Declutter Your Mind: 4 Ways Spring Cleaning Can Improve Your Mental Health and 4 Steps to Get You Started!

Spring is a time for renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings. As the weather warms up and the days get longer, many people feel a sense of motivation to declutter their homes and start fresh. While the act of spring cleaning may seem like a daunting task, it can have many benefits for your mental health.

Here are four ways spring cleaning can improve your mental wellbeing:

1. Reducing clutter reduces stress It's no secret that clutter can cause stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that a cluttered environment can lead to increased levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. By decluttering your space, you can create a sense of calm and order, which can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

2. A clean environment promotes relaxation. When your home is clean and tidy, it can create a sense of peace and relaxation. A cluttered or dirty environment can lead to feelings of chaos and overwhelm. By taking the time to clean and organize your space, you can create a more peaceful and calming environment that promotes relaxation and tranquility.

3. Spring cleaning can boost productivity. When you're surrounded by clutter, it can be difficult to focus and be productive. A clean and organized space can help you feel more motivated and energized to tackle tasks and get things done. By spring cleaning your home, you can create a space that promotes productivity and allows you to feel more accomplished and productive.

4. It can be a form of self-care. Spring cleaning can be a form of self-care, as it allows you to take control of your environment and create a space that promotes your well-being. By taking the time to declutter, clean, and organize your home, you're investing in yourself and your mental health. You're creating a space that supports your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, which can have long-lasting benefits.

Easy Ways to Start:

1. Start with the garbage! Carry a small trash bag (a grocery bag works great for this!) and pick up whatever trash may be lying around. Empty bottles, chocolate wrappers, chip bags, old receipts, things that are straight trash and have no perceivable immediate use. Remember to recycle!

2. Declutter 1 thing each day. Set aside some time each day to pick one thing to let go of. Big or small.

3. Work on one zone at a time for 10 minutes. Set a timer for ten minutes and work on cleaning that one area! A zone doesn’t have to be a whole room. You can break down a room further. For example, a zone could be a computer desk in your room! or the top of your dresser. Work in sections slowly to move towards cleaning up and refreshing your space.

4. General Steps for each zone:

   1. Collect trash

   2. Move anything that doesn’t belong in the zone into a collection basket to be put away later

   3. Wipe down area

   4. Reorganize or set up!

In conclusion, spring cleaning can have many benefits for your mental health. By reducing clutter, promoting relaxation, boosting productivity, and practicing self-care, you can create a space that supports your overall wellbeing. So, grab some cleaning supplies and start fresh this spring!