Spring feels like the season that re-energizes us after a long winter , as warm breezes replace the cold winds. Mother nature reawakens and we somehow come alive ready to start Spring cleaning! Windows are washed, closets are cleaned out, yards are raked and gardens prepped for flowers and vegetables..it seems like the thing to do! We spend time focusing on our homes and gardens but what about our minds? Have you ever given thought to Spring cleaning your mind?
Interesting concept isn't it? It was for me when I first heard it. In fact, I think its a brilliant idea.
Here are few tips on how to Spring clean your Mind to help put a Spring in your Step and Freshen up your Soul:
- Throw away all the clutter in your mind that does not serve you!
- How much of what you read, watch on TV, and hear on the news is actually helpful to you and contributes to a healthy state of mind? Unplug for a little while from all those inputs and allow your mind to simply absorb the beauty around you.
- Take stock of how much negativity you are absorbing and find time in your day to focus on positive inputs.
- Are you incorporating things into your day that you enjoy and that bring you joy?
- Find time in your day to be still and reflect!
- Whether it be first thing in the morning, at lunch or time in the evening, find time to simply sit and be still. Some people enjoy mediating, listening to their favorite tunes, or simply listening to the quiet ..whatever works for you and gives you that time to simply be present in the moment.
- Daydream...BE CREATIVE!
- Get moving! Movement is such an important part of keeping our mind healthy.
- Over the winter months its so easy to fall into a routine of sitting on the couch. Get up and get out..go explore your neighbourhood, or local park, find a trail! Call a friend to go with you and allow yourself to get lost in the beauty of nature.
- Spring is the time to try a new activity that you have always wanted to try..maybe its yoga, or zumba , bike riding, jogging...whatever it is make sure its something you enjoy! There are lots of activities and groups out there- have the courage to explore
- Do something special for yourself. YOU MATTER!
- Organize your life , and watch how your mind becomes more organized
- Clean out those closets and get rid of "stuff" you do not use
- Clean out your makeup bag, shoe closet, and that junk drawer!
- Simplify your schedule
- Learn to say "NO"
- Book yourself a "ME" day and don't feel guilty for it
- Read a book you have been putting off
- Book time with a friend and do something fun
- Allow your creative side to come out- try something new
- Give up One Bad Habit - we all have them!
- What is one thing that has been bugging you and weighing you down? Over eating , stress eating, smoking, couch potato..now's the time to focus on changing!
- Bad Habits are not stress relief even though we convince ourselves they are. They cause us more harm in the end.
- Start with something small. Once you convince yourself you have the power to change and can change nothing will stop you. Notice the difference!
- Get rid of negative self talk and hang out with Great People!
- Past hurts, failures can cause us to have low self esteem or negative images of ourselves. We can get into a pattern of negative beliefs and self talk that does not serve us well. Its toxic to our mind, body and soul.
- When a negative thought enters your mind about yourself - replace it with a positive one. Consider journalling, talk to a friend about how you feel. Ask for help.
- Hang out with great people..people who believe in you , who want the best for you, who encourage you! Find your tribe! Positive support networks are important and you deserve it! Don't be afraid to ask for help and talk about how you feel.
