May 18, 2022

Ah, spring – the season of new beginnings. At Mercy Home, we welcome spring with open arms. So, in the spirit of new beginnings, why not approach your annual spring cleaning from a different point of view? Follow these tips to jumpstart this year’s spring cleaning.

Make A Playlist

Science has confirmed what we’ve suspected all along. According to research, music is helpful for inspiring productivity and keeping you focused! At our Home, music fills the halls as our kids tidy up their living spaces. We know that a home isn’t just a place to sleep. It is also a place to grow, learn, and relax. A positive, high-energy playlist is the perfect way to give yourself the extra energy you need to make your house a home.

Act Naturally

Grocery shelves are lined with new and improved cleaning devices, sprays, and potions that promise you a spotless world. But what isn’t advertised is how harmful the chemicals in these products can be for our environment. Mercy Home is dedicated to teaching sustainability practices to our young people, such as recycling and opting for more environmentally safe goods. Got a dirty microwave? Mix water, vinegar and lemon in a bowl and microwave on high for two minutes. Then, simply swipe the residue from the surfaces! Want a squeaky-clean countertop? Mix water, baking soda, and your favorite essential oil for a sparkly, clean space.

Stay Rooted

This year we’re challenging you to look inward as we shake off the winter blues. This can be done by grounding yourself with whatever method feels most authentic to you. Mercy Home’s Spiritual Director had this to say about his spring cleaning plans:

“Anyone who has seen my office knows that I don’t need a spotless environment to thrive. But what I value, and what Lent offers, is a chance to think intentionally about what I need to be a mirror for God’s love on earth. Often that is about simplifying my thoughts and clearing my heart. I like to think and pray about what I truly need—and usually the answer is not more helpful than the simple act of intentional centering prayer. I’m grateful for the ritual reminder to do it each year as life blooms back!”

Our young people remained rooted this spring by tilling and mending our garden. By pulling up weeds that grew over the winter, our kids prepared the ground for a bounty of beauty as the temperatures continue to rise.

Download a Digital Detox

When our kids aren’t in class or attending a tutoring session, they’re often found laughing and having joyful conversations. This is because we encourage our young people to be present to one another as much as possible. By putting their phones, laptops, and games away for a moment, they’re able to connect and grow together in a more natural way. The average person spends over 5 hours a day on their phone. Why is this important to know? Science tells us that excess phone use can lead to higher levels of anxiety and loneliness. So, save that post for the drafts and try having a real face-to-face chat with someone special.

Shed Your Layers

We all have that favorite winter sweater. The one that’s passed down and the perfect combination of itchy and cozy. Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to give that one away. But maybe this year’s spring cleaning can include donating some bulky, heavy clothes you haven’t worn in years? We all want Earth’s springtime beauty to thrive for years to come. Together, we can do our part to keep our landfills low and our gratefulness high by donating articles of clothing to local businesses. Your neighborhood thrift store is always ready to accept clothes for their hip and trendy visitors.

Dream A Little

While we encourage being in the moment, it’s also vital to plan for the future. This spring, a few of our young people were tasked with creating a budget for a month-long service project. This taught our kids to appreciate the value of money, and how distributing it and saving it properly can be hugely beneficial. This spring, perhaps it may be wise to look at your spending habits and see how your resources could be more thoughtfully managed. Need a bigger incentive? Imagine how a little, over time, could fund that dream destination you’ve been planning to visit for years.

Give Yourself a Break

And, finally, we come to our last spring-cleaning tidbit of advice. At Mercy Home, we’re proud of our young people’s hard work as they tackle life’s challenges, whether it’s next week’s big exam or a difficult relationship from the past. Here, we celebrate every victory big or small. Still, this spring, consider ways you can lean into giving yourself rest. This could be taking five minutes in the morning to practice mindfulness. Or it could mean establishing a daily bedtime during the week. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you for being kind to yourself when you need it most. 

Spring is a special season that reminds us of brighter days ahead! Thanks to Mercy Home supporters, we can share this spirited attitude with our young people and with friends like you.