Fall Cleaning to Boost Your Joy

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Fall Cleaning to Boost Your Joy

Bethany Graver • November 8, 2023

A Clean Space is a Happy Space

We've all heard of Spring Cleaning, and have all experienced that rush of relief, pride, and the blissful zen feeling as we momentarily sit and marvel at the freshly purged, organized, squeaky-clean spaces we've just created for ourselves. So why then, is it assumed that that experience is reserved only for Springtime? While there isn't a good answer for that, there is plenty of scientific data and evidence to support the theory that one way to enjoy more boosts of happiness and joy, is to treat ourselves to a seasonal cleaning of our home, garage, workplace, or wherever we may have accumulated clutter throughout the year. As we head into what is for many the busiest and most hectic season of the year, completing a Fall Cleaning project could help provide some additional, and probably much-needed endorphins to boost joy and feelings of goodwill, that we can in turn share with those around us.

Feeling Joyful is a Selfless Act.

Consider how much easier it is to give joyful energy to others when you feel at ease and free of internal chaos and clutter - and how equally as easy it is to unintentionally give away your stressful and anxious energy when you're struggling to maintain inner equilibrium and peace. We wrote about self-care here a few months back, because although we've all heard this buzzword over the past few years, many of us struggle to put it into practice for a variety of reasons. While there are many ways to practice self-care, one practical way can be to plan for and spend the time to intentionally prepare our homes and minds for the increased pace of the holiday season, and the inevitable collection of gifted holiday sweaters, pie tins, ornaments and candelabras, et cetera, that we know will come. This, in turn, gives us the ability to give more of ourselves to others, feeling even just a little bit free-er from the nagging thoughts of ever-present to-do lists that seem to grow longer during this season.

Where (and When) to Start?

With an increase in events and activities, It may not be feasible to dedicate a whole weekend, or even a whole day to Fall Cleaning. Perhaps choosing just one area of the house or office that you know you're going to spend the most time in or entertain in is the most meaningful in your house. Or, maybe it's the garage, basement or storage closet where you've been stashing things out-of-sight and out-of-mind that needs attention, before the collection of holiday decorations, gifts, ribbons and bows are brought back out into the light of day.

Here's a list that could provide some structure, ideas, or inspiration to get you started on your quest to a cleaner, more organised space primed for good vibes and a clearer mind.

Choose just one area to focus on, or maybe you have a household full of (eager?) participants to divide and conquer each section.

Regardless of how small or colossal the project you commit to, the investment of time and energy on your clutter-free space is sure to result in more peace and joy when you're finished.

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Tiktok, Social Media & Teens: How to guide without just saying, "Get off your phone!"

By Alex Koupal • April 9, 2025

Let’s be real: telling teens to “get off your phone!” doesn’t work. Social media is part of their world. For our teens, social media is how they connect, learn, and express themselves. So how can we help them use it wisely without sounding and being the villain? There’s a way to help them navigate social media mindfully, and no, it doesn’t involve a complete ban. 1. Start the Conversation, Not the Battle Instead of becoming the enemy and banning social media out of the blue, talk to your teen about what they’re doing on it. Is it for learning, creativity, or just entertainment? Understanding their “why” helps guide them to use it more purposefully. 2. Set Healthy Boundaries Together Instead of enforcing rules, involve your teen in setting healthy screen-time limits. It gives them ownership and responsibility over their habits. For example, “I’ll spend 30 minutes scrolling up on TikTok after school, and then I’ll switch to doing homework” can be a much better strategy than enforcing a rigid rule that feels like punishment. When your teen has a say in the boundaries, they’re more likely to stick to them. 3. Be a Role Model What adults do, Teens do! If we’re glued to our phones, constantly checking social media, it sends the message that it’s okay to get lost in the digital world. Model healthy habits, like setting phone-free times, taking social media breaks, or just being present during family time. Show them how to use social media in a balanced way by setting phone-free times and modeling healthy habits. 4. Encourage Real-Life Activities Social media is great for staying in touch, but it can never replace real-life experiences. Encourage hobbies, sports, or family time to keep them grounded. This way, they can create a well-rounded life that isn’t centered solely around the screen. Plus, those real-world experiences will give them something to post about on their feed! 5. Be Their Guide, Not Their Warden At the end of the day, we can’t control everything teens do online. But we can provide guidance, support, and resources to help them use social media in a positive and mindful way. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage them to have trusted mentors—whether it’s a teacher, coach, older cousin, or life coach—who can provide advice beyond just Mom or Dad. If you’re worried about your teen’s social media habits, let’s talk! Book a free parent support session.