6 Ways to Spring Clean Your Mind

Spring is definitely in the air. The daffodils are in bloom and at last the days seem to be getting longer and slightly warmer. Spring has always marked the time of the year when we blow the cobwebs of winter away. So what better reason do we have to de-clutter and spring clean our lives and minds and reduce stress and anxiety? Here are six ways to start the process;

1. Start by clearing the space around you. Make time to de-clutter your life of things you no longer need, want, use or have room for. Give things away, sell on ebay, donate to charity or advertise on Freecycle. Bedrooms should be a calming environment. Create a relaxing space by keeping them free of TVs, computers and stereos.

2.  Do you find yourself chasing your tail?  Keep up-to-date lists of things you need to do. Trying to retain all this information requires energy, and busy minds can make us feel exhausted and affect our sleep. Once information is written down we create more space in our minds.  Remember we can only hold 7 +/- 2 pieces of information in our short-term memory at one time. If this information does not pass from our short-term memory, into our long-term memory, it is lost forever.

3. Now the days are longer, make a commitment to exercise more frequently. Take a walk, take up jogging, go out on a bike ride…regular exercise can help lift your mood, alleviate stress and can help to create a relaxed state of mind.

4. Find something you can put your heart into. Learn to play a musical instrument, join a local sports team, start a reading group or grow your own vegetables. Or get creative and start drawing or painting, or scrap booking. If you are struggling to think of something, think back to your childhood. What did you like doing? What were you good at?

5. Review your work/life balance. Write down how much time you spend at work and what you do there. Seeing it written down may help you to review your productivity and spend less time in the office. Make a commitment to spend quality time with your family and friends every week. Turn off your phone and don’t answer emails during this time. Forming strong bonds helps us combat stress and achieve a greater sense of well being. 

6. Get into the habit of meditating for at least 10 minutes every day. Free apps such as Headspace are a brilliant starting point for novices. Practising mindfulness regularly, has been shown to increase grey matter in the areas of the brain associated with self-awareness, empathy, self-control and attention. It can also help promote good sleep patterns, reduce anxiety, stress and depression, improve memory and boost our immune system.

So that just leaves me to say Happy Spring! 

If you are struggling with anxiety, stress or depression, and would like more help and support please do not hesitate to contact me on alexia@positivefuture.org.uk. Hypnosis and Psychotherapy can help with even deep-rooted problems.

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/en/daffodils-spring-flowers-spring-716847/