The Power of Cleaning Stalls

While we probably all wish we were to the point of being able to hire help for routine farm chores like cleaning stalls, this downtime doing a repetitive task actually has tremendous benefits for our wellbeing. Repetitive tasks, though they may seem mundane at times, offer several surprising benefits. Here are some of the ways I’ve taken advantage of my stall cleaning time over the years:

Organized Space, Organized Mind

Organizing my space, from stalls to tack and grain rooms, helps to facilitate a more balanced, efficient, and focused environment supporting the health and clarity of my mind. I like having things in order, as I am easily be distracted by mess. Having clean stalls, an organized tack room, etc. helps my brain quiet and enables me to use my time with a bit more purpose.

Movement, Strength, and Vitamin D

Cleaning stalls (as with farm chores in general) has enabled me to develop and keep muscle strength and stamina. This is especially important when I don’t have time to get exercise in elsewhere. It really comes into play in the rainy season when consistent riding gets to be a bit tougher, as does cleaning stalls. Additionally, getting outside daily to do this chore gets me into natural light even when I can't ride which only serves to boost my mood.

Focus and Mindfulness

On particularly taxing days I look forward to my stall cleaning time to decompress. I will listen to music (90s country, anyone?) or just enjoy the silence of the horses living their lives and the birds playing in the trees. It’s kind of like a mini active meditation, serving to ground me.

Creativity, Reflection, and Future Thinking

While my hands and body are busy cleaning, my mind is free to wander. This mental "freedom" has lead to quite a bit of creative problem-solving and the generation of new ideas. For months I kept coming to the idea of a community like Equestripreneur and found the space to map out long-term goals in my head, all while cleaning stalls. Often this space in my day enables me to reflect on my authentic desires, needs, and goals without outside influence (but for the horses, of course). Give yourself space and time to think - about business, life, and your goals, too.

Continued Learning and Development

When not listening to music or the horses’ everyday sounds I will often take this time and space to listen to a podcast or audio book. Since the process is repetitive, stall cleaning creates the perfect opportunity to absorb what is being shared, to learn, grow, and reflect.

Enhanced Productivity

Cleaning stalls helps maintain momentum during my workday, which these days often requires a lot of sitting at a desk. Taking the break to clean gets me moving, often bridging the gap between more complex or demanding activities and gives me a mental break. It also offers a quick win that boosts my motivation (you bet I build it into my tasks for the day and check it off my to-do list when I’m done!).

Connection and Presence

Stall cleaning gives me time to connect with the horses without any expectations, experiencing each of their personalities outside of the context of “work mode.” Cedar is a goofball who will follow me around looking for physical touch and needing to experience everything I’m doing, Dawn is a love who will quietly and patiently wait for me to give her attention each day, and Bonita will take every opportunity to entice me into giving her scratches on whichever body part is most in need while I’m cleaning that day.

So, next time you’re feeling annoyed that you have to clean stalls yet again, think about all the ways it can benefit you and your life. Embrace stall cleaning so you can harness the extra mental space and clarity for learning, mindfulness, and creativity - at least until that hired help is in budget! Have you found additional added benefits from your stall cleaning (or other repetitive farm chore) task? Share with us below.

Hugs and Happy Riding!

Kristin

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Learn more about author Kristin Bowers.

Blog posts from Equestripreneur are not meant to replace individual professional advice, which will best inform personal circumstances.