The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and fresh air is abundant. For many households, now is the time for spring cleaning. While spring cleaning may seem like just another chore, it can actually have many benefits for your health that you might not have thought about!

Cleaning a cluttered space can give you a strong sense of accomplishment, which can work wonders for your mental health. It also offers you the opportunity to get up and move around, keeping you physically on your feet. Rather than face spring cleaning with feelings of dread, look at it as a way to give your health and wellness a boost thanks to these six benefits.

1. It’s good for your mood and stress levels

Stress is detrimental to both your physical and mental health. For many people, cleaning works as a type of therapy to help get rid of stress they might have been holding onto. The burden of chores or living in a dirty, dusty space can wear on you after a while. Thankfully, the physical act of cleaning and the pristine results can lift your spirits!

Being in a clean space has been known to shift people’s mindsets and give them a new outlook. It’s hard to not see things differently when you’re looking at a fresh, new space that you created on your own.

Cleaning may also help improve the overall mood in your home. Consider having your family members all work together to clean up. You may be amazed at how much better everyone gets along after embracing a clean home together!

2. Gets rid of those pesky allergens

When the windows are closed and the furnace runs all winter long, many types of allergens tend to build up in your living space, including dust, pet dander, mildew, mold and much more. If these allergens aren’t routinely eradicated, then you’ll constantly be breathing them in, which is terrible for your respiratory and immune systems. And, if you suffer from environmental allergies, you’re more likely to feel sneezy and stuffy!

Spring cleaning offers the perfect opportunity to open the windows and get in every nook and cranny to remove those allergens, so you can breathe easily.

3. Helps you get a better night’s sleep

During your spring cleaning routine, don’t forget about your bedroom! If you’re sleeping in a clean, less-cluttered space, chances are you’ll sleep better.

A lot of people don’t realize that their dirty, cluttered bedroom is one of the reasons they're unable to sleep. A tidy bedroom, fresh air and newly laundered sheets with a clean smell are sure to help you fall asleep faster. Once your bedroom is clean and tidy, it’s also a good idea to make your bed in the morning, since this gives your room more of a “fresh” feeling every day.

4. Reduce your risk of accidents

Not only is clutter hard to look at, but it can be dangerous. If you have loose objects all over your floor, then someone might trip and get a serious injury like a broken bone or sprained ankle. This is especially dangerous if you have someone elderly living in your home.

When doing your spring cleaning, rethink any pieces of furniture or home decorations that may cause someone to trip. You might find that there’s a much better place for that piece somewhere else that allows your space to stay clear and risk-free.

5. Improve your productivity

If you’re having trouble staying productive and motivated, a cluttered space might be the culprit. An unclean workspace can feel uncomfortable and is more likely to distract you and prevent you from getting work done.

Try organizing your desk and office a bit and see if that improves your motivation. Your decluttered space should help you think more clearly and improve your attention span!

6. Pick up healthy habits

If you manage to motivate yourself enough to clean, then you can easily motivate yourself into other healthy activities, including exercise. Cleaning also provides you with more space for physical activities. After removing clutter, you’ll no longer have an excuse to not pull out that yoga mat or do some at-home cardio.

The improved air quality in your home may also inspire you to go outside and enjoy the fresh air. You may even want to start going on walks around your neighborhood or riding your bike around town! Let your spring cleaning energy “spring you” into other healthy habits.

Clean home, clean health

Having a clean home can immediately start improving your mood, stress levels and sleep, letting you enjoy a healthier lifestyle overall. Even if your motivation to clean might not be there quite yet, start small. Once you see the amazing things you can accomplish, you won’t want to stop!