If you’ve followed along for the first handful of blog posts you are likely getting the gist of the path my life has taken and the person I am.

my mental health since being a young child has been teetering on the border of I’m coping and I’m not coping, peaking and dropping at various milestone points throughout my life. With an OCD phobia and anxiety and panic attacks that have kept me housebound at points, my brain has cleverly formulated a repertoire of behaviors that keep me functioning and feeling (very surface level) safe, cleaning being one of them.

When your head is making up worst case scenarios at the drop of a hat and your body feels like the most unsafe place to be, having ways of creating safety is inevitable. For some people this looks like alcohol to numb the feelings and feel like a different person all together, for others it’s the thrill of shopping and the swipe of the credit card. For me it is all about my surroundings and what I’m in control of.

The quote ‘Tidy House, Tidy Mind’ couldn’t be any more accurate, hence the title of the blog.

As soon as my anxiety levels start to rise, my perfectionist (Little Me) makes herself known and any inner calm is knocked well and truly out of place with carnage.

Up until very recently I had no idea that my love of cleaning and organizing was in fact a trauma response, but with the new knowledge I now have from hours of reading, I truly understand the catalyst.

Cleaning for me is a form of control in what otherwise is a very out of control existence.

Intrigued as always I went off and asked, why this is so?

There’s real science behind why cleaning when you’re anxious can feel oddly soothing. It’s not just about tidying up your space; it’s about calming your mind through action and control. Here’s why it works:

It Gives You a Sense of Control

When life feels chaotic, cleaning offers a tangible way to take charge. Organising your environment can help you feel less helpless and more grounded.

Repetitive Movements

The physical act of scrubbing, folding, or wiping engages your body in rhythmic, repetitive movement. This can activate the brain’s reward system and release feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins.

Mindfulness

Focusing on simple tasks—like smelling the soap or noticing the texture of a cloth—can pull you out of anxious spirals and into the present moment. It’s like meditation, but with a mop.

A Clean Space, A Clear Mind

Clutter can increase cortisol (the stress hormone) and make it harder to concentrate. A tidy space can help you feel calmer, more focused, and even sleep better.

Instant Gratification

Unlike many stressors that feel unresolved, cleaning gives you a visible “win.” You see progress, which boosts your mood and gives a sense of accomplishment.

If you ever find yourself stress-cleaning, it might be your brain’s way of saying, “I need order.” And that’s okay—as long as it’s helping, not becoming a compulsion.

One of the first videos I filmed when I went back on YouTube was a cleaning video, if you want to check it out it’s linked below:

Thanks as always for reading my ramblings.

Love and Light as Always

Georgie xx