The winter months are coming to an end, the snow is melting, days are longer, and spring is on the horizon. As we prepare for the spring season, many of you are adding to a list of things that must be done as part of a yearly ritual called "spring cleaning." Your list may include dusting, cleaning out freezers, putting away winter clothing, long-awaited home updates and getting the windows cleaned and opened for a short spell. Perhaps, your exterior list includes emptying out the garage or shed to bring out fixtures and furniture. Additionally, your list may include plans for freshening the landscaping and yard décor.
Just as we spring clean our homes and freshen up our yards, we must do the same for our mind, body, and soul. Here are some suggestions for doing just that: Do you have mental baggage dragging you down? If so, try creating a list of the hurts, disappointments, and regrets that are cluttering your heart and mind. Create and implement a plan to resolve the issues that contributed to the situation. Consider approaching physical, mental, and emotional baggage in a similar fashion. Can you forgive the individual that hurt you or caused you harm? Doing so improves your overall health. The Mayo Clinic explains that "Forgiveness is a commitment to a personalized process of change." For more on forgiveness, check out this article.
Along with our minds and hearts, another opportunity for creating a healthier you may be to overhaul your diet and exercise routines. Consider ways that you can be intentional. Create a plan for healthy eating and for engaging in regular exercise. You can begin by creating weekly menus. Shop with a list that includes the items you need to prepare those meals and limit or skip snack purchases. The National Institute on Aging offers some helpful tips for resetting a routine with intention and purpose. They include:
- Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Choose foods that are low in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.
- Pick whole grains and lean sources of protein and dairy products.
- Practice all four types of exercise—endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.
As you transition from one season into another, you will likely encounter challenges and obstacles to completing tasks and creating new routines. Approach spring cleaning with a holistic framework, be mindful to give yourself grace and be patient with the process of change. Build in checkpoints. Where possible, allow for partnership with others.
Another way to support the process of change is through mindful practices. From
self-defeating thoughts to fear of the unknown that often accompanies change, mindfulness practices have helped millions of Americans move forward with confidence and consistency. Visit the Crim Foundation to learn more on how you can embrace change in any dimension of your life.
