8 Steps to Spring Clean Your Soul
It’s the season of new beginnings! Which means it’s time for some spring cleaning. While you may be quick to grab a garbage bag and declutter the house, I encourage you to do away with what no longer serves you within, as well.
Below are my top suggestions for spring cleaning your soul, so you can feel charged and ready to blossom into a more authentic version of yourself.
1. Get a good night’s rest
Your quality of sleep determines your quality of the day. Experts say we generally need 8 to 9 hours of uninterrupted rest per night. Try making your bedroom as dark and distraction-free as possible when night rolls around. Yes, that means leaving technology outside of the room. Developing a wind-down routine – shutting off screens an hour before bed, scheduling your next day’s duties, journaling away any worries – can put you in a better state to relax, too. While you’re at it, you may also want to check if your mattress needs an upgrade.
2. Curb your technological consumption
How much time do you spend mindlessly scrolling online? Don’t feel bad; we all do it, but your phone can easily serve as a distraction, and too much time on social media can exacerbate anxiety and depression. Try locking your phone away while working or setting intentional stop and start times for using social media. When you’re with friends, resist the urge to constantly snap photos of your experiences and practice staying in the moment instead. The memories you make are bound to stick with you.
3. Make room for greater goals
It’s not too late to revive those New Year’s resolutions. Spend time journaling and meditating on what you want out of life personally and professionally, and take intentional steps to get there. Even if your dreams feel far off, everything is attainable when you continue putting one foot in front of the other and believing you are worthy of everything you want. Click here to read about letting go of limiting beliefs to live the life you’re capable of.
4. Go outside often
Nature has healing effects on humans. Swap indoor excursions for outside occasions when you can, whether it’s by dining al fresco or hosting friends in the backyard. Exercising outdoors also has plenty of benefits. Consider trying yoga in the park, trail running, or evening walks around the neighborhood.
5. Find your movement style
It’s time to change the narrative of exercising for physical gain and make it about deepening the relationship to your body. Exercise is for everyone; it’s just about finding the right style that works for you. If you’re struggling with this, consider different classes or online exercises, like modern dance or kickboxing.
6. Show your skin some love
Two things to remember: 1. SPF is not seasonal. 2. A skincare routine is not a feminine activity – it’s an extension of self-care. Apply sun protection year-round, stay hydrated with quality water, and choose paraben-free products without heavy perfumes. Also, assess your skin regularly for marks, pores, or anything that may seem unnatural, and take those concerns to a dermatologist if need be.
7. Enhance your gut health
A healthy gut can improve your immune system, mood, weight, sleep quality, and more. Try replacing refined inflammatory foods in your diet with whole, plant-based foods to see how you feel. Here are some of my favorite plant-based recipes to get you started. When making changes to your diet, it’s wise to consult a nutritionist. You may also want to take a test to see which foods might not react well in your body. Another tip: prebiotics and probiotics may also help with digestion and bloat.
8. Check on your mental health
Taking care of yourself means exploring what’s beyond the surface. If you feel lethargic, unmotivated, distracted, or on edge, you could be facing mental discomfort. Starting therapy, having heart-to-hearts with friends, journaling, meditating, or spending uninterrupted time with yourself may help stabilize your emotions.
These tips can be applied year-round, and anytime you feel the need to shake things up and live life more intentionally. If it’s a career change you’re seeking, click here to learn how you can work online on your terms while becoming a better version of yourself.