Meditation has long been celebrated as a path to inner peace, but can the act of cleaning your living space serve as a form of meditation as well? While the traditional image of meditation often involves sitting in stillness and clearing the mind, there is an argument to be made for incorporating physical activities like cleaning into this practice. The idea that our environment affects our mental well-being is supported by various psychological and philosophical perspectives, making cleaning not only a way to keep your home neat but also a powerful tool for decluttering your mind. Let’s explore how the act of cleaning can help you achieve a meditative state and, ultimately, a sense of peace.
The Environment as an Extension of the Self
The relationship between our internal state and the external world has been a subject of philosophical debate for centuries. Krishnamurthy’s claim that a meditative state cannot be achieved in a disordered environment may initially seem overly rigid or simplistic. After all, the Stoic philosophy championed by Marcus Aurelius teaches that tranquility comes from within, regardless of external conditions. According to Stoicism, it is our perception of events, rather than the events themselves, that dictates our emotional response. However, the idea that our environment affects our mental state is deeply entrenched in modern psychological theory and practices. Carl Jung, a prominent psychiatrist, expanded on the notion that our external world reflects our internal experience. In Jung’s view, the environment is not just a backdrop to our lives—it becomes an active participant in shaping how we feel and how we perceive ourselves. The spaces we occupy—our homes, offices, and even the public areas we frequent—become reflections of our inner psyche.
When we consider our environment as an extension of ourselves, it forces us to confront the way we engage with our surroundings. A cluttered living room, a messy kitchen, or a disorganized workspace are not just places where things are stored—they become a physical manifestation of our mental clutter. Think about it: when you step into a room full of disorder, you may feel overwhelmed, distracted, or anxious, unable to focus or think clearly. The mess seems to have a hold on you, subtly influencing your mood and actions. It’s like trying to meditate while surrounded by noise and chaos—your mind becomes just as cluttered as the space.
On the other hand, an organized, clean environment fosters a sense of control and mental clarity. When you enter a space that is neat and orderly, there is an immediate psychological effect: it feels like the mind can relax and settle into the space. It is as if the external order gives your internal world permission to do the same. By consciously curating our physical space, we are, in effect, curating our mental and emotional well-being. When we clean, we are not just wiping down surfaces or putting things away—we are creating a sanctuary for our minds, an environment where calmness and clarity can thrive.
This connection between our external and internal worlds is also supported by the practice of environmental psychology, which suggests that our physical surroundings can influence everything from our cognitive performance to our emotional health. For example, studies have shown that people who work in well-organized and aesthetically pleasing environments tend to experience less stress and are more productive. In contrast, those who work in cluttered, chaotic spaces report higher levels of stress and struggle to focus. The environment has a profound impact on the way we process information and how we regulate our emotions.
By acknowledging that the state of our environment mirrors our internal state, we can begin to see cleaning not as a burdensome chore but as a critical component of mental health. Just as you might declutter your thoughts during meditation, you can declutter your physical space to create a calming, focused environment. When your surroundings reflect order and peace, it becomes easier to cultivate a similar state within yourself. Therefore, maintaining a clean and organized environment is not just about aesthetics—it is a form of self-care that allows your mind to operate at its most peaceful and productive.
The Science Behind Cleaning and Mental Health
The relationship between cleaning and mental health is not just a philosophical concept—there is real scientific evidence supporting the idea that the state of our environment has a direct impact on our well-being. Studies in the fields of psychology and neuroscience have explored how clutter, disorganization, and a lack of cleanliness can contribute to mental strain, while a clean and orderly space promotes psychological health. This research provides us with a clearer understanding of why Krishnamurthy’s statement holds weight in the context of achieving mental peace.
One key study from Indiana University highlights that people living in clean homes are generally healthier than those in cluttered environments. This might seem like an obvious observation, but the scientific reasoning behind it is far more intricate. A messy home can create an environment of constant visual and cognitive stimulation. The brain, like a computer with too many open tabs, becomes overloaded when faced with clutter. This leads to mental fatigue, higher stress levels, and difficulty in focusing on any one task. Conversely, a clean space provides mental relief—it allows the brain to focus on what’s important, without the distractions of disorganization.
Research published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that cluttered living spaces are linked to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and anxiety. Elevated cortisol levels have been associated with a wide range of physical and mental health issues, including fatigue, headaches, and even depression. In a cluttered space, the constant reminder of unfinished tasks and disorganization acts as a subtle stressor, keeping the body in a heightened state of alertness. This constant low-level stress can wear on the body over time, contributing to feelings of exhaustion and mental burnout.
On the other hand, a clean and organized environment helps lower cortisol levels and supports the body’s natural relaxation response. When the space around you is calm and uncluttered, your mind has the freedom to relax, process, and focus. The act of cleaning itself—whether it’s organizing a messy desk or tidying up a disheveled room—can be therapeutic. It provides a tangible way to reduce mental clutter and create a space that feels mentally and physically restorative.
The link between cleaning and cognitive function is also supported by a study from Princeton University, which found that cluttered environments can negatively affect your ability to focus and complete tasks efficiently. The clutter around us creates a visual and cognitive load that demands our attention. This constant competition for attention can drain our cognitive resources, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand. When we clear away the clutter, we remove distractions, allowing our brain to function at its highest capacity.
Beyond these studies, many religious and spiritual practices emphasize the importance of cleanliness in creating a conducive environment for meditation, prayer, and reflection. The idea that a clean space can elevate one’s spiritual practice is not unique to any single culture or religion. Whether in Christian monasteries, Buddhist temples, or Hindu ashrams, cleanliness is often seen as a precursor to spiritual clarity. The physical act of cleaning, when done with mindfulness and intention, becomes more than just a task—it becomes a ritual that prepares the mind for meditation, prayer, or reflection.
By understanding the science behind cleaning and its effects on mental health, we begin to see that maintaining a clean environment is not just about aesthetics or organization. It is a crucial step in fostering psychological well-being. Cleaning becomes a practice of decluttering both the physical and mental spaces, allowing for greater focus, reduced stress, and a deeper sense of peace.
Cleaning as a Meditation Practice
Cleaning is often relegated to a necessary but uninspiring task, something we do out of obligation rather than desire. However, if we reframe the act of cleaning as an opportunity for mindfulness, it transforms from a mundane chore into a powerful meditative practice. At its core, meditation involves being fully present in the moment, focusing on the task at hand without distractions. This is precisely what can be achieved when we engage in cleaning with intention and awareness.
The principle of mindfulness, which originates from Buddhist teachings, is the act of being fully present in whatever you are doing, observing your thoughts, actions, and surroundings without judgment or attachment. When cleaning, this means focusing entirely on the motions involved—whether it’s scrubbing a surface, folding clothes, or wiping down a countertop. Instead of rushing through the task with the goal of completing it as quickly as possible, cleaning mindfully involves paying attention to the sensations, the movements, and even the sound of the cleaning process. This form of awareness can help quiet the mind, allowing you to let go of any distracting thoughts and focus solely on the action in front of you.
The simple act of washing dishes, for example, can become a meditative practice when performed with mindfulness. Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the foremost Buddhist monks, wrote about this concept in his teachings on mindful living. He explained that when washing dishes, one should be fully aware of the action itself—feeling the warm water, noticing the motion of the hands, and appreciating the presence of the dish in one’s hands. By doing so, the act of washing dishes ceases to be a chore and becomes an opportunity to center oneself and practice being in the moment.
In a similar vein, cleaning your home can be a meditative act of decluttering both the physical space and the mind. As you tidy up your living space, you can use the process to clear your mind of the accumulated stress, worries, and distractions of the day. Instead of focusing on the outcome, the goal is to immerse yourself in the present moment and engage with the environment. The action of cleaning itself serves as a form of mental release. This is particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to sit still and meditate in the traditional sense. Cleaning provides a dynamic, physically engaging way to practice mindfulness and achieve mental clarity.
Moreover, when cleaning becomes a mindful practice, it helps to foster a sense of connection with the space around you. By attending to the objects and areas that you regularly use, you are acknowledging the role these elements play in your life. You develop a greater appreciation for your surroundings, seeing them not as mere objects but as integral parts of your daily existence. The act of cleaning then becomes an expression of gratitude for the space you live in and the material possessions you have.
The Psychological Benefits of Cleaning
Dr. Jordan Peterson’s advice to clean one’s external environment as a first step toward psychological well-being speaks volumes about the psychological impact of cleaning. According to Peterson, a person’s physical environment—whether it’s their bedroom, office, or living space—is a reflection of their internal mental state. If the environment is messy, disorganized, or chaotic, it is often indicative of a similar state of mind. Conversely, cleaning up one’s space is an empowering act that reflects an attempt to impose order on both the physical and mental realms.
The psychological benefits of cleaning are deeply intertwined with the human need for control. When we clean, we engage in an active process of taking control over our environment. In a world where many aspects of life can feel unpredictable or out of control, cleaning provides a way to restore a sense of order and autonomy. This sense of control is essential for mental well-being. It fosters a belief that we are capable of managing our surroundings and taking charge of the elements that impact our day-to-day lives.
Furthermore, the act of cleaning can also provide a sense of accomplishment. Just as finishing a project or solving a problem leads to feelings of satisfaction, so too does tidying up a space. When you transform a messy room into an organized one, there is an inherent sense of achievement. This accomplishment, no matter how small, contributes to a positive feedback loop, encouraging a mindset of progress and productivity. This can have far-reaching effects on how we approach other areas of our lives. The discipline and focus required to maintain a clean space can translate into other aspects of life, helping us approach challenges with a clear mind and a sense of purpose.
Cleaning also helps improve mental clarity by reducing the sensory overload that clutter can cause. In a cluttered environment, the mind is constantly bombarded with visual stimuli, each object competing for attention and creating a mental drain. By clearing away unnecessary items and organizing the space, you create a visually and cognitively calming environment. This, in turn, allows the brain to focus more effectively, which is crucial for both cognitive functioning and emotional well-being. The clean environment becomes a sanctuary for thought, providing a space for creativity, concentration, and calm.
Moreover, cleaning also contributes to reducing stress. As mentioned earlier, cluttered environments are often linked to higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. The process of cleaning, however, helps to lower these levels by restoring a sense of order. When we are surrounded by a clean, organized environment, we experience a reduction in the physiological symptoms of stress. It’s as if the mind and body are in sync, responding to the act of cleaning with relaxation and peace. By maintaining a clean environment, you are not only creating a more pleasant living space but also fostering an environment in which your mind can thrive.
Mindfulness and the Power of the Present Moment
Mindfulness—the practice of being fully present and aware of the current moment—is a concept rooted in Buddhist teachings, but it has found its way into many modern wellness practices. The essence of mindfulness is simple: it involves being completely absorbed in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. When applied to cleaning, mindfulness transforms an everyday task into an act of deep awareness.
At its core, mindfulness is about paying attention to the sensory experience of what you’re doing. In the context of cleaning, this means becoming aware of the sensations associated with the task: the sound of the vacuum, the feel of the cloth as it wipes down a surface, the sight of the dust disappearing from the floor. By focusing on these details, you cultivate a sense of presence and avoid letting your mind wander to past regrets or future worries.
Cleaning with mindfulness creates a flow state, where the task becomes absorbing enough to shut out distractions. When you are completely engaged in the act of cleaning, you are not thinking about what’s happened earlier in the day or what you need to do later. Your thoughts naturally quiet down as you focus on the present action. This allows you to cultivate a mental space of clarity and calm—much like the experience of meditation. Just as a meditator becomes attuned to their breath or the sounds of nature, a mindful cleaner becomes attuned to the movements of their body and the environment they are tending to.
Moreover, mindfulness in cleaning allows you to engage in a form of gratitude. As you clean, you may begin to notice the small things you often overlook—whether it’s the warmth of the sunlight coming through a window, the feel of the objects you are cleaning, or the comfort that a well-maintained space provides. This awareness fosters an appreciation for the present moment, encouraging a sense of peace and contentment with what you have. It reminds you to slow down and be grateful for the space that supports you in your daily life.
The process of cleaning also creates a calming effect on the nervous system. Mindfulness has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation. When you engage in a task with complete attention, you signal to your body that it is safe to relax and let go of tension. This is particularly beneficial for those dealing with stress or anxiety, as mindfulness in cleaning provides a simple yet effective way to calm the mind and restore balance.
Incorporating mindfulness into cleaning is a way to transform an ordinary task into a moment of inner peace. As you clean, you create a harmonious relationship with your environment, allowing you to find serenity in the act of care and attention. Cleaning becomes not just a task to complete but an opportunity to practice mindfulness, leading to greater calm and clarity in both your surroundings and your mind.
Conclusion
Cleaning, often seen as a mundane or tiresome chore, can serve as a powerful form of meditation when approached with intention and mindfulness. By viewing your environment as an extension of yourself and recognizing the psychological benefits of a clean space, you can turn cleaning into a transformative practice. Whether it’s decluttering your physical surroundings or calming your mind, cleaning offers a unique opportunity to cultivate inner peace. By applying the principles of mindfulness and engaging fully in the task at hand, you create not only a cleaner space but also a calmer, more focused mind.