By Clarena Tobon
Ah, spring. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and pollen is making us regret going outside. But it’s also the season of fresh starts and the perfect time to tackle some spring cleaning — not just for your home, but for your mind. While you’re dusting off shelves and tossing out expired condiments, why not clear out the mental clutter that’s been piling up over the past few months?
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Stress doesn’t need a long-term lease in your life, and a little mental “decluttering” can help you find clarity, focus, and maybe even a little more joy. So grab a metaphorical broom and let’s tidy up the attic of your mind.
Journaling: The brain’s junk drawer
You know that drawer in your kitchen where random stuff goes — rubber bands, mystery keys, maybe even an old battery? Your brain has one too, and journaling is the perfect way to sort through it. Writing things down can help you process thoughts, organize priorities, and let go of worries that don’t serve you.
Not a writer? No problem. Start simple: Jot down what’s on your mind or list three things you’re grateful for. Feeling overwhelmed? Try a “brain dump” where you spill everything onto the page — no judgment, no filter.
Setting boundaries: The mental do-not-disturb sign
Learn to say, “No.” Block off time for yourself, whether it’s 15 minutes to sip coffee in peace or a whole evening for a Netflix binge. Politely let others know your limits. For example, simply stating, “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity right now,” can work wonders. Boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re essential for mental spring cleaning.
Simplify your routines: less is more
Let’s face it: Life can feel like an overstuffed closet. Between work, family, and those New Year’s resolutions you’re pretending to keep, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Simplifying your routines can make daily life feel less chaotic and more manageable.
Start your day with a small, intentional ritual — stretching, drinking a glass of water, or taking three deep breaths. Streamline your to-do list by focusing on the top three tasks and letting the rest wait. Evaluate your commitments: Do they bring value, or are you doing them out of habit or obligation?
By cutting out the unnecessary, you make space for what truly matters.
Refresh your perspective
Spring is about renewal, so why not refresh how you look at life? Sometimes, all it takes is a small shift in perspective to feel re-energized.
Take a walk in nature and notice the little things: blooming flowers, the warmth of the sun, or even birds squawking at each other. Try something new: a hobby,
a recipe, or even a different route to work. Novelty shakes up your routine and helps you see things differently. Revisit a goal or dream you’ve put on the back burner. Spring is a great time to dust it off and give it another shot.
Let it go: the Elsa approach
We all carry around stuff we don’t need — old grudges, unrealistic expectations, or the idea that we need to have it all together 24/7. Here’s the thing: You don’t. Letting go of what doesn’t serve you is like opening the windows and letting in fresh air.
Reflect on what’s weighing you down. Ask yourself, “Is this helping me, or just taking up space?” Practice self-forgiveness. You’re human; mistakes are part of the deal. Remember, it’s okay to let go of things that no longer fit who you are or where you’re headed. As Elsa famously said in Disney’s animated film “Frozen,” “Let it go.”
Spring into mental clarity
Spring cleaning your mind isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating space for peace and joy. Whether you’re journaling your worries away, setting boundaries like a pro, or simplifying your life one step at a time, every little effort adds up.
This season, take a moment to pause, breathe, and let go of what’s been cluttering your mental space. After all, a clear mind is like a sunny spring day: refreshing, energizing, and full of possibility. So, open the windows, let the breeze in, and start sweeping out that mental clutter. You’ll thank yourself later.
CLARENA TOBON is the executive director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Texas. She can be reached at clarena@namicentraltx.org.
