Spring Cleaning for Your Space and Your Mind
By Jodie Buan
As Spring rolls around, we pack away our winter coats and relish the beautiful cherry blossoms. What better time to spruce up our homes? Spring is traditionally seen as a period of renewal. In Thailand, they ring in the Buddhist New Year with the Songkran Festival by washing away the impurities of the past, both literally and figuratively (Dandwala, 2024). They splash one another with water on the streets using buckets, hoses, and water guns. In Iran, in the weeks leading up to their new year, Nowruz, they perform a deep cleaning ritual in their homes, known as “Khane Tekani” (Williams, 2024).
With so much space to cover, from your closet to your refrigerator, you may be wondering where to begin. This is when a trusty checklist comes in handy. Perhaps, start by tackling one room at a time. Fix anything that needs repair, place objects back into their designated storage, and clear out drawers and cabinets. Wipe down all surfaces and vacuum the floors. Restock your groceries, and maybe even place a bouquet of flowers on your dining table to brighten up the space. You could also get started on a renovation project that you’ve been putting off, like repainting your bedroom or landscaping your garden.
How to Declutter
Decluttering can be tedious, especially when deciding what should stay and what should go. Pace yourself by setting aside time each day to sort through a pile (Babauta, n.d.). Have boxes ready for items to donate to your local thrift store or sell at a consignment shop. Keep, toss, or give away, then repeat. If you find yourself reluctant to part with an item, take a moment to reflect on whether it serves a purpose in your life. If you haven’t used it in the past year, it may be time to bid goodbye. Marie Kondo, renowned for her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” suggests discarding items that no longer spark joy and thanking them for their service, known as the KonMari Method.
Apart from your physical space, consider how much time you spend in your digital space, scrolling away on your phone. You can apply the same decluttering principles to your photos, email inbox, laptop files, and Instagram following. Delete anything unnecessary, unsubscribe from irrelevant newsletters, and unfollow content creators that no longer inspire you. Also, remember to take time away from your phone to enjoy the spring weather.
Mental Benefits
Your environment often reflects your mental state. Messy surroundings can overwhelm your brain, disrupting your focus and distracting you from the task at hand (Volchkov, 2024). In contrast, an organized space provides a sense of control and accomplishment, lifting your mood and reducing anxiety. Studies suggest that it boosts productivity, fosters a positive work atmosphere, and enhances memory retention in students. The act of cleaning itself can help you practice mindfulness, creating a state of flow. Small actions, like making your bed every morning, can help you feel more well-rested and mentally prepared for the day ahead.
Now that you’re all set, it’s time to start spring cleaning, and don’t forget to reward yourself for your hard work!
Sources:
Babauta, L. (n.d.). Zen mind: How to declutter. Zen Habits. https://zenhabits.net/zen-mind-how-to-declutter/
Dandwala, V. (2024, September 24). Songkran water festival Thailand. Flamingo Travels. https://www.flamingotravels.co.in/blog/2024/09/songkran-water-festival-thailand#:~:text=Well% 2C%20the%20Songkran%20Festival%20is,washing%20away%20the%20previous%20year
KonMari Media, Inc. (n.d.). About the KonMari method. KonMari. https://konmari.com/about-the-konmari-method/
Volchkov, A. (2024, July 10). How a clean environment impacts well-being and productivity. Cactus Cleaning.
https://www.cactuscleaning.ca/cactus-blog/how-a-clean-environment-impacts-well-being-and-pr oductivity
Williams, T. (2024, February 28). The history of spring cleaning. Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/history-of-spring-cleaning-8601487
Photo credits: https://images.app.goo.gl/BBZtdLvUh9DaCyCU8