Spring is a season of renewal. It’s a time to refresh, reset, and clear out what no longer serves us. For some, that means going through closets and purging excess material items through donations or garage sales. For others, maybe it’s just getting outside more to soak up that much-needed Vitamin D.
If you’ve been battling some seasonal depression or other mental health challenges, you might naturally start to feel a sense of relief with the change of season. But if you’re still feeling stuck in a slump, it may be time to give your mental health a little spring cleaning, too.
Mental Dump
Set aside an hour of your weekend to sit down with a journal and jot down all your thoughts, worries, and to-do lists. This “mental dump” can be highly beneficial in clearing mental clutter, reducing stress, and interrupting the cycle of overthinking.
When everything is written down, you release the need to mentally track tasks. Think of it like opening your brain’s task manager and closing out of tasks to free up working memory. The act of writing out your thoughts also allows you to more fully process them and stop ruminating.
Evaluate Commitments and Boundaries
As you prepare to enter summer, take some time to envision what you really want your season to look and feel like. Does it typically feel rushed and overwhelmed? Do you feel like you’re constantly saying “yes” to plans only to regret it later? Do you end up more worn out than refreshed?
If that’s the case, now is the time to reevaluate commitments and set firm boundaries for your space and time. Remember, it’s okay to say “no” to protect your time and space.
Social Media Cleanse
Summer is primetime for social media envy. With everyone posting photos and videos of their “best lives” in bikinis and vacation homes, traveling the world, or creating their dream backyard, constant exposure can easily lead to comparison, self-criticism, and feelings of inadequacy. Remember, social media is like looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. It’s a collection of everyone’s favorite memories, best photos, and biggest accomplishments.
If you notice yourself feeling drained, anxious, and insecure while scrolling various social media sites, it may be time for a cleanse. Determine a reasonable timeframe that you can commit to a social media blackout. Remove temptation by deleting the apps from your phone. Make a list of activities to fill the time gap, like reading a book, calling a friend, or listening to your favorite podcast.
If it’s not realistic to take a complete break from social media, try setting a daily limit for scrolling or simply focus on being more mindful of your emotions while using particular apps and sites.
Spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering your home. It’s also about creating space mentally and emotionally for growth, balance, and peace.
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