There is a solid connection between a dirty or disorganized home and stress. For instance, A 2010 study published in the scientific journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin used linguistic analysis software to measure the way 60 individuals discussed their homes. Researchers found that women with cluttered homes expressed higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It’s no surprise a clean home creates a sense of calm.

If you’re someone who can relate to the connection between cleanliness and feeling calmer check out these 10 Cleaning Tips for Millennials from HGTV.

I particularly love the tip about cleaning with vinegar. It’s cheap, safe to clean with, especially around animals and children, and it kills bacteria like a champ.

The tip on airing out the windows is not only helpful to prevent black mold. If you’re someone who is inside a lot, it is really important to feel the fresh air outside, whether it is cold or not. Feel the breeze on your skin to invigorate your senses.

Additionally, opening your windows also encourages you to open the blinds or curtains, letting the sun in. Feeling the sun on your face is almost always an immediate mood booster.

Take the stress out of cleaning by breaking it down room to room  

There are things you can clean daily, weekly, or monthly so that cleaning and organizing feels more manageable.

Lifestorage.com has really helpful daily, weekly and monthly home cleaning checklists for each room in your home. Check it out here: What You Need to Clean Daily, Weekly, and Monthly + Cleaning Checklist

“Literal cleanliness and orderliness can release us from abstract cognitive and affective distress – just consider how, during moments where life seems to be spiraling out of control, it can be calming to organize your clothes, clean the living room, get the car washed.” Robert Sapolsky