Detailing a Car is Good for Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

Written By: Kenya Williams, CD-SV

This article is a contribution on behalf of the IDA Health & Wellness Taskforce. 

Research has shown that having a clutter-free space is good for the psyche and has positive effects on productivity and state of mind. According to CarCare.net, “a lack of organization can elevate levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, resulting in feelings of fatigue, tiredness, and depression. Conversely, people in organized environments reported greater feelings of energy and restfulness.” The same can also be said for detailing a car. There is joy in taking a used car and turning it into a "new" car. Seeing a customer drive off with a freshly detailed vehicle, a smile on their face, leaves you with a sense of satisfaction. It does something to the mind and body. It's safe to say that a detailed car can be good for your mental health. Here’s why. 

When it rains for days, and you can’t detail a car, how do you feel? It may make you feel sad, frustrated, and hopeless. Perhaps it makes you think about your workday continuously until that next sunny day.

Being able to detail a vehicle is like working out at a gym. You are working your mental and physical muscles and decreasing stress levels because you are doing what you love to do. We take the time to detail a car. When the job is done there is great satisfaction in seeing the result and getting paid for it.

Sometimes the vehicles we detail tend to be heavily cluttered. This is often the result of a very busy person, family, or professional. It creates the adverse effect of having a detailer remove the clutter. Clean spaces lead to happier people and reduced stress. The result of a clean, detailed vehicle can put smiles on our customer's faces. There's nothing quite like seeing a client drive away with a smile on their face. 

The vehicles we detail are status symbols for our customers. People often seek luxury vehicles to create a particular image. Customers' family and friends are likely to judge them on their vehicle. The question of who keeps it clean may arise. This is where you factor in as part of the status symbol. Who keeps their vehicle looking so fine? The Detailer. Your detail work reflects you. You may be judged based on your customer's vehicle. 

Beyond standard psychological benefits, a detailed vehicle can leave you physically healthier. You burn calories by walking, standing, and bending. Don't forget to add some stretching! Stretching will help keep your muscles from getting stiff and leave you feeling great. After working hard, end your day with a healthy meal, relaxation, and well-deserved rest. 

Enjoy the fruits of your labor and have fun detailing cars. 

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IDA.