times during the semester when your life is great, you meet up with friends, finish your work early, and even sleep before 10 pm. On the opposite side, there are weeks where you have tests back-to-back along with a weekly lab report and group presentation all due on the same day. There are so many different types of stress that Georgia Tech students are experiencing at the same time. Whether it is stress within a relationship, academic stress, or even stress about missing a day at the gym, all these stress factors build up and end up decreasing your mental health and leading to depression.
Though there are many things that can lead to an outlet of stress. A reliever of stress that some Georgia Tech students do is clean. Cleaning, often seen as a sign of a tedious and mundane task, has proven to be a powerful tool in reducing stress and anxiety. Cleaning gives a sense of peace in the calm. When the world around you seems to be in chaos, cleaning gives you a sense of control where you have power over certain objects in your life, and cleaning and getting rid of them makes you calmer and more controlled in your life. Even a simple task like clearing your desk or doing the dishes in the sink gives you that sense of control and thus reduces your level of stress.
Cleaning also helps reduce sensory overload and improve focus. In the fast-paced world that we live in where our senses are constantly bombarded with stimuli, it can lead to high stress and anxiety levels. By cleaning, you remove unnecessary clutter and create an environment that is free from distraction. This can improve focus and reduce sensory overload. As cleaning can be a form of mindfulness, it allows you to focus on the present moment and forget about worries and anxieties. You can block out distractions and engage in a form of active meditation, which can help improve mental clarity and reduce stress. This mindfulness can have a lasting impact, as it helps to cultivate a positive mindset and promote feelings of calm and peace.
Another reason that cleaning is important is that it can release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are produced by the central nervous system, and they are responsible for reducing pain and increasing feelings of pleasure and happiness. When you engage in physical activity like cleaning, your brain releases endorphins in response. This release of endorphins can create a sense of euphoria and elation, commonly referred to as a “runner’s high.” The same phenomenon occurs during cleaning, as it requires physical movement and exertion. The satisfaction of completing a task, combined with the endorphin release, can create a sense of accomplishment and happiness. Endorphins are not only good for your mood, but they can also provide physical benefits. They can act as natural painkillers and boost the immune system, which can help reduce the risk of illness and improve overall health. The release of endorphins during cleaning can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a more relaxed and calm state of mind. In conclusion, cleaning can be a powerful tool to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Cleaning provides a sense of accomplishment, reduces sensory overload, and improves mental health and mindfulness.
Sources:
Brain mind clear – free vector graphic on Pixabay. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://pixabay.com/vectors/brain-mind-clear-help-support-7283928/
How to release endorphins and what they are. How to Release Endorphins and What They Are. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-release-endorphins
The mental health benefits of a clean home. Newport Healthcare. (2023, January 26). Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.newporthealthcare.com/resources/press/clean-home-benefits/