Got the urge for Spring-Cleaning? Dictionaries define it as “the act or process of doing a thorough cleaning of a place including parts that are not often cleaned” (yikes!) and date this religious or cultural tradition back to as early as 1841. Today, our Spring-Cleaning of “parts not often cleaned” takes the forefront because it serves a vital role in the personal renewal, regeneration and reset we often crave in springtime. I’ve found that focusing and setting our intentions on 2 specific places can truly facilitate this shift and enhance our every day well-being, for good!
Place #1: The Kitchen
We really are what we eat! A kitchen revival can inspire new habits in both WHAT we eat and HOW we eat!
After the long winter months of comfort food, many of us try to shift our diets toward more healthy choices. A thorough purge of refrigerator, freezer and cabinets removing anything that doesn’t fit our spring health goals simplifies and encourages this shift. Replacing with new, fresh seasonal foods can inspire beginner’s mind and help avoid eating the same thing mindlessly. An inspection of dried herbs and spices to clear out the old and make room for new, different, exotic or more appealing choices can perk up spring and summer menus. In a household where everyone eats differently – like kids – why not designate specific storage spots for each to help keep on track with your own intentions. Creating open, appealing arrangements for fresh fruits and vegetables on uncluttered counter tops or tables can further motivate healthy grab-and-go snacks throughout the day.
Spring cleaning of dishware, glasses, utensils and table linens can actually change the way we eat and help us be more mindful when serving and enjoying meals. Transitioning to smaller plates or bowls can encourage less generous portions and taking more time with our food. Elegantly presented servings can inspire slower eating and more enjoyment through all 5 of our senses. Uncluttered surfaces, fresh colored napkins, place mats or table linens can all contribute to the kitchen environment which has proven positive effects on our choices, our quantities and the manner in which we eat. Try switching from your ordinary plates to observe how it feels, and maybe even tastes, different. Notice how eating becomes less mindless and more interesting when you change things up a bit.
Place #2: The Wardrobe
The way we dress can have a huge impact on how we feel and behave. Our clothing choices change not only throughout the seasons, but all through our lives. Did you know that memories or emotions attached to our clothes can evoke good or bad feelings when we wear them?
Set an intention of how you want to “feel” in your clothes. Comfortable? Youthful? Powerful? Cool? (that’s my latest) Go through your wardrobe to weed out any items that no longer “feel” good and match those intentions. For example: Workout clothes – do they inspire you to workout often and comfortably? Work clothes – do they give you the confidence and self-esteem you need to perform optimally? Pajamas – are they comfortable enough so that you can get a good night’s sleep? Try to notice any symbolic meanings that you associate with particular clothes and if that meaning no longer matches your intention – OUT! Rethinking your clothes aligned with your intention can help you move more, boost your mood and confidence, sleep better and ultimately feel better every day!
April showers bring May flowers! Take a rainy day or weekend to focus your spring-cleaning on your Kitchen and Wardrobe. The focus itself will not only help clear mind, body and spirit but support your spring well-being intentions too! Still wondering where to begin? Reach out for your cost-free discovery session with me anytime! Happy Spring!
