The Psychology of Spring Cleaning

Alex Koupal • March 27, 2024

A Stress-Busting Refresh for Summer Ahead

Ah, spring—time for nature's renewal and, you guessed it, the annual tradition of spring cleaning! But have you ever wondered why this practice holds such significance beyond simply tidying up?

Spring cleaning isn't just about dusting shelves or organizing closets; it's a powerful act that taps into the effects of environmental psychology. Clearing clutter and purging accumulated belongings can work wonders for our mental state. Think of it as a deep breath of fresh air for your space and mind.



When we declutter, we're not just creating physical space; we're freeing ourselves from the weight of accumulated stuff. Studies in environmental psychology suggest that a tidy environment reduces stress and promotes a sense of control and well-being. It's like lifting a weight off our shoulders, allowing us to approach life with a clearer, calmer mindset.


And let's talk about the emotional aspect. Saying goodbye to items accumulated over the holidays or years past isn't just about letting go of physical possessions; it's about releasing attachments. It's a chance to acknowledge change, embrace the present, and make room for new experiences.


As we gear up for summer, spring cleaning sets the stage for a fresh start. It's not just about getting ready for shorts and sandals—it's about shedding the old to welcome the new season with open arms.

So, grab those cleaning supplies and get ready to declutter! Letting go of what no longer serves us isn't just a chore—it's a liberating act of self-care. As we tidy our spaces, we clear mental clutter, inviting in a sense of calm and readiness for the vibrant adventures that summer promises. Get ready to bid farewell to the old and welcome the sunny days ahead with open, clutter-free spaces and a refreshed mindset.


mujer-en-blazer-negro-sentada-en-la-silla
By Alex Koupal April 16, 2025
Let’s be real—figuring out what you actually want in life can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. If you’re a busy mom juggling a million things or a twenty-something stuck in “what’s next?” mode, the pressure to have it all figured out is exhausting . But here’s the thing: You don’t need a five-year plan. You just need a starting point.  1. Stop Stressing About Having the "Right" Answer No one wakes up one day with a perfectly clear vision of their future. Life is messy, careers change, and passions evolve. Give yourself permission to explore instead of forcing yourself to commit to one path forever. Take the pressure off—it’s not that serious. 2. Follow What Feels Good What are you naturally drawn to? What do you find yourself Googling or watching a TikTok at 2 AM? Pay attention to the things that spark your interest—that’s where the magic starts. 3. Try Before You Decide You don’t have to quit your job or go back to school tomorrow. Test things out! Take a class, volunteer, start a side hustle—get a feel for what excites you before making big moves. 4. Talk to Real People I know, I know… talking to people can be awkward, but real opportunities don’t just knock on your door. Reach out to people who are doing something that interests you. Ask them how they got there. You’d be surprised how many are willing to share advice—and how much clarity you’ll gain just by listening. 5. Just Take the First Step The biggest thing holding people back? Overthinking. (Yep, shocking, I know.) Stop waiting for the perfect plan and just start —sign up for that workshop, send that email, go to that event. Clarity comes from doing , not from obsessing over every little detail. You don’t need all the answers today. Just take one small step and trust that you're figuring it out as you go. 6. Don’t Do It Alone Big decisions feel less overwhelming when you have someone in your corner. A mentor, coach, or even just a trusted friend can help you see things from a different perspective. If you’re feeling stuck, let’s talk! Book a clarity session —sometimes, all you need is a little guidance to get moving in the right direction.
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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.
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