A Teachable Moment: Spring Cleaning Is Good for Your Soul

For many of us, spring and cleaning go together. The change of seasons compels us to open the windows, shake off the winter dust, and pull our warm-weather clothing from storage. While you may enjoy the spring-cleaning ritual, you probably didn't know that it is actually good for you! It is also healthy for your children to take stock once or twice a year.

Below are three simple spring-cleaning tasks that will not only make your physical space look better, but will reduce your stress and increase your emotional well-being.

1. Your first goal is to reduce disorder.

Eliminate piles of papers, clear tabletops and counters, and donate, or throw out, unneeded items that have collected around your home. This will help you become more productive and waste less time because you won't have to always search through the disorder for needed items. Living in an uncluttered environment is less stressful for your whole family, so spend time de-cluttering your child's space. If your child is old enough to help, even better! Throw out broken toys and games, and sort through papers and projects that have collected in your child's room or play space. Determine what should remain and what can be thrown away or stored. It is much easier for kids to be creative, to play, and to accomplish school work in an area that is free of clutter, so make this a priority.

2. Your second task is to create organization in the important areas of your home.

Some people are good organizers, others aren't. If this is not your strength, ask a friend or family member to help you. Begin with drawers, cupboards, shelves, and closets that are used regularly. If this feels overwhelming, set a realistic goal (for example: "I will re-organize one closet/drawer a week."). Make sure you put your child's drawers and closet near the top of this list. When your child knows that creating order is important to you, she will be more likely to become organized too. This is especially important if your child struggles with organization in school or at home.

3. The change of seasons is the perfect time to assess your clothing.

If you have items in your closet that have not been worn for two or more seasons, give them away—it is unlikely that you will wear them again. Not only will this de-clutter your closet, but it is not healthy for your body image to keep clothes that you hope to eventually wear, or that used to fit you. Wear what fits you now and looks great. Holding onto clothing will not give you the incentive to diet or exercise; in fact, it is likely to be demoralizing. If giving away clothing makes you feel guilty, give it to a person or organization that will benefit from your donation. You might even offer it to a thrift or consignment shop. Sort through your child's clothing for items that are too small. Some children become attached to clothes, so if your child doesn't want to give some things away, offer to store them in a box labeled with his name. This usually eases the transition, and helps you accomplish your goal.

Remember, spring cleaning is about much more than tidying up. It can improve your mood and body image, while reducing your stress. Happy spring!