Clean Slate

The importance of starting fresh every now and again

Oftentimes, we forget to take a breath. That’s no surprise— life can be pretty relentless. The work piles up, the drama has new developments, you need to go to the grocery store again and oh, that’s right, you forgot to send that email. You want to hang out with your friends, but you all have conflicting schedules. You haven’t gotten eight hours of sleep in weeks. When you do have a moment to rest, all you want to do is just that. Rest. However, rest isn’t always all that you need. Sometimes, a clean slate can help out in ways you wouldn’t expect. Your environment can have a big impact on your mood and stress levels. Even just making your bed can help you feel more put together. Here are a few ways you can help yourself take a breath and reset before taking on another week. Organize your workspace! It’s difficult to focus on work when your desk is cluttered. Take a moment and rearrange the pens and papers that may be strewn about. Stack your books properly and get rid of the sticky note reminders you don’t need anymore. Spending just a few minutes cleaning up your workspace will prepare you for the week ahead. Light a candle or burn some incense! Scents like lavender or jasmine can help reduce anxiety and will leave your home smelling clean. Choose a variety of scents to keep things fresh and interesting. You could easily work this into your morning or nighttime routine to help you unwind on a daily basis. Do a full skincare routine! It’s hard to dedicate a lot of time to skincare during the busier weeks. A lot of people find skincare calming—do a face mask, use some rose water, apply a bunch of toners and moisturizers. Spend some time finding a routine that works for you and use it to refresh your skin and your mind.Make a new playlist! It’s a simple, fun task to focus your mind on for a little while. Plus, you’ll have a new set of tunes to keep you going. Wash your bedding! I know, it’s annoying, but it has to be done and can make a world of difference in your mood. There’s no better feeling than fresh, clean bedsheets, especially after a tough day. Bake some cookies! If baking stresses you out, maybe don’t work this into your routine, but it can be another simple activity to focus on. You’ll get to enjoy the desserts afterwards, and you could share them with your friends and family. Also, who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cookies? Of course, there are several little routines you could implement into your weekend to help you get a fresh start. You just have to find what works for you! Make your weekends a time to relax and reset—