As we approach spring and the yearly urge to clean up, clear out, and purge from winter’s dust and doldrums, it’s helpful to think about the benefits of a Spring cleaning!

The idea that your belongings shouldn’t run you, but rather be things that enhance your day-to-day life, is a helpful way to approach what can be a very overwhelming process.

Having a clear, orderly space where you can relax and get in touch with your creative side means you then have energy to devote to other pursuits, and the mental space to invest in other areas.

While physically tidying your space has tangible benefits, the logical next step is that some of that newly-freed energy could be devoted to other, less concrete areas of your life. Are there habits that are holding you back? Struggles with addictive behaviors or unhealthy communication patterns?

Just like your physical possessions shouldn’t be in charge of your life, unhealthy patterns and habits can take over and make it difficult for you to show up as your best self at work, with friends, or even your relationship with yourself.

Trying to change all areas of life at the same time quickly becomes overwhelming, and leads to burnout and giving up. However, you can take a look at your life and identify one or two clear things that seem to impact you on a regular basis.

Creating a plan either on your own, or with the help of a licensed counselor or loved one, with clearly defined steps, and the willingness to build skills over time, can allow you to clear out the old patterns and create space for newer, healthier ones.

Written by: GROW Staff