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Can cleaning house really help depression? Cleaning house is a distraction from worry and anxiety that keep depressed people down in the dumps. It, also, is a way to get much needed exercise.

It is more pleasurable to live in a house that is free of clutter.

The act of cleaning a house has more than one benefit for depression. For those of us who find it difficult to concentrate sometimes, cleaning a house and putting items in the right place prevent anxiety and frustration of looking for them at the last minute, when we need them the most. It provides an activity that allows us to escape dark thoughts and worries, if only for a short time.

Exercise

It's true that a depressed person has little interest and motivation in doing the household chores. However house cleaning provides much needed exercise. Exercise is highly beneficial to one who is depressed. Physical activity alters brain chemistry and releases endorphins, the "feel good" chemicals that lift our mood.

Exercise can reduce tension in the body, reduce the level of stress hormones and help us sleep better. In addition exercise improves our circulation which may have a positive effect on our metabolism. As our body energy improves, our symptoms decrease.

Our doctors tell us that we should exercise at least 30 minutes per day. That goal is beyond the reach of some of us. House cleaning provides exercise that is a reasonable goal and within our reach. Even 10 to 15 minutes of exercise can be beneficial.

When I clean house, I sometimes (not always) take time to organize my important notes and paperwork that accumulate everyday. My brain gets a slight work out in this process, but my mood is lifted when I find notes that have been misplaced for several weeks.

Order and exercise are both great benefits in lifting our moods when we are depressed. Symptoms of depression are alleviated with physical activity that stimulate activity in the brain and body. A side benefit is a sense of accomplishment, and that, we can feel good about. However, physical activity is a help and not a cure and is not meant to replace treatment.

Resource:
http://mayo clinic.com

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
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