In the midst of winter, it can be comforting to think ahead to the renewal that spring brings. Visions of a fresh start and a clean environment can be hopeful and exciting. While we all think about cleaning our houses into tip-top shape, we often neglect the most important part of our lives: our souls.

This spring, while you air out your sanctuary, why not air out your spirit as well? Here are 5 ways to do just that:

1. Don’t take that trip: identify any sources of guilt that are weighing you down. Lighten up by either changing the situation or your perspective. Guilt is a great motivator, but many of us spend time taking guilt trips instead of making the necessary changes in our lives. How can you look at the situation differently? Are you being realistic? What action steps can you take?
2. Let it go: are you weighing yourself down with things that you can’t change? Are you carrying around resentment toward someone or something? Decide to let go of any negative feelings that you have and trust that things will work out. They always do one way or another! Trying to control the uncontrollable is very stressful and unnecessary.
3. Become your own cheerleader: watch how you talk to yourself. Instead of being a harsh critic, try supporting yourself! Find words or phrases that you find to be inspiring and use them in your self-talk. After all, if you hear something often enough, you will come to believe it. Why not invest your time in words of support?
4. Pick your pie: instead of having your fingers in many pies, choose your favorite to indulge in. Many people have so many different things on their schedules that it is tough for them to enjoy any one of them. Try picking your favorite optional activity to put your energy into and let the others go. We tend to shine when we are doing something that we love to do!
5. Don’t own it unless it is yours: many times, we take on others’ pain as our own. If your spouse is having problems, make sure you are there for support, but make sure that you don’t take on the problem as if it were yours. We tend to complicate our own lives by trying to solve everyone else’s problems. Stay focused on your needs and don’t get bogged down trying to meet the needs of someone else.

Giving some attention to these 5 simple exercises will help you feel lighter, stronger and refreshed, ready to face the world with confidence! Giving daily attention to your own needs will ensure that this “spring cleaning” lasts all year long.