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This was a nice read.
Jan. 7th, 2026 03:36 pmBeen out of work for almost a year at this point; it's a drag. I feel pretty hopeless and useless. I am trying to keep a home routine that is productive and justifies my continued existence in some way. Yeah, I'll never be comfortable being a human being. I've got to be a human doing! I understand this is something people judge and shame, but fuck'em. It is who I am and It's not a productive use of my time and energy to judge and shame myself for this trait, I'd rather create a life that allows that trait to be less toxic or non toxic, in that I'm in alignment with my own ideals rather than going on hating myself for hating myself! fucking duh
Anyhoo...I read this article yesterday and I really liked it. It made me feel pretty good about myself. I learned a lot of good kitchen discipline and skills when I was a teenager, working in fast food one summer, and then in a high end restaurant during my college days. Our main chef was a big mess-maker, his end product was always a gorgeous perfect little plate but he left the entire kitchen in an uproar and a giant mess. Which, I guess, if you're an Executive, you can do.
But I am glad I learned to clean as I go, and glad to think that perhaps these kitchen skills have given me something that translates into other work scenarios and makes me a good employee to have.
It's getting harder and harder to believe that, so this article was nice.
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https://geediting.com/k-bt-psychology-says-people-who-clean-as-they-cook-instead-of-leaving-everything-for-the-end-display-these-8-distinctive-traits/
Text of article:
Psychology says people who clean as they cook instead of leaving everything for the end display these 8 distinctive traits
by Isabella Chase | January 6, 2026, 9:33 am
I used to be the person who’d finish cooking dinner and face a mountain of dishes that seemed to mock me from across the kitchen.
My husband would joke that I could turn making toast into a three-pot affair.
Then I started noticing something interesting about a friend who hosted regular dinner parties – her kitchen stayed spotless throughout the entire cooking process, and she seemed completely relaxed while juggling multiple dishes.
This observation led me down a fascinating rabbit hole of psychological research about the connection between our cleaning habits and our personality traits.
What I discovered changed not just how I cook, but how I understand myself and others.
1) They have stronger executive function
People who clean as they cook demonstrate what psychologists call superior executive function – the mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control.
Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that executive function allows us to manage multiple tasks simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed.
When you rinse that cutting board immediately after chopping vegetables, you’re actually exercising the same part of your brain that helps you stay focused during complex projects at work.
This isn’t just about keeping a tidy kitchen.
These same people often excel at managing their finances, maintaining work-life balance, and handling unexpected challenges with grace.
2) They experience less stress and anxiety
There’s solid science behind why clean-as-you-go cooks report feeling calmer in the kitchen.
When we allow dishes to pile up, our brains register each item as an unfinished task.
Psychologists have found that visual clutter increases cortisol levels, our primary stress hormone.
By washing that spatula right after stirring the sauce, you’re literally preventing stress from accumulating in your system.
I noticed this shift myself when I started treating cooking as a mindfulness practice rather than a race to the finish line.
The simple act of rinsing a bowl became a moment to breathe and reset before moving to the next step.
3) They possess higher conscientiousness
Conscientiousness – one of the Big Five personality traits – shows up strongly in people who maintain order while cooking.
These individuals tend to be:
• More reliable in their commitments
• Better at meeting deadlines
• More likely to follow through on their goals
• Naturally inclined toward preventive health behaviors
This trait extends far beyond the kitchen.
The same internal drive that compels someone to wipe down the counter between tasks also motivates them to schedule regular check-ups, maintain their car properly, and respond to emails promptly.
4) They demonstrate superior impulse control
Leaving the dishes for later feels easier in the moment.
But people who clean as they go consistently choose the slightly harder immediate action over the tempting postponement.
Studies on self-control from the American Psychological Association reveal that this type of consistent impulse management strengthens our overall willpower muscle.
Every time you resist the urge to leave that pan “just for now,” you’re building mental strength that serves you in countless other areas.
Think about how this translates to other choices – saving money instead of impulse buying, exercising when you’d rather skip it, or having difficult conversations instead of avoiding them.
5) They have enhanced spatial intelligence
Cooking while cleaning requires sophisticated spatial awareness.
You need to mentally map your kitchen, anticipate space needs for upcoming tasks, and efficiently navigate between cooking and cleaning zones.
This type of thinking involves constantly visualizing and reorganizing physical space in your mind.
People strong in this area often excel at packing efficiently, arranging furniture optimally, and even parallel parking with ease.
They see possibilities where others see obstacles.
6) They exhibit greater emotional regulation
The ability to maintain cleaning habits while managing multiple cooking tasks requires emotional steadiness.
When the sauce starts bubbling over while you’re washing a knife, you need to calmly prioritize rather than panic.
This emotional regulation skill transfers directly to handling workplace pressures, relationship conflicts, and unexpected life changes.
These people rarely lose their cool completely because they’ve practiced staying centered during small daily challenges.
7) They show increased mindfulness and present-moment awareness
Clean-as-you-go cooking demands presence.
You can’t be mentally rehearsing tomorrow’s meeting while simultaneously monitoring cooking times and maintaining kitchen order.
This natural mindfulness practice mirrors what I’ve cultivated through years of meditation.
The kitchen becomes a place of active meditation where each action – chopping, stirring, washing – anchors you in the present moment.
These individuals often report feeling more satisfied with their meals and more connected to the cooking process itself.
8) They display stronger long-term thinking patterns
Perhaps most importantly, people who clean while cooking consistently demonstrate long-term thinking over short-term convenience.
They understand that thirty seconds spent washing a utensil now prevents thirty minutes of overwhelming cleanup later.
This forward-thinking approach typically extends to their financial planning, career development, and relationship investments.
They’re playing the long game in life, making small deposits that compound into significant returns.
When I shifted toward minimalism in my early thirties, I realized how much mental noise clutter created in my life.
Now, in my Upper West Side apartment, every item has its place and purpose.
Cooking simple, plant-based meals while maintaining a clean workspace has become part of my daily mindfulness practice.
The kitchen stays peaceful, and so do I.
Final thoughts
Understanding these traits isn’t about judging yourself if you’re currently a leave-it-all-for-later cook.
Growth happens when we recognize patterns and consciously choose to shift them.
Start small – maybe wash just one item while something simmers.
Notice how it feels to finish cooking with a clean kitchen.
Pay attention to the mental space this creates.
What would change in your life if you applied this same principle to other areas where you tend to let things accumulate?
