Cleanliness is the state or habit of keeping things clean and free from dirt along with personal hygiene. It involves regular actions to remove germs, trash, or waste in order to protect health. Cleanliness can be personal, environmental, moral, and spiritual. Better physical health, lower stress levels, and higher daily focus are just a few of the benefits one can experience when choosing the cleaner ways of living.
Physical health is of utmost importance. When keeping yourself clean, germs can be stopped in their tracks. Wiping away dust keeps the air fresh, helping you to breathe easier while cutting down on allergies. Neat spaces leave no room for bugs to hide. Eating a clean diet can also aid in keeping your bodily systems in top operating order while building a powerful defense against parasites, fungus, and other unwanted infestations.
On a mental note, tidy rooms help your brain to relax and feel calm. A clear space makes it easier to think and do work. Better sleep can be the result of a clean bed and room.
One does not have to have much to be clean. Cleanliness is taking pride in who you are and what you have. I can remember as a child living in a tent for a period of time with my family while my parents served as pastors of a small mission fellowship. Everything we owned was housed in two tents and a small pop-up camper. The building of the mission provided a bathroom but no shower. Mom and dad would use the facility for their personal care. With the privacy of the woods that surrounded us, they would wash us children down with a water hose connected to the back of the building. Mom would do her best to keep our clothes and cot linens clean and prepare good meals for us on a small propane burner. At that time we obviously did not have much, but we took great pride in what we did have. The night time was most peaceful, as we slept on clean sheets and listened to the summer songs of the insects. The simplicity of that season was relaxing and peaceful. We grew in grace and wellbeing – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Despite our humble situation, we had great love and made fond memories.
In my adult years, I recall battling a fungal infection that I developed after long-term exposure to mold in my workplace. Over time, the infection manifested through my skin. Emotionally, the experience was rough, as I fought to purge my thoughts that this would be my new normal. I removed stress by getting more rest which helped my body to heal. The brain fog was real, so focusing on good things as I cleansed my mind of negativity gave me an advantage to overcoming doubt and depression that wanted to invade my mental space. With the help of clean living, daily cleansing routines, clean eating, and mental fortitude, I was able to conquer the fungus and establish healthy habits that I practice to this day.
There is a higher level of soundness of mind, body, and spirit when cleanliness is a standard of living. I encourage you to reflect over your own life. Are there areas that need a purge or reorganizing? Are there things that need to be swept away? As you think of these things, take the necessary actions to bring cleanliness into the situation. You will never be the same.
Here’s to great things to come. Let’s keep growing and going. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela