It’s that time of year again — the weather is warming up, we look around our homes, where we work and we want things to be brighter, cleaner, and more organized. While many of us despise spring cleaning, some people look forward to it.

Perhaps it is time to purge items and donate them to a non-profit organization or it is time to clean and brighten up with a fresh coat of paint. The drive we feel lets us go forward with a sense of purpose. A clean space:

Boosts self-esteem

Clearing out “our crap” raises our self-esteem and shifts energy. We open ourselves up to change and are in a better position to reach our potential.

Improves our moods

Our moods can be boosted by pleasant activities. Hanging out with friends, spending a day on the beach, watching a comedy: These are pleasant activities that naturally lift us up. Tidying up has the same effect. It makes us feel good.

Reduces stress

After a long day at the office, the last thing you may want to do to de-stress is to come home and clean the house. However, the act of cleaning, if done right, can bring the added benefit of getting you a little extra exercise, which can be great for relieving stress. Running up and down the stairs, carrying items from room to room, and scrubbing windows and floors can burn calories, release endorphins, and help you blow off steam.