Spring Cleaning and Mindfulness - An Unexpected Condition
Kavod Senior Life at Cherry Creek
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Kavod Senior Life at Cherry Creek
Dec 20, 2023
Colorado - Denver Metro
It has been a long, cold winter in Colorado, but spring is finally here! With the joys of this season – flowers blooming and green grass growing- also comes time for spring cleaning. Cleaning may not seem fun, but it can support a positive mental outlook.
Why is spring cleaning important?
Clutter that accumulated over the winter can affect our space as well as our minds. Too much clutter shrinks our living quarters. Things no longer relevant to our life can keep us focused on the past, and unable to move forward (such as old newspapers, magazines or expired pantry goods).
Eliminating these items – as well as sweeping away dust and cobwebs –allows the mind to rest and inspires relaxation. A tidy home can make us feel tidy inside, producing creativity and contentment. Research shows that cleaning can actually:
–Decrease stress & anxiety
–Improve insomnia
–Reduce risks of tripping & falling
–Increase movement & exercise
Tackling spring cleaning may feel overwhelming, however. To manage it, try these tips:
—Start with a “to do” list. Order your list from smaller tasks to the larger ones. Then identify which ones are the highest priority to those not so pressing.
—Write this list down. Putting our thoughts in writing stops them from staying stuck in our head. It pulls it out of our minds and puts it on paper, allowing us to think more clearly and have our goals in black and white.
—Use a calendar and assign tasks to particular days. Using a calendar provides a doable plan you can follow. It also allows you plot out your time in a way that works for you, allowing time to take breaks or address other obligations.
—Ask for help. If you need assistance with larger tasks, such as moving furniture or donating items to charity, ask for it! Many services are available for this type of work, or neighbors or family members often love to help because it gives them a chance to visit with you and stay connected.
Here at Kavod, we do all we can to help our residents keep their apartments spic n’ span. In Senior Living, we offer affordable housekeeping and laundry services on site. Our Resident Council is working to bring a charity pickup for unwanted items to campus, regularly. Moreover, as an Assisted Living resident, weekly laundry and housekeeping services are all included! Residents in Assisted Living know our kind and respectful staff handle these tasks with care, allowing for worry-free living. It also brings relief to family members from taking on these additional caregiving duties. If you know someone who would benefit by living in one of Kavod’s apartments, contact our Leasing department at 303.399.1146 or here.
For everyone else – happy spring cleaning! If you have any questions, please call us at 303-399-1146.
- To view the original version of this article visit kavodseniorlife.org/assisted-living/spring-cleaning-and-mindfulness-an-unexpected-connection/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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Kavod Senior Life
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