Winter is over and that can only mean one thing: It’s time for spring cleaning.
This time of year makes us want to throw open the windows, air out the house, and do some deep cleaning. It feels good to let the sunshine in and make your surroundings shine and sparkle.
And there’s no doubt a clean environment positively affects your mental state and thinking.
But what if the build-up has been collecting…and you neglect to clean up the most important thing you have?
I’m talking about your mind.
Because clearing out the mental clutter and cleaning up the nooks and crannies of your thinking is just as important as deep cleaning the rooms of your home.
Here are 8 ways to spring clean your mind to help you feel better and make your life run smoothly.
1. Freshen up your gratitude practice.
If you have a choice between seeing the glass half full or half empty, which do you choose? Practicing gratitude is like building a muscle. The more you practice gratitude—actively and with intention—the easier it becomes and the more available it is. What three things are you grateful for today?
2. Tackle the root of the problem, not just symptoms.
Don’t keep trying to manage symptoms. You’ll just end up frustrated as the problem is never really gone. Instead, get at the root of the problem by eliminating the source of what you’re putting up. Ask yourself: What can I do so I never have to deal with this problem again?
3. Air out your resentments.
Anne Lamott says harboring resentment is like drinking rat poison, and waiting for the rat to die. There’s just no scenario where that’s a good thing…even when you’ve been treated unfairly. Trade ruminating on your resentment for sweet, sweet peace of mind and mental freedom. Decide to forgive, let go. Choose to be happy over being right.
4. Take everything off your mental shelves. Put back only the thoughts you want and need.
This is about letting go of thoughts that don’t serve you. You know, the ones that clutter your mind and cloud your thinking. Know this: The beliefs in your head either limit or expand what’s possible. And limiting beliefs are sure to keep you stuck and living small.
5. Remove spots and smudges that keep you from seeing how truly amazing you are.
Do you say nice things to yourself or constantly beat yourself up? Do you compare yourself to others and always come up short? It’s time to practice radical self-acceptance. Celebrate your strengths. Forgive yourself. Shush your inner critic. Love yourself because of your flaws, not in spite of them.
6. Detox from people who don’t enhance your life.
Establishing better boundaries is one way to do this. Boundaries act as a filter and operate in two directions—letting in what enhances you while keeping out what limits you. What boundary will you establish to boost your energy and stop what you don’t want coming into your life?
7. Don’t let out-of-sight-out-of-mind be the reason you neglect your goals.
What you focus on expands. Put your goals front and center so you see them every day. Create a vision board. Write your goals on strategically placed post-it notes. Reconnect regularly with why your goals are important to you, and recommit on a daily basis to making them happen.
8. Smell something bad? Dwelling on the past is stinking up the joint.
The past doesn’t dictate or predict your future—unless you let it. Living in the past prevents you from moving forward and living your one amazing life. It’s time to let go of the past so it lets go of you.
Cleaning your home is a rite of spring and symbolic of a fresh start. But don’t neglect the most important part of you.
How will you spring clean your mind?
