Clear Your Head in Addition to Your Home + Reap the Many Benefits
When we think of spring, we generally think of things coming back to life- a little rain, a lot of blooming, and an overall fresh, new beginning. We may even set out to clean and organize our closets, yards, kitchens, or our offices. While we are at it, why not take some time and spring-clean our own selves- mind, body, and spirit? What’s good for the household is great for the psyche.
Clearing our minds of emotional drama, worry, and negativity can be incredibly rejuvenating. In this process, we open up the windows of our minds and let fresh thought patterns emerge. Practice these tips below and commit to keeping the space (between your two ears!) free of self-limiting thoughts and negative dialogue all year round.
1-Take a Social Media Hiatus
You don’t have to file for divorce from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but a temporary separation may be in order if you find yourself spending too much time posting and liking. When we are overly connected to our devices, we tend to disconnect from the world around us. Stop and smell the spring flowers and enjoy the company of those around you. Enjoy your meal instead of photographing it! Be Present.
2-Consider a Cleanse
Press the reset button and get a jump-start on your nutrition with a rejuvenating cleanse. There are many cleanses out there to choose from, so be sure to check with your doctor before beginning one and make sure it’s a healthy and nourishing cleanse.
Lately, I have taken up the healthy habit of juicing! I enjoy starting my day off with a fresh squeezed glass of celery juice before eating or drinking anything. Not only are there many benefits of celery juice to my body in doing so, but it also sets the tone for being mindful about the rest of the food I eat and drink throughout the day.
3-Organize and Simplify
We work better and live simpler in a more organized physical space free of excess clutter, making it easier to access the things we need. Organize your home office, kitchen, or closets. De-clutter and donate what you no longer need. You will feel so great knowing that what has collected dust in your wardrobe may be exactly what someone else has a need for.
If the idea of organization sets you into a frenzy, consider looking into a company that does this for you. It may be worth the investment to have a professional get you on the right track and learn a more organized way of living.
4-Say Goodbye to Toxic Relationships
Letting go of toxic relationships is one of the most difficult, yet liberating challenges. Holding on to unhealthy relationships for fear of conflict is easier in the short-run, but builds resentment and frustration in the long run. Weigh the pros and cons of the relationship and determine whether it makes you feel energized or depleted. Also, it’s revealing to look into why we are holding onto these unhealthy relationships. Do a little soul searching and get to the bottom of the root cause of this.
Recently, a friend told me that she tends to hold onto friends that are hurtful to her because that was a dysfunctional family pattern and she is ‘used to’ this type of abuse. Once she recognized this all-familiar yet very destructive pattern, she saw the need to change it and seek healthier friendships.
5-Stop the 3 C’s- Criticizing, Complaining, and Comparing
Being critical and habitually complaining can be paralyzing, as it puts us in a state of perpetual negativity. The next time a pessimistic or critical thought arises, ask yourself ‘Is this truly helpful or necessary?’ If not, let it go in favor of keeping your mind a positive haven. Remind yourself of the worthlessness of comparing and don’t fall into the ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ mentality of living.
6-Daily Centering
Notice I did not use the word meditation here? Though I love the practice of meditation, and if you already do have a daily practice, by all means continue to do so, I have noticed that this word can be intimidating to many people. So many clients come to me and say, ‘I tried to meditate but I couldn’t clear my mind.’ The good news- it is impossible to clear our minds so if you feel this way, recognize that you haven’t failed.
When working with clients, I help them get into a daily practice of breathing, relaxing, and visualizing a daily intention each and every day. Being mindful in this way and having a focus for the way you set your day to unfold is tremendously empowering.
On my website in the products section, you will see my Deep Relaxation Series- Guided Breathing, Relaxation, and Visualizations. These are also available via free streaming (Spotify, YouTube, Insight Timer Meditation App, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.) Beginning the day with my 5-minute breath guidance is so beneficial in this centering process. I also highly recommend ending the day with this and any of my other relaxations/visualizations before going to sleep; many people who struggle with insomnia have told me it has been a game changer for them and is now a nightly routine, as well.
Let the spring-cleaning of your mind and body last more than a season; let it last a lifetime.
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-Susan Ginsberg, Stop and Breathe
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