Although we’re nearing the end of spring, it’s not too late for a good cleaning, and for many, this time of year means tackling massive spring-cleaning projects in the house and yard. Baseboard-scrubbing and curtain-washing aside, however, what’s your plan for your mental health spring cleaning? Our minds accumulate dirt and debris of its own that needs to be cleaned out before we can move on with our lives. There are ways to clear out mental buildup, drama, and negativity from our lives and replace these toxic elements with nurturing and positive endeavors. Let’s look at eight simple ways you can approach your mental health cleaning this spring for a healthier, happier you.
- Address Drama and Toxic Relationships Interacting with people who carry an air of negativity is draining. Even more than that, however, these kinds of relationships can lead to stress. It can be hard to consider shutting out people who do this, especially when you love and care about them, but trying to have a relationship with people who are constantly surrounded by drama is not worth the strain it puts on your mental health. It’s ok that a relationship no longer fits with your commitment to living a mentally healthy and fulfilling life.
- Organize Physical and Mental Clutter
Decluttering your living space has a subtle, but powerful, positive impact on your mental health. An organized space promotes efficiency and productivity in completing daily tasks and a more relaxed mental state. You might also consider addressing your mental clutter by writing down all of your priorities and neglected home repairs on paper and tackling them one by one. - Redirect Negative Talk and Negative Thoughts
This includes negative talk about others as well as negative self-talk and negative thoughts in general. A good philosophy is to say and think only what you want to put into the universe. We’re made up of vibrating energy, as are our thoughts, speech, and actions. Do you want to add a negative or positive vibration to the fabric of life? Gently redirect your thoughts when you find yourself thinking negatively. Focus instead on something that makes you happy and motivated instead of upset and anxious. - Kick Bad Habits
Bad habits take up time needlessly and don’t add to your overall well-being. Some of them even directly impact your mental health in a negative way. Write a list of the bad habits you know you have, but don’t panic – you won’t be tackling the entire list in its entirety. We’ll be focusing on one at a time. Whether your bad habits are minor, like procrastinating a bit on Friday afternoons, or a bit more serious, like drinking too much, you can change them. Set small goals for replacing these habits with healthy ones. For the bigger habits, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. - Focus on Gratitude and Mindfulness
As you follow through with your commitment to release negative thoughts from your mind, focus instead on the things for which you are grateful. Consider making a list of these things, much like you might make one that details bad habits and look at it when you’re upset or worried. Remember that you have a lot for which to be thankful. Mindfully redirect your negative thoughts to positive ones from your list whenever possible. - Promote Physical Health
You can’t have good mental health without strong physical health. For exercise to be effective for emotional balance, however, it needs to be a daily commitment. Don’t approach exercise solely for losing weight or building muscle, but as one element to upholding a lifestyle that promotes emotional balance. In addition, choose at least one healthy food over an unhealthy one every day and slowly transform your diet. - Engage in Creative Projects
Don’t try to create a masterpiece with your creative projects – the drive for perfection is not one that is conducive to happy thoughts and contentment. Focus instead on how they nurture your mental health and how they relate to renewal and growth. Start a small raised garden, grow houseplants, or cultivate some flowers on your patio. Start a bullet journal and be creative while improving your mental health. - Cultivate Positive Relationships
Commit to nurturing your positive relationships. Stay in touch with close friends and reconnect with good friends who have fallen by the wayside. You might also want to reach out to people you aren’t on great terms with and try to make amends. If you’re habitually lonely and suffer from anxiety, consider adopting a dog.
Every day is a possibility to live your life the way you want. Follow our tips and begin to boost your mental health today!