Spring cleaning might not be at the top of your to-do list, but your health and wellness definitely should be, and now is the perfect time to work on it. The lighter, brighter days are a mood-booster for most, but there is more that you can do to improve and take control of your mindset, to level up your energy, and to take a little bit more care of your emotional and mental state this season. Just like when you go on a detox diet to flush the toxins from your body, a little detox for the mind goes a long way. We’ve broken it down into 5 priorities. Get ready to put the Spring back into your step!
Priority 1: The Digital Detox
We know the benefits of connectivity and communication. We wouldn’t be who/what we are without it! But taking a conscious break from your devices might just be the most beneficial thing you do this week.
- Put your phone in another room for the day. We are all guilty of mindless scrolling, of checking our messages every 5 minutes or being attached to our work when we really shouldn’t be. Leaving your phone in another room will allow you to really disconnect and avoid temptation, freeing you up to do other things or to focus on the task in front of you. Social media can be so draining, and taking some time away from this will remind you who you are and what YOU prioritise in life (and that isn’t somebody else’s life)
- Switch off the television. Its great to wind down with a bit of television in the evening, but doing this every single night is not the best way to spend your time. It takes away your ability to be truly present in the moment. By switching the television off, you free up your time and your energy. You can enjoy every mouthful of your dinner, whilst sipping on your favourite glass of wine. You can talk to your partner, and engage in the conversation fully. It will also allow your body to wind down for the evening properly, giving you a better nightssleep which will benefit you the next day.
- Spring clean your Feed! When you get back on your phone or device, unfollow anyone who doesn’t add anything positive to your life. Make your time online a productive and positive experience. This applies to your inbox too. Unsubscribe to that which offers nothing to you. This will help maintain your inbox, reduce wasted time, and remove the endless “unreads” that clog your mind.
Priority 2: Get Outside!
- If you want to see an improvement in your overall physical and mental health, to reduce stress levels, increase energy levels and quiet the mind, getting outside is one of the most beneficial things you can do. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a coffee in the sunshine or a run along the river in the morning, getting outside will release some positive endorphins, cleanse the mind and soul of the Winter blues, and will add some mindful movement to your day.
Priority 3: Tie Up Loose Ends
- The social calendar. Have you got event invitations that you haven’t responded to? Have you got a friend you were supposed to contact but still haven’t got back to them? All it takes is 5 minutes time to RSVP or drop someone a line, tick it off your to-do list, work on those essential relationships and have a great time whilst doing it.
- Do your errands! The actual process of Spring Cleaning can be quite a chore, but the mental benefits of a clean and tidy space, as well as the feeling of accomplishment when it’s complete, is a relatively painless way to boost your mojo and clear your mind, giving you one less thing to think about, and an environment free of mess.
Priority 4: Self-Awareness & Mindfulness
- One of the best things to do to realign and prioritise your self is by setting a Spring Intention. Take an inventory of what you want this season to look like for you, where you want to grow, what you want to achieve. Find a key word that resonates with you and your intentions, then write it up somewhere where you can see it to remind yourself of your intention every day. By having it clearly written, you have a clear goal and a level of accountability to achieve it.
- A useful tool for detoxing the mind is to unload it all, whether in your journal or with a friend. Saying it all out loud will help you to see things more clearly, to figure out where things are going wrong, and relieve you from the stress of holding it all inside. Reflect on what is said or written. Are the emotions associated with these thoughts benefitting you? Are they allowing you to be the best you can be? If not, then action them, and if you can’t action them, let them go.
- Take a moment to be present. Life is so fast, so busy, and even when we are doing nothing, we seem to be thinking about everything that we should be or will be doing soon. Spend a moment to just stop. Bring your attention to where you are, who you are, and what you’re doing right now. By learning to direct your attention to the present, you can learn to let go of the background noise, free up your mental bandwidth and allow you to focus on the task, or the enjoyment, that you get to experience right now.
Priority 5: Sleep it Off
We cannot emphasise the importance of a good night’s sleep, and we don’t have the time to tell you every single amazing benefit you will reap when prioritising your night, so here’s a few to get you going:
• It is essential for your brain and ALL aspects of your brain functions.
• It will improve your concentration and productivity.
• It can help enhance athletic performance and lower your risk of injury.
• It reduces the risk of developing diabetes and insulin resistance.
• Lack of sleep can impact your immune functions.
• It will boost your mood, your motivation and your mindset
• It will help to regulate your emotions and allow you to engage fully in events and relationships.
5 priorities to switch up your Spring, detox your mind, and Spring into life!
