Bust Stress (and Dust Bunnies) With These Creative Cleaning Habits

Your physical environment can have a huge impact on your mentality. A sparkling clean home might leave you feeling content and relaxed, while a room filled with clutter, empty coffee mugs, and dust bunnies can have the opposite effect.

When you think about it, taking the time to clean your space can be a form of self-care — especially when you pair each task with a little bit of wellness. Next time you decide it's time for a deep cleaning, try these creative cleaning habits for an extra dose of self-care.

The first step in any cleaning process is vacuuming up any dust, crumbs, and cobwebs. As easy as it is, vacuuming can take some time, so take the opportunity to apply a skin-care mask. Select a formula based on your skin concern — hydrating, brightening, or pore-shrinking — then vacuum while it sits. Just make sure to steer clear of sheet masks: they may not stay on as you move around the house.

Deep cleaning the shower and scrubbing the toilet aren't always the most pleasant tasks. Keep your mind off bathroom germs by pressing play on one of your favorite playlists or podcasts before you start cleaning. Think of it as taking time for yourself: you're learning something new from the podcast while turning your bathroom into a spa-like experience.

Now that you've completed the biggest cleaning tasks, it's time to turn your attention to the high-touch surfaces in your home. Doorknobs, faucets, light switches, and countertops should all be wiped down with a disinfectant to help get rid of any lingering germs or bacteria. While you work on that, take the opportunity for some aromatherapy. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a diffuser, light your favorite scented candle, or just spritz a room spray throughout your space.

The finishing touch of any deep clean is tidying up. Look around your space for anything that seems out of place, like a crumpled throw blanket or pile of clothes to be folded. Fluff the pillows, straighten the coffee-table books, and generally return your home to its most organized state.

While you're putting the finishing touches on your home, check in with yourself about how often you've really been taking your vitamins and supplements. If you haven't been taking them regularly, use this time to think about how you can make it a habit. Just like tidying is the last step in cleaning your home, taking your vitamins and supplements is the finishing touch on your healthy lifestyle.

Design: Kyra Thompson