R U OK? Day is all about checking in, with loved ones, and with ourselves. One of the kindest things you can do for your own wellbeing is to create a space that feels calm and uplifting. Cleaning doesn’t just clear away mess, it can also help clear your mind. Here are three gentle ways to use cleaning as a tool for boosting your mood this R U OK? Day.

1. Start small, feel lighter

Even the tiniest step forward can lift a weight off your shoulders. Begin with something simple, like tidying a drawer, folding a blanket, or wiping down the kitchen bench. These small wins can shift your mindset and remind you that progress, no matter how little, is still progress.

2. Clean with kindness

Instead of seeing cleaning as a chore, try setting an intention. Tell yourself, “I’m doing this to give myself a calm and comforting space.” When you connect the act of cleaning with caring for your own wellbeing, it becomes less about tasks and more about self-kindness.

3. Let music move you

Music has a way of reaching our hearts and lifting our moods. Play the songs that make you feel good, whether it’s something soothing or something you can dance to. Let the rhythm turn your cleaning into a moment of joy and release. Even a little dance between dusting and tidying can spark a smile.

This R U OK? Day, remember that caring for your environment is another way of caring for yourself. A clean, welcoming space can help you feel calmer, more focused, and ready to connect, with yourself and with others. 💛