Spring Clean Your Life in 5 Steps

Spring is here, which means longer days and warmer temperatures. But springtime is not just great because it means we can finally put away our winter clothes. It also provides us with an opportunity to get a fresh start. So if you have been waiting to make a change in your life, there is no time like the present. Get ready to say goodbye to everything that has been holding you back and embrace new beginnings with these simple steps.

## Say Goodbye to Toxic People ##

Letting go of friends or family is never easy, but it is often what is best for you. Take an honest look at those around you and ask yourself whether those in your circle are impacting your life in a positive or negative way. Consider parting ways with anyone who:

– You don’t genuinely enjoy spending time with
– Brings unnecessary drama into your life
– Is overly negative
– Makes you feel bad about yourself
– [Does not support your new, healthy lifestyle](https://www.mountainside.com/blog/recovery/life-after-residential-addiction-treatment)
– Takes but never gives
– Is not honest with you

Know that saying goodbye does not mean you are selfish, it simply means you are making your wellbeing a priority. While having a large social circle may have its appeal, surrounding yourself with an intimate group of good people (who share your values and genuinely care for you) is much more rewarding.

## Declutter Your Environment

To truly spring clean your life, you must declutter your environment. That includes your home, your office, your car, and even your e-mail. The state of your environment deeply impacts how you feel, so if your home is cluttered, your mind will be cluttered – which could cause you anxiety, impact your sleep, and even affect your physical health.

Tackle cleaning one step at a time or you will overwhelm yourself. Start by setting aside an hour a day to address an area in your home. Believe it or not, getting rid of things you don’t need will leave you feeling as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

## Prioritize Your Health

You know the saying “new year, new me”? Well, you don’t have to wait until next year to make a positive change in your life. Take this new season as the perfect catalyst for you to refocus on your wellbeing and make your physical, emotional, and spiritual health your number one priority.

– **Eat Healthier:** Nutrition plays a major role in how you feel, so be sure to pay attention to what and how much you are eating. A [well-balanced diet](https://www.mountainside.com/blog/healthy-living/managing-a-healthy-diet-and-a-busy-life) can make all the difference in your recovery and your life.

– **Stay Ative:** There are countless benefits to exercise: from improving mood and reducing stress to protecting you against many chronic diseases. But if you’re one of the many people who dread going to the gym or running around their neighborhood, working out can be a challenge. The good news is that there many ways to stay active that don’t include spending hours on the treadmill, such as: gardening, taking your dog for a walk, or going dancing. All you have to do is the activity that is right for you.

– **See a Doctor:** Don’t wait until you are in excruciating pain or being rushed off to the emergency room to see a doctor. If you are having constant headaches, suffering from back pain, having digestive problems, or any other medical issue: go get it checked out. Preventative care is also important, which is why you should schedule regular check-ups with your doctor. You only have one body, so take care of it.

## Get Organized

Does it ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? If so, creating a schedule for yourself can help. Writing down everything you need to do will not only help you prioritize, but it will also help you realize what you can change to make your life easier. Do you waste time every morning trying to find something to wear?

Organizing your closet and creating a laundry schedule you can stick to can help. Are you skipping meals because you are too busy to cook during the day? Make Sundays your dedicated meal-planning day.

## Take the Leap

Change can often be scary, and that fear can hold you back from going after what you really want. But stepping outside of your comfort zone is an important part of recovery – and necessary for personal growth. So, think about what it is that you want and go after it. Do you want to change careers? Go back to school? Buy a home? [Visit another country](https://www.mountainside.com/blog/recovery/how-to-have-the-sober-getaway-of-your-dreams)? Decide what your goal is and start taking steps towards making them a reality. It might not be easy but know that you are your biggest obstacle. So, stop getting in your own way and start living your life to the fullest.