Mind & Body Spring Cleaning: Letting Go of Stress & Overwhelm
Spring is a time of renewal—a chance to start fresh, clear out the old, and make space for new energy. While many of us focus on spring cleaning our homes, we often forget to do the same for our minds and bodies. Stress, negative emotions, and mental clutter build up over time, weighing us down. Just like we declutter our living spaces, we can also clear out stress and overwhelm to feel lighter, more present, and more energised. In this guide, we’ll explore simple yet effective ways to reset mentally and emotionally this spring.
The Importance of Emotional & Mental Detoxing
Winter can be a time of retreat and stillness, but it can also lead to feelings of heaviness and sluggishness—both emotionally and mentally. The stress, negative thoughts, and unresolved emotions we carry can impact our physical health, affecting our digestion, sleep, and energy levels.
Spring provides the perfect opportunity to shed the mental and emotional weight of the past few months and step into a season of lightness, growth, and renewal.
Signs you may need an emotional detox:
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or easily irritated
Struggling with low energy despite getting enough rest
Difficulty focusing or feeling mentally cluttered
Holding onto past grievances, guilt, or self-doubt
Step 1: Identify What’s Weighing You Down
Before we can release stress and emotional buildup, we need to recognise what’s been holding us back. Try answering these questions, either writing it down or in your mind.
What thoughts, habits, or situations feel heavy in my life?
What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?
What brings me joy and a sense of lightness?
How can I invite more ease and balance into my daily life?
Taking a few moments to answer these questions can help you pinpoint areas that need a mental and emotional refresh.
Step 2: Breathwork & Movement for Emotional Release
Stress and tension often get trapped in the body, leading to tightness, headaches, and fatigue. Using mindful breathwork and gentle movement can help you release that stored energy.
A simple breathwork exercise:
Box Breathing (4-4-4-4)
Inhale deeply for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts
Exhale for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts
Repeat for 1-2 minutes
This exercise calms the nervous system, lowers stress, and helps bring clarity.
Gentle movement to release tension:
Morning or evening stretching to open up the body
A short walk in nature to reset your mind
Yoga poses like Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow, and Forward Fold for relaxation
Step 3: Decluttering Your Mind & Environment
We all know that a cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. Some of us are a lot more sensitive to clutter and often feel an urge to clear things out especially in Spring. Our surroundings can impact our mental state, making it harder to relax and focus.
Physical decluttering tips:
Clear out old papers, unnecessary digital files, and inbox clutter
Refresh your space with natural elements like plants and essential oils
Re-organise your time and schedule to create more time for self-care
Mental decluttering tips:
Reduce multitasking and focus on one thing at a time
Limit time on social media to prevent information overload
Simplify your to-do list by prioritising what truly matters
Step 4: Mindfulness & Letting Go
Letting go isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for a fresh start. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay present and release what no longer serves you.
Simple mindfulness practices:
Start your morning with a gratitude list (write 3 things you’re grateful for)
Take 5-minute breaks to practice deep breathing or grounding exercises
Try a guided meditation focused on releasing stress and embracing renewal
Letting go of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations:
Give yourself permission to rest and recharge
Embrace the idea that progress, not perfection, leads to growth
Set healthy boundaries to protect your energy
Step 5: Create a Spring Reset Ritual
Building a simple daily ritual can help you stay grounded and refreshed throughout the season.
Ideas for a spring reset ritual:
Morning ritual: Stretching, lemon water, and setting an intention for the day
Evening wind-down: Herbal tea, journaling, and a tech-free hour before bed
Weekend refresh: A nature walk, digital detox, or self-care bath with Epsom salts
By incorporating small yet meaningful practices into your routine, you create space for more clarity, calmness, and balance.
Spring is a season of renewal—a time to clear out stress, let go of negativity, and embrace a fresh start. By identifying what’s weighing you down, practicing breathwork and movement, decluttering your mind and space, and embracing mindfulness, you can create a lighter, more balanced life.
This season, give yourself the gift of mental and emotional clarity. Let go, refresh, and step into spring with a renewed sense of purpose and joy. 🌿✨If you are struggling with stress and overwhelm, or finding you still feel sluggish and low on energy, my Empower Her Plan might be for you. It would be great to chat with you to talk about how I can help you.
