Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start, and what better way to rejuvenate than by giving your body and mind a thorough spring cleaning? Just like we deep clean our homes and closets in the spring, it’s essential to take some time to focus on ourselves and give our bodies and minds the attention they need.
Growing up a Michigander, I get so excited at the first glimpses of spring and the warmer weather!
As the temperature rises and we head into the season of new beginnings, it’s the perfect opportunity to do some “spring cleaning” for ourselves.
5 Tips to Spring Clean Your Body & Mind
From decluttering negative thoughts to nourishing our bodies with healthy foods, there are plenty of simple yet effective ways to spring-clean our bodies and minds. And I have five simple tips for spring-cleaning your body, mind, and soul this season!
1. Do a Digital Detox
Starting a digital detox may seem daunting, especially if you’re used to being constantly connected all the time (like me!) #guilty
So how do you even get started? First, set clear goals for your detox, such as a specific timeframe or the amount of time you want to spend away from your devices each day.
Next, identify the most important things you need your devices for and find alternatives, such as setting up automatic email responses or designating a specific time of day to check your messages (and not end up mindlessly scrolling!).
We often rely on these devices so heavily that taking a break can be truly refreshing and boost our mental health. Just imagine all the other things you can do with that extra time away your phone is spent in airplane mode!
During my device-free hours, I enjoy reading, spending time in nature, or focusing on my face-to-face relationships.
2. Start Exercising (up your health and wellness routines)
I probably don’t have to tell you how powerful exercise can be when it comes to spring cleaning our minds and bodies.
Physical activity helps us to release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can boost our mood and relieve stress and anxiety levels. Not to mention when you get your sweat on, you’re literally detoxing toxins right out of your body!
Plus, regular exercise can also help to improve our sleep patterns, strengthen our immune system, and lower our risk of chronic diseases.
And my favorite benefit of a fitness routine – it can be a great way to connect with others, whether it’s through a group fitness class or an outdoor activity with friends. This can boost our social connections and improve our overall well-being.
My best friends in this world are my fellow running buddies. And in my opinion, there’s really no better way to detox my mind and body of pent-up stress than a long run with a great friend 🙂
3. Declutter Your Space
Decluttering our physical space is a super effective way to spring-clean our minds and bodies.
A cluttered environment can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, while a clean and organized space can help promote a sense of calm and clarity.
By removing excess items from our surroundings, we create more physical and mental space to focus on what truly matters.
Clean living can also improve our productivity and efficiency, as it makes it easier to find the things we need and reduces distractions.
Furthermore, decluttering can be a great way to practice mindfulness as we focus on the present moment and become more intentional about the items we choose to keep in our space.
Take a chapter out of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus’ book on Minimalism – here’s a snapshot from them that really spoke to me:
Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom. Source: Minimalists
So, take some time this spring to go through your belongings and donate items you no longer need or use—you’ll be surprised at how much lighter you’ll feel afterward! (Paul and I just did this and it feels AHHH-mazing!)
4. Eat Nourishing Foods ONLY (Sugar Detox)
If there’s anything I’ve learned managing chronic illness over the last few years, is that food matters (a lot!). Nourishing food is an essential part of the spring-cleaning body.
Eating meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean animal-based proteins can provide our bodies with the nutrients it needs to function at its very best.
These healthy, healing foods can help to boost our energy levels, improve our digestion, and support our immune system – which all reduce our risk of illnesses.
Specifically, foods high in omega-3 fat acids, such as salmon and walnuts, can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety that often creep up during the long, dark winter months.
Also, when focusing on whole foods and cutting out sugar, we can stabilize our blood glucose levels and maintain a more consistent energy level throughout the longer spring days.
Plus, a sugar detox can improve our mental clarity and focus, as sugar and processed foods consumption has been linked to cognitive decline and memory problems. Not only will you feel better physically but mentally too!
PRO TIP: While I’m not a big fan of deep body detoxes, if you truly want a clean slate, try this SALT FLUSH recommended to me by my naturopath. (It really works, if you know what I mean! 🙂 ) Especially if your alcohol intake has crept up past two drinks a week in the winter months… you know who you are – you might be in need of a flush !
5. Practice Gratitude
What better way to detox negative thoughts than to incorporate a gratitude practice into your spring cleaning?
Research has shown that regularly expressing gratitude can improve our mental and emotional well-being, leading to increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved relationships with others.
Gratitude can also help us to reframe negative experiences, allowing us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and cultivate a more optimistic outlook as we head into a new season.
Additionally, practicing gratitude can have physical health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving your sleep schedule, and improving focus.
Get started with my FREE 30-Day Soul Care Journal – this is the exact journal I’ve used to transform my mind (and body!)
BONUS: Connect With Nature
Yes, get outside in nature and enjoy the fresh air whenever possible in the upcoming spring season.
Going for walks in the park or weekend hikes can have profound effects on your mental health and well-being by providing an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
Plus, who doesn’t love soaking up some sun and good ole fashioned vitamin D as part of their health and wellness routines? (Don’t forget the sunscreen!)
How long do you need to be in the sun to receive health benefits? Check out the video clip from Andrew Huberman’s podcast with Dr. Samer Hattar – it’s a must-see!
Dr. Hattar Recommends 10–15 Min. of Early-Morning Light Exposure If It’s Sunny, 30+ Min.
The Wrap – Spring Cleaning our Minds and Bodies for Warmer Weather
The start of spring is always a great reminder to help your body thrive from the inside out—both mentally and physically!
And spring cleaning isn’t exclusive to closets and basements… Clearing out physical clutter from our homes can help us find balance and peace in other aspects of our lives, too.
By creating a plan for wellness for both mind and body, we can set ourselves up for success each morning and start the day off with positivity.
The next time you feel the urge to declutter something in your life, why not try spring-cleaning your thoughts and healthy habits first?
These five tips will help get your inspiration flowing and make it easier to start creating a healthier sense of self – who knows how far that might take you?
And remember, don’t hesitate when it comes to living your best life – open yourself up to the idea of Spring Cleaning Your Body & Mind, let go of what no longer serves you, indulge in all that nourishes you, and be gentle with yourself along the way.
Your Life is yours to create!
XO,
jules
