This weekend I had a lovely shopping trip with Noah and my friend Sarah. We enjoyed a Starbucks Americano and then a potter round TK Maxx.
Usually in TK Maxx I get so interested in the clothes and the shoes that I don’t pay much attention to the homeware. Sarah on the other hand loves to focus on the towels and the accessories for the kitchen so this time I joined in.
I bought some lovely dishcloths. I know it sounds a bit boring but the gorgeous patterns were what got me interested…
They are machine washable and they look beautiful. Even better they are brilliant for cleaning, they get off all sorts of marks.
Since I have had the new dishcloths in my life I have been more keen on cleaning. The kitchen table and the cupboard doors have never looked so good.
It got me thinking that cleaning is a great way to relax. Lots of us suffer with busy minds, always planning always looking to achieve something and really struggling to switch off.
For busy minded people flopping on the sofa doesn’t happen very often because their minds keep on racing even if they force their body to stay still.
In order to switch off our minds need to wind down, unravel and settle. Going straight from racing around to trying to switch off makes this transition really difficult. Finding an activity that slows you down is a great was to help the mind to reduce speed gradually.
As you start on a cleaning job, such as wiping your cupboard fronts, your mind may still be going at super speed. Stick at it for 10 minutes and you will find that your thoughts have slowed. Then gradually you might start to become aware of your motions and perhaps of your breathing. You will be more present in the moment, more mindful, more relaxed.
So winding down is a natural process but by choosing the right sort of activity you can help that process on its way – it really is just like a meditation!
If you want other great ideas for helping your mind to de stress and switch off then come on a Revitalise Day or book a private session. Training your brain is a skill that you can learn just like any other. The difference it will make to your life is amazing.
You are so right about cleaning and de cluttering !!. Have just been through a session of making a pathway through my untidy small flat . It was an effort to start because I am so worried about a family member but in a way I have de cluttered the problem and can see a way through it – as well as my flat !!
Well done Cilla! Glad you are on board with the clearing out of your flat and of your mind at the same time – doesn’t it feel good?!