It’s been a long rough winter. Between the record snowfall and the polar vortex, it seems like spring will never come. March likes to tease us with the occasional warm day, only to rip the rug right out from under our feet with more snow and cold. We’re tired, we’re cold, and we are sick of scraping ice off of our windshields.
So what can we do to help shake off the dust of winter when it’s still too cold to enjoy the outdoors?
Here’s my answer: Spring cleaning! While there are some aspects of spring cleaning that are better in the warmer weather, there are things that can be done now to help clear up that gloomy winter state of mind.
Number 1: Clean out the cupboards and fridge! Get rid of any of that unhealthy food that you’ve been saving for a rainy day. Make room in your cupboards and your life for healthier choices and new things. Go the store and find those vegetables you’ve always been meaning to try and stock up with those instead!
Number 2: Clean out your closet! The end of a season is the best time to get rid of clothes. Clear out any winter outfits you didn’t wear, and take stock of your spring wardrobe. While it will still be awhile before you wear them, now is the perfect time to see if those clothes still fit, and if they don’t, you still have time to make changes. Also, don’t hesitate to do a little shopping, spring clothing lines start at the end of February so there are lots of new choices. After clearing your closet and figuring out what you may need for the summer, re-stock with your dream outfits to help you re-vamp your motivation after the long winter.
Number 3: Clean out your mind. We’ve talked a lot on this blog about self care and how it effects your mental health. With winter dragging on, take some time to think of the things in your life that are no longer serving you. The weather is already bringing you down, so don’t let other stresses do the same. Are there friends in your life who don’t support you? Do you have habits that cause you anxiety? Are you worrying about things you can’t control? We all have these things, sometimes making a list and making an effort to reduce their influence over your life can help you make great strides toward happiness and health.
Take time during this last long winter month to do all of these things, and once you have, feed your spirit by donating the extra food and old clothes to someone who needs them.
FOOD:
CLOTHES: