Hello Everyone,
Did you ever wonder where spring cleaning originated from?
While there are some mixed opinions, according to Wikipedia, the Persian and Jewish cultures both have traditions from which spring cleaning is thought to come.
This involves sweeping away unwanted items in the home before a period of religious significance. They take place around the same time of year, which happens to be around springtime.
Spring is also a period of awakening in nature and the start of longer hours of daylight. This in turn leads to a renewed sense of hope and energy in people, and feels like a new beginning in many ways.
If you are someone who likes to "Spring Clean", whether it's cleaning out your closets, your pantry, letting go of old habits, or something else, I invite you to take inventory of what no longer serves you so you can invite in positive change.
Here are some ways to consider giving yourself a “Spring Cleaning.”
Spring Clean your Body and Mind
Declutter old habits and rejuvenate positive endeavors!
Whether it's managing stress or unresolved emotions holding you back from achieving your goals, you can begin by:
1) Practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises: reflecting and being aware of thoughts and feelings allows you to be better prepared to handle life stressors.
2) Journaling: writing down your thoughts and feelings helps bring awareness of thoughts. Putting things down on paper can help put things into perspective or even change your way of thinking about them.
3) Taking a walk or an exercise routine outside and connecting with nature: helps to boost mood, energy and improve overall health.
It's also a perfect time to check out a new class or try a new hobby.
Spring Clean your Pantry
Is your refrigerator and pantry set up for success? Go through both and start to toss anything with expired dates or with more than 5 ingredients on the label. Make sure you can pronounce all those ingredients too :)
Replace with fresh, seasonal produce, frozen veggies with no added fats or oils, whole grains, canned and fresh wild caught fish, organic and grass-fed meats, raw nuts and healthy fats.
Swap your Produce
Instead of avoiding or eliminating anything in your eating plan, simply start adding more fresh spring foods into your meals. By doing so, you will gradually crowd out the unhealthier foods you've been eating.
Check out all the new produce available at your local farmers market or grocery store. Some things to look for are asparagus, artichokes, apricots, strawberries and radish. Remember the more variety and color, the more vitamins, minerals, fiber and nutrients!
To your health & happiness,
xoxo
Amy