March is a time of year that often inspires a good spring clean!   It tends to involve clearing unwanted items from the home/ garage/ wardrobe, reorganising personal space, and generally going a bit Marie Kondo… or for the green-fingered among us, perhaps creating a fresh and improved outdoor space.  Whatever it is, once it’s done, the results often leave one with feelings of great satisfaction (and mild exhaustion).

I for one will probably embark on some sort of ‘spring clean’, or at least think about it!
So – whilst we’re on the topic, how about a spring clean for yourself?  I don’t mean a shower (let’s hope that’s already a regular occurrence…) but more of a pause and reset.  Many of you reading this article are committed to helping others – it comes naturally and is also part of your profession.  In the midst of unpredictable and demanding working environments, I think it’s important to be reminded that before you can help others, you need to help yourself… And this is not something to be sniffed at or overlooked!

Here are 6 ideas to get you started with your pause and reset:

  1. Listen to some music from one of the happiest periods in your life
  2. Try to come up with 3 positive aspects of some difficulties you’re currently facing
  3. Disconnect from the internet, news and media for a full day
  4. Recreate/ plan a favourite trip that you’ve done with a loved one or good friend
  5. Calve some time out to read a brilliant book or watch a great film… the tasks can wait!
  6. Smile at yourself in the mirror until it becomes genuine

What else would you add?  Let me know in the comments!