Aubrey O’Brien, a 29-year-old mom from Florida, recently went viral on Instagram by sharing a video of herself loading the dishwasher in the evening. According to O’Brien, cleaning the kitchen before bed has become a habit that allows her and her husband to have more peaceful mornings. Despite feeling exhausted after a long day of work and taking care of a child, O’Brien believes that the nightly reset is an act of self-care that brings calm and organization to their home the following day.
O’Brien emphasized the importance of developing a system that works well for both working parents with limited time at home during the week. She noted that their kitchen cleanups take a maximum of 15 minutes and are well worth the calm it brings. O’Brien highlighted the frustration of trying to prepare breakfast only to find dirty dishes from the evening before. By establishing a regular routine of cleaning up the kitchen at night, she and her husband can enjoy their weekends more leisurely with a warm cup of coffee instead of being burdened by cleaning tasks.
The American Cleaning Institute conducted a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, which found that having a clean home helps many Americans feel mentally and physically better. Spring cleaning, in particular, leaves people with a sense of accomplishment, improves mood, increases productivity, and decreases stress and anxiety. O’Brien shared that having a clean home gives her more patience and clarity of thought. In her video’s caption, she encourages others to follow her tips for clearing clutter, spraying counters, sweeping, and vacuuming, noting that even a minimal amount of time spent on cleaning can have a significant impact on self-care.
The viral video posted by O’Brien has garnered over 28,000 likes since its sharing on May 1. The comments section reveals that many others also practice the routine of cleaning up the kitchen at night. Users shared their own experiences and affirmed the benefits of a nightly reset for maintaining a sense of peace and order in the home. For busy individuals, these small acts of cleaning and tidying up serve as a source of comfort and happiness, setting their minds at ease and creating a positive atmosphere.
O’Brien’s message resonated with many individuals who find solace and contentment in the practice of a nightly reset. The act of cleaning up before bed not only ensures a more organized space the next day but also contributes to overall well-being. By sharing her story and encouraging others to prioritize self-care through simple tasks like cleaning, O’Brien reminds us of the importance of creating a calm and comfortable environment in our homes. Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground, offering insights and advice on various topics to help individuals navigate family dilemmas and daily challenges.
