anxiety

The Mrs Hinch effect is positive in my opinion – a bold statement but continue reading and I’ll explain why

The Mrs Hinch effect

I’m writing this from an age perspective, meaning reflecting on previous times in my life I can compare to the current times of the Mrs Hinch effect. In case any of you don’t know Mrs Hinch is a successsful influencer who shares her passion for cleaning and keeping her house sparkling and tidy.

My mother was houseproud to a point but it was more about the old trend of “keeping up with the Jones’s” – you could say that was an earlier version of the Mrs Hinch effect. In my mum’s case it was more about having the latest on trend decor, clothes, furnishings or accessories. Her cleaning routine was not always her main priority. As someone who can always find positives in any situation at least I developed a good immune system!

As times moved on there was a time when there were many TV programmes showing you how to decorate and revamp your home, the emphasis was on doing it but not on maintaining it.

My habits

When I was working full time as a senior Neonatal Nurse, working long unsocial shifts I was often too tired and exhausted to do any more than the basics of cleaning that was needed to keep my house tidy.

Since retirement I have become a bit of a cleaning freak. With my new found freedom I watch hours of youtube vloggers who share their tips for keeping a clean and tidy decluttered home. I adopt some of their hints and tips – but don’t get me wrong my house is nice but in no way a show home like some of theirs. The Mrs Hinch effect has gradually crept in, I think I was a bit later than many discovering her. However, she appears to be one of the most famous and influential.

Why I think it is positive

I think the Mrs Hinch effect is positive as it has created a whole movement of house proud people who are cleaning away merrily. Yes there is still an element of competitiveness and showing off but if it promotes good habits and cleanliness then that is a big yes in my mind. It was horrible growing up as a child with an untidy house that you didn’t want your friends to see.

Possibly there was a time in society where house cleaning and tidyness was low on the agenda of many people who were depressed, anxious and dissatisfied with their lives. The cleaning movement can provide purpose to a persons day and can introduce structure and habits. I’ve certainly found having a good cleaning routine has helped me through this period of lockdown during the coronavirus outbreak.

Helping with anxiety

Mrs Hinch states that she began cleaning to help her deal with anxiety issues and it helped her mood. As I have bought into the Mrs Hinch effect I agree cleaning does help my mood. I have posted before about how the menopause has affected my life, one side effect has been a degree of anxiety that I haven’t suffered with before. Cleaning and decluttering really does make you feel better. It’s so satisfying and occupies you to stop you worrying or overthinking anything. Plus you have a great sense of pride at seeing your home looking good. I found a video on youtube where a psychotherapist has described why cleaning and tidying does help with anxiety.

Just as a side note many of the products recommended and used by those who have bought into the Mrs Hinch effect have been around for years and were used by my own mum, they’ve just been revamped and rebranded – 2 such are Zoflora and Stardrops. I’m fascinated to see them being touted as the best thing ever as if they’ve just been discovered, I’m sure the company’s are too with their increase in popularity and revenue. This gives me an idea for a new post – my favourite products!

There are many Facebook groups sharing ideasI am a member of one called We Love Mrs Hinch – if its something you’re interested in I suggest you join  in and take a peek as there are many posts by members of how they have decorated or cleaned. Inspirational and the positive thing is that unlike my mum’s day when keeping up with your neighbours was costly – buying the latest decor. These days the Mrs Hinch effect is positive in that many people do fabulous things on a budget from bargain stores like B&M bargains. This reduces the pressure of cost, in fact it’s often the opposite how to improve your home as cheaply as possible.

Thanks for popping by, let me know what you think of the cleaning craze and the Mrs Hinch effect are you a follower or do you find it irritating. I love to read your comments.