The patches of snow have finally begun to melt away and beds of green grass are finally visible. Instead of being woken by the harsh winds of snow and ice, we wake up to the conversations of cardinals and robins, making homes in the bushes outside our windows. Spring is here. Springtime means the earth is flourishing and healing from the cold winter but it also means we’re entering a time of cleansing and renewal. So get out your brooms and vacuums and start cleaning!
But why? Why is spring cleaning a thing? Why is there no such thing as winter cleaning or summer cleaning? What is it about spring that makes people want to start fresh? I personally think being surrounded by growth and life can inspire or awaken something within us that wants to join in. It’s like we see the grass getting greener and we hear the birds waking up in the morning and we instantly need to change something about our living space. We need to be connected with the growth. We too, need to grow and change and flourish.
Except, what difference will it make picking up a few pieces of laundry and taking out the trash? Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Woolsey at Archway Mental Health Services explains how, “as your mental health gets worse, you might find your home getting more cluttered and less clean. And as your environment gets messier, you might find your mental health worsening.” A clean space is clearly an important advantage that can improve the mental aspect of your life.
Spring cleaning however, doesn’t necessarily mean you have to empty out your entire closet, donate old clothes, and clean every nook and cranny of your room. In fact, spring cleaning shouldn’t only have to do with the physical aspects of your living space but also the mental part of your life as well. It can just mean a fresh reset of your old energy or habits. It’s like New Year’s Eve! You could meditate, read or journal in a hammock outside and it could be considered spring cleaning. You’re just “cleaning” your energy.
Callie Hoffman, a first year at Ithaca College agrees. “I think spring cleaning means getting rid of anything unnecessary to your life whether that’s physical or intangible. That could be a good thing for anyone.” Maybe it’s a toxic friendship you need a break from, or a stressful commitment that you’ve lost enjoyment in; understanding that toxicity and being able to step away from it, can also be spring cleaning. Callie also explains it as a fresh start, “I think it sets a precedent for the warm seasons and allows you to start with a fresh environment.”
Basie Asher, another first year student, doesn’t really look forward to spring cleaning, but understands it’s necessary for him to perform at the best of his abilities: “I don’t like it, but I know that it has to be done.” Basie continues, “Don’t think of spring cleaning as a chore. Think of it as something you can do to really clean your mind and body.”
Maybe spring is just an excuse to start cleaning, and refreshing your perspective and energy. Whatever your thoughts are on spring cleaning, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to be a little more mindful of the changes happening this season. Whether you reorganize your closet, donate clothes, or just rearrange your desk to make room for new plants or pictures, spring cleaning is sure to improve your space and hopefully your feelings! Say goodbye to seasonal depression and open up your curtains and welcome spring with open arms – as well as a fresh look on life – by making room for all things new.
Autumn Valdes is a first-year journalism student who wants everyone to give spring cleaning a chance! They can be reached at [email protected]