We typically hear about spring cleaning in terms of cleaning out our "stuff". And I'm all for cleaning out our stuff. So much so, that I devote an entire chapter to it in my book, Four Quadrant Living: Making Healthy Living Your New Way of Life. The chapter is entitled "Free Space, Free Mind." The idea is that when we have a cluttered environment, we have a cluttered mind. You can click on the link to get some ideas for some serious house spring cleaning!

But what about making sure the other areas of our lives are clean and clear? We know that looking at one quadrant tells only 1/4th of the story. How is your Mind? Do you spend too much time replaying the past or worrying about the future? Do you spend too much time thinking and talking about your "story". If so, remember that you have the power to change your mindset at any time. You can be happy. Just choose to do so. Start focusing on the positive. Keep a gratitude journal and write in it daily. What are you grateful for in your life? What are the things you enjoy? Take a few moments every day to nourish your mind. Shut off the TV and put away the iPhone and just be. Don't do, just be. It reminds me of my favorite postcard I saw years ago "Having a great time. Wish I were here." Be. Here. Now.

What about cleaning out the Body quadrant? Are you feeding yourself good, healthy food that gives you that spring in your step? Or are you eating the foods that make you feel sluggish? I know for me personally, I need to clean up my eating a bit. If you are finding it hard to do, get an accountable buddy, track your foods with a tool like My Fitness Pal, and connect with why you want to eat healthier (because it makes me feel better and gives me more energy!). Of course there are other ways to do some spring cleaning in the Body quadrant including adding some (fun) exercise, getting better sleep, and using healthier products.

We have to remember that Relationships play a role in our health, too. Are you actively choosing the people in your life? My test is this: After spending time with someone ask yourself if you feel better or worse after seeing them. There are some people who make me feel smart and funny and beautiful; others who make me feel bad about myself. If you are spending time with the latter, it may be time for some friend spring cleaning!

We already touched on the Environment quadrant above, which can also include not just getting rid of the clutter, but also removing the toxic products we use in our house.

Write in the comments below and let me know how you choose to actively create and live your life with some FQL spring cleaning!

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Dina Colman, MA, MBA is an award-winning author, healthy living coach, and founder of Four Quadrant Living. Dina has a private practice helping clients live healthier and happier lives. Her Amazon Top 100 book, Four Quadrant Living: Making Healthy Living Your New Way of Life, guides readers to make healthy living a part of their daily lives, leading to greater health, vitality, and happiness. Contact Dina at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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