Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Cleaning
We obviously use our sense of sight to identify a mess...but what about our sense of hearing? And taste? Trust us, it's not as weird as it sounds. Being aware of your other senses while gearing up to tackle chores can help you work faster and better, according to environmental psychologist Sally Augustin, PhD.
The sense: Sight
How it affects cleaning: "A visually complex mess can trigger a psychological reaction, namely stress," says Augustin.
How to work with it: Focus your attention on one component at a time, in order to feel less overwhelmed. Then, call on storage items that contain...and hide...clutter. "Just keep it from directly confronting you," Augustin says.
The sense: Hearing
How it affects cleaning: Whether it's the scream of an infant or the sitcom laugh track in the background, the ambient noises of your home can be distracting.
How to work with it: Crank up the music. "Your heart can actually start to beat to rhythmic sounds-you can sync up to a song with a fast beat, which in turn energizes you," Augustin says.
The sense: Smell
How it affects cleaning: "Scent has an significant effect on us--a really strong, trash-type scent can either motivate us to clean or, if it's really strong, can be overwhelming," says Augustin.
How to work with it: Spritz a minty scent. According to Augustin, "Peppermint produces a physically energizing reaction that can strongly motivate you into action."
The sense: Taste
How it affects cleaning: Yes, there is a relationship between taste and cleaning. And you can thank your salivary glands for it. Dry mouth is physiological response to stress, which can produce an "off" taste. And anytime you feel "different," you are less likely to pick up the broom and clean.
How to work with it: "Chewing peppermint gum will make cleaning seem less of an effort," says Augustin. Because taste is so closely tied with scent, you'll get the same benefits as tasting peppermint as you do smelling it: Namely, a boost of energy. Chewing gum also stimulates the salivary glands, fighting dry mouth.
The sense: Touch
How it affects cleaning: "Stickiness (and greasiness) are distasteful to experience," says Augustin. "But it physically decreases our control over the environment and also psychologically signifies a lack of control."
How to work with it: It's time to bust out the cleaning gloves.
To learn more about the impact design can have on your mood and mind, visit Sally Augustin's website, Place Coach.
To learn more about the impact design can have on your mood and mind, visit Sally Augustin's website, Place Coach.