Feeling Low? Start Cleaning

Feeling Low? Start Cleaning—Here’s Why

I recently came across a book—I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve added it to my list. The title is “Depression Hates a Moving Target.” What a powerful title! It hits hard, and it’s so true.

Growing up, I had anxiety issues. I was constantly restless and lived in a general state of fear, nothing specific but just an underlying unease. I remember my parents giving me small household tasks in the evenings, like dusting or sweeping or folding clothes. At first, I hated it. It felt boring and I never wanted to do it. (Not doing was not an option back then L) I would begin with hesitation, but soon I’d feel something shift inside me. My heart became lighter. I realized these cleaning activities weren’t just about tidying the house, they were clearing something within me too.

Since these tasks didn’t require much thinking, my body moved on autopilot while my mind processed my thoughts and emotions. The simple movement helped me work through what I was feeling. I often ended up reflecting on the day’s challenges, and by the time I finished, I had either found solutions or simply moved on or felt intensity of negative emotions had reduced.

Since then, even till today, cleaning and decluttering feel like therapy to me. Whenever I feel low, stuck, confused or engulfed in negative emotions I clean or declutter or organize something. I can clearly see the difference between sitting still and trying to process my negative emotions versus moving while processing them. Even simple movement—like a walk or exercise, decluttering or cleaning, organizing something—creates a huge shift. The outcome is completely different.

Here are few reasons

Decluttering or cleaning helps break the chain of negative thoughts by partially distracting the mind.
When we focus on something else, the resistance around our current challenges drops—and solutions come more easily.
Completing tasks triggers the release of happy hormones because the brain feels a sense of accomplishment.
Any kind of movement also prompts the brain to release feel-good hormones.
When we clean, declutter, or organise something physical, the “get organised” and “let go” mode gets activated inside us too, helping the mind naturally process and release emotions.

These days most of us have maids for our household work (especially In India), but sometimes, try doing a small task yourself especially when you’re feeling emotionally low. Declutter your wardrobe, clean a storage space, or even organize your phone by deleting old photos and arranging folders. It will shift your energy almost instantly.

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