Spring Cleaning Your Life: Eight Steps To The Ultimate Detox

Rain lashing against the window, wind whipping our umbrellas from us, sun out splitting the stones for a few seconds... we'll agree with you, it doesn't look like spring is here, but the calendar is telling us it is.

Tradition has us spring cleaning our homes, cleaning the dusty corners before the evening sun exposes them for what they are, filthy.

But this year, we're taking our spring clean a step further.

We're cleaning out our homes, minds, health, relationships, money issues, our lives basically.

Come join us...

1. Your Relationships

Many of us are mistaken in thinking quantity is more than quality when it comes to relationships. But if you are holding on to relationships that no longer make you feel good, the use-by date has passed. It might be time to let them go. Don't mistake this with just going through a rough patch with a friend.

If the relationship is worth resolving, sit down and talk about it or if that's too much, just send a text and casually organise a night out or a coffee. The relationships that are worth leaving go are the ones that have been bringing you down for a while, there's no resolution in sight and it might be time to focus on those people who make you happy instead.

If you're looking for a few dates you could treat a best friend too, check out these ideas. 

2. Your Mind

If you could describe yourself as one emotion, what would it be? Many of us harbour negative feelings but they can be detrimental to your happiness and, believe it or not, your health. Try and let go of any grudges you've been holding. If you're finding it difficult yoga or meditation can help with anxiety and stress.

A few wise words? Worrying won't change the future, but it can ruin the present.

3. Your Diet

Spruce it up, why not? Sometimes we can fall into a habit and eat the same little things day in and day out. Sticking to the same meals all the time can mean you're losing out on certain nutrients. Boost your inspiration for cooking and liven up your mealtimes with new interesting recipes. If you're a snackaholic (who isn't?), check out our healthy snacks for under 100 calories.

Yum... spaghetti. 

4. Your Home

Ugh, clutter. We tell ourselves clutter is a result of our creative minds, but really our house could just do with a good ol' clean out. Cleaning out the clutter in your house can do wonders for your mind too. Try and keep sentimentality out of it and throw away anything you have not used in the last few years, you'll be surprised at what you'll gather.

5. Your Wardrobe

Spring is the ultimate style transitional period. In other words, it's a mighty awkward time of the year to dress. The majority of us just rely on the age-old layering method, making sure we're fighting ready for anything the weather might throw at us and still looking stylish. But one thing is for sure, your wardrobe is harbouring quite a few items of clothing you're certain you will never, ever wear again and will never, ever make its way around on the style cycle again.

Call it a day's work but the feeling of relief you will have afterwards will be well worth it. For a few extra tips on how to streamline your closet, check out these few tips. 

 

This photo featured on our Facebook page this week... Good idea, no?

6. Your Social Life

How are you spending your time? Did you know your day is meant to be split into three slots of eight hours? One slot for sleeping, one for working and one for socialising. We know this doesn't happen in reality but it's interesting to note how much time you actually keep for yourself.

Think about what you did this week. See how you can maximise your hours, can you cut back on anything and make room for things you want to do? You know it's bad when the same book you were reading over the Christmas holidays is still sitting on your dresser...

Time to think about some time for yourself... 

7. Your Money

Spring cleaning your life means sorting out your finances. It might be something that you've been constantly putting off because you can't stand to see the results, but it will only get worse if you leave it. Bite the bullet and set yourself a new budget for the next few months. Cut down on anything you don't need to be splurging on. It's the little things that count. Cut your morning cappuccino down to twice a week, you'll enjoy it so much more too...

8. Your Fitness

Has "getting fit" been a New Year's Resolution for quite a few years now? And you took it up for Lent too? A lot of the time the idea of this massive fitness regime can put people off even starting it. Again, it's the little things that count. Walk to work, or get off the bus a few stops earlier, walk to the shops, take a jog in the evening or go for a swim on a Saturday morning. You'll soon see a difference...