Spring is usually the time of the year in which you look to get a fresh start. There is something about the blossoming trees and flowers, which brings a sense of renewal. Spring cleaning is a popular term because this is the time of year in which you clear your homes, yards and closets of unwanted clutter. The end result is that you feel better in your living space and more settled.
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But, what if I told you there might be a way to apply the same concept of spring cleaning to your life as well? You may not realize it, but de-cluttering your life is valuable, too. It can be a way to reboot and refresh your mental mindset so that you feel better overall.
Are you curious as to how you can spring clean your life? Here are 5 ways to get started right now:
1. Get rid of toxic relationships.
Sometimes you have relationships that you just don’t need anymore. You know who they are. They may be that friend or relative who calls you and you cringe as you debate whether you should take their phone call or not. Or, they could be that friend who always tells you in painstaking detail every bad thing that is happening to them each and every time you speak with them. They are just in a negative zone 99% of the time.
Here is a way to clear out these toxic relationships. Let them go, like right now! The sooner you remove the person who takes up negative space in your life, the sooner you can have someone who adds positive energy to your life.
2. Find a hobby that you enjoy.
As you get older, there may have been hobbies you really enjoyed doing, but may have put on the back burner to raise your family, take care of an ailing parent, or just due to your hectic work schedule.
Carve out some time for fun. Hard work and no play makes for a dull and stressed-out life. Pick up that dance class, hiking expedition, gardening, or sports activity that used to make you feel happy. If that particular activity ends up being something that bores you at this point, move on to the next hobby until you find something you enjoy. The point is to carve out time for something that you find relaxing and enjoyable.
3. Get your budget in order.
Budgeting doesn’t have to be a bad word in your household. A budget can provide clarity and a greater understanding of where you are currently and what your future looks like. In other words, a budget can provide peace of mind.
Pay attention to where your money is going and moderate the things that are not necessities. Not only will you plan and budget smarter, but you will be planning for a future that will help you have peace of mind and greater control in knowing that good things are coming in your financial future.
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4. Let go of the negative.
“Change your mindset, change your life,” is a celebrated quote and this is for good reason. When you focus on negative emotions such as anger, jealousy and hatred, they deplete your energy and focus. They rob you of your inner peace.
Studies have proven that these negative emotions can cause stress and affect your health in a harmful way. Learn to let go of these emotions and manage them. Some ways in which you can do this include exercising, meditation, yoga, or even letting them out by speaking with someone who can provide you with therapy or counseling if needed.
5. Get rid of things you no longer use or need.
When you let go of the things you no longer need or want, it literally makes your space bigger and more open. You feel freer and less burdened by the excess. It also provides a cleansing effect in your life and living space.
Donate clothes or items you are not using to a thrift store or goodwill facility. Your trash can be someone’s treasure. So when you give away something that does not matter to you, it actually helps enhance someone else’s life for the better.
The next time you embark on your spring cleaning, remember to not only focus on your physical space but your mental space as well. This way you not only declutter your living space but your life as well. Happy spring cleaning!