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When Cleaning Is Therapeutic

Last month I wrote about “Chores That Relax You,” which focused on how certain chores are found to be relaxing to some people. One of the other things I have discovered this past week about taking care of my home is that it can also be therapeutic.

Our family has been struggling this week to adjust to the fact that my oldest son is no longer living with us. He left Tuesday for basic training with the Air Force.

No one can really prepare you for the emotions you will experience when a child leaves the home, no matter the reason. Suddenly your family of five becomes four, which can be a little difficult to accept.

What I have wanted to do is stay in my bed all day long. I haven’t been up to really seeing people or even talking to them.

But I know that it won’t help and I have to somehow get through this. One of the ways I have been able to muddle through it all is by cleaning my house. It has actually felt therapeutic to me.

Depending on the task, it either keeps my mind off the sadness I feel. Or it allows me the chance to think and pray. You win no matter what.

For instance, when I am folding laundry or washing out a pan, I also spend time reflecting on things. It is the opportunity to think through and sort out my emotions.

Then when I am doing more vigorous work, such as pulling weeds or scrubbing the tub, I can let things go. It’s been interesting to see how this has not only helped me deal with what I am feeling but has allowed me the opportunity to try and get back to a normal routine.

When life deals you a blow, it still has to go on. And strangely enough I have found one of the best ways for this to happen is by continuing to take care of my home.

Have you ever found cleaning to be therapeutic?

Related Articles:

Letting Your House Go

National Simplify Your Life Week

Bare Necessities

Photo by I Craig in Flickr

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About Stephanie Romero

Stephanie Romero is a professional blogger for Families and full-time web content writer. She is the author and instructor of an online course, "Recovery from Abuse," which is currently being used in a prison as part of a character-based program. She has been married to her husband Dan for 21 years and is the mother of two teenage children who live at home and one who is serving in the Air Force.