As winter fades away, and the clocks are moved an hour forward, many people choose to tackle the growing piles of clothes, papers and unused holiday gifts that have accumulated in the past few cold, dark months. Spring is an automatic fresh start. Warmer weather calls for not just an environmental clean-up, but a mental one too. Here’s how to clear your mind for the upcoming season:
- Organize your physical space:
Decluttering your environment can help you stay focused and provide a comfortable area for studying or relaxing. Ms. Hannah Bocarsly, LACES’s Psychiatric Social Worker, agrees that having a clean space can brighten your mood.
“I really believe that when you’re in a clean space it means you’re taking care of yourself, and when you’re taking care of yourself, you feel better,” said Bocarsly.
LACES AP Psychology teacher has a similar view on the issue.
“I think having an organized environment that we can feel reflects who we are and fosters a sense of calm and relaxation is super important,”said Klimke.
- Establish a routine:
Creating a form of a routine will erase any doubt or anxiety, and will also allow for a more organized lifestyle. A routine makes life predictable, which fosters comfort and stability, supporting a clearer mind and better mental health. Ms. Bocarsly strongly advocates for this.
“Kids in particular really need routines. When you have a routine it’s so much easier to be productive. When you don’t have this routine, it’s really easy to procrastinate, and then you’re just going to be really overwhelmed,” said Bocarsly.
- Take some time to relax:
Allowing yourself some time for self-care and relaxation is also beneficial to your mental health. Set off a few hours a week to relax. Diaphragmatic breathing is a good way to calm your mind through a physical practice. This practice is simply breathing deeply while ensuring you feel it in your stomach. The 54321 method involves identifying five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. The Mindful Sight method simply requires you to pick a color and recognize as many things in a space that are that color. These methods assist with grounding and making sure you’re present.
- Make new goals:
Setting new goals can add onto the feeling of resetting as well. Taking time to ensure that your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-specific (SMART) will make them easier to achieve and feel like more of an accomplishment once you do. For example, rather than saying you want to get all A’s this semester, focus on one or two classes or even assignments to really prioritize, making the goal more attainable and realistic.
- Ensure you’re getting enough sleep:
It can sometimes be difficult to get a proper eight to ten hours of sleep when you have so much homework to be done, but if you can, try to get an extra hour or two in there. It can clear your mind, energizes you and is pure relaxation. As Ms. Klimke said, “sleep is the ultimate reset.”
So, this spring, make a few changes to your everyday life. Your mind and body are sure to thank you for it.
