With warm temperatures starting to become more common, it’s time to open the windows and doors and let the fresh air and fresh start into your home. Spring is a great time to “Marie Kondo” your closets and drawers and decide what brings you joy and can stay, and what needs to be put in the donation box.

Spring cleaning is a bit of a right of passage each year, just like setting those New Year’s resolutions. The Spring season is known as a time of rebirth and renewal and as the days get longer and lighter, it really is an ideal time to renew your living space. But, did you know that Spring cleaning can not only be good for organizing your house, but it can lift your mood as well. 

One of the main benefits of Spring cleaning is that it gives you a feeling of accomplishment, to finish a task you have started. Our brains feel good when we can check this off the list which can then reduce tension and stress since the task is no longer hanging over your head. Not to mention the fact that you can see and feel how good a space feels to you once it has been cleaned and/or organized.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Spring cleaning can also be a form of therapy that helps you reduce stress. There are some people who find that cleaning can help them organize their thoughts and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. It can restore a sense of control and help you organize your thoughts as you organize and clean your space!

And just think about the peaceful feeling that comes when you can sit back, relax and admire a clean and aesthetically pleasing space. If your bedroom is a hot mess, it is literally the first and last thing you look at when you wake up and fall asleep. Think about how much better you will feel waking up and going to bed when you have a peaceful and clean space to start and end your day in 

 Another way that Spring cleaning can improve your mental health is that it can actually improve your focus. And if you suffer from ADHD, then you know you already have issues with trying to stay focused so keeping your space clean and organized is going to keep you free of unnecessary distractions. And we all know how important this is now that so many people work from home. The last thing you want to be doing is hiding those dirty dishes on your desk before your morning Zoom call. 

A physical benefit to Spring cleaning is the fact that it gets you moving. Cleaning your windows or vacuuming a large space can help you break a sweat and get some endorphins pumping. While cleaning your house isn’t a substitute for exercise, it is still great for your body to get up and move and might help you hit your daily step goal! 

So, quit procrastinating and get that Spring cleaning list started! Choose just one area at a time, make a plan for one room at a time and get moving. Give yourself some grace as you won’t finish everything at once, but stick to the plan, finish one room at a time, and in no time your space will be organized, and you will feel so much better.

Before the sweltering temps of summer arrive, it’s time to enjoy the renewal of Spring and all the beauty that it brings. Spring is a great time to shake off the cold and dreariness of Winter and embrace the beauty and warmth that can nourish us from the inside out. 

While Spring brings a bounty of fresh fruits and veggies (which we all should be taking full advantage of), there might be a few gaps in your nutrition and diet routine. Make sure you also load up on helpful supplements like Vitamin C, probiotics for gut health and Omega 3 fatty acids.

And now that warmer temperatures are around the corner, it’s time to look at some outdoor cardio and other fitness activities so you can get out in the fresh air and sunshine. Now that it’s lighter later, add in a longer evening or morning walk, organize after dinner bike rides with your kids, or walk with a neighborhood group to get some social time in while you move. 

For some, one of the down sides to Spring is the allergies it can bring. And Spring cleaning just might push some over the edge of the allergen cliff. Think about investing in quality air purifiers with an HEPA filter to reduce allergens and improve your indoor air quality. It’s important to make your home a haven from allergies if this is an issue for you. 

For your mental well-being, consider starting a daily meditation practice to help calm your mind, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness. Just 15 minutes a day can make a huge impact on your mental and emotional well-being. You also might try starting a gratitude journal to help you reflect on at least three things you are grateful for each day to foster a more positive mindset. 

As the temperatures rise, your skin might require a bit more attention. Skin health experts advise exfoliating regularly with a gentle cleanser to keep your skin radiant and smooth. You also might want to switch to a lighter moisturizer to provide hydration but keep your skin feeling light. And don’t forget to finish with sunscreen for an extra layer of protection!

With these five tips at the top of your mind, you will be ready to embrace all that Spring has to offer with a healthy mindset, improving your physical health and enjoying the great outdoors once again with family and friends. Beauty begins from the inside out so focusing on all the aspects of your health and well-being (physical, emotional, mental) will help you put your best foot forward and spring into a new and improved you!