Do you ever find yourself cleaning or tidying up your environment when there are more pressing issues at hand? When life throws you a curveball, do you find the best way to handle it is by organizing your car, office or general home space? What is often referred to as “stress cleaning” is actually a very common response to chaos and unforeseen circumstances.

What is stress cleaning?

According to the Calm official website, stress cleaning is a “reaction to feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally unsettled.” So, when life gets out of hand, both externally and internally, we often pick up a broom or sponge and try to find relief in cleaning.

Why do people clean when stressed?

In most cases, cleaning and organizing give a sense of control and order in our lives. If something nerve-wracking and overwhelming is looming over our lives, we may not be able to control it, but we can control the dirty dishes, piles of laundry or cluttered paperwork. Not only does cleaning give the brain a dopamine boost, but it is also an expression of control through physical objects. Organizing items quickly can be viewed as a small “win” for a stressed individual.

It is also important to mention that personal environments like a car, office or general home space are often a reflection of an individual’s headspace. So, if the car is full of scattered receipts or empty water bottles that all need to be thrown away, it may reflect scattered and looming thoughts of the person. The general idea is that an organized personal space reflects an organized headspace, which, therefore, reduces unnecessary stress.

While stress cleaning can be very helpful, according to the official Calm website, individuals should set some boundaries for further benefit. These boundaries include, but are not limited to, setting time limits, prioritizing what’s important, embracing a “good enough” attitude and not seeking absolute perfection.