I’ve felt spread thin lately, helping clients tackle big spring cleaning projects, sprinting to the finish line of the school year, finalizing wedding logistics, fending off a pernicious sinus infection, etc.

I’m very tempted to cite time constraints and low energy as excuses not to follow curfew or process mail, let alone tackle actual chores. “I deserve to leave a mess,” I’ll say.

The benefit of slacking off and lounging around is nice, but fleeting. The breakdown of my routines makes my house feel more disheveled and out of control, and soon enough my home is an added stressor as opposed to being a place of refuge and retreat. The mess quickly shifts from a treat to myself to a disservice to myself.

Now, I’m not about to argue that scrubbing my bathtub is akin to taking a lavender bath.

But keeping my home clean and organized is a small and effective way to lift a low mood or mitigate a stressful day.

It all depends on framing:

I had a bad day, I’m going to make sure my home is in good order.

I’m low on energy, I’m going to tackle this small task that will give me a boost when it’s done.

I’m feeling stuck, I’m going to arrange my closet with new outfit combinations to feel some creativity.

I need to remember to treat my home like people I love live there, including myself.