As I prepare for my annual Spring Cleaning rituals, I started thinking about another form of cleaning that might be just as important right now: Mental Spring Cleaning.
A few weeks ago, I came across an article in Psychology Today about the benefits of clearing out mental clutter. There are already a plethora of articles about the mental health benefits of traditional spring cleaning—how tidy spaces can create a sense of renewal, reduce stress, and improve focus and productivity. I have long ascribed to this notion—although, admittedly, some days my office desk suggests otherwise!The idea of mental spring cleaning? That feels a little newer — and honestly, really needed right now.
It’s about creating space in your life by clearing away mental clutter, refreshing your perspective, and setting yourself up for a calmer, more focused season ahead.
Here are a few ideas to get you started
Take Inventory of Your Mental Space
First things first — you can’t clean up what you don’t see. Take a few minutes to reflect:
· What thoughts keep cycling through your mind?
· Are there worries, grudges, or regrets taking up space?
· Which habits or beliefs are no longer serving you?
You don’t have to “fix” it all at once — just getting it out of your head and onto paper can make a huge difference.
Declutter Your Digital Life
Your mental space isn’t just shaped by your thoughts; it’s also affected by what you consume. Emails, social media, and constant news alerts can create a background hum of stress that wears us down without us even realizing it.
Take some time to:
· Unsubscribe from emails you don’t read.
· Unfollow accounts that make you feel anxious, inadequate, or drained.
· Set screen-time limits or designate “tech-free” hours to reclaim your focus. (or even tech-free evenings — trust me, it’s fabulous).
A lighter digital load can lead to a much lighter mind.
Prioritize Joy and Curiosity
Spring is all about new growth — so why not plant a few seeds of joy too? Think about what lights you up, even in small ways, and make space for that:
· Pick up a hobby you’ve been curious about.
· Plan a mini adventure, even if it’s just trying a new coffee shop.
· Block off time on your calendar for something that’s purely for fun.
Joy isn’t a luxury. It’s nourishment for your soul.
Mental spring cleaning is a powerful act of self-care. Intentionally clearing out mental clutter gives you room to breathe, dream, and move through the world feeling lighter. And honestly, we could all use a little more of that right now.
This year, as you freshen up your closets and wipe down your windows, don’t forget to also refresh your mind. Your future self will thank you.
Here’s to a fresh start — inside and out!