De-clutter physically and mentally to put a spring in your step

Spring is the perfect time to dust off the cobwebs, but our minds can benefit from a good de-clutter and polish too, says Abi Jackson.

WHO wouldn’t like to have a clearer outlook, and to sweep away stress? The principles of a good spring clean can work wonders for our wellbeing but — just like cleaning our homes — it requires a little elbow grease too. Follow this guide and you’ll have a lighter, brighter mind by summer...

* TIME TO DE-CLUTTER

Interior designers and psychologists agree that a cluttered physical environment can impact our moods and having a good clear-out can be transformative. Same goes for our minds; is mental clutter making you stressed, or sapping the joy from life?

“Clutter is oppressive, whether that’s externally in our environment or internally via the mental clutter, anxiety and stress in our mind. We all need to create an environment conducive for planting our seeds of possibility and restoring mental energy,” says Cheryl Rickman, author of The Flourish Handbook.

Recognise your own role in your everyday stress — do you have a habit of taking on too much, does relaxation and ‘me time’ play second fiddle to everything else, and are you constantly glued to your smartphone? !

“Commit to letting go of the past,” Rickman advises. “No more making decisions or judgements of people or actions based on past experiences. De-clutter those negative thoughts.”

* DUST OFF THE COBWEBS

Our minds can harbour difficult experiences or memories we tucked away because that felt easier than confronting them. But could these cognitive cobwebs be affecting your mindset and decisions in your present life? “The unconscious mind is effectively the ’store house’ for every memory we have from conception to our last breath,” says wellbeing consultant Kam Birdee.

“If you’re embarking on a new project and in your heart you know it will be a huge success, but can’t seem to get things moving, there may be a blockage preventing you from doing this. This may be issues of lack of self-worth, based on an experience which may have happened as a child, like bullying, or not being encouraged.”

If your cobwebs are causing mental distress, counselling or therapy could really help; speak to your GP or a contact a charity like the Samaritans.

* POLISH THE WINDOWS

Do you have a clear vision of yourself and the things that make you happy? Right now, as well as hopes for the future?

“While it’s important to focus on being grateful for what we have now, rather than on what we lack, it’s equally important to have a clear vision for what we want to get out of life,” says Rickman.

“Find your cause and identify your values,” says Rickman.

“Next, define your purpose.

“Recall who you are and what you love to do. “List stuff you used to enjoy doing aged 10. Create a list of potential adventures from this list; from kite-flying and roller-skating to rock-climbing.

“Then consider the ‘why’ behind your goal.”