When we think of spring cleaning, we usually picture overflowing closets and messy rooms that need tidying. But what about the clutter we can’t see? Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be about physical mess, your mind can get messy too. From stress to overthinking and emotional weight which we carry every day, our minds could use a good cleaning! Spring is the perfect time to reset- not just your physical space but your headspace too! Whether you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this is your sign to take some time and clean up your mind.
Clean out Mental Clutter
Mental clutter can build up without us even realizing it. From overthinking details in our daily lives to comparing ourselves to others over social media, our minds can be overfilled with harmful thoughts. Just like clearing out your closet starts by taking note of what’s inside, clearing your mind starts with noticing what’s taking up space. Take some time and ask yourself, “What’s been weighing on me lately?”, “Are there any thoughts or worries I keep coming back to?”, “What feels mentally messy right now?”. You can start by doing a brain dump, which is when you grab a notebook and write down everything that’s on your mind with no filter or judgement. School worries, friendship drama, job concerns, to-do lists, random thoughts... get everything out! It’s kind of like emptying your mental drunk drawer. You don’t have to fix everything, just make space by getting those thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
Let Go of What’s Not Helping You
Once you’ve identified what’s a part of your mental clutter, it’s time to let go of the stuff that’s no longer benefiting you. Just like you’d give away clothes that don’t fit you anymore, it’s okay to release thoughts, habits, and even relationships that are weighing you down. Some things to automatically let go of are negative self-talk, toxic relationships, and unrealistic expectations. If cutting something out completely is too difficult, try setting boundaries, changing your mindset, or giving yourself permission to carry thoughts not so heavily. A simple exercise to help you do this is to write down something that’s been weighing you down then ask yourself if it’s really helping you grow or just holding you back. If it’s not helping you, begin the process of letting it go. Remember that you’re allowed to grow, change, and choose peace.
Refresh Your Routine
Spring is the perfect time to change up your daily routine which can help you empty out that mental clutter! You don’t need to do a complete life overhaul- just a few small shifts can make all the difference. Start by asking yourself what parts of your routine feel draining, what parts make you feel calm or happy, and what small things you can add to or remove from your routine. For example, Spring is the perfect time to prioritize spending more time outside with the weather getting warmer. Exposure to green space is proven to increase positive emotions and decrease anxiety. Another great idea is reorganizing your to-dos. Try tackling the most stressful or important tasks earlier in the day to prevent burnout and increase productivity. Overall, mix things up in your routine and find what works for you! Add in activities that make you feel good like pursuing a new hobby, spending more time with friends, listening to music, or taking walks.
Reorganize Your Thoughts
Once you’ve cleared out thoughts that aren’t serving you and refreshed your routing, take a critical look at how you think. Just like you may rearrange your room during a spring cleaning, reorganizing your thoughts can help you feel more at peace and in control. We all have those negative automatic thoughts like “I’m so bad at this”, “That was so embarrassing”, or “I don’t fit in right now”. But just because those thoughts show up, doesn’t mean they’re true. Reorganizing your thoughts includes taking notice of those automatic negative thoughts, challenging them, and reframing them to be more positive. For example, instead of saying “This is impossible to figure out”, try saying “I’m doing the best I can, it’s okay to take things one step at a time”. You can also try keeping a thought journal where you write down stressful thoughts and practice reframing them on paper. Over time, practice will make you better at recognizing patterns and shifting your mindset automatically.
Just like a traditional spring cleaning can help you reset, clearing out your mental space can bring in a whole new kind of energy. You don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out - it’s about making an effort to create space for peace, clarity, and growth. Your mind deserves just as much care and attention as your physical space. Spring is your reminder that it’s never too late to start fresh.
