Start spring cleaning your life

The clocks have gone back, the sun is (hopefully) shining, we’ve made it through another winter and summer is on its way.  There is no better time for a bit of personal spring cleaning. From exercise, to finance; from sleep to clearing your clutter, we offer advice and expert opinion on how to take control of your life.

Get some exercise

Been stuck indoors for the last few months? Maybe it’s time to get active…

It has been said many times before, but exercise doesn’t just keep us in shape physically – it makes us happier too. Physical exertion releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins. They’re natural painkillers, related to heroin and, for some, just as addictive – but rather better for you.

Exercise does not automatically equal jogging and gyms. Why not combine getting your heart rate up with things you might actually enjoy?

You could take part in Walk to Work Week (27 April – 1 May), discover the National Cycle Network or enjoy a workout in the fresh air while doing conservation work at your nearest Green Gym.

Health experts recommend half an hour of moderate exercise at least five days a week. So get the Frisbee out. Have a game of football. Sign up for those salsa lessons. Do some digging in the garden. And don’t forget that sex counts as exercise too…

Watch what you eat

Chances are food was a key part of your ‘surviving winter’ strategy. If you are feeling the after effects of the insulating process, then it might be time to turn over a new salad leaf. Eating better makes you feel better – simple as that.

“You have to think about what it takes for the body to work,” says nutrition coach Barbara Nash. “Imagine the body as a factory. We need the right balance of nutrients, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, enzymes – they’re the workers in the factory that allow it to function well.”

Barbara advises a good, varied diet, including lots of whole grains – she suggests experimenting with gluten-free alternatives such as short grain brown rice and quinoa. She also recommends varying your proteins – fish, good quality meat, pulses, nuts – and eating plenty of vegetables, including a salad every day.  

Drinking plenty of water is vital too – at least four pints, evenly spaced throughout the day. “Your body and brain are highly made up of water,” Barbara says. “By keeping properly hydrated you’ll be more refreshed and alert.”

Go to bed

Nothing beats waking up on a sunny spring morning feeling refreshed and rested. Trouble is, a good night’s sleep is a rare thing for many of us.

According to The Sleep Council (www.sleepcouncil.org.uk), only one in 10 of us say we always sleep well, while one in five suffer from lack of sleep.

Surveys have shown that nearly half the population worries about not getting enough sleep. Sleeping well doesn’t only make you feel refreshed and less stressed. Studies have linked not getting enough sleep to heart disease, cancer and obesity.

Taking exercise, keeping regular hours, a comfy bed and a pleasantly cool, well-ventilated room will all help your sleep. Caffeine, nicotine and booze won’t. Although it can help you drop off, alcohol leads to lower-quality sleep and may wake you up a few hours later. You can read more about the effects of alcohol on your sleep patterns here on the Drinkaware site.

Clear your clutter

Are you the sort of person who has three defunct printers sitting under your desk, or buys new black trousers because you can’t find any of your seven other identical pairs?

Some actual spring cleaning will make you feel better, according to life coach and professional “clutter buster”, Lorriane Lewis (www.big-difference.co.uk.)

“We live in a materialistic society where things are easy to get hold of,” says Lorraine. “We buy new stuff but don’t get rid of the old stuff.”

Lorraine helps people get rid of their excess junk, and says the benefits go far beyond being able to close your wardrobe doors and see the surface of your kitchen table again.

“People say it’s like having a burden lifted,” she says. “Decluttering can give you more energy, help you move forward and help you feel free. Getting rid of you physical clutter can help you emotionally and mentally, and ends up helping you physically too.

“My adage is ‘love it, use it or lose it’. Everything should be useful or should uplift you in some way.”

Lorraine advises starting small, with 10-minute “clutter bursts” where you tackle a single cupboard or draw. By the end of a week, you’ll feel better already.

Watch your spending

In these credit-crunching times, keeping track of what your income and outgoings can also help you keep track of your priorities.

It might sound simple, but try keeping a written record of everything you spend for a month. You’ll be amazed at how much you spend on small things like coffee and snacks – otherwise known as ‘the latte factor’.

Drinking one fewer bottle of wine a week or foregoing two pints on a Saturday night could save you a good £300 a year – which could by you a holiday, festival tickets or a shopping spree. Check out our alcohol free nights out feature for ideas.

Page last updated by

Miroslaw Jetka (Squiz), 10 Mar 2011.

Page checked on

03 Apr 2009