How to Do a Spring Reset
Spring is here and it’s the perfect time for a reset. As hippie as it sounds, the freshness of spring air always energizes me, and spring feels like it’s truly “mine” after the holiday season spent with others. I love to do a deep clean, declutter, and get my mind and life on track before the summer fun starts.
I’ve broken this spring reset into different categories, with a few mini challenges for each category. Mini challenges might seem fluffy, but they’re created some of the biggest change in my life, so I highly recommend them. No matter how you go about your spring reset, my biggest suggestion is to start small and let momentum build. Commit to less and you’ll show up more, and those results will have an exponential impact.
how to do a spring reset
mindset
Do a brain dump. Take a few minutes to get everything from your head to paper. This helps you close “open loops” that are clogging up your mental space. I think of open loops as things you’re trying to remember rather than write down, like procrastinated tasks, products you have to repurchase, people you want to reach out to (or need to reply to), and projects or ideas you want to get to.
Do a sensory audit. I first did this a few years ago when I was going through a devastating loss. I basically didn’t listen to music/ podcasts, didn’t scroll my phone, and didn’t watch TV/ movies for a week (24 hours works, too). This quieted my mind, and then when I started to bring everything back in, I realized how heavy and negative these outside sources were. Heartbreak songs, true crime documentaries, the news… even if it’s background noise, our subconscious picks up on it. Even if you don’t take a break from consuming like I did, do a little audit of what you’re listening to and watching most. Does it add to your life? Is it helpful? Not everything has to be focused on personal development, but you might find all of the reality TV is influencing you to a little too quick to react in your own life.
Find a screen-free activity. Whether it’s a puzzle, Lego puzzle, coloring books, or paint by number, there are so many screen-free activities that don’t cost a lot and are easy to do.
Check in with your goals. You may be over your NYE resolutions, but don’t give up on your goals yet. Think about your values or even what you want to do (or be) for summer. Short-term goals are easier to commit to, and the longer days in the spring typically gives you extra energy to stay on track.
mini challenge ideas
Screen-free evenings
Journal practice (ex: start morning pages)
High frequency music while you sleep
Nightly quantum leap meditations before bed
body
Start a new workout program. By the time spring rolls around, I feel a lot better in my body after all of the holiday treats and snacks. The longer days boost my mood and make me want to walk outside again, too. Typically workout programs need anywhere from 6-12 weeks of dedication to be the most effective, so instead of jumping around YouTube videos or random equipment at the gym, pick a structured workout program to commit to and follow. It doesn’t need to be super intense; The Sculpt Society’s beginner program is 5-30 minutes a day, low-impact, and doesn’t require any equipment. I’ve gone through it 3+ times now, and noticed more muscle tone, less inflammation, and felt great after just the first round - get a free trial here.
Schedule your medical appointments. You’re typically back into your daily routine by the time spring rolls around, so if you haven’t yet, schedule your annual doctor’s appointments, dentist visits, therapy appointments, etc. I like to batch these all at once when I have my calendar in front of me; it’s easier than scheduling in-person and then having to call to reschedule later on.
Incorporate seasonal fruits and veggies. Spring brings in some of the best fruits and veggies out there - strawberries, blueberries, avocados, broccoli, green beans, carrots, etc. Make it a fun activity and head to the farmers’ market for the freshest variety and local specialties. Even just adding a fresh apricot jam to your toast is a great way to celebrate spring and nourish your body with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
mini challenge ideas
Daily stretch
No drive thru or mobile ordering - you can still go and get whatever you want, but have to walk in/ wait in line to order. This takes some of the convenience out, but doesn’t deprive you completely. Balance :)
Create a new smoothie/ protein shake recipe
relationships
Check in with loved ones. We have lots of friend/ family time during the holidays, and then things kind of drop off sharply. Get into the habit of sending a text to someone when they come to mind (don’t wait!) and try to schedule stress-free catch-up time.
Do a mini audit. Recognize how much capacity you have for socializing this spring; it may be less or more than you think. Then, try to get some plans on the calendar and make sure to follow-through. I used to overcommit and then want to cancel, so I know my personal capacity is one social plan per month; if I’m in a better mood, I can always schedule more, but this is what makes me feel balanced. Also, take some time to think about who adds to your life and who maybe drains you. Not saying cut someone off, but it’s really helpful to become more mindful of your relationships, how you show up for them, how they influence you, and where there’s room for change/ improvement.
mini challenge ideas
Every week, text someone new you’re thinking of them.
Switch up your plans - try a new dinner spot, go walk instead of meet for coffee, etc.
Compliment a stranger anytime you’re out
Partner with a friend and do a no-spend challenge together
home
Declutter. An obvious one, but I really dig in deep every spring, especially after getting new things over the holidays. You already know how to declutter and what your best process is. I like to dedicate 1-2 full days, but I know others prefer to do an area per day and spread it over a month.
Do a deep clean. Another basic tip, but I love to get all of my dusting and deep-cleaning done in one day. I’ll replace any filters, lightbulbs, etc. that need to be replaced. To play into your senses and really make it feel like a fresh start, you can also treat yourself light-changing bulbs and or a new scented hand soap - little upgrades that feel elevated but won’t break your budget.
Get your digital backups done. Backup your phone/ laptop, clean out your Kindle, organize your desktop/ folders - all of these pesky tasks we tend to put off. I do this quarterly, and it takes way less time now that it’s a scheduled commitment.
Do a social media audit. Mute who you need to, unfollow accounts that don’t add to your life, clean out your “saved” folders. Go through the “For You” page and hide whatever isn’t serving you so you see more of what is actually beneficial.
mini challenge ideas
Donate/ toss of a specific number of things.
For every 1 new thing you bring home, donate/ toss of 2.
Wear the new/ still unworn pieces in your closet; no outfit repeating - helps you recognize what you’re never going to wear and can donate.
Get fresh flowers - even a tiny $5 bundle from Trader Joe’s can totally transform your space (and mood).
Lastly, no matter what your spring reset looks like, take a few minutes to celebrate your wins and be proud of your momentum and accomplishments. I feel like the people who jump into spring cleaning also tend to be the hardest on themselves; our lives and surroundings will always be works in progress, so make sure you are recognizing your progress instead of just focusing on the work ahead.