No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow – proverb
With March comes spring. And although warm weather is slow to arrive, that doesn’t mean we should put off spring-cleaning. Bringing in the new season doesn’t just rejuvenate our home; it is an opportunity to rejuvenate our emotional and mental health.
Blooming flowers, singing birds and warm afternoons can bring a rush of energy to our lives after a long winter. Cleaning, de-cluttering and re-organizing reduce stress and anxiety by letting us feel in control of our own space.
Spring-cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a tedious chore. It can get us outside and exercising! Painting a fence, mowing the yard or planting a fresh garden, can burn calories all while making us feel happy and accomplished. Just being outside in the fresh air creates a calming effect that can promote healthy mental and emotional well-being.
Clutter can create anxiety. According to a study at UCLA, looking at clutter can elevate a woman’s stress levels. Spring-cleaning often is associated with top to bottom cleaning efforts that can be overwhelming. But to get started, focus on one space at a time.
If you don’t know where to begin, try the closet. We probably all undeniably have more clothes than we would ever wear. Go through your closet and sort out the clothes you wear and the ones you forgot about months ago. Donate the clothes that you don’t wear. This gives you the benefit of a clean and organized closet while also giving to others, which boosts your happiness and sense of self-worth.
It can be hard, but getting rid of keepsakes that bring negative quality to our lives can reduce excess tangible and emotional clutter. Go through these mementos and figure out if it allows you to move forward or not.
Spring is associated with renewal and regrowth. Take this time to freshen up your home and lighten emotional and mental clutter that has been holding you back.
