Do you remember when you were a kid, and spring cleaning was a full-blown event?
Your mom or grandma would throw open the windows, air out the house, and scrub everything that wasn’t nailed down. Bed covers were washed, carpets were beaten, and if you may have ended up polishing the silver (who even has silver anymore?).
Fast forward to today, and we’ve traded in our feather dusters for the trendier term: decluttering. Maybe you’ve already caught the bug—eyeing that closet full of clothes you never wear, tossing out expired pantry items, or even changing the furnace filter. But while you’re busy sprucing up your space, have you considered doing a little spring cleaning for your mind?
That’s right. Just like your home, your brain could use a little tidying up. Over the years, we accumulate a surprising amount of mental clutter—limiting beliefs, outdated worries, and self-doubt that no longer serve us. When was the last time you cleaned house up there?
Here are five steps to help you shake out the mental cobwebs and make room for fresh, empowering thoughts. Inspired by an article from the Newport Institute, here’s how to get started:
1. Unpack Your Thoughts
You know that voice in your head that tells you you’re too old to try something new? Or that you’re not good enough to chase a dream? That voice needs a serious reality check. Start by listening to what you’re telling yourself daily. If it helps, write it down — because once you see those thoughts on paper, you might realize how ridiculous some of them actually sound. (“I can’t wear bright colors at my age”—says who?)
2. Toss Out What No Longer Serves You
Would you keep a pair of uncomfortable, too-small shoes just because you spent money on them? (Okay, maybe for a while, but eventually, they go.) Negative thoughts work the same way. The more you recognize them, the easier it becomes to challenge and replace them with something better. Next time you catch yourself thinking, “I’m too old to start a new hobby,” counter it with, “I’ve never been this wise and experienced before—perfect time to start!”
3. Scrub Your Digital Life
We all know we should declutter our inboxes and delete those embarrassing old emails from 2012, but what about the stuff we consume every day? Take a hard look at your media diet. Is your news feed full of negativity? Are you scrolling through social media and feeling worse afterward? If so, take a break! Curate your digital space so it uplifts, inspires, and maybe even makes you laugh (cat videos?!).
4. Dust Off Old Habits
Remember that thing you used to love doing before life got in the way? Maybe it was daily walks, journaling, or painting. It’s time to resurrect an old habit that brought you joy. This isn’t about productivity—it’s about reconnecting with things that make you happy. Even if it’s just turning on your favorite song and dancing in the kitchen, bring back something that makes you feel like you again.
5. Plant Some Seeds
Now that you’ve cleared the mental clutter, it’s time to make space for something new. Always wanted to try meditation? Go for it—it’ll help keep those negative thoughts in check. Have a skill you’ve been curious about? Now’s the time! Whether it’s learning a new language, trying your hand at gardening, or signing up for that dance class, the best way to keep your mind fresh is to keep growing.
Conclusion: A Fresh Start for Your Mind
Spring is a season of renewal, so why not make it a fresh start for your mind as well? Just like you wouldn’t let dust pile up in your living room, don’t let outdated beliefs take up space in your head. Clean them out, replace them with empowering thoughts, and step into the season feeling lighter, freer, and ready for whatever’s next.
Newport Institute Article https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/empowering-young-adults/spring-clean-your-mind/
