Time for Spring Cleaning

Though the weather hasn’t quite caught up, we’ve sprung our clocks forward and dusted off our pastel clothes. Spring is officially here. As the days become a bit longer, our energy starts to wake from it’s dreary hibernation and it’s time to implement some spring cleaning.

If you get to the clutter at home, that’s fantastic, but I’d like to concentrate on spring cleaning as it applies to our business and work lives. This is a great time to take a look at some of things that are bogging you down: perhaps you’re spreading yourself thin with too many commitments; maybe you haven’t been able to spend time on the hobbies or activities which help to relax you; perhaps you’re feeling guilty about the attention you’ve been paying your family. It’s time to take a look at what you can get rid of in order to make your life a little simpler and a lot more enjoyable.

 

As women, we tend to have an inherent need to do it all and do it all better than anyone else. But what does that really accomplish? If it’s taking precious time away from kids, partners, or ourselves, it’s time to let it go. And while family is incredibly important, let’s take a few more minutes to focus on ourselves.

First, review your major career and personal goals. Then take a look at your schedule for the week. Which appointments actually contribute to your goals and which have you taken on from feeling a sense of obligation? Now practice using the word no and the eraser end of your pencil. Clean that calendar up and use the free space for things which bring you joy.

Spring is a great time to get out and get moving. Exercise and a little sun-inspired vitamin D can do wonders for our temperaments, energy levels and overall mood. In fact, studies show that those with regular exercise routines are generally happier and get more done. Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you need to bust your hump at the gym, it just means you need some regular activity. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes a day. Try going for a stroll on your lunch break (what activity can you let go in order to actually take a lunch break?), or get out in the yard after work and get that garden ready to flourish over the summer.

This time of year is ideal for readjusting and refocusing. By adding more balance to our lives, we can step back and breath in the fresh spring air. So get some clarity and start your spring cleaning today.