The air is fresh, the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and so are you! Spring is a time for new beginnings and starting fresh. And what better way to do so than spring cleaning?
A healthy environment ensures a healthy mindset, and you are a representation of your surroundings. A clean space ensures a clean mind. This is so important, and not many realize this until spring time rolls around each year.
The reduced level of sunlight in the winter time is usually the main cause of winter onset seasonal affective disorder. In more simpler terms, seasonal depression or “winter blues”.
Due to the lack of vitamin D, it’s common for many to burn out, shut down, and feel unmotivated. And when that one day in late February arrives when the sun is out and it’s 50 degrees, suddenly everyone has a boost of energy to be productive. The mere smell of spring weather instantly improves your mood.
Stephanie Goodrich, a teacher at Wheeling Park High School, shared why spring cleaning is beneficial and essential to do.
“I think that spring cleaning is really important because everything in the winter is all closed up, so it’s nice to open up the windows and get all the winter dust out, and welcome in spring and summer,” said Goodrich.
Not only does decluttering your space benefit a clean and clear area, but also a clean-slated mind. Many avoid decluttering and deep cleaning because of not being ready to let go of items from their past. I mean, we all keep clothes and random hodgepodge from three years ago because it reminds us of a positive time period for our lives, right?
One of the primary reasons we hoard and hold onto clutter is sentimental attachment, and if we get rid of that clutter, it almost feels like we get rid of a piece of ourselves. At some point in our lives, we’ve hoarded an item at least once. Whether that be a crumbled up movie ticket from your first date, or a t-shirt you wore as a kid that gives you nostalgia.
But on the more serious aspects, a hoarding disorder is an ongoing difficulty with throwing away possessions because you believe you need to save them.
According to The American Psychiatric Association, the overall commonness of a hoarding disorder is approximately 2.6%, highly pertaining to those over 60 years of age, and those with anxiety and depression. Not including those with ADHD, learning disabilities, family history factors, and stressful life event triggers. Which doesn’t sound like a lot in the grand scheme of things, but is actually more prevalent than you would imagine.
If you’ve experienced hoarding, whether you live with someone who does, or you yourself have had an issue with hoarding, you are not alone.
Spring cleaning is a wonderful way of letting go of the old, and welcoming in the new. According to Dignity Health, spring cleaning is rooted in cultural tradition, dating back to the days when homes were heated by wood and lit by lanterns that left layers of soot. When spring arrived, it was time to open up the windows and doors, pull out the bedding to rid away the dust, and scrub the floors and windows until they shined.
Outer order contributes to inner calm, lightens your mood, improves your health, and increases productivity.
Spring reawakens us and our surrounding environment, essentially bringing everyone and everything back to life. This “fresh start” influences everyone to spring clean, organize, and throw out the clutter in our homes, and in our minds.
Each year The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department holds a “Spring Cleanup” for any Ohio County resident. This is sponsored by the Ohio County Solid Waste Authority, and locations and dates include:
- 3/21 – Warwood (Garden Park)
- 3/28 – South Wheeling (Former Valley Concrete)
- 3/29 – Triadelphia & Valley Grove (The Highlands)
- 4/4 – Fulton (Former Dog Pound)
- 4/5 – West Liberty (WL Christian Church)
- 4/11 – East Wheeling (Old Penn Whg Closure)
- 4/12 – Clearview (Community Center)
- 4/16 – Bethlehem (Ballfields near Char House)
- 4/25 – Pleasanton (Playground)
- 5/2 – Elm Grove (Patterson Ballfield)
- 5/9 – Wheeling Island (Belle Isle Park)
- 5/10 – Stone Church (VFD)
From 8:00am until 2:00pm, dumpsters will be at the locations said above. Gently used items prior to donation are appreciated, and all items must be landfill appropriate. This is a fantastic way to clean out your clutter, while also benefiting your county.
Jennifer Short, a counselor at Wheeling Park High School participates in the spring cleanup every year.
“I go through my garage and get as much old stuff as I can to get cleaned up for my spring cleaning,” said Short.
Take a breath of fresh air, grab a bag, and declutter your surroundings. Spring cleaning can be a therapeutic way of getting rid of the depressive winter state, and opening your doors to a new and bright future.
