My little cottage really needs it, it’s been neglected for some time.

There is so much work to do that it could very easily be overwhelming, but I am not overwhelmed by it. I am actually nourished by it. Every little patch I clean or improve in some way feels great.

What I’m learning whilst slowly getting my house in order is that cleaning, organizing, decluttering … is a form of self-care. It helps me feel settled, makes me feel like I’m taking care of my life.

We all know the feeling: a cluttered house, overflowing surfaces, and a looming sense of overwhelm. It’s easy to see cleaning as a chore, a never-ending battle against dust, grime and dirty dishes. But what if I told you that cleaning can nourish and uplift you just as much as a long soak in the tub, a beautiful walk or a mindful meditation session?

I’ve already written plenty about decluttering, walking and mindfulness so let’s take a closer look at cleaning…

Think about it. When you clean, you’re not just tidying up your physical space; you’re creating a sense of order and calm within yourself. A clean environment fosters a sense of peace and clarity. It allows you to breathe easier, both literally and figuratively.

The satisfaction of a job well done is a thing. Witnessing the transformation from chaos to clean, from cluttered to clear, can be incredibly motivating. It’s a tangible reminder of your ability to create change and make a positive impact on your surroundings. You may even find that this sense of accomplishment spills over into other areas of your life, boosting your confidence and motivation to tackle other challenges.

Cleaning can also be a surprisingly therapeutic experience. The repetitive motions of wiping, sweeping, and organizing can be strangely calming, a form of active meditation. It allows you to focus on the present moment, letting go of worries and anxieties as you get lost in the rhythm of the task.

Here’s the key: don’t let the perceived enormity of the cleaning project paralyze you. Remember, there’s always more to do, but that doesn’t have to be overwhelming (it’s an opportunity for more self-care!). Instead, focus on the present moment. Choose one small area, one shelf, or one drawer, and dedicate yourself to making it sparkle. Celebrate the little victories, the joy of a freshly cleaned surface, the satisfaction of putting things back in their place.

I love finding a good, logical place for things too. When you have that, tidying becomes so much easier.

So think of it as a form of self-care ritual, something to enjoy. Put on some favourite music and approach cleaning with intention. Notice how your mood shifts as the space around you transforms.

The act of taking care of your space is a way of taking care of yourself. A clean home reflects a commitment to creating a nurturing environment for yourself. It shows that you value your well-being and deserve to be surrounded by beauty and order (and you do, by the way).