Spring Cleaning—But for Your Mental Health!

By: Kate Naudin-Kehoe, MA, LPC

As much as I’d love to walk you through a list of what to clean and how to prepare your space for spring, that’s not what this post is about. (Though if you’re in the mood for a deep dive into closet organization or dusting tips, Google has plenty of impressive lists waiting for you!)

Instead, let’s talk about a different kind of spring cleaning—the kind that takes place in our minds, emotions, and daily routines. Spring is a season of renewal, a time to shake off the heaviness of winter and step into something lighter and fresher. Just as we declutter our homes, we can also declutter our thoughts, habits, and priorities to create space for a more fulfilling and intentional life.

Welcoming the New by Letting Go of the Old

Think about the habits, thought patterns, or routines that may no longer serve you. Are there any negative self-beliefs weighing you down? Any unhealthy routines that feel more draining than nourishing? Are you holding onto expectations for yourself that no longer align with who you are or where you want to be?

Spring is an invitation to refresh and reset—to explore new hobbies, return to old ones we’ve forgotten, create new routines, and optimize our free time in ways that actually benefit us. This doesn’t mean we need to make drastic changes overnight, but small shifts in mindset and behavior can lead to big transformations over time.

Decluttering Your Mind: Where to Begin?

If you’ve ever cleaned out a messy drawer, you know the process: First, you take everything out. Then, you sort through what to keep and what to let go of. Finally, you put things back in a way that feels organized and functional.

We can apply the same process to our mental and emotional well-being.

1. Set Your Intentions

Before making any changes, take a moment to reflect. What do you want and need from these next few months? What areas of your life feel cluttered or overwhelming? What aspects of your routine feel stagnant?

If these questions feel too big, start small. Try making a list:

• A short-term list of needs and goals

• A running to-do list to clear your mental space

• A long-term list of goals and timelines that feel achievable

The simple act of writing things down can bring clarity and help you focus on what truly matters.

2. Reevaluate & Adjust

Now that you have your list, take a look at it with a fresh perspective. Are your goals realistic? Do they feel meaningful and achievable? If you don’t meet them, will you allow yourself grace and flexibility?

If your goals feel too rigid or overwhelming, consider adjusting them in a way that feels more inviting rather than like an obligation. This isn’t a list of chores (unless, of course, you’re using this time to organize your space, in which case—check those chores off!). This is a list for YOU, designed to help you create a life that feels more aligned with your values and well-being.

3. Start Small, Stay Consistent

Big changes don’t have to happen overnight. The key to making lasting changes is consistency. Rather than overwhelming yourself with a long list of self-improvement projects, choose one or two areas to focus on and take small, manageable steps.

For example:

• If you want to prioritize self-care, commit to one small act each day, whether it’s a five-minute mindfulness exercise, a morning stretch, or setting aside time to read a book you love.

• If you want to break free from negative self-talk, start by identifying one limiting belief you hold about yourself and practice replacing it with a more compassionate statement.

• If you’re looking for a fresh start in your routine, experiment with a new habit for a week and see how it feels before adding another.

Making Space for Joy and Growth

Decluttering isn’t just about removing what no longer serves us—it’s also about making space for what nourishes us. As you clear away old patterns and habits, be intentional about what you’re replacing them with.

Consider asking yourself:

• What brings me joy?

• What makes me feel most like myself?

• What small moments of peace or happiness can I create in my day?

Spring is a season of possibility. It’s a chance to bloom in new ways, to nurture ourselves with kindness, and to embrace change with openness. Just as we refresh our physical space, let’s also refresh our mental and emotional space. Let’s step into this new season with a sense of lightness, clarity, and renewed energy.

So, what’s on your mental spring-cleaning list? 💛