8 simple ways to spring-clean every part of your life
Feel like your life could do with a spruce-up? Try these expert-approved ways to spring-clean the important aspects of your health and wellbeing.
Spring is the perfect time for renewal and transformation – if you need proof, just look at your garden, where dormant plants have begun to grow and bloom.
So how could you spring clean your life to make room for a new and improved you?
Our experts share their suggestions on how to start fresh this season.
Revamp your career
Business coach and entrepreneur Tory Archbold says the first step is to ask yourself whether you’re happy when you get out of bed each morning.
“If not, you need to question what’s actually going on in your life and what’s holding you back,” Tory, of Powerful Steps, says.
She suggests considering whether you really want to be in the same place next year.
“If it’s a toxic work culture, find another role that has better energy, values and people,” Tory says.
Or, if you feel you’re not being recognised in your current role, consider what you could do to become more visible and valuable so that others start advocating for your promotion or pay rise.
Reassess your relationships
Tory says becoming attached to negative people and their negative energy can drag us down.
“You cannot solve other people’s problems if they don’t want to solve them themselves,” Tory explains.
She recommends stepping away from anyone who negatively impacts your mental health so you can create space for new, positive people to enter your life.
- Take a break: 5 ways to call time on a toxic friendship
Refresh your social circle
Tory says it’s common for people to feel “stale” at this time of year.
She suggests boldly going outside of your comfort zone, and not being too fazed by others’ opinions.
Where to start?
“I find having a coffee date with people outside of my industry inspirational – it gives you a ‘break’ from the typical conversations you may have throughout your year and allows you to think differently,” Tory says.
Clear out technology
For an easy productivity boost, make it a regular habit to unsubscribe from marketing emails, texts and notifications, Livelong Digital founder Prosper Taruvinga says.
“Start with email – if you’re subscribed to a blast of emails and don’t have a compelling reason to open and read pretty much every email, then unsubscribe,” Prosper advises.
He suggests culling such emails every quarter, using tools like Unroll.Me or Leave Me Alone.
- Social media: How to make it work for your wellbeing
Tidy up your wardrobe
We all know the conundrum – you’ve got a cupboard full of clothes but seemingly nothing to wear.
Stylist Imogen Lamport says most people wear 20 per cent of their clothes 80 per cent of the time, so spring-cleaning your closet can help boost your confidence and style.
“Weeding out what is no longer ‘you’, what is not working, and what no longer fits will help you become more stylish, and make it faster and easier to see what you have,” Imogen, of Bespoke Image, explains.
Be ruthless – remove any items you no longer wear, as well as those pieces of clothing that are raggedy.
Next, organise your wardrobe by garment style (for example, pants, tops, jackets) and colours so it’s easier to create outfits.
- Look your best: Expert tips to get out of a style rut
Clean out your kitchen
It’s tricky to plan and prepare nutritious meals if your kitchen is a shemozzle!
Behaviour scientist and dietitian Dr Kirsty Seward recommends undertaking a “kitchen cleanse” of your pantry, fridge and freezer by following these steps:
- Take everything out, do a stocktake and wipe down shelves.
- Check expiry dates – discard spoiled items, and donate anything you don’t need that can still be used.
- Group ingredients together, such as pasta with rice, or flour with baking powder.
- Place items back in the pantry, fridge or freezer, with the most frequently used items to the front.
- After each shop, set aside time to organise the new items.
Put yourself first
As we approach the silly season, life can get more than a little hectic, so Tory recommends scheduling some non-negotiable “me time” throughout this period.
“(Christmas and New Year) is about being social, but it’s also about realigning your energy so you don’t start off the new year feeling burnt out because you didn’t give back to yourself,” Tory says.
- Self-care counts: Why we need time for ourselves
Make time for joy
Organisation expert Bridget Johns recommends using your calendar not just for work, but to schedule some fun, too.
For instance, you could make a monthly appointment for “family fun time”.
“It could be taking the dinner you’d planned to eat to the playground, playing a board game, or having pancakes and ice-cream on a school morning,” Bridget, of Be Simply Free, suggests.
October 10 is World Mental Health Day 2022.
Written by Larissa Ham.
