First of all, I want to apologize for writing an article about cleaning your room.
If you clicked on this, it's probably already bringing back bad memories from your high school days when your parents would tell you couldn't go out until you had made your bed and picked up your clothes off the floor.
Trust me, those aren't fond memories from my otherwise great childhood.
But as someone who's kept her room pretty damn spotless for a good 10 years now, let me tell you: It's life-changing. I am happier, healthier, more organized and much more motivated when my bedroom is clean.
If you don't quite trust me, I don't blame you. After all, who am I to tell you how to change your life?
As with most things, though, I came armed with the science to back it up. So bear with me for a few more minutes here.
A clean bedroom makes you happier.
If you've been in a bit of a funk lately, look no further than your bedroom.
If it's a mess (no judgement, I've also left plates and water glasses on my nightstand for days), you should really clean it up.
According to a study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as cluttered and full of unfinished projects were also depressed, tired and more stressed out than those who described their homes as restorative and restful.
On top of that, a clean room helps you sleep better. And getting enough rest is crucial to your happiness.
So while cleaning your room may feel like a huge task, your happiness is pretty damn important. Make it happen!
If your room is clean, you're more likely to exercise.
Say what?! Could there really be a correlation?
The research is in, and there is most definitely is.
A 2013 study kept track of the health of nearly 1,000 people between the ages of 49 and 65. The result? People with the cleanest houses were also the most likely to exercise.
This is probably because people who keep their homes clean are more organized, and organized people are better at fitting in exercise.
Making your bed every morning creates feelings of accomplishment and positivity.
For those of you who think making your bed takes up too much time, I beg to differ.
It takes two minutes tops, and that's if you have a lot of throw pillows.
That two minutes of work in the morning will create feelings of positivity and accomplishment -- It's not even 8 am, and you've already gotten something done! -- and ensure you sleep better at night.
You might not think a made bed makes much of a difference in your sleep, but crawling into a crisp, clean bed at night is just about the most relaxing thing you can do.
How excited are you to go home and clean your room right now?!
