How to Spring Clean Your Life and Get Back to the Real You

We’re constantly being pulled in so many directions that trying to keep up with all of our obligations and responsibilities can result in overwhelm, stress, and poor mental health. There comes a time where we should reevaluate aspects of our lives to ensure we’re doing what’s best for ourselves, our family, and our future. Finding your true and authentic self should be the goal we all strive toward, but most times we get caught up in the noise of the world around us. It’s time to stop all of that and take action. The following tips and resources will help you spring clean your life and restore your body, mind, and soul

Reevaluate the relationships in your life

No one wants to be around a toxic person or emotional vampire. You know the type, someone whose energy drains you the minute you see them or begin speaking to them. Some people are just like that but avoiding negative personalities and those who cause us to feel poorly about ourselves is a top way to spring clean your life and remove influences that don’t serve you well. Surrounding yourself with people you admire. Those who are doing the things you want to accomplish in your life can help you add a positive spin to your own life. 

Spring clean your life by paying attention to your body

Your physical health is just as important as your mental health so when you take the time to spring clean your life, be sure to take into account your body. Getting out and moving more is imperative to a healthier you. Be sure to also eat healthy foods regularly.  You get back what you put in, so cutting back on processed foods, eating more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats will get you on the right track to looking and feeling your best.

Simply eating right and exercising is only the first step. As we age, there are certain diagnostic tests, screenings, and evaluations we should have performed. If you have any risk factors for any illnesses or diseases or there are hereditary issues to consider, be sure to stay on top of your screenings.

You’ve only got one shot at this thing, so staying in optimal health, fueling your body with foods that are healthful, and getting out in the fresh air and moving regularly will go far toward helping you live a better, longer, and more fulfilling life. 

Realize that it’s OK to say No!

Chances are, as an adult, you take on far too much. It’s easy to get caught up in people-pleasing. You may even just feel a sense of purpose or belonging in simply being there for people when they need you. Recognizing that you do have limits is important. You shouldn’t feel guilted into doing things for other people. It’s ok to say no, and reclaim your time, like Maxine Walters. Taking a step back to focus on what is important to you is the fastest way to living a life of authenticity.

This is not to say that we’re going to be selfish moving forward; that’s not what this is about. What it does mean, is being more selective in how we choose to spend our time and who we let into our lives. Saying no shouldn’t come with a stigma and you should not be made to feel guilty for asserting your decision. Taking on too much and doing for everyone but themselves, is a leading reason why Black women, in particular, are suffering from debilitating health issues and chronic illness.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, after all, we’re helpers, but saying no to someone not only lets you off the hook but also shows the other person that they actually can solve their own problems. This is especially true of mothers who feel obligated to shield their teen and adult children from the consequences of their actions. Help if you can, but not at the expense of your physical or emotional well-being.

Spring clean your life on social media

It can be easy to get caught up in the online world where a picture-perfect curated Instagram account or Facebook photo album. Posted photos seem to indicate that everyone is having more fun than you are, doing better things and just being more amazing than you are, all around. One of the easiest ways to spiral into depression and anxiety is through the ‘fear of missing out’ factor, which is prevalent on social media.

Experts advise limiting your time spent on social media where the people highlight only the best parts of their lives. What you see on the internet is not a true representation of the lives most people are living. Taking time to log off will do wonders for your emotions and is an ideal way to spring clean your life if you find yourself playing the comparison game. Spending time with friends, out in nature or at home with family, or just journaling and being comfortable with where you are in your life, right now, will help you to recognize what truly matters and what is most important in life. 

When things in our lives don’t add up or we feel we’ve strayed from our goals, our purpose, and even our sense of self, it’s time to start removing things that don’t serve. Just as a cluttered home causes anxiety and overwhelm, a cluttered life can lead us to feel stunted and unable to move forward. When you spring clean your life you remove what isn’t working to make way for what will truly serve you.