For most, spring is the perfect time to clear away the remnants of winter and start fresh. However, that renewal doesn't just have to be reserved for literal cleaning. You can also hit refresh on your life in general by taking a look at your habits. Build a better you as the weather warms up with these tips for spring cleaning your life:
Drop a few balls
According to a report by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, 28.4 percent of adult workers said they felt high levels of stress as a result of their jobs. On top of that, many people take care of their families and have time-consuming hobbies, all of which can fill up your calendar quickly. This spring, clean up your schedule by getting rid of the activities you don't need or that don't improve your quality of life and instead take that time to unwind.
First, though, discern what you actually spend your time doing. For one week, keep a log of all of your activities, from brushing your teeth in the morning to reading before bed and everything in between. This will give you a clear picture of where your days go. Then, ask yourself if anything on the log drains your energy or isn't worth the time you spend on it. Those are the things you can cut. Ideally, doing this step first will create space for activities that reduce stress and bring you joy.
Commit to exercise
Exercise gives you energy and boosts hormones responsible for happiness. However, if you're to actually stick with it and enjoy fitness, you need to do something that suits you. Running on the treadmill isn't for everyone! This spring, give different routines and classes a try until you find an option you love - that could be attending a kickboxing class or lifting weights.
Furthermore, have a friend join you! Going to the gym or fitness classes can be daunting, especially when you first start out. Having a partner keeps you accountable and gets rid of some of that anxiety.
Clean your contacts
Prioritizing the relationships that enrich your life can offer a more satisfying social experience. However, to have time for those ties, you need to cut others. Avoid trying to rack up acquaintances, instead focusing on individuals who are in it for the long haul. Additionally, break up with toxic friends. These are people who drain your energy and leave you feeling down about yourself. For instance, some toxic people carry drama like their phones - they always have them - and make backhanded compliments. Trust your gut; if you feel like this person is harmful, cut him or her out of your life.
Prioritize the supportive relationships in your life.
Eat for wellness
Dieting is notoriously difficult to stick with, so change your lifestyle instead. Rather than cutting out carbs for a week or removing desserts for a month, start slowly redefining how you eat. Doing this allows you to take stock of your habits and temptations, and create a lifestyle that actually works for you. For instance, commit to cooking at home with more nutrient-rich vegetables or creating appropriately portioned meals. Find healthy recipes you love and make those your go-tos. And, don't forget to have a relaxed day. Indulging every once in a while is satisfying and will prevent you from giving up on a healthy lifestyle.
Stop comparing
Your spring-cleaning mission is yours and yours alone. Focus on progress, not the end goal. And, most importantly, don't compare how you're doing to where everyone else is at. There's always going to be someone further along than you, and that's OK. No matter what it is - parenting, fitness, finances - track where you started and revel in how far you've come.