Is this room giving you major anxiety? Does this make you cringe and your fist clinch?
If it does, then this one’s for you!
Before we begin, let me tell you… YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
We’ve all been there—that sudden urge to transform our chaotic dens into organizational masterpieces. Dishes piled high? Boom! Sparkling clean in minutes. Closet resembling a clothing avalanche? Bam! Folded and color-coordinated like a pro.
Netizens have now dubbed this sudden urge to tidy up “maniac cleaning,” and this term has recently stirred a storm on the social media platform TikTok. Users are sharing epic cleaning transformations but also confessing how the productivity high can vanish as quickly as it appears.
In the realm of shared experiences, the term “manic cleaning” may not be entirely accurate, as experts suggest reframing it as more “impulsive” than truly “manic.” “I believe the term ‘manic’ seeks attention,” expressed Nilou Nekou, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the chief clinical officer at Alter Health Group in California.
Dr. Aron Tendler, the chief medical officer at BrainsWay, a provider of neurostimulation treatments, substantiates Nekou’s opinion by saying “mania” typically involves heightened “goal-directed activity,” a characteristic observed in conditions like bipolar disorder.
Tendler draws a line between manic cleaning and true hypomania, pointing out that a crash in energy and mood usually follows the latter. He likens “compulsive cleaning” to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), emphasizing that OCD is a chronic illness with persistent concerns and rituals.
The psychiatrist acknowledges cleaning as a common focus in OCD; however, he distinguishes manic cleaning from OCD. Tendler highlights that someone with OCD would engage in continuous cleaning, unlike the sporadic bursts seen in manic cleaning.
Tendler also explores the influence of mental disorders like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on manic cleaning, citing prescribed stimulants as potential contributors to hyper-focused behavior.
Nekou recommended establishing a structured weekly schedule for household tasks to address this behavior. Drawing from her experience in residential treatment facilities, she advises individuals to resist impulsive actions and strive for a disciplined routine.
Echoing this sentiment, Tendler emphasizes the benefits of a structured and focused approach to cleaning, encouraging individuals to allocate a specific, intentional amount of time to this activity.
So the next time you bring out the vacuum cleaner, keep in mind that a spick-and-span home is fantastic, but not at the cost of your sanity. Let those cleaning bursts be your sidekick, not the boss. Strike a balance that lets you enjoy both the chaos and the cleanliness, your way.
RR Author
Real Research News is the media platform that presents insights and studies of wide-range of topics. It focuses on insights gathered from its survey app.
