About the Author: Katie Anderson is a licensed independent mental health practitioner who provides counseling services to teens and adults at the Wausa Medical Clinic and via telehealth. As the Spring season sets in, Anderson shares three recommendations for emotional “spring cleaning.”
As we shed our oversized winter coats and embrace the changing seasons, Springtime is symbolic of a fresh start. The ritual of spring cleaning one’s home can help a person feel re-energized this time of year. But why should we limit spring cleaning to just our homes? For many people, the pantry and the closet aren't the only areas that could benefit from a 'reset'. Below are three suggestions for rejuvenating one’s mental health as part of a “springcleaning” routine for the mind. 1. De-clutter your space to de-clutter your mind.
Eliminating clutter is typically the first step of every spring-cleaning routine.
Not only does clutter take up our physical space, but also our mental space. Research evidence suggests that a visibly cluttered environment actually impacts a person’s cognitive load and executive functioning abilities. In other words, a cluttered home = a cluttered brain. By reducing the distraction of excess clutter, we can limit unnecessary stress and increase a sense of control. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by this process, start by setting a 10-minute timer and focusing on one small area in your home office, the family room, or wherever you spend most of your time. Be sure to pick a task that is simple but will make a noticeable difference when the 10-minute timer is complete. Alternatively, you could spend those 10 minutes uninstalling phone apps that you no longer use. Unnecessary notifications are another form of visual clutter that disrupts a person’s focus and takes up mental energy.
2. Audit your social media newsfeed. If scrolling through Facebook leaves you feeling discouraged or overwhelmed lately, it may be helpful to re-evaluate the content you are consuming online.
Does this mean you must delete your account to find contentment? Certainly not. Utilizing the 'unfollow' feature is an alternative way to create a healthier relationship with social media. Do this by asking yourself, “Is this the emotional experience I want to have online?”. If the answer is no, give yourself permission to unfollow any account or content that is no longer serving you. This tip not only applies to social media, but also the app notifications mentioned above.
3. Practice self-care beyond pampering. Doing self-care activities is another great way to prioritize your overall well-being. However, self-care isn’t always treating yourself to a bubble bath, splurging at the nail salon, or indulging in a favorite treat. Self-care also involves doing the hard things. Like sorting through the dreaded pile of credit card bills you've been too anxious to open. Or addressing the overflowing laundry basket so you can have clean clothes for tomorrow. True self-care involves going beyond indulgence and taking steps to ensure you have the functional living space (and mental space) that you deserve.
By implementing the three suggestions above, we all can promote better mental health this Spring. My hope is that this article offers a refreshing perspective and inspiration for a fresh start during this season. Improved mental health is only a few steps away!
It is important to keep in mind that self-help recommendations are not a substitute for mental health therapy. If you or someone you know is experiencing prolonged sadness or distress that interferes with one’s daily life, please seek professional support. If you are currently in crisis, please contact the 988 Lifeline. If you would like to schedule a counseling intake with Katie, please contact the Wausa Medical Clinic at (402) 586-2244. Help and HOPE are available.
