Lifeline Connections

Spring Clean for Mental Health

For many people spring is a time to begin work in the garden and to spring clean the home. Meaning that curtains are washed, carpets are shampooed and planting begins. Spring is a time for regrowth and renewal.

But how do you spring clean for mental health?

Spring is a great time to get rid of the mental dust we accumulate in our minds and hearts. Decluttering negativity and drama from our lives and focusing more on positive things that make us happy, such as creative projects, can help start off the season refreshed. While you’re cleaning out cupboards, here is a list to help you spring clean for your mental health.

Things to remove

Toxic relationships and drama

When you are around people that only talk badly about others it can drain you. Other people’s negativity and need for drama exhausts our own emotional reservoirs. It may be hard to remove yourself from toxic friendships or those that make it feel like it’s always a one way street. But it’s never wrong for a relationship to no longer “fit” who you are as a person.

Unhealthy habits

Take the time to eliminate bad habits that are counterproductive to your well-being. This can be something as minor as eating poorly, to something as major as getting sober from a substance addiction. Just focus on one bad habit at a time, and take your time with it. Many behaviors take 30 days of consecutive action to fully become a habit. Stay positive and keep heart.

Negative talk

Remove gossip and constant complaining as much as possible. Although the need to vent on occasion can be good for stress reduction, too much only allows those feelings to bog down our mental health. Don’t be the toxic friend who is always negative.

Your physical space

There is an old saying; clean house, clear head. However there’s more wisdom to the old adage than it may seem. Things take up mental space. When we have a closet full of junk, we waste brain power on where to store things rather than on more important matters. Furthermore, more stuff means more things to take care of. The effort spent in repairing and cleaning takes up time and resources.

Add more items to help you rejuvenate

Healthy physical habits

The key to good mental health is good physical health. If you experience mental health disorder like depression, maintaining physical health can seem exhausting and impossible. However, despite how difficult it might feel, when you take care of your physical health it benefits your mental health. Small actions, such as taking a walk on a sunny day, drinking more water or eating less sugary foods and drinks all make a significant difference.

Gratitude

Focus on things that make you grateful. A good practice is to find three things each morning you’re grateful for and think about each one before you get out of bed. It could be your recovery journey, friends or family, or even just the great weather. Focus on gratitude to improve your mental health.

New projects

Do you have any hobbies you’d like to learn? Or do you want to do a project around the house? Indulge in your creative desires because it can do wonderful things for your well-being.

What if these aren’t enough?

Lifeline Connections commits to long-term mental wellness for our patients. We offer an integrated, holistic approach that includes therapy and case management. Our doctors specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. They work to solve ones that have a compounding effect. Contact us and reclaim your life.

Contact a doctor for a referral or find a therapist. They can work to design a custom plan for wellness.  Secure treatment is over the phone or computer with telehealth, providing coping skills for grief, loss, depression and anxiety. They will work with you one-on-one to get you feeling better.