CAR CARE IS SELF CARE: Psychological Benefits of Washing Your Car
We've all been there – driving around in a dirty, cluttered car that seems to be accumulating more and more grime by the day. But have you ever stopped to consider the psychological benefits of keeping your car clean? It turns out, there are quite a few!
One of the most important considerations, when we founded Mint Eco Car Wash, was customer happiness. We have always believed that cleanliness and organization are critical elements to happiness and can have an even deeper impact on our ability to accomplish our goals. Here are five real examples of how keeping your vehicle clean and pristine can not only extend the life of your vehicle, but improve your mental health:
Sense of accomplishment: Completing a task, no matter how small, can provide a sense of accomplishment. This is because our brains release “happy” chemicals, such as dopamine when we complete a task. Not only will you have a clean car to show for it, but you will also feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when you check this task off your to-do list.
Stress relief: Washing your car can also be a huge form of stress relief. Dr. Gregory Scott Brown shares in his book, The Self-Healing Mind, that “when you’re struggling with mental health, cleaning is often the last thing on your mind. However, you may find you feel better once you start to clean.” This can be especially true if your car has reached a level of disarray that feels like too daunting of a project. Bringing your vehicle to a place like Mint Eco Car Wash where a team of experts will tackle the mess for you while you relax worry-free in a spa-like lobby, can be a great solution.
Sense of control: When we take care of our possessions, it can give us a sense of control in our lives. This is especially important during times of uncertainty or change, when we may feel like we have little control over what is happening around us. By washing your car, you are taking control of your surroundings and making a positive change in your environment.
Improved mood: A clean car can have a direct, positive impact on your mood. A cluttered, dirty car is an overwhelming and stressful environment to be in regularly, while a clean car provides a sense of calm and order. In another study by Dr. Brown, he found that “cleaning your space may help reduce cortisol levels, turn down the volume on the visual noise, and help you focus on the things you need to”—the result of which can vastly improve your mood and provide a much needed mental “reset.”
Boosted confidence: When we take care of our possessions and present ourselves well, it boosts our confidence. Washing and cleaning your car has the same effect as taking a shower before work or making your bed in the morning. This is because we feel good about ourselves when we know we are putting our best foot forward. This is especially true if we are transporting friends, family, or co-workers in our vehicle. Driving around in a clean, well-maintained car brings with it a sense of pride.
Mint Eco Car Wash in South Florida understands the importance of not only keeping your car clean but also the psychological benefits that come with it. It is because of this that we founded our business with the goal of bringing “A Fresh Approach to Washing Cars.” In our mission statement, we share that “we believe a clean car makes you feel good and makes you feel optimistic about the rest of your day. Every element of the experience we have created here at Mint Eco is designed to relax you. By the time you get your car, we hope you feel less stressed and happy.”
That is why we designed our lobbies here at Mint Eco to look like spas, and why we play peaceful music at every location. We truly believe that car care is self-care and that the experience of washing your vehicle can be both! Mint Eco is a place designed to be a daily escape from chaos, and a moment to reset your mind so you can continue on in your day refreshed and organized, ready to accomplish everything you intended.
