Spring Cleaning Isn't Just For Your House. It's Time to Declutter your Mind, Body, and Soul

Jackie White

Winter has been slogging on for a few months now and sometimes it feels like you are too. Hey! The good news is that spring is almost here and it’s time to shake off the sluggish old routines and consider a refresh!

We spring clean our homes by gathering up the clutter, dusting from top to bottom, and opening the windows for some fresh air! Everything feels squeaky and new! Well, what if you did that with yourself? Just think about how that might feel if you gave yourself a good refresh! Wouldn’t it be amazing to revitalize yourself?

Cleaning From The Top-Down:

We begin with spring cleaning for your mind. Everything good in life begins and ends with a positive mindset. When you focus on the good, the good gets better! The best way to go about clearing your mind is by allowing yourself some quiet time where you can sit peacefully and rest your ever-racing mind. Many of us are so used to constant stimulation, sitting quietly with ourselves can feel like a challenge. To begin, find a place where you won’t be disturbed, put on some quiet instrumental music, and set a timer for 3 minutes. Close your eyes and breathe. Focus on your breath and think of calming your entire body. If this still feels difficult for you, one very helpful app that can guide you to a place of calm is called Insight Timer. The benefits to getting still will not only help your mind but your total wellness.

The next place you will want to clean is the place in your mind where limiting beliefs are holding you hostage. Isn’t saying that you are being held hostage somewhat dramatic? The answer is a resounding “no”! The beliefs you buy into are driving your behavior 100% of the time. That looks something like this: 

I don’t believe that I am:
qualified enough
smart enough 
worthy enough

Therefore I will not:
go after the promotion
go on to college
to ask that cute guy out

Do you see what’s happening here? The beliefs we default to dictate what we can do in our lives! They are indeed holding us hostage! In this refresh of the new you, you need to examine those limiting beliefs that have been holding you back. Write down those restraining limiting beliefs and get ready to flush them away. To move forward with more confidence and clearer direction replace the limiting belief with a belief that better serves you. 

One other pesky mind mess is negative inner talk. It does go hand in hand with your limiting beliefs so when you hear this fool negative talker cluttering up your mind, you have to shut it down immediately. This would be a good time to tap into those new positive beliefs and fill your mind and soul up with goodness and light.

Next Stop - The Heart and Soul

The heart and the soul is where we feel life. When it is gummed with regrets, grudges or old residual feelings from days gone by, your heart won’t be as open as it could be. Here is where another cleaning is needed. The best way to address this is to just let go and forgive. Stop holding grudges and negative feelings towards others. Easier said than done, true, but absolutely necessary. Beginning with forgiveness will release you from the energy you are expending on things that are in the past. Forgiveness is about giving you relief and peace, so do this for yourself. When your heart is cleared, it will be available to new positive feelings of love and connection.

Last Stop - The Body

Now, listen, you clean and clear your mind and soul until it is sparkling, but unless you address your body, you are not done yet. The body needs care. Feed it good, healthy food and drink lots of water. Seriously, your body is made up mostly of water and so you have to fill-er-up every day with the stuff. Also, you have to move, and I don’t mean from the couch to the fridge! Take a walk, do some yoga, ride your bike or try my favorite, dance! Moving your body is not only good for your body, but it is also a mood booster! Remember you want to keep your mind in a positive state and kicking your body into gear will flood your mind with the happy chemicals called endorphins. They lift your mood and help to alleviate stress! Consider this flood of positivity the final touch of renewing you!

Now you see that spring cleaning isn’t just for your house, it’s for the home that resides within you. It is something that we all should do at least once a year, but ideally a good once over every few months with weekly maintenance. Keeping your mind, body, and soul decluttered will allow you to enjoy more of your life.

Shine On!