This time of year, there’s a lot of chatter about spring cleaning and decluttering with a strong emphasis placed on our homes and closets. In fact, I’m actually hosting a Spring Clean challenge as we speak. Purging, donating, scrubbing, and refreshing are natural instincts many have towards their spaces in the Spring. And I’m all for that breath of fresh air in our homes (and am happily participating), but I want to pause for a moment and also chat about the need to do this for our mental health.
I was reflecting recently on how the work of caring for ourselves and our mental health is never done. We never arrive, or complete it, or get to this place of being forever healthy. It’s an ongoing process and just like the seasons, our needs shift and change. The work is learning to tune into yourself and be able to identify and provide the care you need, each and every day.
When I’m working with clients, we often spend time exploring what their values are and also what their needs are. Learning to tune into yourself is hard work and something that takes intention. I thought it might be helpful to share some journal prompts if you’re trying to focus on gaining a better understanding of yourself. These are similar prompts to ones that often come up in counselling sessions. Grab a cup of coffee, a notebook and a pen then choose any or all of these prompts to help you begin reflecting.
Also, if you’re interested in working with a counsellor to support in any of this work (or other work!), I’d love to connect with you as I’ve opened up a couple of therapy spots this month. You can book yourself in for a complimentary discovery call here.
Journal Prompts For Mental Decluttering:
- Describe how you are feeling lately and then describe how you would like to be feeling.
- Consider what is in the way of you feeling the way you just described wanting to feel, write about that.
- Consider what is most important to you in this season of life, what are 4-6 values you would like to see yourself prioritizing? (E.g. growth, friendships, achievement, family, health, etc.)
- What are some signs or behaviours you notice in yourself when you’re 1) not doing well, mentally; and 2) when you are doing well.
- When you are not doing well mentally, what do you need? (e.g. self compassion, discipline, accountability, external supports, etc.).
- What types of self-care are available to you in this season?
- What experiences, thoughts, or feelings feel unprocessed? Do you feel equipped to dust the cobwebs off and unpack these yourself or do you feel a supportive space is needed?
