As we turn the calendar to April and step into Spring, we get a boost of renewed energy from the waking up of the world around us—turning greener and warmer. For some, thoughts turn to spring cleaning, spring fitness and getting out and about more. But often we do not necessarily think about spring cleaning our thoughts and our minds, and we keep ourselves in our routines.

We may feel reenergized as the weather changes, but feel tethered to our routines and expectations. An uneasiness or restlessness sets in and we are conflicted. Our thoughts are saying one thing and our souls are saying another. In some circles, this is called Spring Fever—a combination of conflicting emotions, including a sense of comfort and renewal and lack of ambition.

With Spring upon us, it is a time to do a mental reboot and to give yourself a fresh outlook and new perspective. It is a season to shake off the dust, remove the heavy clothing and to lighten up. Just as we get comfortable in our sweaters and hats and look forward to getting under the covers in the Winter, our thoughts can get weighed down and want to tuck away under the blankets—thinking it is a safe, warm place.

We don’t want to go out into the chilly world—in a way, not wanting to confront what we need or want to change. So now is the time to throw off those blankets, kick off those boots and change your mindset. It is time to spring clean your self.

If you are feeling weighed down by routine and expectations or you are approaching decisions and what you do from a place of fear or anxiety, lighten it up with first changing your own internal or mental conversation.  Start to shift your thinking. In short, pay attention to what you think about and why. 

Once you do that, flip that on its side. Fill your thoughts with intention, hope and aspiration. Fear, worry and expectation are such disablers. Focus on removing them as driving forces in your life.

If you are feeling unmotivated or overwhelmed, unplug from the distractions (and devices). Getting caught up in drama, social media and the self-imposed “to-do” lists are excuses to avoid spending time with yourself and giving your head time to clear and reset itself. Maybe it is the unfamiliar or unknown that keeps us keeping ourselves distracted, but every once in a while it’s good to stop the multi-tasking and get in tune with yourself. Do not underestimate how your mind and mood can be influenced by all the input and noise around you.

Work on letting things go. If you are holding onto resentment, anger, shame, embarrassment, sadness, etc., from the past, acknowledge it and then let it go. Nothing in the past can harm you unless you allow it to. If you are spending way too much time thinking about the future and your next steps, step back into your present and be present.

If you are feeling like just wanting to get outside and get some light and fresh air. Listen to yourself and just do it. No excuses or “but first I have to  . . . “. This is putting yourself back into what you think is a safe or comfort zone. Listen to your soul and try something new or different. Plus, getting outside helps you tap into the earth’s energy—helping you to be grounded and calm. Make an effort everyday to get outside and to reap the benefits.

Take advantage of this Spring season to get back in touch with you, to refuel your soul and untether yourself.