Pine-Sol for the Mind-Soul

While you're cleaning out your drawers and closets and garages of things that no longer spark joy in your life, why not take a stab at Spring cleaning your mind?

Dr. Frieda Birnbaum is a Research Psychologist, Psychoanalyst, and a mother of five. So that makes her an expert in mind stuff. Here’s how to sweep it clean.

De-Clutter Your House & Computer
If you have stacks of junk mail, old bills, or items you no longer use – get rid of them. If you have old clothes that you no longer wear, donate them to a respected charity. Go through your computer and remove as many unnecessary files, emails, and photos as you can. Doing these activities is a powerful affirmation of de-cluttering. When we have less clutter, our minds can be at greater ease and we can think more clearly.

Meditation
Yes, sitting still for a prolonged period of time with your eyes closed can seem like a daunting activity (especially for people who check their phones every five minutes). However, countless studies reveal that mediation is not only good for your mind but, for your body. Meditation makes you focus all of your energy into the present moment. When we are fully present, our capability to successfully engage challenges can increase substantially.

Disconnect
An old saying is “You are who you hug.” Think about the people who you are in regular contact with and think about how these people make you feel. If they make you feel upset or they are verbally abusive towards you, limiting contact or disconnecting from them.

Face One Fear
When we challenge ourselves and when we push out of our comfort zones, we grow. Write down a list of all of your fears (public speaking, the dark, etc.) and make a concerted attempt to face one of them. When you confront fear successfully, it can affect all aspects of your life for the better as well give you a confidence boost.

Detach from Social Media
Some people regularly post on social media faux versions of who they really are. Try taking a break from social media or use it less.

Reconnect
Reach out to friends, relatives or even acquaintances that you haven’t spoken with in a long time. It will make you feel good. Also, try re-taking up a hobby or an activity you enjoyed when you were younger. Reconnect to people, places, and activities that made you feel happy.
 
Forgive & Seek Forgiveness
If someone from your past or present has hurt you, do whatever you can to take steps towards forgiving them (even if they’re not seeking forgiveness). A lot of inner anguish and pain can result from the negative emotions we feel about others. In addition to forgiving others, try to forgive yourself for things you are feeling guilty about. If you have hurt others, seek them out and tell them how sorry you are. By doing this you may not only be bringing a substantial amount of peace to them but, to you as well.  
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How Crack Wise clears the mind:

Put on some tunes—dance like you don’t care. Binge watch reality TV, because nothing is more vapid (no concentration needed for entertainment). Eat a bean burrito or two to “cleanse” your system. Repeat until you feel better… or feel regret.

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