Spring is the perfect time to refresh your mind 🌸🧘‍♀️

1. This time of year is synonymous with tidying up and clearing out. We know the steps to clean up our physical spaces and how to (with Marie Kondo’s guidance) purge what doesn’t “bring us joy”. But are we capable of decluttering our minds? Can we efficiently clear away the heaped-up collections from our mental spaces to make room for fresher ideas and feelings? Here are a few ways to accomplish a good spring cleaning of your brain 🧠:

UNPACK the old notions that crowd out new ideas. Make sure you don’t get stuck on established concepts to the extent that it leaves no room for novel innovation and fresh perceptions.

THROW OUT what no longer fits. Holding onto age-old grudges or negative feelings won’t move you forward. Letting go of the past allows you to grow emotionally and make new memories.  

DUST OFF old hobbies. Whether you used to crochet or sing or ride a bike, rediscovering an activity that brought you joy will unlock all kinds of warm fuzzy feelings and fond memories.  

ORGANIZE your intentions. Whether it’s a vision board or a journal entry, take the chaotic thoughts and neaten them into categories for easy access. Those hopeful plans you made to meal-prep, take a walk after dinner, alphabetize your desk files, or sort out your sock drawer are more likely to come to fruition if they’re part of an organized, written blueprint.

SCRUB your digital space. Whether it’s a vision board or a journal entry, take the chaotic thoughts and neaten them into categories for easy access. Those hopeful plans you made to meal-prep, take a walk after dinner, alphabetize your desk files, or sort out your sock drawer are more likely to come to fruition if they’re part of an organized, written blueprint.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home or office. Take advantage of this season of budding promise for a fresh start mentally by ridding your mind of toxic resentments, bad habits, and imagined limitations.  🌿🌀

Written by Dr. Carly Wilbur, UH Pediatrician and PSI Medical Director.