Maybe it’s because of the storms we’ve been having lately, but I’ve been thinking about home maintenance and wondering if there is a correlation between how we care for our homes and how we care for ourselves.

With both, we are more likely to fix something that’s broken, like windows and doorknobs, or bones and teeth, but what about the little things that need attention but aren’t urgent?

I’m guessing people who have annual furnace inspections, for example, also make regular dental and eye appointments.

In my profession, couples often come to counseling when they’re about to hire an attorney, rather than seeking help when they notice less communication, laughter, or shared fun. Parents will postpone their own counseling needs so the children can get therapy instead. And, we all know people who take care of their homes and yards and those who don’t, as well as folks who take care of their physical health and those who don’t.

What do you think? Is there a correlation?

If I eat colorful food, increase my walking, hang out with happy people, and get involved in things that help me feel like I’m contributing, I also keep my house neater and my yard prettier. I might fix my hair more often and wear nicer clothes when I go out and about. I might even put on some jewelry.

Along with that, I also keep my desk cleaner, and my to-do list more checked off. I remember more of my friends’ birthdays, bake muffins, and take Lucy on longer walks.

Life is better if I self-choose, with my brain activated. Vacuuming my car, washing windows, and pulling weeds—happens more automatically—easily—at least easier.

If I choose to loaf, binge-watch movies, and eat too much fat, sugar, and salt, everything takes more effort, and my sleep is sporadic. With that comes neglect of the things I own and the people I care about.

So, it’s a no-brainer—if we care for ourselves, life is less overwhelming, relationships are healthier, and we provide maintenance like oil changes, window screen repair, and sick lawns before they get catastrophic.

I don’t know about you, but I like to have things in order and a manageable list of what needs to be done, so I can have the mental freedom to engage with people and attend classes or social events when they pop up. I don’t want to say no to participating in life because I don’t have my day in order or the energy to plan and prepare.

We have more power over this topic than we might like to admit. The truth: It’s our body; It’s our possessions; It’s our fault—we can’t pass the blame on this one.

Until the next time: Live while you live