Tackling housework can be downright overwhelming … after all, it’s called “work” for a reason. If you need some motivation to get off that couch and start dusting under it, check out these seven healthful incentives.

Stress Less 

Wipe away your worries! Just 20 minutes of cleaning can reduce stress and anxiety levels by as much as 20%, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine. 

Boost Productivity 

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “clean space, clean mind?” The Journal of Neuroscience discovered that too much of a mess significantly clutters up your brain’s ability to process. Less chaos means more headspace for tackling that to-do list.

Breathe Easier

The American Lung Association notes that hundreds of thousands of dust mites can live in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets or curtains in your home, triggering allergies and asthma. Dusting regularly helps you breathe better by preventing respiratory issues and supporting a healthy immune system. 

Fewer Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury. Reducing home hazards, such as clutter, minimizes your risk of tripping and hurting yourself. 

Eat Healthier

How you keep your cubicle can affect your food choices. A study published in Psychology Science showed people who worked in an organized area were twice as likely to opt for an apple over a chocolate bar than those who worked at a messy desk.

Sleep Better

The National Sleep Foundation found that people who wash their bedding and sheets about once a week, reported 19% better rest at night.

Burn Calories

This spring, you can get your gut and gutters in gear. The American Heart Association counts housework as moderate exercise, meaning you can burn as many calories vacuuming as you can on a leisurely walk.