April Showers Bring May Flowers
We’ve all heard of the term “April showers bring May flowers,” or “The grass is greener where you water it.” Both terms ring true in all facets of our lives, including our mental health. In preparation for May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve put together a little spring-cleaning checklist for you to tackle this April. Let’s take some time to water our own minds and wash away the mental dirt we tend to accrue throughout the year. Pick one or more from the ideas below to focus your energy on this month and watch your mental wellbeing flourish!
Declutter:
Toxic relationships: Time to let go of or create boundaries with the relationships that no longer serve you. This could be friends that continually bring you down or people you follow on social media. Reflect on the relationships that bring you joy and positivity and pour your time, energy, and love into them.
One bad habit: This can be as simple as not looking at your phone first thing in the morning to something big that you’ve been eager to change, such as giving up that daily soda or weekly fast-food run.
Negative talk: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all – this goes for useless gossip about others as well as negative self-talk. Let’s work on elevating each other and ourselves.
Physical space: Physical clutter, for many, can leech brain power, creativity, and energy. Take some time to clean up and clear out your physical spaces, such as your office, closets, or car. Take note how you feel once you tidy up a space. We’re betting it will make you feel like you can officially lean back and relax.
Digital space: Just as physical clutter can leech brain power, creativity, and energy, so can a cluttered digital space. Take some time to clear out and clean up your inbox, text messages, social media accounts, and apps. Maybe even commit to spending a little less time on your devices each day!
Recharge:
Gratitude: Challenge yourself to note 3 things you are grateful for each time you brush your teeth this month. Reflecting on things you are grateful for, even the simplest things, can bring so much joy and positivity and completely shift your outlook.
Physical health: The more you move, the better you feel, especially if it includes a little sunshine. With spring officially here and the sun making an appearance more often, challenge yourself to go for a stroll outside for 10 minutes at least 10 times this month. If you’ve got a furry friend to bring with you, even better!
Hobbies: We know this one is not always easy because we are often so short on time. But finding time to step away and do something you truly enjoy can completely change your mindset. Pick up your golf clubs, head to the pottery studio, or go shopping in a nearby town at least one time this month. Your soul will thank you.
Mindfulness: This is probably the toughest task on the list, but let’s make it easy. Pick something that you routinely do each day and try to mentally focus on that routine, rather than mindlessly getting through it. For example, when you make your morning coffee…stop and listen to the beans hit the grinder. When you pour your coffee into your cup… breath in and smell the aroma. When you take your first sip, focus on the flavor and joy that it brings you. Try it once, if you love it, focus on making this your mindfulness moment each morning.
As Buddha states, “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
Cheers to a happy, healthy, and refreshing spring ahead!
