9 Tips For A Spring Clean Life Reset

When you think of spring-cleaning, you probably think of the time of year when you go all out cleaning up your house. You know, the time you sweep out all the nooks and crannies and wash the windows to bring the outside in. What if you used that same idea, but instead of cleaning your physical surroundings, you tidied up your life? If you don't quite understand what that means, here are nine examples that can get you started.

Take stock of where you are now.

Before you begin to spring-clean your life, you should take careful stock of how you are currently doing. Do you have goals? How are they going? Are there any areas of your life you'd like to change? A thorough spring-cleaning can encompass multiple areas of your life. Taking stock of where you are will help you direct your energy where it's needed.

This can be your physical environment, relationships, digital clutter, work habits, personal goals, and more. Consider breaking down each area into manageable steps. Just as you would declutter one room at a time, setting clear boundaries in relationships, or prioritizing your most important personal goals.

Clean up your relationships.

Do you have any toxic relationships? Maybe it is time to part ways with these people. If the people in your life don't cheer you up, lift you up, or build you up, why are they in your life anyway?

The KonMari method, popularized by Marie Kondo, focuses on decluttering your physical space by keeping only the items that "spark joy." This method can also be applied to other areas of your life, such as relationships. Consider identifying the people in your life that bring you the most joy and focusing on decluttering the rest.

Tidy up your habits.

It might be time to clean up those bad habits of yours. Maybe you overeat, procrastinate, or smoke. Bad habits add up over time and cost you in the long run. Whatever your bad habits are, they can hold you back from living your best life.

Fortunately, bad habits can be broken and replaced with positive ones. It may take some effort, but it is possible to change your ways and create habits that will improve your life. Here are 5 ways to spring-clean your life by breaking your bad habits and creating positive ones:

1. Set realistic goals.

When trying to break a bad habit, it’s important to set realistic goals. If your goal is too lofty, you’re likely to get discouraged and give up. For example, if you want to quit smoking, setting a goal of quitting cold turkey may not be realistic. Instead, try setting a goal of smoking one less cigarette per day.

2. Create a plan.

Changing your behavior is easier when you have a plan. When trying to break a bad habit, figure out what triggers your behavior. Once you know what triggers your bad behavior, you can create a plan to avoid those triggers. For example, if you overeat when you’re bored, make a plan to find something else to do when you’re bored instead of eating.

3. Get rid of temptation.

If you have temptations around you, it will be harder to break your bad habit. If you can’t get rid of the temptation entirely, try to make it less accessible. For example, if you’re trying to quit smoking, and you have cigarettes in your house, put them in a drawer where you can’t see them. Out of sight, out of mind.

4. Reward yourself.

Rewarding yourself for breaking your bad habit can be a great motivator. When you reach a milestone, give yourself a small reward. For example, if you’ve been smoke-free for one week, buy yourself a new pair of running shoes. As you reach longer milestones, you can give yourself bigger rewards.

5. Be patient.

Changing your behavior takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you have a setback or if you’re not seeing results as quickly as you’d like. Continue to keep moving and eventually, you will reach your goal.

Clear your mind.

A lot is going on in everybody’s heads. Maybe you should take some time to clean things up a bit. Mental clutter can come in many forms, such as stress, worry, and negative self-talk. To declutter your mind, consider practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, journaling, or deep breathing.

Getting those thoughts spinning around in your head onto paper can make a world of difference. It can also help to set priorities and create a clear plan of action for tasks and goals to reduce mental overwhelm.

Unplug.

If you’re finding yourself constantly scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, it’s time for a break. Technology is great, but sometimes you need to unplug and live in the moment. Don't be afraid to prune some of your social media accounts: decluttering your digital life can improve your focus and reduce distractions. Aim to spend less time on your devices and more time just taking in the world around you.

Social media can be a major source of mental clutter and stress, so it’s important to take a step back and detox from time to time. To spring-clean your social media, consider unfollowing accounts that don't align with your values or cause negative feelings. It can also help to set boundaries, such as limiting your social media use to certain times of day or turning off notifications.

Refresh your fitness routine.

Has your fitness routine become boring or stale? Why not shake things up? Find a new exercise, sport, or activity that gets you excited, and try to fit it into your daily routine. What do you hope to achieve from your fitness routine? Whether it’s losing weight, gaining muscle, or simply improving your health, setting some goals will help you stay on track.

Don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for sticking to your fitness routine. Rewards can help you stay motivated, so treat yourself to something special when you reach your goals. Maybe buy new workout clothes, get a massage, or take a break from working out and have a day of relaxation.

“Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It’s your masterpiece after all.”

— NATHAN W. MORRIS

Sort out your diet.

A great way to tidy up your life is to clean up your diet a bit. What you put into your body has a major impact on how you feel.  Consider adding more water, and natural whole foods, and cutting back on your guilty pleasures. Find a healthy way of eating that you can sustain.

If you're anything like most Americans, you probably started the year off with good intentions to eat better. Maybe you even made it a few weeks before returning to old habits. If you're ready to get back on track, Spring is the perfect time to start fresh.

One of the most difficult things about trying to eat better is finding a plan that you can stick to. There are so many fad diets and quick weight loss schemes out there that it's hard to know which one to choose. The best way to find a healthy eating plan is to do some research and find one that fits your lifestyle and tastes.

Once you've found a plan that you think you can stick to, the next step is to start making some changes. Small changes are usually easier to stick to than big ones. So begin with things like cutting out sugary drinks and salty snacks or eating an extra serving of fruits and vegetables each day. As you begin to see results, you'll be more motivated to keep going.

If you find yourself struggling to stick to your healthy eating plan, don't give up. Just remember that it takes time to form new habits, and you're more likely to succeed if you're patient and consistent. Most importantly, don't beat yourself up if you have a slip-up. Just get back on track and keep going.

Organize Your Workspace.

This is almost real spring-cleaning! Organizing your workspace is a great way to boost your productivity and get more excited about working in general. Reorganizing is less about cleaning and more about making sure every item has its space and every space has a purpose.

A thorough spring-cleaning can have many benefits for your mental and physical well-being. Decluttering your physical space can reduce stress and increase productivity. It can also help you identify areas of your life that need attention and create a fresh start for new goals and habits.

Spring clean your self-care routine.

Self-care is essential for maintaining good emotional, mental, and physical health. To spring-clean your self-care routine, consider trying new activities or hobbies, setting clear boundaries around your time and energy, and prioritizing sleep and rest. It can also help to reflect on your values and goals to ensure your self-care routine aligns with what's most important to you. By making even the smallest changes to your self-care routine, you can make a big difference in how you feel.

These are my personal favorites.

1. Get outside and get moving.

Spring is the perfect time to get outside and get moving. After being cooped up all winter, your body and mind will thank you for getting some fresh air and exercise. Take a walk, go for a bike ride, or even just sit outside and soak up some vitamin D. Getting outside and moving your body will help boost your energy and mood.

2. Make time for yourself.

Self-care is all about making time for yourself. Carve out some time each day to do something that you enjoy, whether it’s reading, taking a hot bath, or taking a yoga class. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that brings you joy. Taking even just a few minutes each day for yourself can make a world of difference.

3. Connect with loved ones.

Spending time with loved ones is important for your mental health. Whether you stay in touch via text, social media, or in person, make the effort to connect with the people you care about. Talking to loved ones can help reduce stress and make you feel more supported.

In conclusion, spring-cleaning your life is a key step towards achieving a fresh start and creating a healthier, more fulfilling life. It involves decluttering your life, refreshing your mind, and reevaluating your goals and priorities. By tackling different areas of your life and creating a spring-cleaning routine, you can reduce stress, increase productivity, and create a more positive outlook. With these tips and insights, you can begin your journey towards a more organized, simplified, and fulfilling life today. So, act, declutter, and refresh your life this spring to achieve the life you desire.

My final thoughts are:

If you are serious about a spring-cleaning reset for your life, I suggest you schedule some time for it in your calendar. Choose a few days in the upcoming weeks to focus on tidying up your life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

For more information, read this post.

21 Ways To Spring Clean Your Life

Mindfulness And Presence Techniques For Beginners

Gram’s Wisdom 51 Stop, look and listen.

Though the terms were foreign to her, my Gram practiced mindfulness and presence every day of her life. She called what she did focusing on the here and now. When I was young, she explained to me that I should stop and look at how much beauty there is to see everywhere in every season. And stop to listen to the hum of bees, water rushing over rocks, or the songs of birds. 

Many were the times when she would light a scented candle, and we would prepare a pot of tea together in the evening. Sometimes we would talk quietly and listen to hear what the other had said. At other times we would listen to music that we both loved or just sit in companionable silence.

In the early hours of the morning, Gram and I would sit together on the porch listening to the birds sing and watching the sunrise. She would tell me what she was grateful for. And I was absorbing a mindfulness practice that had no name but has grounded me and carried me every day of my life. Thanks, Gram.

The central ideas of mindfulness and presence.

Mindfulness and presence are two central ideas today. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to find time to focus on the present moment. However, mindfulness and presence techniques can help to bring tranquility and focus into your life.

Presence and mindfulness are not only important for your mental health, but they can also help you to be more productive and efficient in your life. When you’re present, you can focus on what is in front of you and not be distracted by your thoughts. When you’re mindful, you can be aware of your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them or judging them.

Various mindfulness practices are easy and accessible to new practitioners. Try implementing some of the techniques below and see how quickly you can get a grasp on your thoughts and shift them to an inspiring mindset.

Breathe.

One way to practice mindfulness is easily accessible at any time - breathing. Focusing on the breath is a great way to calm the mind. And provide a tranquil environment in which the mind can slow down and allow for curiosity and creativity. Breathing deeply brings calm to the mind and the body and adds fresh oxygen to our brain which allows new thoughts to develop. Breathing brings the body to calmness and regulates the nervous system.

One breathing technique is to focus on your inhales and exhales, counting each one as you breathe. You can also focus on the feeling of your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Another breathing technique is to imagine your breath as a wave, flowing in and out of your body. You can also bring your awareness to your body and how it feels to be breathing. If you notice tension in your body, you can focus on relaxing the muscles.
 

“Eternity belongs to those who live in the present.”

— LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN

Drink tea.

One way to bring mindfulness to the moment is to drink tea with a calm and peaceful quietude. When we drink tea, we can also take deep breaths and take breaks in between sips to allow spaciousness in the mind. This is a simple task, but the key is to be present in the moment and pay attention to the act of drinking tea.

Take a few deep breaths and focus your attention on the act of organizing the tea. Which do you prefer a mug or teacup and saucer? In what form do you like your tea a tea bag or loose-leaf tea don’t forget the tea ball. As you prepare the tea, listen to the sound of the boiling water. Inhale the scent of the tea as it rises with the steam from the cup. Once the tea has steeped, sit down, and take a few slow sips, savoring the flavor and the warmth.

Notice how your body feels as you drink the tea. Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions, letting them come and go without judgment. Just be with the tea and the moment. Drinking tea can be an excellent way to relax and de-stress. The key is to be mindful of the experience and to be present in the moment. By paying attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations, you create a sense of serenity and peace.  

Write a gratitude list.

Making a list of gratitude is an amazing practice of mindfulness. It is a practice of noticing the gifts, grace, and good in your life. Gratitude lists are a way of acknowledging the abundance in your life. Some people find it helpful to keep a daily gratitude list, others do it weekly, or only occasionally. However often you choose to do it, gratitude lists are a way of reminding you of the good things you have. They can also help you to focus on the positive aspects of life.

Each morning, evening, or whenever you can make time throughout the day, sit with a pen and paper and write a list of things you are grateful for. Maybe you set a timer for 3 minutes to write about what you are grateful for or commit to writing down 3 things from the day that you are grateful for. Items on a gratitude list could be big or small, something from the past, or something happening in the present time. Bringing gratitude into the mind is a great practice and can lead to a greater number of positive feelings and recognition of positive experiences.

Here is a sample gratitude list.

1.  I am grateful for my abundant health.

2. I am grateful to my family and friends.

3. I am grateful for my job.

4. I am grateful for the shelter of my home.

5. I am grateful for my dog, Houdini.

6. I am grateful for my ability to walk.

7. I am grateful for the sun shining today.

8. I am grateful for the rain that watered my garden.

9. I am grateful for the food in my refrigerator.

10. I am grateful for my bed, where I will sleep comfortably tonight.

Light a candle.

Lighting a candle is another way to bring mindfulness into your life. As you light the candle, take a moment to notice the sensation of touching the match to the wick. Feel the heat of the flame as it springs to life, the scent of the smoke, and the sight of the flickering flame. Take the time to sit with it and watch it. Fire is one of the most fundamental aspects of nature. It reminds us that we are strong and peaceful and ever-changing.

You can light a candle and sit calmly in front of it and enjoy its presence. Watching a flame flicker can be incredibly calming. Don’t try to control your thoughts or stop them from coming. Allow them to come and go as they please while you concentrate your attention on the flame. It’s okay if your mind wanders. Just return your focus to the flame. As you practice, you’ll find that you can focus on the flame for longer periods.

Listening Meditation.

Listening is one of the most basic and important human skills. You rely on it to communicate, learn, and interact with others. Regrettably, in the fast-paced, modern world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in our thoughts and fail to listen to what others are saying. Mindfulness and presence techniques can help you slow down, focus your attention, and listen to what others have to say. 

A practice of mindfulness that can be implemented anywhere is an audible or listening meditation. Wherever you are, you can take a moment to listen to the sounds around you and recognize where you are and what your sense of hearing is experiencing. Listen to the birds singing, the breeze rustling through the trees, the sounds of traffic, or whatever else you can hear. Don’t try to do anything with the sounds, just be aware of them. If your mind wanders, simply bring your attention back to the surrounding sounds. Listening mindfulness is a practice that can be transformative for attention to the present moment.

Benefits of being present.

When you are fully present in the moment, you are open to new experiences and new ways of seeing things. You are also better able to manage difficult situations and make wiser decisions. The following are additional benefits of being present:

• You are better able to appreciate the good things in life.

• You are better able to connect with others.

• You are better able to find meaning in life.

• You are better able to live in the present moment.

• You are better able to let go of the past and embrace the future.

Mindfulness and presence techniques can be used to improve your mental and emotional well-being. Practicing these techniques can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and to manage any stress and anxiety you may have. With regular practice, you may find that you concentrate better, sleep better, and feel more relaxed and positive.

My final thoughts are.

If you're looking to add mindfulness and presence practices to your life, there are many different techniques you can try. Some key techniques include focusing on your breath and noticing your thoughts and emotions. By incorporating these techniques into your daily life, you can begin to experience the benefits of mindfulness, such as increased focus, decreased anxiety, and improved well-being.

For more information, read these posts.

Mindfulness For Beginners.

10 Best Reasons For You To Become Mindful.

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