Hello Psychotherapy for You readers!
I wanted to discuss the benefits of Spring Cleaning, and I’m not only talking about your house. When the weather changes, the flowers start blooming and temperatures rise. It's a popular time for us to clean out the clutter we have built up in our homes. While many of us are familiar with spring cleaning our homes, we can often overlook the positive impacts this practice can have on our mental health. Decluttering our physical space as well as our mental space can lead to significant improvements in our overall well being. In this post we will discuss the benefits of decluttering your space and mind.
Physical Space Decluttering
Cluttered spaces can lead to increased stress, reduced focus, and affect our ability to process information from our environment. Having a cluttered space can cause us to feel that our work is never complete and lead to feelings of guilt, stress, or anxiety. Cleaning and organizing our spaces can lead to a more relaxed mind and enhanced mood. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Start small – try beginning with your closest. By sorting clothing into piles (keep, toss, or donate) not only are you clearing out the physical space, but you are also removing items that no longer bring you joy.
Clean off your workspace – A clean and tidy workspace can help improve your mental clarity. Remove any unnecessary items, organize any documents and office supplies, and keep only what you use daily on the top of your desk. You can also add a personal touch to your space by adding artwork, a photo, or plants (I have a painting of the Eiffel Tower I bought in France as it brings back happy memories).
Mental Decluttering
Now physical cleaning is just one aspect of spring cleaning and while it is important, I think Spring is the perfect time to check in with yourself and declutter any mental or emotional space that needs it. Taking time to reflect on your mental health and implement strategies to improve it is vital! Here are a few suggestions to try this spring:
Meditate: this can help clear your mental clutter, allowing you to focus on the present and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Check out this quick 10-minute meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU
Journal: writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you manage any anxiety, reduce stress, and cope with depression. If you are nervous someone might find your journal, try writing down your thoughts all on top of one another (so it becomes an ink blob), that way you expressed it on paper, but no one else will know what you’ve written down.
Set Boundaries: it’s okay to say no. Learn to prioritize your mental health by setting boundaries and managing your emotion energy.
Spring cleaning doesn’t need to take up an entire day of your life. By taking small steps to declutter your physical and mental space you can enjoy the energy spring brings us. Don’t forget the goal is to create a space that promotes clarity, peace, and enhances your overall well-being. Happy cleaning!
If you or someone you know is in need of support from one of our skilled therapists, call us today at 289-205-3505 or visit us at https://www.psychotherapyforyou.ca/
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