Spring Clean Your Gut, House & Health – Essential Tips from a Gut Health Coach

There’s no time more exciting for me than Spring. Flowers bloom, days start to lengthen, and the sun shines even brighter. The energy of growth and newness is palpable. It’s time for us to emerge from our hibernation. Do you know what else goes with Spring? Cleaning. This Marcus Buckingham quote accurately sums up how I feel about cleaning on a good day: “We dream of having a clean house – but who dreams of actually doing the cleaning?” What if I told you that Spring Cleaning does more for us than declutter our home? What if I could show you psychological benefits, provide a 5-day breakdown AND include a 5-day gut spring clean as well? Give yourself 5 days of small actions to transform how your space and body feel, and thank me later. It’s time to Spring Clean Your Gut, House, and Health.

Could Spring Cleaning Make You Happier?

I recently listened to a podcast on Happiness called Simple Ways to Feel Great Every Day with Dr Ranfan Chatterjee and Dr Laurie Santos. Dr Chatterjee’s approach to happiness really stood out to me. He explained that we can see happiness as a stool with 3 legs. Those legs were contentment, control, and alignment and all 3 were equally important, but the stool would not be very functional without one. Cleaning isn’t necessarily fun or easy, for that matter.

Admittedly, there’s nothing better than letting go of the old – contentment. Moreover, I want to be the kind of person who has a clean, beautiful, and workable space – alignment. Additionally, research shows us that acts like spring cleaning actively improve our state, giving us control over how we feel going into this new season, our health, and how we feel – control. Furthermore, I’m not saying that a little spring cleaning could make you happier, but I’m saying it likely will. Considering how powerful our gut is in controlling our mood is even more reason. Here are some noted psychological benefits.

Psychological Benefits of Spring Cleaning

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Certainly, most of us have experienced the difference when trying to focus or even relax in a cluttered space. On the other hand, we have felt that exhale of walking into a clear, clean, bright, and open space. Moreover, clutter and disorganization can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Therefore, by decluttering and organizing, you create a sense of order and control, which we now know is a prong of happiness.

Enhanced Mood

Not only does it feel good being in that space – it feels good to CREATE that space. Cleaning and organizing is a physical activity as well – which as we know releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as natural mood lifters. Completing tasks always gives me a boost and I know I can’t be the only one.

Improved Concentration and Productivity

My mom always says – a cluttered space is a cluttered brain. I always thought she was just trying to get me to clean my room. My adult years have shown me just how right she is. A clutter-free environment can help improve focus and concentration by reducing distractions. Because when your space is organized, it’s easier to find what you need and stay on task, leading to increased productivity.

Boosted Self-Esteem

I’m here for the small wins and I do feel a sense of accomplishment when I complete tasks, especially ones that are visible like cleaning. Especially for those who are like me then decluttering and cleaning can give you a sense of achievement and competence. Consequently, taking control of your environment and creating a space that reflects your values and preferences also just gives you a sense of pride for where and how you live.

Enhanced Creativity

On the other hand concentration and productivity – I’m a big believer in needing a clutter-free space so that my mind can wander freely instead of noticing all the things around me that need sorting.

Improved Relationships

The only thing more satisfying than creating your own space is co-creating a space with your loved ones. A space you’re proud of and work together to maintain. Community, cooperation, communication, and unity are all byproducts of working to co-create a tidy, uncluttered space in which you all love to spend time.

Sense of Renewal and Fresh Start

Spring cleaning symbolizes a fresh start and renewal. I learned this morning that Spring Cleaning has deep roots in many histories and traditions. It’s not only biological but emotional. Representing a sense of renewal, and purification. It’s an opportunity to let go of the old and make space for the new, both physically and emotionally. By clearing out clutter and cleaning away dust and grime, you create a clean slate for new experiences and possibilities.

Now that we know just how good this could feel I’m going to show you how I broke down spring cleaning my house AND gut into 5 days.

Refresh and Welcome Spring: A Spring Cleaning Guide Broken Into 5 Days

Day 1 Gut Spring Clean: Cleanse Your Diet

• Morning: Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water to hydrate and support digestion.
• Afternoon: During the evening meal prep – try to incorporate detoxifying foods into your meals, such as a colorful salad with leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.

Home: Declutter Living Areas

• Morning: Start with the living room first – putting on some tunes you love and set a timer so that you don’t get carried away. Concurrently begin by decluttering surfaces such as coffee tables, end tables, and shelves. Remove any items that don’t belong or are no longer needed. Following the Spring Cleaning Gurus – remember the idea that items in the home should either be serving a purpose or bringing you joy.
• Afternoon: Move on to decluttering furniture in the living room. Assess whether any items can be donated, sold, or repurposed. Consider rearranging furniture for a fresh look and better flow.

Day 2 Gut: Hydration and Mindful Eating

• Morning: Declutter your available drinks while sipping on your lemon water this morning, obviously sodas, cordials, and concentrates are no way to say “I love you” to your gut.
• Afternoon: Practice mindful eating by slowing down and savoring each bite during meals. Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and choose nourishing foods that support your health goals.

Home: Tackle the Kitchen

• Morning: Start by decluttering countertops and kitchen surfaces. Clear off any items that are not regularly used or are taking up unnecessary space. Donate or discard kitchen gadgets and appliances that are no longer needed.
• Afternoon: Sort through cabinets and drawers. Remove expired, broken, or rarely used items. Consider donating duplicate items and organizing the remaining items for easier access.

Day 3 Gut: Movement and Mindfulness while you Spring Clean

• Morning: We’re hydrating on the good stuff and now it’s time to get that body moving. Keep it simple, especially if you’re starting. A morning walk, jog, or some yoga (hey it’s Spring maybe you can even do your yoga outside?) Movement helps boost circulation and pumps our lymphatic system. This is part of our body’s natural detoxification system.
• Afternoon: You’re going to be organizing closets this afternoon. That can be both overwhelming and stressful. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, short breaks, or, if need be, meditation in between. Another easy technique is to try and stay mindful, maybe making your closet sorting fun by inviting over a friend or reminiscing over the memories you had in your clothes and the joy your donated clothes might bring others.

Home: Organize Bedrooms

• Morning: Begin by decluttering bedside tables and dressers. Donate or discard items that no longer fit or are no longer worn.
• Afternoon: Organize closets (or maybe just one if you have many – no judgment here). Remove clothing, shoes, and accessories that are no longer worn or needed. Consider implementing a system for organizing clothing by category or color for easier selection. Alternatively, you can do what I do and have all the clothes you’re unsure of on one side. Anything you don’t wear for 3 months gets put in a box to be donated.

Day 4 Gut: Skin Care Spring Clean

• Good morning. Have you seen what’s in your makeup and skincare products? Yikes. Your skin is an organ, and it’s important to remember that what goes onto the skin goes into the body. It can be a little scary to consider buying an all-new range, so this morning’s job is to look at your products’ ingredients and separate the ones you’d like to keep using and the ones you’d like to donate/throw away/replace.
• Afternoon: Consider the products you’re using to make your bathroom smell nice and see if you could switch over to an essential oil burner or a non-toxic spray instead.

Home: Bathroom Time Baby!

• Morning: Declutter countertops and bathroom surfaces. Dispose of expired medications/products, empty bottles, and unused toiletries (or give these to friends who might use them).
• Afternoon: It’s time to get into the nitty-gritty. Now clean and organize cabinets and drawers, discarding old or expired products.

Day 5 Gut: Gratitude and Rest

• Morning: Begin your day with gratitude by reflecting on all you’ve accomplished this week.
• Afternoon: Prioritize relaxation by winding down with your journal to reflect on what habits/practices you’d like to let go of or continue into Spring.

Home: Spring Clean Miscellaneous Areas

• Morning: Declutter miscellaneous areas such as entryways, hallways, and utility closets. Remove items that don’t belong or are no longer needed. Donate or discard old coats, shoes, and accessories.
• Afternoon: It’s time for the all-important step – driving to donate these items and having them out of your home for good!

In just 5 days with these small morning and afternoon steps you’ll be on your way to a cleaner, decluttered home and a refreshed gut. I want to remind you to celebrate your progress each day and take time to make this spring cleaning process a fun and mindful one.

You’ve seen just how good this can be for your wellbeing now go out there and refresh your life from the inside out!