Feature Image by Cathryn Lavery
Chances are, your home isn’t the only thing that could benefit from a little decluttering. Your mind may be in need of a spring cleaning as well. Similar to regular spring cleaning where you throw out old things that you never use, mental spring cleaning is all about getting rid of unnecessary thoughts that are holding you back from living the life that you want. It’s a mental cleansing of old energies that will help you feel free, relaxed, and in charge of your life again.
If that sounds like something you want to do, here’s how to do it.
Create a comfortable space to be alone with your thoughts
“Mental spring cleaning can be as extravagant as a weekend getaway alone or as simple as a cozy spot in your home,” licensed psychotherapist, Ally Bowen, tells FabFitFun. “No matter where you end up, it’s all about you.” Regardless of where you are, it’s important to make your environment as comfortable as possible. Surround yourself with items that make you feel at home like your favorite herbal tea, a scented candle, a fuzzy blanket, comfy clothes and your journal to jot down your thoughts. You also want to be sure that your space is clean and clutter-free.
Take stock of what you’re feeding your mind
Think about the kind of content that you’re consuming on a daily basis. Do the social media accounts, blogs you read or TV shows you watch inspire you to be a better person? Or do they leave you feeling bad about yourself? As Musa Francis, health and lifestyle coach, tells FabFitFun, “Garbage in equals garbage out. Unfollow, unsubscribe and stop consuming anything that makes you feel bad about yourself or your life. Anything that triggers negative emotions for you such as stress, anxiety, overwhelm, sadness, unworthiness or trauma can also go.”
Assess the relationships in your life
The same goes for the relationships in your life. Deciding to cut people out of your life is not an easy thing. But if the people you call friends are only bringing drama and anxiety into your life, seriously consider whether those “friendships” are actually worth it. You have a right to set boundaries for yourself. So make a list of people who truly make you feel loved and accepted and make a list of those that leave you feeling like you’re not enough. Don’t be afraid to cut toxic people from your life, family included.
Make a list of all the commitments you’ve made to others
“Having too many commitments and unfinished projects is like leaving a lot of tabs open on your internet browser,” Francis says. “Your machine (in this case, your brain) will easily become overwhelmed, slow down and will start glitching out.” While it’s great to say ‘yes’ to as much as possible, you can’t please everyone. Write down all of the things that you’ve committed yourself to. If something on that list isn’t bringing you joy or is having a negative impact on your sense of well-being, it’s OK to stop.
Do a “brain dump” by writing out all your thoughts and feelings
If you’re prone to racing thoughts, doing a brain dump where you write down everything that’s on your mind at that moment is a great way to help calm your mind. According to Francis, you could jot down to-do lists, thoughts, ideas or pretty much anything that’s leaving you feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed. In general, journaling is an easy way to let your thoughts out there so it’s not bottled up inside. It gives you a safe space where you can explore your own feelings without any judgment.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
