A New Kind of Spring Cleaning

The change of seasons brings a change of energy for many of us. We’re done with the modern-day version of hibernating. The pull of a sunny day convinces us to go outside and soak it in.

There’s also a pull to de-clutter. A modern-day version of throwing open the widows and airing out the house is now about clearing spaces that no longer serve and making way for things that do.

Let’s call it emotional spring-cleaning. It’s a time when we take inventory, or perhaps come clean (no pun intended) with ourselves about the things in life that are no longer in our best interests.

This practice can serve you well, especially if you are willing to be open to alternatives. Many times, when we are willing to see things differently, we can get a new perspective on things that are familiar.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Add positive energy.

Sometimes it feels good to wallow. A good cry, and a little woe-is-me works in small doses, but it’s not healthy long term. Shift the narrative – even if it’s just a little each day. Start looking for the things that make you smile, focus on those who love you. Share a bit of kindness with a friend. Each day you have more positive energy means less room for the energy-stealing negative vibrations.

Clear your mind. 

Sometimes the reason we keep thinking about that problem we can’t solve, or regret an action not taken is because it keeps rattling in our brain. There are a few ways to process information so we can “close the file” on it. Many of us benefit from talking through an experience (confession may be your word) with a trusted friend, family member or counselor. Once we talk about it, the power and energy dissipate and no longer affect us day to day.

If that’s not possible, or if that’s not your style, you might benefit from journaling about the things that need to be scrubbed from your thoughts. Don’t edit, or worry about what you write, give yourself permission to let your thoughts and feelings flow from your mind through pen to paper.

Now you can “close the book” on that chapter and begin writing a new one.

Connect with others.

We’re hard-wired as a social species. It’s vital to our survival. While we may not need help for our food and shelter like our ancestors, we still can’t go it alone all the time. Reach out to a friend you’ve missed. Call a family member and catch up. Grab lunch with a co-worker or volunteer in your community.

Take a yoga class, start a gardening project, take your dog to the park and hang out with other dog-lovers. New experiences and relationships – even those that are very casual – are a tonic for the low energy vibration we can have when we’ve isolated ourselves.

You’re also likely to make someone else’s day with your thoughtfulness, which is another life-affirming bonus.

Let the longer days and beginning of spring be a time of renewal for you.