Spring Clean Your Mind.
Ahhhhhh, Spring. Bring. It. On. Aren’t you excited?
It’s been three weeks since Spring officially arrived. Where I live, it hasn’t felt much like Spring until the last few days, especially last Sunday. All the snow is gone, and I am gleefully bombarded with a sea of bulbs gently pushing their way through the hard soil in my front garden.
Another indication of knowing that Spring has arrived is observing my dog Peggy’s behaviour. She is in full-on manic Spring fever sniffing mode now that the snow is gone.
I can see Spring, and I can smell Spring. It is the most delightful aroma, like smelling snow. Oops, that is the last word you want to think about, so let’s focus on daffodils and tulips instead.
With the warmer weather and longer days, are you motivated to do the quintessential Spring-cleaning activities? The essential list usually includes cleaning your windows, washing your curtains, preparing your yard and garden, organizing your clothes, and purging what you don’t need. A clean and organized home will impact your mind like a dusty and disorganized mind will affect your home.
How do you feel about this new season? If you are feeling blah, start with a deep cleaning of your environment because you deserve to have a lovely space, and it will shift your mood. It’s best to start this soon before it gets too hot.
If the thought of a Spring clean feels daunting, break it down into smaller steps and make it as enjoyable as possible. Schedule you’re cleaning and purge time to no more than an hour at a time. Set a timer, and commit to doing nothing but the task. This means no checking your phone! It’s incredible what you can accomplish in one hour of uninterrupted time. While working, play some uplifting music or listen to a podcast, and before you know it, your home will be sparkling clean and organized, which can’t help but make you feel good.
Once your home environment feels reasonable and in order, how about a deep cleaning of your mind?
How do you Spring clean your mind?
It helps to check in to see where you're at emotionally, and the only authentic way to do that is to get quiet and listen to your thoughts. You can do this by meditating, taking a quiet nature walk alone, rolling out your yoga mat, or just sitting still and tuning into your breaths.
What’s coming up for you?
What is your prominent emotion?
What are your prominent thoughts?
If you are feeling pretty good and your thoughts are primarily healthy and positive, that’s fantastic.
Coming out of winter, we can feel like we’re in a funk. Perhaps you’ve been hibernating, and the lack of regular exercise and vitamin D has impacted your mood and energy levels. If this sounds like you, know that there are many things you can do to shift your mindset.
Give your mind a good dusting by:
Spring cleaning your space.
Cleaning up your email inbox.
Completing tasks that you've been putting off, like your taxes.
Forgiving someone.
Letting go of criticism and judgment of self and others.
Moving. Get outside every single day and observe your surroundings. The fresh air and the abundance of new life and colour will lift your mood and help you release negative thoughts that aren’t serving you. Get yourself some rubber boots, as you are bound to find lots of mud. Dust off your bike and go for a ride.
Placing boutiques of your favourite flowers around your home.
Growing some vegetables and herbs, even if you live in an apartment.
Watching the sunrise and set.
Visiting a farmer’s market, botanical garden, and yard sale.
Star gazing and admiring the moon’s wonder.
When you clean a dirty window, it gets messier until you can see clearly. There will always be a few streaks, and that’s ok, as we are not aiming for perfection. It is essential to check in on your window and make sure that you clean it regularly before it gets too dirty.
A clear mind, like a clear window, provides an unobstructed view.
What’s on your Spring Bucket List?
Spring clean your home and mind. This energizing season is far too short, so make the most of it and embrace every delicious moment.
Be well.
Anita
Spring is a delightful time of year, but if you’re having a hard time, the evidence of life and rebirth can be challenging to face, and if this sounds like you, I urge you to speak to a trusted friend, family member, family doctor, or therapist.
DISCLAIMER; The information provided on County Yoga Loft’s website blog is for general health care informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith. However, it should not replace consultation or advice from a physician and/or other healthcare practitioners. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk.
