Here’s an interesting practice that also helps me rest my mind for a while. It wasn’t always like this.
Not at all.
But let me explain why I changed my mind—and how it changed my perception of this practice.
To start with, I am a messy person. I always hated tidying the house. Now, it’s funny to think back because, in my childhood, there were days when we would clean the house until it sparkled and shone. Can you guess when?
Before birthday parties, of course!
New Year, Christmas, and any other gathering. We had a big apartment and a lot of stuff at home. But I don’t think we ever managed to keep it clean for longer than two or three days.
Having kids makes everything even more complicated when you are a parent yourself. Sometimes, I envy the photos people post on social media of sparkling apartments, living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
But let’s be realistic—you never know how long that tidiness lasts. I also post photos of not-so-messy rooms because otherwise, I’d feel embarrassed. And that’s normal.
Being a photographer means I need to clean my space more often. If I want to use my home as a background, I have to get rid of unnecessary red or yellow socks and T-shirts lying around. Before taking any photos, I always look around to see what shouldn’t be in the background.
And yes, we don’t have any helpers or maids—even though we live in Dubai, where almost everyone I know has some help.
We don’t. It’s our decision, and it’s okay. My husband helps a lot; he’s the one who is consistent with tidying the house.
But let me tell you something. I started noticing that I prefer to work and rest in a clean space. When I put things back in their places and make the room look fresh, I feel so much better. It’s like I’m not just cleaning my home—I’m also decluttering my mind, making it less messy and busy with annoying thoughts.
I can’t sit at my desk and edit photos if there’s a mess around me. My mind won’t rest, even if I used to deny it before.
A few months ago, I listened to a podcast where a psychologist said she felt sorry for people who had helpers at home—and that the helpers were actually the lucky ones. My first reaction was, “WHAT? That makes no sense.” But then she explained.
By putting things back in their places, wiping surfaces, and making your space look neat and tidy, you’re unconsciously doing the same for your thoughts. Your mind gets a chance to rest because your hands are doing the work, and not much brain power is needed. That was the moment I started looking at tidying up differently!
Once I understood how beneficial it could be for my mind and well-being, I decided to give it another try. And now, it works for me. I see this process from a new perspective. I clean my house while listening to music or simply letting my mind wander. Seeing my space tidy makes me feel happy, and knowing I was the one who did it gives it even more value.
What are your thoughts about it? Do you agree or not?
Do you enjoy tidying? I would like to know!
Happy little things 