Spring cleaning! (don’t you roll your eyes at me!)
It’s April! Spring has sprung, Taurus season is already here, and we are ready to clear the fire of Aries season OUT! I’m talking about cleaning all the corners of your baseboards, of course. Decluttering is known to help calm an anxious mind, but what about the physical and environmental benefits of spring cleaning? Welp, keep reading to find out more! And just like decluttering, this one will be short and to the point, ha!
Spring is often thought of as a fresh start. Mother Earth begins to awaken from her winter slumber and grants us all more daylight and sunshine. This turn to warmer weather helps us associate cleaning with fresh energy and a new beginning. What’s a fresh start if the ceiling still has last year’s cobwebs? Below I will list out why spring cleaning does more for our mental health, our environment, and our physical bodies, and how to incorporate the cleansing atmosphere of this time of year. It should be considered an act of self-care, instead of a chore, once you understand the health benefits! I will be talking about holistic ways to clean, and not adding to the toxic build-up of our indoor environment, as well, since recent studies have found that indoor air can be more toxic than outdoor! Yikes!
Let’s get started!
Ventilation!
When we think about spring cleaning, the first items that come to mind are the baseboards and ceilings (see above for examples). However, what about the air we have been trapped in throughout the winter months? Make it a point during spring cleaning season to open your windows every day to re-invigorate the indoor environment as much as the outdoor feels it with the warmth of the season. Not only does this move the spring breeze through the house, this will also help clear out pollutants such as pet dander, dust, and other irritant airborne pollutants.
Better Sleep?!
When you really think about it, your bedroom is your own private sanctuary, where your time spent in it is focused on relaxing and restfulness (at least If you read my previous articles on Daylight Savings Time, blue light, and caffeine it should be!) If you are trying to relax and are staring into a clutter closet, or disorganized dresser, your mind will not be able to settle down to promote a restful and healing venture into the nighttime that sleep should promote. De-cluttering and organizing your space will not only bring on better sleep, it will improve your mood and the cluttered space will no longer be a source of frustration, sadness, anger, and self-deprecation. It will promote a more restful and calming environment which in turn, promotes a more restful sleep. With better sleep, comes better energy, which will bring a better attitude, which is a win-win-win!
Diffusing
I know, we are all obsessed with Bath and Bodyworks and their candle and wallflower scents. Without getting too deep into why and how these products are causing infertility and autoimmune issues, they are simply toxic to breathe. A better option is to diffuse quality essential oils and focus on ones that promote what you are aiming for in that day. Trying to focus for a bug day at work? Try diffusing some peppermint or rosemary essential oils. Trying to rest and wanting to promote some holistic healing and relaxation? Try lavender. Just looking for a positive headspace? Try cedarwood. The point is there are ways to get your place smelling great and doubling the usage of the scents for spiritual well-being than using toxic fragrances that only sometimes smell good, and don’t promote any type of positivity or wellness.
De-cluttering
I know I’ve already mentioned this, but there is more to it than hanging some shirts and organizing a shelf. De-cluttering can also mean sorting through your possessions and donating that which no longer servers you. This can be clothing, jewelry, kitchen items, décor, anything! You can also bring in a fresh feeling into your space by rotating décor. Now is a perfect time to pack away the dark, bold colors of the fall and winter, and rejuvenate your space with the bright, light colors of spring to alight a sense of freshness into your spirit. You can also go through the medicine cabinet and cabinet under your sink to get rid of any expired items, and cleaners you aren’t using. (Because now we are using eco-friendly and toxic-free cleaners, right?!)
All in all, spring cleaning helps clear the mind, invigorate your spirit, and assist your lungs in breathing cleaner air so you have a release of practical, energetic, and emotional senses. Of course, the cobwebs and baseboards still need wiped down, but we can use vinegar and lemon juice to really up the ante, eh? Stay tuned for my next one, Health Nuts and thank you for being here!
Helpful Resources:https://primallypure.com/blogs/blog/holistic-spring-cleaning-tipshttps://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/health-benefits-spring-cleaning/https://www.elcaminohealth.org/stay-healthy/blog/health-benefits-of-spring-cleaning