by contributing writer, Vanessa Vestergaard
Mental Health America of Greenville County (MHAGC) celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month with residents of its supported housing communities, Victor Village and Hillcrest Heights, by focusing on a unique and often overlooked tool for improving mental health and overall well-being: maintaining a clean and organized living space.
On May 9, residents gathered to discuss the importance of cleanliness, organization, and the positive impact our surroundings can have on mental wellness.
Most people can relate to the feeling that cleaning is often the last thing we want to do. Yet beginning the day with a made bed and dishes put away after breakfast can create momentum, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. Starting the day with these simple routines helps provide focus, structure, and calm. A clean, clutter-free environment can significantly influence how we think, feel, and function.
Japanese culture has long connected cleanliness and simplicity with emotional well-being. Buddhist monk and author Shoukei Matsumoto once said, “In Japan, cleaning is not just about removing dirt — it is also linked to cultivating the mind.” These practices promote peace, balance, and calmness. By embracing some of these ideas, we can reduce distractions, create a greater sense of control, and develop more manageable living spaces that offer relief and a positive reset for both mind and spirit. In Japan, children are often encouraged at a young age to take pride in their surroundings because it teaches responsibility and ownership.
When we take seriously the responsibility of maintaining a clean home, our confidence, independence, and stability can grow. We can create living spaces that reflect our personalities and interests without being overshadowed by clutter or disarray. A well-maintained bedroom can also encourage better sleep, an essential component of good mental health. At the end of a cleaning task, there is often a visible and rewarding sense of accomplishment.
During the event, residents were encouraged to make healthy choices, learn the dos and don’ts of cleaning safely, and prioritize daily cleaning routines in the same way they prioritize brushing their teeth. Residents also received fire safety resources from students of the Golden Strip Firefighting Academy.
With a second look at cleaning, some are inspired to begin a new routine, while others are encouraged to continue the good work they are already doing to maintain an organized and healthy living environment. Telena Bolding, MHAGC’s Housing Accountant, said, “To see our tenants feel seen and enjoy such events continues to encourage me that we are on the right path in how we support them. I saw many heads affirmatively nodding when something we were teaching resonated.”
Taking care of our surroundings is also a way of taking care of our mental health. What better way to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month than by improving our daily lives through cleaner, more peaceful homes that help keep our minds clear and healthy?
Additional reading on Japanese cleaning practices and well-being:
