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Mar 2011  |  By Arlyn Miller  |  Comments

20-Minute Timeout: Looking Back to Spring Forward

It’s that time of year again, when the promise of spring sprouts and we’ve turned the clocks forward an hour.

Springing forward by wandering back is a great way to rejuvenate. With these four simple steps, you’ll de-stress as you spring clean:

1. Dig out some of the old stuff you’ve been holding onto—a shoebox filled with camp letters, college photos and mementos, hand-me-down costume jewelry from a beloved relative.

2. Recall the feel-good associations to the people and times in your life evoked by these sentimental items.  

3. Pair the paring down process with music from the era, a scent, and a snack or beverage to transport you back for a restorative 20-minute time out. There’s nothing like Fresca and Springsteen to evoke my college years.  The scent of baby lotion and the feel of a hooded terry cloth towel remind me of when my first child was born.  

4. Decide what to keep and toss. Keep special snapshots from vacations and gatherings; toss out faded, out-of-focus photos. Sort through old children’s books and outfits. Save a few favorites and give away the rest.

Relax and renew yourself as you get in sync with the spring season. You can hold onto the memories and good feelings, even as you let go of the stuff.