Time to Spring Clean Your Mind – 4 Ways to Refresh & Renew
Ah, Springtime! This lovely time of year is all about renewal and growth. As we pass by, the trees are filled with tiny buds, crops sprout from the soil, flowers blossom, and we feel the change in the air. It’s as if, just like many animals, we emerge from our winter hibernation. We get into spring-cleaning, we freshen things up, we rearrange the closets and buy new clothes. Like the seasons, as human beings, we are conditioned to grow and renew.
The common form of ‘spring-cleaning’ tends to center around straightening the house, but what about us? Have you ever considered renewing yourself of the yuck in your life? Maybe we need to rid ourselves of negative thoughts, behaviors or environments in our personal or professional life.
Your Professional Growth This Spring
Washington Post contributor, Jeannette Bessinger explains that “Spring is the perfect time to de-clutter our mental space. To replenish our energy and regain our balance, we have to stop feeding off of mental “anti-nutrients” like perfectionism and the need to always be right.”
Watching nature spring to life with vigor and beauty is naturally motivating, and it is why now is a good time to renew and grow. Take these 4 steps forward to shake off the old, bring in the new and put a spring in your step!
1) Figure it out. Grab a journal and a pen to write down your thoughts about:
your current self
what you want to change
who you want to become
what you would like to do
how you will do it
2) Let go. Consider that which feels heavy in your mind and heart.
Recognize past hurts or issues.
Release that which is negative and holding you back; yes, even the grudges.
As Bessinger suggests, let go of the need to be right and perfectionism. Neither is helpful nor necessary.
Identify the limitations you set on yourself as well as high expectations that may be causing you to feel like you are failing.
Don’t worry about what other people think of you or that you need to be like them. Be yourself and love yourself for you. Do and say the things that make you happy, feel good about yourself and help you rest peacefully at night.
Forgive yourself and others.
3) Simplify your life. Add more quiet time or time to do the things you really want.
Take stock in what you have wanted to do, but have been procrastinating. Perhaps it is a new activity like kayaking or knitting; maybe it is visiting family you haven’t seen for a while; maybe it is travel, a new home or new job. Make realistic commitments and get on with it.
Clear your head with a walk or any physical activity where you can physically experience walking away from the old and towards the new.
Feel your body and soul physically lighten.
4) Add the good.
Gratitude. A thankful heart is a happy heart.
Creativity. Let the creative juices flow.
Self-care. Increase your attention to daily health. Drink more water, exercise, choose healthier food options, engage with spiritual or faith practices, carve out quiet time, and enjoy your hobbies. Do as many as you wish that will help you feel good every day.
Smile on the outside, and your inside will thank you.
Laugh. Laughter is the best medicine.
It isn’t easy to go through this process, but the renewal for new life to enjoy is certainly worth it. Sometimes, we get stuck between the cycles, and we need help. Merrett Davies International helps women blossom, whether it is a personal or professional transformation. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if we can help you become your very best you.