Before you dive into the next round of spring-cleaning the house, focus on yourself for a minute. You deserve a little attention too.
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It’s easy to focus on your home, work or loved ones and neglect the very important person who helps hold everything together. Looking after yourself should not be a guilty pleasure, after-all if you’re in tip-top shape then you’ll be able to tackle what life throws at you much more effectively. Spring is a good time to take stock and prepare yourself for the year ahead.

Rejuvenating your body and soul needn’t be a big or time-consuming thing. To get started you can take on as little or as much as you prefer. Just being aware of what you can do, can help put you on the road to a brighter you.

START WITH THE HEAD
WHAT IS ON YOUR MIND?
Firstly, consider what’s taking up your thoughts. If it’s always unfinished work or unfulfilled wishes or regrets, then some positive replacements will leave you feeling energised. New thoughts and enthusiasm could take root if you start a hobby that challenges the brain or allows you to explore your creative side. Painting, writing, sewing, learning another language or a practical hands-on skill, for example, can inspire you and give you something positive to focus your energy on.  

CHANGE OF SCENE
Take yourself somewhere new. A change of scene is refreshing and rejuvenating because your eyes are seeing something different for the very first time, which means your mindset may need to adapt and open up. It’s your choice where you go and for how long; a simple day-trip might do the trick.

STOP BEING ‘ON-CALL’ 24/7
Making your life less stressful can be as simple as turning off your mobile phone for as little or as long as you wish. Callers can leave messages and you can get back to them when you’re ready. If you want a long break, you can leave a message stating that you will be unavailable until a certain date so the caller knows they will not hear from you for a while. The same goes for emails. To always be ‘on call’ – where you’re expected to answer immediately and act accordingly – can be demanding and stressful, leaving you a slave to technology.

LET IT GO
Holding on to past regrets and guilt is not doing you or anyone else any good. If you want to make some changes, take action so you can move on and have a clear conscience. Guilt can be tortuous if it isn’t made positive and used as a motivator.

Another feeling that can drag you down is resentment. If you can’t change or control a situation that you want to act on, it can be very stressful. Try to trust that life will work out in the end, even if you can’t get everything you may wish for.

BE NICE TO YOURSELF
We can be our own worst critics, thinking and saying negative things to ourselves. Being overly critical all the time may make you eventually believe in all your supposed faults. Instead, support and encourage yourself so you’ll notice the good that you do. Watch out for words you find inspiring and use them. Soon you may just find yourself becoming the person you always wanted to be.




TIME BY YOURSELF
You may love your partner or family dearly, but don’t forget you are a fully functioning separate unit. Just walking down the beach alone, gathering your thoughts (or freeing yourself from them), can make you more at peace. Having company doesn’t allow you the same focus. You are also allowed time away from home to pursue your own interests.

DONT FORGET THE BODY
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL


You may not expect to be the fairest of them all, but if you are feeling worn out and tired, you are likely to not be looking your best either. Sprucing up your own image can build confidence, so if it’s been a while since you had a haircut, make an appointment. If you can’t remember the last time you bought clothes that made you feel smarter and sexier, act now. If you feel proud of yourself the next time you wander past a mirror, then you’ve done yourself some good.

GET THOSE BONES MOVING
Most of us have heard the message a zillion times – exercise is good for you. And it’s also fun – just try going to a dance class if you want proof. Exercise helps the body and mind function more effectively, and can even help you think through ways of fixing problems. The act of pushing all that blood through the body often simplifies and adds clarity to what is normally complicated. The beauty of exercise is that you can do it alone or with others. Joining a sports club can also be a great way to make new friends.


JUST A WALK WILL DO
It’s no wonder people describe a walk as a good way to clear out the ‘cobwebs’. Walks, and other outdoor activities, can both relax and invigorate you. It’s certainly not a waste of time as this renewed energy can be used to help you get through your paid work and unpaid ‘at home’ work.

EAT BETTER
Yes, we’ve heard this before: you are what you eat. Junk food slows you down and causes problems in the long run. Home-cooked meals and a balanced diet will sustain your body for longer periods and ultimately make you feel healthier in every way. You’ll probably feel more satisfied after eating too… ever noticed that you often still feel hungry after eating junk food?

TOP UP YOUR VITAMIN INTAKE
Despite your best efforts, sometimes the body needs more of certain vitamins or minerals. That’s where supplements come in. You could focus on specifics such as vitamin B, or go for a multivitamin with overall support for good health. Your pharmacist or doctor can advise you.

It may not be an ideal time for your personal spring-clean, but there’s a chance it will never be the perfect time. It may be necessary to look at your days and see what doesn’t bring you joy; are there things you can cut out of your life completely? Simply placing some attention on your own needs can make your life much more rewarding. The world’s a rosier place when you have more spring in your step.


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