Why Cleaning Your Home Can Boost Overall Well-being

Deep cleaning doesn’t need to be a one-season chore. Experts say doing a thorough cleaning of your home has a number of health benefits.

A clean home can strengthen your immune system and help you avoid illnesses. A decluttered living space can also reduce stress and depression, as well as help, avoid injuries, like tripping.

According to the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), 74% of Americans do general surface-level cleaning more often than deep cleaning. That leaves 26% who deep clean their home on a regular basis, thoroughly cleaning the entire home and its floors, furniture, and surfaces.

Bathrooms and kitchens are typically the rooms that get deep cleaned most often. Don’t forget about living rooms and bedrooms though. You spend time in those on a daily basis, so it’s worth giving them some special treatment as well. According to ACI survey results, 60% of people deep clean because they recognize their home needs a thorough cleaning. Other motives to deep clean on an annual basis include removing clutter, removing asthma or allergy triggers, and preventing the spread of illness.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice.. All rights reserved.

THE POWER OF CLEANLINESS

Even if you already spring cleaned, consider the following health and well-being benefits from deep cleaning your home year-round:

• Strengthen the immune system—Dust, mold, mildew, and pet dander can be allergy triggers.
• Reduce stress and depression—A clutter-free home has a positive effect on people’s daily mood and ability to focus. Organizing, tossing or donating can be mentally refreshing and liberating, too.
• Sleep better—With less stress comes better sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, people who make their beds every morning are 19% more likely to get a good night’s rest.
• Prevent illness—Keep surfaces clean to improve food safety and minimize the spread of harmful germs.
• Boost productivity—Clutter is distracting. Looking at too many things at once interferes with your brain’s ability to process information.

Boost your well-being today by dusting, vacuuming, washing, and reorganizing. This is the perfect time to get your regular cleaning routine back on track.

GRILLING SAFETY TIPS

involve grills, so it’s important to brush up on barbecue safety. Consider the following grilling safety tips:

• Grill outside only. Don’t grill in a garage, porch, or other enclosed space, even if it’s ventilated.
• Choose a safe location. Keep your grill on a flat surface at least 10 feet away from your house, garage or other structures.
• Check for leaks. Make it a habit to check the gas tank hose before using it for the first time each year.
• Never leave your grill unattended. Fires can double in size every minute.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from where food is being prepared or carried.
• Clean the grill regularly. Keep it clean by removing grease or fat buildup.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR FOOD WASTE

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American produces about 219 pounds of food waste each year. Start small and consider the following tips to reduce your food waste:

• Shop smart to avoid buying more food than you need. Make a list of what you need and then stick to it.
• Store food properly by learning what should be refrigerated or kept at room temperature.
• Keep your fridge organized so you can see foods and know when they were purchased. Place newer packages behind old ones.
• Save leftovers in clear glass containers so you don’t forget about them.
• Freeze food to preserve leftovers, meats, soups, herbs, or greens.
• Understand expiration dates to know the difference between “sell by,” “best by” and “use by” labels.

COMBATTING THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC AT WORK

If you feel lonely at work, you’re not alone. In fact, about one-third of

U.S. workers reported that they felt a general sense of loneliness, emptiness, and disconnection from their co-workers.

Signs that you may be struggling with loneliness include feeling disconnected from your peers, heavily scrutinizing others, being sensitive to others’ responses toward you, and having difficulty trusting people.

The hardest step to take when overcoming loneliness can often be the first one—reaching out to your co-workers. But the rewards can be invaluable. The odds are that you are not the only person in your department, or your company, suffering from loneliness. By reaching out and connecting your co-workers—through the use of work-approved electronic communications—you can help yourself stop feeling lonely while also helping others.