SPRING CLEANING FOR THE SOUL
Naxos island Greece
“The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment”
Living in the San Francisco Bay area, with unpredictable spring weather patterns, and the cool, grey skies and the blossoms already blooming can sometimes make the idea of spring-cleaning feel like a distant thought. But as the nature sheds off the old and is ready to reborn it is our greatest chance to embrace well-being from the ground up. As we each gently step into the ritual of spring cleaning, remember it's okay to seek a little guidance and structure to make the process smoother. Focusing on one area at a time, allows us to move with intention and kindness through our spaces, turning what could be an overwhelming chore into a series of gentle steps towards renewal.
We all feel it that living amidst clutter can often mirror the state of our mental space. Research by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute supports this, finding that clutter competes for our attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress. Tackling this begins with embracing the physical act of cleaning to clear our minds and invite joy into our spaces - a philosophy popularized by Marie Kondo, whose Kon Mari method links tidiness with happiness. But what some areas that we can focus on?
Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Nutrition and Clean Eating
Spring cleaning extends to our eating habits. It's an opportune time to purge our pantries of foods that don't serve our wellness goals and restock with healthier options. This not only refreshes our diet but also aligns our eating patterns with the spirit of renewal. Plant-based diets, for instance, have been linked to various health benefits, making them a refreshing choice for many. We stared this in our family the last month and although not everyone is on a strict plant based diet it has helped us all consume more vegetables and plant based products getting more educated on the impact of food in our environment and health.
2. Incorporating Physical Activity
Incorporating physical activity into routine cleaning can be a stealthy yet effective fitness regime. As simple as it may seem, turning chores into exercises—like my son enjoying his workout through dog walking—can be an ingenious way to stay active. My partner Alex likes to walk up and down the stairs in our house several times during his breaks from meeting and sometimes he our groceries and other household items. I often work on my squats while I put away household items and also use music to make the entire experience fun and not a chore.
3. Digital Detox
Digital clutter is as real and taxing as physical clutter. Taking time to declutter digital spaces, such as emails and social media, can streamline our online environment, enhancing focus and reducing stress, thus contributing to a serene mental state.
Personal favorite step in my decluttering routine:
4. Mindful Self-Care
Mindfulness during spring cleaning can significantly enhance the experience:
Set clear intentions for a purpose-driven cleaning process.
Practice deep breathing to transform routine tasks into a meditative experience.
Embrace gratitude for each item before discarding, acknowledging its service to you.
Take breaks for self-reflection, embracing moments of stillness amidst the activity.
Conclude your cleaning with a relaxing reward, such as a warm bath, reading or a yoga practice break.
To cap off, the act of spring cleaning holds the promise of more than just a spotless home—it's about creating a nurturing environment for a vibrant lifestyle. It is, in every sense, a holistic refresh, from the spaces we inhabit to the digital realms we traverse and the mindful practices we adopt.
As we close this chapter of our wellness journey, I extend a loving invitation to you, my dear readers: grant yourself the grace to approach this season's renewal with kindness. Allow yourself the time to gently declutter both your physical and mental spaces. Transform this spring cleaning into a nurturing ritual, a pause in your bustling life, to care deeply for your surroundings and your inner self. Remember, this isn't just a chore—it's a loving act of self-care, a permission to slow down and breathe in the space you've thoughtfully cleared. Embrace this time and let the joy of rejuvenation fill your home and heart.
With all my love,
Katerina
RESOURCES
"The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo, which intertwines cleaning with personal joy, and "Green Housekeeping" by Ellen Sandbeck, which advocates for environmentally friendly cleaning practices.
