Spring Clean Your Health Habits
Happy Spring! The snow banks are finally getting smaller here in Upstate New York, and the warmer weather is a welcome change after a long winter. It’s the season when we want to break open all the windows, let the fresh air in, and get rid of all of the dust and clutter - it’s spring cleaning season!
But spring cleaning doesn’t have to be limited to your home. Today we’re sharing 4 tips for spring cleaning your health habits, so you can use those out with the old, in with the new vibes and create habits and rituals that support your health. Come summer, fall, or winter, you could be in a healthier and happier physical, and mental state of being, and that’s important not only for you, but for the loved ones in your life as well!
“In six months you will have six months of excuses, or six months of progress. The choice is yours.”
1. Make a More Of/Less Of List
Changing our habits and behaviors can be tough. Inevitably, there will be some resistance to making changes; it’s only human. Making a More Of/Less Of list can be a smart way to take stock of the things you want to do more of, and the things you want to do less of, without activating the usual resistance our brains give us when we attempt to make changes.
Divide a piece of paper into two columns. On one side, write More Of, on the other side, write Less Of. Then fill in the columns with whatever comes to mind. You might write More Of time outside, getting to bed early, cooking at home. Or maybe on the Less Of side, you include things like scrolling on the phone, TV, or spending time with people who don’t make you feel good.
This list is a great way to take stock, and see at a glance, what steps you can begin to make that will bring you closer to the way you want to feel, without getting overwhelmed with information.
2. Clear Your Spaces
Scientifically, there is something behind wanting to clear our spaces of clutter. Plus, for most of us, it makes us feel fresh and productive. This can benefit the way you work, play, and relax. By clearing out your spaces, you’re physically, and emotionally, making room for the new, and completing tasks like decluttering releases endorphins (the feel god hormone) into our system.
Clean out your closet and donate clothes you don’t wear. If you work at home, organize your work space and get rid of things you don’t need any more that are cluttering up your space. Get your family involved as well! Assign one person to the kitchen, another to their room, etc. When you have spaces that are clear of clutter, it can help you to relax more, which is good for your health on so many levels!
And if getting the process of cleaning is tough for you, start small. Instead of tackling the whole house, start with one area, like your desk, or a nightstand. It doesn’t all have to be done in one fell swoop, and it’s ok to take your time!
3. Make Appointments You’ve Been Putting Off
Being our best, healthy self takes support from others. If you’ve been putting off making trips to doctors, dentists, or other healthcare professionals, now is a great time to change that pattern.
It’s totally normal to put making appointments like these off, but your future self with thank you for it. Again, if you find it’s difficult, or overwhelming for you to make appointments, break it down and take it step by step. Make one call a week, and congratulate yourself when you do! It may also be possible for you to enlist family or trusted friends to help you with this process. Remember, it’s ok to use others for support as you find your footing prioritizing your health!
4. Make Time for Play
Finally, taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be super serious all the time! Making time in your days for time to be creative, or spending time with loved ones, or on hobbies you enjoy can be just as beneficial for your health as a tooth cleaning!
You can start by making a list of things you’d like to do this spring season. Maybe you love to bike, but haven’t ridden yours in years. Take a weekend to dust it off, make repairs, and take it for a spin down your street. Taking time to do things by yourself, for yourself is a great investment in your health.
Additionally, spending time with friends and family is good for your mental and emotional health! Plan dates with loved ones, whether that be an outdoors walk, or a trip to someplace new to enjoy the scenery, a new restaurant, or cheer on a favorite sports team.
And remember, baby steps are the best way to start! You’ll find a groove that works best for you when it comes to implementing new habits and behaviors that benefit your health. Remember to be patient with yourself (and others), and that the journey can offer just as much as the destination. You’ve got this!
