As I write this, snow is falling outside, covering the ground and the trees. Winter is keeping a tight hold on the season. Yet, in truth, spring is right around the corner. As the saying goes, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” We are hoping that is true, but one way to get through the end of winter and start spring fresh is with a little spring cleaning. Maybe we stayed at our desks all winter, fearing the cold outdoors, and now the paper and clutter have been piling up. One way to kick off the season is to start by decluttering. This simple act (depending on the amount of decluttering needed) can rejuvenate not just our workspace but our mental health as well. 

With the sun shining more on our days and warmer temperatures starting to make us want to be more active, spring is an excellent time to get more organized for a busy season ahead. By decluttering our workspace, we can create a more productive space that helps you stay calm and focused. But where to start? 

Spring cleaning is divided into two separate steps: decluttering and cleaning. Studies show that clutter—whether it’s on a computer desktop or a physical one—can trigger stress hormones, reducing productivity and potentially negatively affecting our health. Cleaning and disinfecting commonly used objects, such as keyboards, phones, headsets, desks, and chairs, can also reduce the spread of viruses and grime. Fortunately, a few simple steps can help tidy your workspace and reward you with a fresh outlook. 

Clear Your Space

1. Treat your office spring cleaning as you would any other essential office function, and intentionally block out time on your calendar.
2. Do not merely rearrange or tidy up your current work area. Take a few minutes to consider how you typically use your space. Organize according to how you work, not according to “where things go.” Put anything you use daily nearer to you. The rest can go in files or drawers.
3. About those drawers, they need attention too. You may have an office junk drawer or notice that even your drawers are looking a bit messier than you would like. Go through them, then organize them. When organizing correspondence and files: Make three separate piles—discard, file, and shred—and do all three at the end of the sorting process. Apply the same technique to your email inbox as well.

Clean Your Space

Now that you have decluttered, it is time for a deep cleaning of your desk, chair, computer, mouse, phone, headset, and writing utensils. Schedule this process for a time that will not disrupt client visits or other work activities, 

1. Remove dust (especially on your keyboard) by giving everything a good once-over with canned air. For your keyboard, it is a good idea to start by disconnecting any cables, then turn it upside down and give it a thorough shake-out to release any trapped crumbs or particles. Then give it a good once-over with compressed air. Compressed air can remove dust from other areas of your desk, too.
2. Dip a cotton swab in some isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and swab around the keys of your keyboard. Isopropyl alcohol dries quickly, but you should still be careful to apply only a small amount to your swab since you do not want moisture getting into the delicate hardware beneath your keyboard.
3. To clean and disinfect your smartphone, you can create a cleaning solution by mixing the same isopropyl alcohol with some water (about a 50/50 ratio) in a small bottle. Spray the cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth, then use the cloth to wipe down your screen. Again, you want to avoid moisture on the phone itself, so never apply alcohol (or water!) directly onto your phone screen. This same method can be used to wipe down a landline/desk phone and handset.
4. Other non-electronic surfaces, such as your desktop and shelves, can get a thorough cleaning with mild soap and water.
5. Dry all surfaces thoroughly with a clean cloth before use.
6. If you have access to a vacuum, take a few moments to vacuum the area around your desk and chair. 

Liven Up the Space

Once you have finished decluttering and cleaning, think about ways to liven up your space. Something fresh and colorful will help motivate you to keep your space clean and neat. Here are some simple ideas to make your workspace more comfortable and ready for you to be more productive. 

Go Green

Get yourself a plant! Bringing a real living plant into your workspace has been shown to significantly reduce stress, anxiety, fatigue, and hostility among coworkers. 

Let There Be Light

There is nothing more depressing than overhead fluorescent “office space” lighting. So, think about bringing in more light options into your office. More light can also help improve your mood and make you more productive. carefully about brightening up your lighting situation in your office. 

Art That Inspires

As offices go, four walls and a desk may not inspire much creativity and productivity. Bringing in some artwork that adds a bit of color and makes you more enthused and productive may be just want is needed to make your office feel like a productive retreat. 

Personal Photos

If art is not your bailiwick, you can also try adding a personal touch to your office through the use of photos. Family photos can serve as a powerful reminder of why you are working so hard each and every day and, truly, what is most important in life. 

Spring Cleaning Your Mental Health

Spring cleaning is not just about making your workplace cleaner so you can be more productive, you can also spring clean other things to help your mental health. 

1. Detoxify Your Diet:

Say goodbye to heavy winter comfort foods and embrace lighter, fresher options. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals to cleanse your system and boost your energy levels. 

2. Get Moving Outdoors:

Take advantage of the warmer weather by moving your workouts outdoors. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a bike ride, or yoga in the sunshine, being active in nature can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being. 

3. Prioritize Sleep:

Use the changing season as an opportunity to establish a healthy sleep routine. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to rest and recharge. 

4. Stay Hydrated:

With the temperatures rising, it’s crucial to stay hydrated throughout the day. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink water, herbal teas, and fresh juices to keep your body hydrated and functioning optimally. 

5. Mindful Practices:

Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall well-being. 

A Final Thought: Spring cleaning may seem like a chore, but with the brighter days and warmer temperatures, it is a great way to create a workspace that makes you want to be more productive, and it can also translate to less stress and greater mental health.