If you grew up in a household like mine, every Saturday morning felt like it was spring cleaning. After a short time watching cartoons, it was time to clean. That’s when we cleaned everything in our house, or at least it felt that way. The truth is, my parents pushed us to take care of the house and work hard. It wasn’t easy work and we all hated it. Looking back I realize there were some lessons in it —and a lot of character-building.

Spring cleaning is a deep cleaning process traditionally done during the spring season. It involves thoroughly cleaning and organizing every corner of the house, including dusting and vacuuming all surfaces, washing windows and curtains, cleaning appliances and furniture, organizing closets and drawers, and more.

This next-level cleaning can be time-consuming, but it can also be quite rewarding. It makes a living space clean and organized. Clean and tidy spaces provide a lot of physical and mental health benefits AND this is something you can control. Maybe that’s why Mama pushed so hard to have it done.

However, if you’re not yet convinced about the benefit of doing spring cleaning yet, here are some “sparkling” reasons why you might want to do some spring cleaning this month:

You’ll breathe easier

Spring cleaning helps to get rid of dust, dirt, and allergens that have accumulated during the winter months, improving the indoor air quality in your home. This can reduce the risk of respiratory problems and allergies. Cleaner air in your home can help you breathe and sleep better.

It’s like exercise, almost

Cleaning also makes you get moving. When you clean, you are making your space better and you’re also getting some much-needed exercise. Cleaning requires physical activity, which can increase endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in the brain, leading to improved mood and reduced stress.

It reduces distractions

A clean and organized space can help you be more productive and focused. When your home is cluttered and disorganized, it can be difficult to concentrate because clutter is distracting and makes it difficult to get work done. By decluttering and organizing your space, you can create a more peaceful and relaxing environment. Studies have even shown that a clutter-free home has a positive effect on daily mood. So, take spring cleaning as an opportunity to get rid of unnecessary possessions and donate them to those in need.

Less stimulation means more calm

Clutter and mess can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety because it’s stimulating. A clean and organized environment can reduce stress and anxiety levels by creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere. When your surroundings are clean, you can focus better, feel more in control, and feel less overwhelmed.

You’ll feel accomplished

Most of all, finishing your cleaning tasks can give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can help boost your mood and self-esteem. “Cleaning produces a tangible result that we can both see and feel,” says Dawn Potter, PsyD in the Cleveland Clinic blog. “We can look at it afterward and think, ‘Oh, that looks great!’ It gives us the satisfaction of doing something meaningful.”

Overall, spring cleaning is an important annual ritual that can improve your health, productivity, and overall well-being. Sure, it can be time-consuming —but it’s a rewarding endeavor. It allows you to create a clean and organized living space, which can improve mental and physical well-being. It can improve your mental health by providing a sense of control, accomplishment, and relaxation. When your environment is clean and organized, you can stress less, increase productivity, and improve your mood and your sleep quality. So, when Mama said that cleaning is good, she was right.