Although this weird snowy, cold, hail, rainy, and windy weather that we have been having in the PNW doesn’t feel like Spring is near…it really is just right around the corner.
March 20th to be exact so less than a month! I am so excited which is a little weird for me since I typically am a Fall and Winter person, but I guess I am just over this cold weather.
Not only is my birthday on the first day of Spring (maybe that’s why I am excited), but I can’t wait to see the sun out and to spring forward so we have some more daylight, which helps me feel even more productive.
It is easy to use the sun going down at 4pm during Winter as an excuse to set all your responsibilities aside, when in reality you CAN actually be productive, even when it is dark out. Crazy right!?
When we spring (see what I did there) an hour ahead on March 14th, that extra hour or two of daylight really helps with motivation and most importantly my mood and I know that is the case for a lot of people. Basic tasks somehow seem more doable when it is light outside and all the anxiety of beating the sunset fades away.
With the Springtime comes spring cleaning.
It’s simply inevitable but, I like to think of it as a time to declutter. Declutter my apartment, my car, my closet, and also declutter my mind.
I personally find that the more I feel stressed and overwhelmed, everything else seems to feel that way also, almost like I can’t stay on top of it but I know that typically stems from somewhere else.
Starting with my closet, first I sort through my clothes for items that I haven’t worn all year or maybe just don’t love anymore - get rid of it! Trust me, you will NOT wear that yellow cropped t-shirt you have been hanging on to for two years..
Donate it!
I like to find a clothes drop off bin or take everything to Goodwill, but always donate and never throw away because there are always people in need of items.
Throw away all of that trash that has been piling up in the back of your car that you have been telling yourself you’ll “take care of it” for the past three weeks. Seriously, just a quick sweep through and maybe a vacuum if you are feeling crazy will do wonders and make it feel like you have a brand new car.
Maybe your kitchen can feel overwhelming with cupboards full of canned food items, or a fridge full of opened and expired products, clean that out too.
Find a new recipe to make so you can use up some foods you forgot about, or donate the non perishable items to a food bank, only keep things that you know you will use or eat and clear some space for any grocery shopping you need to do.
I promise that these small tasks that may seem like such a hassle to complete, will make you feel so much more at ease and provide motivation for other areas in your life.
Leading into mental clarity, if you are waiting to fix all of those cluttered thoughts or personal feelings I am here to tell you that Springtime is the best time.
Okay so actually ANYTIME is the best time but the weather warming up and the extra daylight always provides that extra motivation I need to clear my head.
Start by creating a list of tasks or anything that may seem stressful or that you feel pressure to get done, then prioritize them.
Filter out the easy ones that you can actually accomplish and get those done or realize the stress that they are causing you is unnecessary. The bigger tasks that are weighing on you but you need to check off, set a timeline of what day or time you need to have them done and set aside a specific day or time to complete them.
If you actually plan it out, instead of saying you’ll do it when you have time, you are more likely to get it done.
Homework for example, I may have other small tasks I want to accomplish but I come to terms with the fact that my school work needs to be completed before moving on, and if I don’t get to the other things on the list it is OKAY.
It is okay to say no, to prioritize, to be selfish, and anything else you need to do for mental clarity and relieve stress.
Spring should be a time of personal blossoming, just like the flowers do in March.
Don’t let clutter consume your personal, mental, physical, or emotional health! Use these tools above to start your spring cleaning in all areas and let me know if I can help you dive into your journey!
Coach Liv, Pn1
Instagram: @fitbarcafe
Facebook: Fit Bar Superfood Cafe
Email: live@fitbarcafe.com
