By: Mythili Reddibathini
As the middle of the semester approaches, it’s easy to start going through the motions. The end of the school year is in sight. Midterms leave many of us feeling drained. It’s important to reset to end this school year right. What better way to do that than a bit of spring cleaning? Regardless of whether you’re in a dorm, apartment, or somewhere else, your living space reflects your mental state. This guide to spring cleaning can help you reset for a new season and make sure the rest of the semester runs smoothly.
- Clean out your closet (and makeup bag)
Your wardrobe and the products you put on your body can have a direct impact your mood throughout the day. Going through your closet to clear out the pieces that no longer speak to you can force you to get creative with new outfits and hone in on your personal style. As for your makeup bag, it’s easy to let expired, unused products build up. Being intentional about what you put on your skin can help you build a capsule makeup collection and find the look that suits you best.
- Declutter your space
I know that in my dorm, sometimes I just have so much stuff that there’s not a specific place for everything. Regardless of how much space you have, decluttering can help you take control of your environment, with a keen sense of focus. Getting rid of unnecessary furniture, random decor, and items cluttering countertops will make your space look and feel so much larger.
- Clean those hard-to-reach spaces
Dust and dirt can build up in corners you wouldn’t even think of — just lift up that desk lamp that’s been sitting there since August. Vacuuming, dusting, or mopping can make your space look brand new and help eliminate annoying springtime allergies. If you’re in a dorm, cleaning out your air purifier and fans is also incredibly important, and can prevent that coughing and sneezing. Achoo!
- Disinfect, disinfect, disinfect!
The things that you never suspect can track loads of dirt and dust. Wiping off door handles, your phone screen, and other everyday items can help you make your space cleaner. I’m terrible at keeping up with cleaning my makeup brushes, so with some soap and water, your brush collection can return to looking and feeling brand new. And using a mild dish soap can bring the shine back to your jewelry stack.
- Invest in yourself
Whether it’s a new workout class, meal prepping, or getting a fresh haircut, making small changes to your look or your routine can improve your self-confidence. School can sometimes feel so stressful that we forget to do some basic things like eating healthy on a school schedule and moving your body everyday. Taking little steps like blocking out time to workout in your calendar and having nutritious meals prepped will help you stay focused on school without compromising your well-being.
- Practice self-care
Now that your living space is clear, practicing actions that can calm your mind is of the utmost importance. I personally love to meditate and journal. Starting a new book, trying new hobbies, and spending time with friends and family are some other ways to destress as the semester continues to get busier.
Endless assignments, quizzes, and tests can sometimes make it hard to prioritize yourself and your space. Taking small steps to reorganize and recuperate can help you prioritize your mental and physical health while continuing to be successful at work, school, and other endeavors.
