This Ancient Detox Ritual Reduces Stress by 20%, Boosts Energy, & Could Add Years to Your Life
The Simple Reset Your Ancestors Knew And Every Doctor Should Prescribe
Dr. Aaron Hartman
March 5, 2025
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Sometimes we overcomplicate health.
Let’s simplify.
The simple act of cleaning your home this spring could dramatically boost your health, energy, and happiness.
As a functional physician, I’ve seen firsthand how our environment directly impacts our wellbeing. And there’s something almost magical about spring cleaning—a practice so ancient and universal it transcends cultures and generations.
Why Spring Is the Natural Time for a Fresh Start
Our ancestors knew something we’ve largely forgotten:
Spring isn’t just another season—it’s nature’s original New Year:
- The Jewish calendar originally placed their New Year in Nisan (March–April)
- The Roman calendar began in March, before Julius Caesar moved it to January
- Virtually every ancient culture recognized spring as the natural beginning of cycles
Think about it: Days grow longer, dormant plants burst into life, and animals emerge from hibernation. Everything in nature gets a fresh start in spring—and our bodies and minds crave the same reset.
Your Mental Health Will Thank You
SHOCKING FACT: Princeton researchers discovered that physical clutter literally competes for attention in your brain, reducing your ability to focus and process information.
When you clean and organize your space, you’re not just tidying up—you’re liberating your mind.
- Stress reduction: UC researchers found people with cluttered homes had higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels throughout the day
- Mood boost: A 2022 St. Joseph Hospital study found just 20 minutes of cleaning reduced anxiety by 20%
- Control restoration: After months of winter confinement, spring cleaning gives you back a sense of mastery over your environment
When my patients report feeling overwhelmed or stuck, I often prescribe a weekend of intentional cleaning and decluttering before any medication. The results can be remarkable.
Breathe Easier—Literally
Winter turns our sealed-up homes into collection sites for allergens, dust, and respiratory irritants. For anyone with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, spring cleaning isn’t optional—it’s essential medicine.
WARNING: The American Lung Association notes that traditional cleaning products can actually worsen respiratory issues. Instead:
- Use microfiber cloths that trap particles without chemicals
- Try natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda for most surfaces
- Ensure proper ventilation during deep cleaning sessions
- Consider HEPA-filtered vacuums that capture tiny particles
Most overlooked benefit: Cleaning before peak allergy season can create an indoor sanctuary when pollen counts soar.
The Workout You Didn’t Know You Were Getting
SURPRISING TRUTH: The American Heart Association classifies housework as moderate exercise.
- Vacuuming burns 150–300 calories per hour
- Scrubbing walls and floors engages multiple muscle groups
- A full–house clean can easily match the calorie burn of a gym session
Pro tip: Turn on upbeat music while cleaning and you’ll naturally move faster and more energetically, amplifying the fitness benefits.
Sleep Like a Baby on Fresh Sheets
The National Sleep Foundation found people who wash their bedding weekly are 19% more likely to report good sleep quality.
Think about this: We spend approximately one–third of our lives in bed. Yet many of us clean our kitchens daily while neglecting our sleep environment for weeks.
A thorough spring cleaning should include:
- Washing all bedding in hot water
- Vacuuming mattresses and treating with baking soda
- Dusting headboards and surrounding surfaces
- Organizing bedside areas to promote calm
Productivity Powerhouse
A clean environment doesn’t just feel better—it measurably improves your cognitive performance.
FASCINATING RESEARCH: That same Princeton study found people in organized spaces were able to work significantly longer on challenging tasks before giving up.
Even more surprising? University of Minnesota researchers discovered people in tidy rooms were twice as likely to choose healthy snacks over junk food. Your environment shapes your decisions in ways you don’t even realize.
Summary: The Spring Cleaning Health Prescription
| Benefit Category | What Happens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health | Reduced stress, improved focus | Clutter competes for brain processing power |
| Respiratory Health | Removal of allergens, dust, mold | Creates healthier air quality indoors |
| Physical Health | Moderate exercise, 150–300 calories per hour | Turns necessary chore into fitness opportunity |
| Sleep Quality | Better rest with clean bedding | Enhances recovery and health |
| Productivity | Enhanced focus and work performance | Clean environment = clearer thinking |
The Wisdom of Our Ancestors Made Modern
Our ancestors understood intuitively what science now confirms: spring cleaning isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about creating an environment where our bodies and minds can thrive.
As the days grow longer and nature awakens, honor this ancient wisdom by giving your home the reset it deserves. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.
Ready to transform your home into a sanctuary of health?
Join My FREE Micro Course: Creating a Healthy Home
Gain immediate and lasting benefits from a healthier living space. You’ll learn the essential strategies—backed by Harvard research—for reducing indoor toxins, improving air quality, managing moisture, and optimizing lighting so you can support a healthier lifestyle every single day.
You’ll discover:
- Room-by-room action plans for your whole house, bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, basement, and outdoor spaces
- Which everyday toxins are hiding in your home (and simple swaps to eliminate them)
- How to improve air quality, control moisture, and reduce allergens naturally
- The surprising health benefits of proper lighting, ventilation, and temperature control
Sign Up Now … and receive my “Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist” as a bonus.
Even if you’re busy or overwhelmed, my micro-course breaks everything down into simple 2-minute videos to help you focus on what really matters in your home, with checklists anyone can implement—no special equipment or expensive renovations required.
Sources
- Spring Cleaning Wikipedia Page
- Spring Cleaning History and Origin
- Journal of Mindfulness Cleaning Study
- American Lung Association Cleaning Tips
- COPD Cleaning Benefits Article
- AHA Housework as Exercise Info
- Bon Secours Spring Cleaning Health Benefits
- NSF Sleep Quality with Clean Bedding
- Princeton Study on Clutter and Focus
- UC Study on Clutter and Cortisol
- St. Joseph Hospital Health Benefits
- Cleveland Clinic Mental Health Insights
- Lung Health and Cleaning Products Study
- Minnesota Food Choice and Clean Space Study
- CDC Fall Prevention Information
- Healthline Five Ways Spring Cleaning Helps
- BBC Future Article on Hygiene Hypothesis
- Dr. Hartman’s FREE Micro Course: Creating a Healthy Home