Spring has sprung and we all know what that means: it’s time to start cleaning, decluttering, and resetting after a long winter. Have you been sweeping things under the rug or putting off cleaning those hard-to-reach corners of the kitchen? Well, this is your sign to get busy!
We’re just kidding, kind of. We are, in fact, concerned with what you’ve been sweeping under the rug, but we're talking about increasing stress levels, avoiding exercise, and giving in to negative self-talk, because today is all about self-care!
While many of us think of bubble baths and massages as acts of self-care, it actually involves much more than that. Self-care is about taking care of your physical, mental, and environmental health. This ensures your body and mind remain happy and active and you are well-equipped to achieve your goals!
We have put together a list of self-care tips to help you spring clean your life in 2022.
Overhaul Your Physical Health
Physical self-care includes how you fuel your body, how much sleep you get per night, and how much physical activity you do in a day.
When it comes to taking care of your health and well-being, sleep is almost always part of the answer. Forming a regular sleep schedule that allows for an adequate number of hours per night helps the brain function in times of high stress or emotional challenges.
A well-balanced diet also plays a major role in physical self-care. The food we eat supplies the nutrients our bodies need to work effectively. Without balanced nutrition, the body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and low performance.
Finally, to optimize your physical health, try to get your heart rate up for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Make it achievable: start with 10 minutes a day and work your way up. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve overall mood, and in turn, sharpen your focus. Bonus: they also help you get a good night’s sleep.
Organize Your Desk
Attempting to study or work while surrounded by clutter can be distracting and irritating. Organizing your desk or study space and clearing it of things that no longer serve you is a great way to get your creative juices flowing and reignite your passion for the task at hand.
Studies show that people who work or live amidst clutter are more likely to procrastinate. So, do yourself a favour; clean that desk and see your productivity levels rise!
Declutter Your Mind
Spring cleaning shouldn’t stop once the house is organized!
Taking the time to spring clean your mind by releasing any negative feelings, practicing gratitude, and silencing your inner critic can also be highly beneficial. How can you feel calm and focused if you’re carrying the weight of heavy, intrusive emotions around in your head?
Decluttering your mind can take many forms, from repeating mantras to journaling to meditating. Try including positive affirmations in your daily routine, so when that important college exam is looming or work is stressing you out, you are in a positive state of mind and can face the situation head-on.
Practicing self-compassion is also very important. Self-compassion involves talking to yourself the way you talk to the ones you love; with kindness and empathy. This will help to silence that inner critic telling you you’re “not enough”. This negative self-talk can hinder you greatly and prevent you from reaching your full potential.
These small acts can help to ease a restless mind, leaving more room for positive self-talk, forward-thinking, and productivity.
Less Screen Time, More Outdoor Time
After a long winter of being cooped up inside, your body is ready for fresh air and exercise. The sunshine on your face will help to clear your mind – a mind that has likely become over-saturated with screen time over the cold, dark winter months.
Studies show that being outdoors lowers levels of cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress. So, step away from technology and join the budding flowers and baby animals in starting anew by immersing yourself in nature and taking this time to focus on the simple things in life.
Set Goals for Yourself
Feeling like you’re adrift in the world, with no sense of direction? You’re not alone. Spring is generally considered the season of new beginnings, so there is no better time to reevaluate your path and create a roadmap for achieving your goals.
The process of setting goals helps you choose which direction you want your life to take. By knowing what you want to achieve, you understand which steps to take, and you’ll be able to spot the distractions that can lead you astray.
Maybe you dream of a new career and will need to attend college to get the training and knowledge employers are looking for. Have a look here for 6 Reasons to Go to College.
Life goals will look different from person to person, but clearly establishing them is the first step to achieving them! Our Career Advisors are available to help you identify your goals and passions and the program that will help you achieve them. Get in touch with us to start the conversation.
In Summary
All of the steps mentioned work in tandem with one another to help ensure you are at your peak performance when you show up for work, school, or other important life events. When you clean your life up, you have the space to create new and exciting opportunities for your future.
At Sundance College, we are dedicated to supporting our students and we understand the important role self-care plays in educational success. Visit our website to learn more about our campus culture and programs in Business, Health, Legal, and Technology to see if we’re the right fit for you.