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Depending on whether you see yourself more as a Monica or a Rachel, you’ll look forward to spring cleaning as a cathartic task that brings immense satisfaction… or you’ll be dreading the job.
For you Rachel’s out there, consider that spring cleaning could be about more than just tub scrubbing or wiping down the outsides of windows.
These four approaches reframe the spring cleaning process to incorporate mindfulness. This makes the entire tidying journey abundantly more fulfilling, impactful, and long-lasting.
Have lots of clothes, but nothing to wear?
The wardrobe staple you might be missing is… economics.
The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is essentially the idea that the majority (80%) of effects come from the minority (20%) of the causes.
It may describe a pattern with recipes you make, the value of the work you produce, and more likely than not, the clothes you wear.
If you consistently opt for the same pair of black pants and loose v-neck, it could be a sign you’re more comfortable in those cuts or colors. The more you identify and embrace those styles, the less time you’ll waste weeding through a wardrobe filled with clothing that’s not a fit.
Unless you've been living under a rock (or a pile of clutter) the past few years, you've likely heard the phrase "spark joy." Coined by Marie Kondo in her decluttering manifestoThe Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, it’s the notion that we should solely surround ourselves with items that bring us happiness.
But you don't need to go full-on Konvert to benefit from Kondo’s philosophy. You can tackle some tidying quickly by setting a timer for 10, 20, or 30 minutes, and then going through as much as you can.
Try out the “OHIO,” or “Only Handle It Once” tactic: Make quick, “keep-or-toss” judgments about each article of clothing. Then, place all vetoed items in a sealed box for six weeks or so. If you don’t miss (or even notice the lack of) any of the items you rejected, consider donating the box in its entirety ---without opening it.
Even more pressed for time?
Leo Barbuta from Zen Habits rounded up 18 decluttering exercises you can conquer in five minutes or less.
The point is to eliminate closet clutter to create more time for yourself. Easier outfit options mean less decision fatigue during hectic mornings --- and more time for fitting in a healthy breakfast, exercise regimen, or a brief meditation session.
Who knows? When done effectively, a wardrobe overhaul could be a spring cleaning sesh for your closet and your soul.
Photo by Alexa of LoveAlexa.ca
There are probably certain ingredients you avoid in food, drinks, and --- as we’ll address below --- even in cleaning supplies.
But what about your beauty products?
Your skin is technically your biggest organ --- and, accordingly, it absorbs like one. But the unfortunate truth is that85% of the more than 85,000 chemicals used in today’s marketplace have not been tested for long-term human health impacts.
That’s a lot of ingredients to research and decide whether exposing your skin is safe or not.
Thankfully, you don’t have to. We compiled a RED list of the most harmful product ingredients to avoid, as well as the top 21 ingredients that mother earth provides to nurture your skin.
Image from BrenDid
Ugh, cleaning. It’s such a chore. Right?
Well, actually, rethinking your approach to everyday necessities --- like washing the dishes, or cleaning the bathroom --- just might be the solution to making them enjoyable.
Melissa from Mindful Minutes recommends approaching each cleaning task as an opportunity to find meaning in the mundane. By focusing solely on the activity at hand (whether it’s sweeping, laundry, or wiping the countertops), you imbue it with meaning. This will hopefully help you to appreciate the opportunity, rather than dread it.
Ready to approach your cleaning with a fresh mindset? According to Greatist, these seven pantry and powder room staples are everything you need for toxin-free cleaning:
Photo by Lauren Hildebrand of thelaudown.com
Don’t forget to hit the reset button on your inner wellbeing, too. Now’s the ideal time to identify any activities that might be draining you, and replace them with healthier alternatives (self-care Sunday, anyone?).
Start by focusing on the positive. Psychology Today advises cultivating happiness with a three-dimensional approach of doing, thinking, and being.
“Doing” refers to highly engaging activities, such as hiking or socializing. These are activities that engage you and pull you into a state of beneficial flow.
“Thinking” is all about recognizing negative thoughts and stopping them in their tracks. It often stems from gratitude, and leads to a reinterpretation of events that allows us to see them optimistically.
“Being” is the fulfilling silence that we experience when “we stop striving to achieve things,” and instead, choose to be present in the current moment.
When you make a concentrated effort to put your health (both physicaland mental) first, everything else will follow.
This is a guest post from MakeSpace, an affordable, full-service alternative to self-storage that serves New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D. C., and Chicago.
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