Spring Cleaning for the Mind - Part 3 of 3

Part 3: Practical Tips for Lasting, Healthful, and Mindful Positive Change

Action: Move Your Body
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to shift your mindset and improve your mental health. Getting outside—especially into nature—can significantly elevate your mood. Regular movement and exercise stimulate the production of endorphins, the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, which can counteract negative thought patterns. When you exercise consistently, you develop a habit of generating positive neurochemistry, supporting a healthier, more balanced emotional state. In essence, you’re training your brain to work with you, not against you.

Nature and Neurochemistry: The Power of Dirt
Engaging with nature doesn’t stop at movement. Getting your hands in the dirt—through gardening or planting—has been shown to have mental health benefits. Scientific research has identified specific bacteria in soil that can boost serotonin production in the brain, further supporting feelings of well-being. Whether you have a backyard or just a small space for planter boxes, finding a way to connect with real soil can be a surprisingly effective tool for mental wellness.

Mindful Listing: Focus on the Positive
Daily mindfulness practices, such as listing the positives in your life, can rewire your brain for optimism. Even during difficult times, consciously identifying what’s going well can help shift your focus away from negativity. Neuroscience supports the connection between positive thinking and improved mental and physical health—a field known as psychoneuroimmunology, which explores how thoughts influence brain chemistry and the immune system. Keep a gratitude journal, and make it a habit to reflect on and write down the positive aspects of your life each day. Over time, this becomes your natural way of thinking.

Bedtime Reflections
Consider what thoughts you are ending your day with. Going to bed while focusing on the positive can influence the way your brain processes information during sleep. Make it a nightly practice to reflect on something uplifting or grateful before you drift off—it sets the tone for your mental state the next day.

Surround Yourself with Positivity
The environment you create plays a key role in shaping your mindset. Surround yourself with uplifting people and positive messages, even if they’re simple affirmations or encouraging notes around your home or workspace. Positive inputs support a positive mental state.

Manage Stress Effectively
Develop healthy strategies for managing stress. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and journaling can reduce the mental clutter that accumulates throughout the day. When negative thoughts arise, take the time to walk through them: ask yourself why you’re thinking this way, where it’s coming from, and whether it serves you. Identifying and addressing these thoughts head-on can prevent them from becoming overwhelming mental clutter.

Pursue a Fulfilling Hobby
If you find yourself stuck in persistent negativity, consider engaging in a new hobby. Creative or social hobbies can be particularly helpful, providing both a sense of purpose and a chance to connect with positive people. Hobbies offer mental engagement, emotional relief, and a break from routine thought patterns.

Final Thoughts: A Lasting Spring Clean for the Mind
Think of this as more than just seasonal tidying—it’s a long-term investment in your mental well-being. By assessing, identifying, and decluttering your thoughts, you can create lasting change that impacts every area of your life, including your overall health.

Happy brain spring cleaning!

-Julie "Brain Lady" Anderson