Chandigarh, Sept. 10 — For millions of people, cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry, or organizing a messy desk may feel like ordinary chores. But psychologists say these routine acts can be far more powerful than they appear — offering relief from stress, clarity of thought, and even a happier state of mind.
Studies in recent years suggest that physical clutter is closely tied to mental clutter. The brain, researchers argue, processes disorganized surroundings as unfinished work, often triggering anxiety or unease. “A messy environment can overload our senses and reduce our ability to focus,” said Dr. Kavita Sharma, a clinical psychologist based in Delhi. “When we clean or organize, it provides the brain with visual order and an immediate sense of accomplishment.”
In a landmark study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as “cluttered” had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol throughout the day compared with those who said their spaces were “restful” or “restorative.”
Researchers say the connection between mess and stress has evolutionary roots. Human beings are wired to seek order in their environment as a way of conserving energy and reducing uncertainty. Clutter signals unfinished tasks to the brain, creating low-level but constant stress. “Our ancestors needed to quickly detect threats in their environment. A clean, ordered space gives a sense of safety, while a chaotic one can unconsciously put us on alert,” explained Dr. Sharma.
Cleaning, therefore, does more than just make a room look better — it helps the mind quiet down. Neuroscientists note that repetitive tasks like sweeping, scrubbing, or arranging objects also activate the brain’s reward system. The physical movement involved releases endorphins, often called “feel-good” chemicals, while the visible result of a neat space reinforces the sense of progress.
For people struggling with anxiety or depression, cleaning can provide a crucial sense of agency. “When life feels overwhelming, focusing on what you can control — such as making your bed or clearing your desk — restores confidence,” said Dr. Mark Beaulieu, a behavioral therapist quoted in a recent New York Times article.
This is why many therapists encourage clients to break tasks into small, manageable steps. Washing a sinkful of dishes or wiping down a table may appear trivial, but it can signal to the brain that change is possible. “Every small victory tells your nervous system: you’re capable, you’re moving forward,” Dr. Beaulieu noted.
The Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo popularized this idea globally, urging people to keep only what “sparks joy.” While her approach is often framed as lifestyle advice, psychologists argue that its underlying message reflects deep psychological truths: letting go of clutter can mean letting go of emotional baggage.
Beyond stress relief, clean spaces appear to sharpen focus. A Princeton University study found that people performed tasks more efficiently in uncluttered environments. When the visual field was crowded with irrelevant objects, the brain struggled to process information.
For students or professionals, a neat study table or work desk may directly improve productivity. “Clutter competes for your attention,” said Dr. Sharma. “The cleaner the environment, the freer your brain is to concentrate.”
Many offices have adopted minimalist design for this very reason, arguing that tidy surroundings foster creativity and efficiency. The same principle applies at home: cooking in an orderly kitchen or sleeping in a made bed can improve mood and daily functioning.
Culturally, cleaning has long been tied to renewal. In India, homes are scrubbed and organized before Diwali to welcome prosperity. In Japan, the year-end tradition of Ōsōji — or “big cleaning” — marks a spiritual fresh start. Psychologists say these rituals reflect how societies intuitively link physical space with mental space.
“Cleaning is symbolic,” explained Dr. Sharma. “By removing dirt or clutter, we feel as if we’re clearing away negativity or the burdens of the past. That sense of renewal is deeply comforting.”
The therapeutic power of cleaning became particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stuck indoors, many people turned to decluttering and deep cleaning as a way to cope with uncertainty. Sales of cleaning products and organizing tools surged worldwide.
“Cleaning gave people a sense of control when the outside world felt chaotic,” said sociologist Ritu Agarwal. “It wasn’t just about hygiene, but about reclaiming agency over daily life.”
Mental health counselors noted a similar trend: patients reported feeling calmer and more in control after engaging in cleaning routines. The act of vacuuming or sanitizing, once seen as drudgery, became a stabilizing ritual.
Experts caution, however, that cleaning is not a substitute for professional help when dealing with chronic stress, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In some cases, compulsive cleaning may reflect deeper anxiety rather than resolve it.
“The goal is balance,” said Dr. Sharma. “Cleaning should serve as a tool for wellbeing, not a burden or compulsion. It’s about creating a supportive environment for mental health.”
Still, the evidence suggests that incorporating small cleaning habits into daily routines can contribute significantly to mental wellbeing. Making the bed each morning, keeping a clutter-free desk, or spending 10 minutes a day tidying up can provide cumulative benefits.
Many people also find joy in the physicality of cleaning itself. Psychologists compare it to mindfulness: focusing on scrubbing a surface, folding clothes, or sweeping the floor draws attention to the present moment, quieting intrusive thoughts.
“Cleaning forces you to slow down,” said Agarwal. “It becomes a moving meditation, where your body and mind align.”
From reducing stress hormones to boosting focus, cleaning is emerging as more than a household chore. It is a practice that engages both body and mind, offering a sense of order, progress, and calm in an increasingly fast-paced world.
As Dr. Sharma put it: “When you clean your surroundings, you’re really cleaning your mental space. And that is one of the simplest, most accessible ways to feel lighter, happier, and more free.”
