Despite the extreme weather much of the country has seen lately (oh hey, snow one day and tornadoes the next), it’s officially spring. And while it’s a time to renew and refresh many aspects of our lives, spring-cleaning ourselves can be just as rejuvenating as preparing our homes for summer.
After a long, cold, dark winter, we might find ourselves in unhealthy or unproductive patterns, routines and mindsets. Maybe we haven’t exactly been putting in time at the gym. Maybe we’ve spent a little too long scrolling on our phones each day (guilty). Or maybe those far-away friends haven’t heard from us in a while. Whatever the situation, the changing weather and promise of a time of renewal are the perfect backdrops to make some positive changes.
1. Check in on your goals/New Year’s resolutions/plans for 2018.
How are they going so far? If you’ve gotten a little off track, take some time to plan out how you’ll get yourself back on the wagon. Writing down goals and objectives always helps, so give it a shot. And if you haven’t shared your plans with a friend or family member, try it – it will help you stay accountable.
2. Clean out those mental cobwebs.
If you’ve been in the weeds of churning out work and just getting through each day, take a little time to reset. Think about those goals and priorities from step one, and schedule some time each day to do something good for your mind. Read a book, journal, pray, take a walk – clearing your mind is essential for feeling good during the day and staying focused on what’s really important.
3. Prioritize your day.
Are you spending more time on things that matter less? Think about how you can balance your obligations with the things you enjoy – ideally, you can even mix the two. If you’re feeling too busy, try some of my tips for balancing productivity with taking a breather.
4. Take care of yourself.
All the old adages — eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and exercising — apply here, and they really do make a difference. Check out the ways I motivate myself to exercise if you’re feeling stuck.
5. Try something new.
With more daylight and nicer weather, it could be a good time to start a new routine, pick up a hobby or just shake things up a bit. Explore a new restaurant or park nearby; sign up for a class or seminar; pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read. Variety is the spice of life, and you never know what opportunities will open up when you try something new.
For me, just having warmer temperatures and more sunlight improves my mood and energy, and I’m excited to try some of the tips I’ve listed above. How do you plan to do some spring cleaning in your life this season? Let me know below!
bloom. 