Spring Clean Your Thoughts

Spring is officially here, folks. My flowers and herbs on my balcony are blooming like crazy! Today we ate fresh romaine that I cut right from the garden. I can’t wait for someday when I can plant a huge garden in a backyard. 

And to celebrate Spring’s arrival– it’s time to spring clean! Let’s get rid of the clutter and take the trash out. But have you ever though of spring cleaning your thoughts as well? 

Here’s some simple ways to take out the negative garbage in your mind and replace it with shiny new thoughts. 

What does negative garbage look like? 

• Negative thoughts about ourselves (I’ll never be good enough). 
• Negative thoughts about others (I’m better than her). 
• Old negative habits (I can eat this whole jar of peanut butter and be fine, really!). 
• Beliefs that don’t help you succeed (I could never have a successful blog because…) 

Find a quiet place to relax. 

To mentally clean out space, find a quiet place to relax and take three breaths. Focus on the present moment and you’ll start to relax and feel clear. Start to think about what you’d like to get rid of. Pick a habit or a persistent negative thought and and replace it with a positive one. Repeat the positive thought in your head for several minutes. Think to yourself: what can I clear out of my heart or mind that will allow me to be a calmer person? 

Write it down. 

Keep a journal and jot down thoughts and emotions as you experience them to help clear out your emotional space. It helps make emotions seem more manageable. You don’t realize how many thoughts run through your head until you start writing them down! Think to yourself: What am I feeling right now? What am I thinking about right now? What is distracting me most in my life? 

Forgive your faults. 

I like to tell clients to not say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to your best friend. You would never tell your best friend that she’s not good enough or that she is unhealthy or unattractive. Don’t dwell on past mistakes. This clutters the present and leaves no room for positive thoughts. We all make mistakes as humans . Think to yourself: Is there something negative I’ve been telling myself lately? 

Let go of the past. 

Let go of grudges. Negative energy as a grudge wastes space in your mind for more positive thoughts. Having emotions like anger is normal, but we need to learn to let go instead of letting the negative energy stay forever. Think to yourself: Is there anyone I’m holding a grudge on? Why do I still hold onto this? 

Apologize. 

Again, we all make mistakes. One of the hardest parts about making mistakes is admitting to others that we made the mistake. Offer sincere apologies to clear the air, if you have had a recent miscommunication or hurt someone’s feelings. 

Build or repair a relationship. 

Get to know someone new or reconnect with someone from the past. Healthy relationships and friendships provide support, kindness, motivation, and happiness to our lives. 

Connect with nature. 

If you spend all day indoors, get outside and connect with nature. It gives you space to breath, let go of work and connect with the present moment. Step out on your deck for a bit or walk to the part. Try to be outside for at least 15-30 minutes a day. 

Get healthy. 

Everyone seems to struggle with eating healthy and gaining weight during the winter months. Give your body some attention and eat better and exercise. Fill your plate with fresh spring veggies, lean proteins, whole grains and stay hydrated. 

Get creative. 

Start a new hobby, or try something brand new. Being creative is so essential to happiness. Create something just for you– painting, writing, learning to play an instrument, working on the design of your blog, whatever makes you happy. 

 

How do you plan on spring clean your thoughts this year?