Do You Find Housework Therapeutic ?

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Many women admitted to researchers that they love cleaning because it gives them a sense of ‘pleasure’ and ‘achievement’. It also makes them feel better about receiving surprise visitors who wouldn’t see the house in a mess.

Kirstie Allsopp  said in her latest interview – that housework can be good for mental health.

She told the Western Daily Press: “I’m not doing the ironing because I have to, but if I get a chance, I find it immensely therapeutic.

“I’m absolutely convinced that those repetitive tasks that one does everyday, organising and regularising one’s home, and keeping it tidy, is enormously therapeutic.

“I know it is for me, and I have many, many working mum friends who feel the same.

“That to know that their child is going to school with clean hair, clean teeth, clean uniforms, and their house is clean is what keeps her sane.”

Now I love to have a clean and orderly home but I personally hate ironing – I’d rather write a blog, call a friend or have a chat with my kids than get out the ironing board! But I do know lots of people who enjoy the rhythm of ironing and the sense of achievement it can generate after all the linen is folded and the crisp, clean shirts hung up.

I  certainly know that I feel far more relaxed when the kitchen floor is clean, the cushions pumped up and the bathroom is gleaming, and studies have shown that women feel happier and more in control of their lives when their home is clean and tidy.

In this busy, hectic, frenetic world there is something really satisfying about that sense of achievement you get from finishing a simple, mundane, uncomplicated task so doing the washing up, emptying the dishwasher and folding the socks all help to release those feel good endorphins that help with our sense of well being.

I agree with Kirstie that the repetitive tasks that Mums do everyday organising their home is enormously therapeutic. It creates a sense of control, predictability and it switches off the mental stresses of the day  – but it’s all about keeping a sense of balance and perspective and  not expecting perfection which can  generate even more stress can’t it!

What are your thoughts?

Head over to The Home Renaissance Foundation to read more about The New Vision Of The Home. LINK

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