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 Spring is in the air!  You are starting to see and hear people decluttering, cleaning and rethinking routines.  Have you ever wondered why spring marks the best time to clean? 

For many who don’t experience the four seasons, this may be a term or practice not used. Spring cleaning is thoroughly cleaning your home after a long winter.  It is also considered a tradition rooted in culture, religion and even our biology.

So why am I talking about spring cleaning in this caregiver podcast.  You most likely don’t have time or the energy to do it. 

Cleaning can be therapeutic.  If I am feeling stress or troubled, cleaning that junk drawer,  pile of papers or the pantry, gives me a healthy distraction.   

Here are my top spring cleaning tips for you, the caregiver.  

• Refresh your grab and go bag   
• Clean your car 
• Make your personal space special - a place where you feel peace and joy
• Clean your closets and drawers . My wardrobe changed as a caregiver.   Get rid of expired items.
• Refresh your loved one’s space.  Ask then to help clear out the clutter, wash the blankets and maybe you can even rearrange some things to make things look new.  
•  Evaluate your time stressors.  April is Stress Awareness Month so now is the perfect time to take a look at the stressors in your life.
• Spring clean you mind.    Take some time to really look at your thoughts, feelings and emotions.   Journaling is a great way to do this .   Be honest with yourself.

The Benefits:

• Removing clutter reduces stress and is can simplify things.     Less is more
• Housekeeping actually makes you happier.  
• Keeping a clean home is healthier.  Individual cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, ironing and gardening are physical activities that can burn between 150 and 300 calories an hour. 
• Letting go of stuff saves you time and money.  
• It’s a perfect time for a fresh start.  

Spring cleaning is a time of renewal – out with the old, in with the new. For caregivers, spring cleaning is also a time for planning ahead and being prepared for the remainder of the year. 

Click here to get the complete podcast notes.  

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