Spring Cleaning for Your Mind and Body: Simple Steps to Freshen Up Your Lifestyle

Spring always seems like a great time for a fresh start. Whether you’re cleaning out closets, putting out the patio cushions, or just sweeping away those winter blues, a little refresh always brightens spirits and brings a renewed sense of hope. It can also be the perfect time to revisit those New Year’s resolutions you may have tossed aside a few months ago.

For seniors, as with the rest of us, a good spring cleaning helps focus the mind, maintain a healthy body, and of course, declutter the environment. Here are a few life-enhancing spring cleaning tips to try:

Focus Your Mind

• Practice gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and cultivate an attitude of thankfulness. 

• Journal: Write down your thoughts and feelings to process emotions and gain clarity. It’s also a great time to note favorite memories or family traditions for your children and grandchildren.

• Connect with others: Spend time with supportive friends and family to foster positive social connections. Set regular times to gather for a book club, a game of cards or a meal.

• Take up a new hobby: Learning new skills is always good for your brain. If those are skills you enjoy, so much the better! Take up knitting, learn a new card game, take on a larger jigsaw puzzle, or even try birdwatching. Any of these activities keep your brain engaged, and sometimes your hands, too.

Maintain a Healthy Body

• Prioritize sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for mental well-being and cognitive function.

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can boost mood and reduce stress, especially if it gets you outdoors. Be sure to take into consideration your current mobility, the weather, and proximity to others if you decide to hike, bike, or just walk outside.

• Wear sun protection: Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and light, long-sleeved clothing to help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

• Clean up your diet: Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting processed foods and sugary snacks.

• Hydrate well: Drink plenty of water, especially when spending time outdoors in warmer weather. Sufficient hydration improves brain function, as well as all other organs.

Declutter Your Environment

• Share family heirlooms: Pass along sentimental items to family or friends now while you’re able to share the stories and memories that make them so important.

• Donate books and periodicals: If you’ve collected books, magazines, and newspapers you’re unlikely to read again, consider donating them to a local school, library, or second-hand store.

• Clear out closets: It’s likely you’ve accumulated clothing items that no longer fit or simply don’t match your style anymore. You can pass these along to their next owners via thrift stores, local clothing drives, or consignment stores.

• Create an open, safe living space: It can be difficult to part with favorite furnishings, but do what you can to clear wide passage ways, remove potential tripping hazards, and make it easy for you to safely navigate in your own home.

No matter how you set about your spring refresh, make sure you set clear goals – both short- and long-term – to guide your personal health and well-being. Start with small objectives to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Consider starting with manageable tasks, then build momentum as you go.

If some of the items on your to-do list for this spring seem out of reach while living alone – or if you think it’s time to have a fresh start in a new location – now might be a good time to consider finding a community that will help you develop and retain a positive outlook on life and an optimistic eye toward the future. Check out the facilities at Crimson Village for a smooth transition to possible future living arrangements, including temporary respite care, assisted living, and memory care. Check out our available floor plans by clicking here. You can learn more about available amenities, floor plans, and medical support by contacting our team members by email at marketing@crimsonvillage.com or by phone at 205-632-6699 to discuss your specific needs.