This week the temperature hits 80 and the azaleas are bursting with color - Spring has sprung! And with it comes Spring Cleaning. This important ritual helps us declutter our homes, freshen up areas that have been neglected, and ultimately get rid of the old to make space for something new. We invite you to also do some Spring Cleaning for your Mental Health too. Consider these few tips:
Declutter
We all have old habits and thoughts that are not helpful and take up space in your mental landscape. Dumping these old relics is so much easier said than done, right? Practices such as mindfulness, journaling, and prayer can help you identify and deal with things that are cluttering your mental space.
Refresh
Are there things that you have let go of or that you need to dust off? Perhaps during the pandemic you have neglected hobbies or relationships that are important to you. Make a purposeful effort to invest in those things that you value and incorporate them into your regular routine.
Renew
Now that you have made space by decluttering and dusting, you can open your life and mind to new possibilities and opportunities that bring you novel experiences and improve your mental health.
Exercise: Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, the ‘feel good’ chemical produced by the brain that enhances feelings of happiness. Moderate exercise can also help alleviate stress, boost self-confidence, and improve sleep. These are all important aspects of improved mental health!
Take a break: Now that you have cleaned the pollen off your outdoor furniture, relax on it! Our society and culture seem to reward being busy, but did you know taking a break has proven health benefits? Research shows that taking a break can enhance creativity and increase motivation, while also decreasing stress.
Spring Clean (yes, really!): Decluttering and cleaning your home can contribute to improved mental health by giving a sense of control over our environment. It also provides a sense of achievement - those small cleaning tasks add up to big results. Focusing on repetitive, simple tasks can be calming for the mind and decluttering decreases tension.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh and renew both your environment and your mental health. Use this time to get rid of the old and focus on some new - new habits, new outlook, refreshed values. If you are feeling stuck, we are here to help! Reach out to make an appointment with one of our qualified therapists - our passion is guiding our clients to new possibilities.
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