I don't know about you but I am one of those people who changes my hair and style when the seasons change. But I think I change how I look instead of how I feel. Why does mental health stay on the back burner? As the weather gets warmer this spring, I am going to take time to clean out the negative people and things in my life to focus on myself and my happiness. If you are interested in doing the same thing, here are some ideas of ways to spring clean for your mental health.

1. Block people

With the changing of the seasons, I realize what negative influences I need to remove from my life. To the friends who are always too busy for me, the guys who never respond, and the ghost followers who always have something to say; consider yourself blocked. It is so empowering to block someone because they are only confident behind the comfort of their keyboards and it is so empowering to take that away from them. Take charge of your own happiness.

2. Bring Color And Life Into Your Room

In the winter we bundle up in our rooms to binge watch shows and sleep all winter break. After the heat is turned off in my house, I like to open my blackout curtains and treat myself to a colorful pillow or blanket to bring some natural light and color back into the deep dark abyss that was my room. If you have a green thumb, you could get a succulent to bring more color and life into your room.

3. Switch Out Your Closet

The best part of spring is putting away my boots and sweaters and breaking out my favorite dresses and sandals. Make a day of it and go shopping for at least one new outfit to make you feel confident as you head into spring.

4. Spend More Time Outside (Preferably With Dogs)

I'm no expert but I don't think there is anything more beneficial to your health than a day outside with your dogs. If you don't have dogs then take a friend and go hiking or go on a picnic. Turn off your phone and just enjoy the view. Usually taking a day to go outside puts distance between you and what is weighing you down even if you just sit on your porch.

5. Try A Social Media Detox

Whether it's for a day, or a weekend, or a week, delete social media apps from your phone. We tend to focus on the positives of social media such as photos of dogs or inspirational quotes, but when we are scrolling through posts there is so much negativity whether we realize it or not. You could see someones beach pictures and not even realize you're wishing you looked like that but you are idolizing it. Or someone else could retweet something that is a negative stereotype that you laugh at or give into. Best solution is to take a break. You will have withdrawals but trust me it's for the better.

6. Stop Wasting Time On People Who Don’t Make Time For You

You might need to do a friend detox and step away from the people who don't respond to your texts or always have some excuse like "I will be studying all day" when you know they are with someone else. You could make definite plans with a good friend you have or take a day for yourself. Just step back and reevaluate who you want in your life. You could meet new friends or spend time with family, but make sure to surround yourself with the people who are there for you no matter what. You don't need people who always have excuses.

7. Journal

This is something new I have been trying after watching my favorite Youtuber talk about her journalling. Even if it's on my phone, I take like 15 minutes at the end of the day to talk about the good and bad things that happened that day and how I feel. But then I talk about how I want to deal with that and how I am going to tackle tomorrow. I struggle with holding things in and this is a way to get my thoughts out when I feel like I don't have anyone to talk to.

8. Watch a Documentary But Avoid Negative TV Shows

Take a rainy day to watch a documentary about saving the oceans or eating healthier. Find something that interests you and will motivate you to try something new. I always feel so motivated to change the world after watching a documentary, even if it doesn't last long. Personally, if I watch some show filled with all these happy couples I end up feeling sad and alone so I would advise that if that's something you struggle with, find something happy to watch.

9. Community Service

When you have free time on the weekends, find ways to volunteer outside or at an animal shelter. I love to volunteer with the elderly, but find something you're interested in. When you do something good, you will feel good.

10. Don't Leave The "Break" Out of Spring Break

Spring break is usually when everyone wants to lay on a beach all day and drink. Having fun with friends is good but don’t leave the “break” out of Spring Break. Take time to relax and not worry about anything. My favorite way to relax is to put my phone down and take a bubble bath. I either watch Netflix or read a book, but you could play music or just enjoy the silence.