After a long and dark winter, we are approaching the spring season. While warm weather and brighter days are what many people focus on, another important piece to the seasonal transition is the ritual of spring cleaning. Spring cleaning, once primarily focused on deep cleaning after the winter, has now evolved into a popular practice that also includes organizing and decluttering. Refreshing and tidying up spaces around you is proven to have many positive effects on your health, especially students who are aiming to end the school year strong.

Spring cleaning has deep religious and cultural ties, and presents itself through various traditions, including those of Jewish, Iranian, and Chinese communities. For instance, in preparation for the holiday of Passover, the Jewish people rid their homes of leavened bread and other grains. Similarly, the Persian new year, Nowruz, holds a tradition of thoroughly cleaning the house. In Chinese tradition, cleaning before the Lunar New Year is believed to sweep away bad luck and misfortune. Beyond these cultural practices, spring cleaning has other historical traces, for example, the discovery of the germ by Louis Pasteur in 1861. The germ theory took a huge part in influencing people to clean their homes, especially in the months of spring where the air is full of allergens and germs from the warmer and damp conditions. 

However, spring cleaning is not only religiously and historically significant. Recent studies have shown that it can also bolster mental health. Research shows that organizing spaces around you can boost relaxation, happiness, and productivity. When there is less clutter you have to deal with, there are less distractions, eliminating stress and giving you a peace of mind. While spring cleaning has evident benefits for your mind, something that is not as commonly known is that it also can improve physical health. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, a good spring cleaning can help you breathe better. Dust and pet dander can be hazardous for people prone to allergies or asthma attacks. When you feel better physically, it’s easier to relax and feel comfortable from day to day, improving productivity and serotonin levels.

Spring cleaning can be an especially useful tactic for students here at LM who are gearing up for the fourth quarter of the school year, finals, and AP test season. When the weather gets nice, many get out of their winter slump and have a return of motivation. A great place to channel this drive is your personal environment. For example, Maya Duckworth ’27 shares, “When the hot weather comes again, I put bins of all my long winter clothes back to the basement, and out of the way to stay organized.” This is a great way to limit clutter around you and make it easier to get ready for school every morning. She also shares that, “It makes my mornings much easier and less stressful in the spring.” LM Spanish teacher Kerry Connolly suggests, “Towards the end of the school year, students’ backpacks tend to be filled with unnecessary junk, so cleaning them out and reorganizing them would be a good refresh.” Taking even a small step, like clearing out your backpack, can help you stay on top of your assignments and finish out the school year strong. Another student, Emily Conrad ’27, shares, “When spring sports arrive and I am working out more, I do a deep cleaning of my room to eliminate any germs.” Conrad brings up a fantastic way to maintain both your physical and mental health. If you feel well, you are able to better perform in your sport, which could increase your happiness levels. Additionally, health and PE teacher Kyrie Michaud suggests that you should “reclean your room, or areas around you, to help you stay organized for the end of the year.” Being able to take the time to refresh your surroundings sets you up for success, both mentally and academically. These small changes you can make by spring cleaning makes it easier to focus on what truly matters: finishing out the school year on a good note. 

There is much more to spring cleaning than what meets the eye, as it is a noteworthy tradition in many cultures and a way to better your overall health. It is a practice that students should consider trying during this transitional time, in order to decrease stress levels, recenter their focus, and most importantly, maintain their well-being.