How To Spring Clean Your Mind For Mental Rest And Emotional Growth

spring cleaning your mental healthspring cleaning your mental health

Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, we're still dreaming about an early spring break, pastel wardrobes, and — you guessed it — spring cleaning. While we often associate the warmer weather with a physical decluttering, it’s worth taking a page from the mindfulness book to declutter your brain too. Taking care of your mental health is so important, and spring is a great cue from nature to pause for some self-care. Experts from Mindsail — a wellness app that offers on-demand programs from experts in the mental health field — have some tips to encourage our mental spring cleaning.


1. Get rid of “toxic waste.”Sometimes it’s hard to tell when a relationship (platonic or romantic) is causing you stress — and other times, it’s perfectly obvious. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, Dr. Jill Weber recommends taking a moment to think critically about the relationships in your life. Her measuring stick for toxic relationships? Fulfillment.

“Many people feel stuck in an unfulfilling relationship,” she said. “But sometimes, it can be hard to see the signs when you’re right in the middle of it.” If a relationship isn’t making you feel fulfilled — or if it’s actually taking away from your feelings of fulfillment — consider taking a step back to focus on other people in your life. In this way, your mental spring cleaning mirrors your physical spring cleaning; you’re simply removing parts of your life that no longer benefit you.

2. Allow yourself to physically declutter.“We collect things for a number of reasons: Maybe we think we’ll need to use it later, it has sentimental value, or we spent good money on it so we feel we need to keep it — even if we haven’t touched it in weeks, months, or years,” says Mindsail expert Lauren Wallack. “But oftentimes clutter in the eyes leads to clutter in the mind.”

Utilize physical spring cleaning in order to feel less overwhelmed by your space. A great way to start is to start small: You don’t need to clean your whole home or apartment from top to bottom in order to feel decluttered. Instead, tackle one room or space at a time. Begin with your coat closet, for instance — or take a weekend and focus solely on your makeup drawer. When you devote energy toward making your living space as livable and happy as possible, your brain will feel the positive effects.

3. Overcome your emotional attachments to clutter. One way to physically and mentally declutter is to consider your emotional attachments to your stuff. “Whether you’re letting go of an old pair of jeans you’ve been saving until you lose the weight, or an ugly sweater your friend bought you for your birthday, it’s important to assess the true value of that item,” Mindsail expert Aimee Falchuk suggests. “How much enjoyment is it really bringing you? If those pants are just reminding you of your self-consciousness or you’re holding onto that sweater just to please your friend, it’s time to chuck them.” By letting go of the physical reminders of emotional turmoil, you’ll feel mentally refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of 2023.

How do you declutter your mind? Let us know your best self-care tips @BritandCo and check out our Mental Health page for more.

This article has been updated.

Love can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and whether we like to admit it or not, our own habits and tendencies can have serious impacts on our relationships.

Astrology offers some insight into our personalities and suggests that certain zodiac signs are more likely to break hearts than others.

Here are eight zodiac signs that can leave even the most level-headed person wondering where it all went wrong.

Scroll to find out which zodiac signs are most-likely to break hearts...

1. Gemini

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Geminis can be hard to pin down. Their affection may seem like a flickering light that's constantly on and off. One day, they're seemingly all over you, but then, 24 hours later, they're distant and cold.

To steer clear of heartbreak, be on the lookout for early warning signs. Geminis can be fun and exciting, but their tendency to change their mind or pull away at random means they're not always the best choice for someone who wants emotional consistency. Keep your emotional guard up, listen to your gut, and be wary if they show indicators of detachment.

2. Aquarius

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Aquarians can be some of the most confusing people to love. They may make you feel like you're the center of their world until they start blatantly flirting with other people right in front of you.

True emotional commitment can be difficult for this sign, and when an Aquarian does decide to end things, it's sometimes in a condescending way.

So, they may not be the best choice if you're looking for a grounded, emotionally available partner. Watch out for signs that they're prioritizing their independence over your relationship, and protect yourself by keeping things light in the early stages.

3. Sagittarius

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Independent, adventurous, and driven: that's the Sagittarian reputation. While these are admirable traits in some scenarios, they can also make this sign feel selfish in relationships.

Their desire for personal freedom often comes first, and if your needs don't align with their plans, they probably won't stick around. That's why they're not ideal partners for people who value emotional commitment.

Be cautious if you're seeing a Sagittarian who is more focused on their personal endeavors than building a real partnership. And if you notice they're dismissive of your needs, it may be time to take a step back.

4. Capricorn

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Somewhat similar to Sagittarius, Capricorns are all about self-preservation and their own success. They don't appreciate anything that stands in the way of their goals, and if your vision of a relationship doesn't match theirs, they won't hesitate to walk away without a second thought.

Keep an eye out for Capricorns' rigid expectations. If they're unwilling to compromise on issues or are quick to end things at the first sign of conflict, take it as a red flag.

5. Aries

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Aries have fiery passion and an impulsive nature. They can fall head over heels quickly, but they also fall out of love just as fast.

Once they decide they're done with your relationship, it can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. They won't waste time explaining their decision, leaving you confused.

Emotional inconsistency and impulsivity are two big warning signs for relationships. Trust your intuition because you don't want to invest too much into a relationship that could end just as suddenly as it started.

6. Pisces

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When a Pisces is into you, they can be super loving and charming. But, at the drop of a hat, their behavior can take a sharp turn.

Their biggest issue is that they tend to avoid taking accountability and may play the victim when things go wrong. That can cause you to second-guess yourself and wonder if you were really at fault.

Pay attention to any signs of emotional manipulation, gaslighting, or self-pity when conflicts arise. If this sign refuses to apologize or tries to make you feel guilty for their actions, it's a no-go.

7. Leo

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Leos love being the center of attention, and when they're interested in you, they'll bring you into the spotlight with them. Yet, once their attention shifts elsewhere, you may be kicked to the curb.

This sign's need for admiration and dominance can lead them to disregard your needs after they've lost interest. Talk about taking a self-esteem hit!

If you realize that you're constantly vying for this sign's validation or feel as though you're being overshadowed by their ego, it's a cue they might not be able to give you the emotional support you need.

8. Taurus

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Finally, while Tauruses can be incredibly loving, they may turn ruthless and cold when they decide they're finished with you. This sign is also known for being stubborn, so once they've made up their mind, it can be nearly impossible to change.

So, they aren't great at compromising or seeing things from others' perspectives. Red flags to watch out for include Tauruses holding grudges and becoming overly defensive. And if they're not open to working through issues, it might be time to move on.

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Trader Joe’s has all the best festive flavors for St. Patrick’s Day, and their shelves are undeniably stocked up with seasonal gems you won’t want to miss. From Irish-inspired cheeses to sweet treats with a lucky twist, there’s no shortage of fun (and delicious!) ways to celebrate this year. If you're looking to add some festive energy to your grocery haul, these TJ’s finds are the perfect way to get into the spirit.

Scroll on for 13 epic Trader Joe's finds you need to add to your cart for St. Patty's Day!

Trader Joe's

Kerrygold Irish Cheddar With Chili Peppers

Whether you use this spicy grass-fed cheddar for a charcuterie board, on top of steaming-hot baked potatoes, or for bite-sized grilled cheeses, your St. Patty's party will be so glad you grabbed it.

Trader Joe's

Corned Beef Brisket

Corned beef is a St. Patty's classic. This brisket comes pre-seasoned with plenty of mustard, coriander, bay leaf, red chili pepper, and dill seed for a unique, yet super familiar flavor profile.

Trader Joe's

Pie Crusts

These readymade pie crusts can be easily transformed for on-theme Shepherd's Pies and desserts alike.

Trader Joe's

Beer Bread Mix

Soda bread is another can't-miss traditional St. Patrick's Day snack, and this bread mix (where all you have to do is add beer and butter) makes enjoying the snack extremely easy. You could even top it with a medley of other ingredients to enhance a certain flavor profile.

Trader Joe's

Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Any holiday party involving beer (AKA St. Patrick's Day) calls for some fried food. Skip the drive-thru and prep these cheesy sticks right at home for just $5!

Trader Joe's

Beef Rib Eye Steak

If grillin' is on the docket for your St. Patty's Day plans, opt for one of TJ's fancy steak cuts like this nice $15 rib eye to feed a crowd!

Trader Joe's

Soft Pretzel Twists

These soft pretzel twists are just as tasty as the bites you'd get at the stadium – salt and all!

Trader Joe's

Garlic Gondolas

These "very garlicky" bread boats can host a wide array of fillings like stews, soups, and salads. Just cut 'em up for a finger food that's definitely worthy of your St. Patrick's celebration!

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels

When it comes to the sweet stuff, you simply can't go wrong with these dark chocolate-covered caramel bites.

Trader Joe's

Brownie Truffle Baking Mix

This brownie mix includes notes of fudgy chocolate that's sure to cure any sweet tooth. You could totally serve small bites of this using toothpicks for your party – easy!

Trader Joe's

Apple Blossoms

These apple-filled snacks are like mini apple pies: individual pastries filled with sweet, cooked apples and topped with a tasty bit of cinnamon crumble! They bake very quickly in the oven so you don't have to wait long for your St. Patty's dessert.

Trader Joe's

Yellow Mini Sheet Cake

Trader Joe's sheet cakes are perfect for sharing. Luckily, this new flavor is gluten-free, so everyone can get a taste of its moist crumb and decadent chocolate frosting.

Trader Joe's

Chocolate Hazelnut Ground Coffee

Got Irish coffee on the menu? Step it up using this chocolate-hazelnut coffee that'll enhance every single flavor note.

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Only two states in the United States don't observe daylight saving time, observing standard time year-round: Arizona and Hawaii. After all, they argue, these states already get plenty of sun. The other 48 states – AKA the rest of us – will spring forward our clocks by one hour on Sunday, March 9, at least for now. It's been reported that it's on the table for abolishing. While it's my favorite time of year (who doesn't love the longer days?), it comes with some not so good health news. Let's get into what you can expect this daylight saving time!

Here are 12 wacky facts you may not know about daylight saving time.

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1. Most of us are saying it wrong.

The correct term is actually "daylight saving time" — singular, not plural. Despite common usage, "saving" is used as an adjective describing the act of conserving daylight, not a plural noun.

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2. The time change has been linked to more hospital visits.

The American Heart Association found that the time change showed an increase in cases of heart attack and stroke. A scientific study found a rise in cases of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), a condition that resulted in irregular heartbeats with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. The increase was more prevalent among women and occurred only during the spring daylight saving time shift, not with the fall clock change.

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3. There are more car accidents during this time.

Losing an hour of sleep can also impact your road safety. A study found that the spring daylight saving time transition increases the risk of fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. by 6 percent.

Andrea Piacquadio

4. DST can increase your cortisol and stress levels.

Losing sleep and disrupting your body’s natural rhythm can do more than just leave you feeling groggy — it can actually spike your cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Research shows that sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment can trigger an increase in cortisol, along with inflammatory markers and cytokine imbalances. Since cortisol and inflammatory proteins are released in response to stress, chronic elevations could contribute to long-term health issues.

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5. We're at higher risk of depression.

Many people report mood disturbances during this time, but for those with bipolar disorder, the effects can be particularly destabilizing. For instance, a 2020 study found that the change impacts mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. An Australian study revealed a significant increase in male suicide rates in the weeks following the start of daylight saving time, compared to both the weeks after the return to standard time and the rest of the year.

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6. Benjamin Franklin first suggested the concept.

He didn’t technically invent daylight saving time (as some have reported), but he did conceive the idea a century before it was credited to George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand artist who formally proposed it in an 1895 paper. Benjamin Franklin observed that if people in France adjusted their schedules to sleep when it was dark and wake with the sunrise, they could save hundreds of francs on candles — making artificial lighting less necessary.

Andy Feliciotti

7. There's already buzz to make DST permanent.

The Sunshine Protection Act is a proposed U.S. law aiming to make daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year.

Anna Shvets

8. Farmers actually fought against it.

Contrary to popular belief, farmers have never supported daylight saving time. In fact, they opposed its implementation and, in 1919, an agricultural lobby even pushed for its repeal.

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9. We may actually consume more energy because of it.

While many believe daylight saving time conserves energy, research suggests it may actually do the opposite. A University of California-Santa Barbara study indicated that daylight saving time might increase consumption. A 2017 study in the International Association for Energy Economics Journal further supports this idea, noting that longer daylight hours can lead to more air conditioning in summer and heating in cooler months.

Federico Respini

10. Daylight saving time was extended in 2007.

First started in Germany, the U.S. adopted daylight saving time in 1918 and standardized it across the country with the passage of the 1966 Uniform Time Act, which gave the federal government oversight over the time change. It originally called for the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. President George W. Bush’s Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended it from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, starting in 2007.

Bhargava Marripati

11. About 70 countries observe daylight saving time.

Countries like Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and those in the European Union observe daylight saving time either nationwide or in select regions. Meanwhile, most African and Asian nations — including India, China, and Japan — opt out of the time change entirely.

Kaylah Matthews

12. You can beat the clock.

Despite the health risks and safety concerns of daylight saving time, you can take steps to combat fatigue and adjust within a week. Here are B+C's 5 Best Ways to Beat Daylight Saving Time Fatigue.

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Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have made headlines again, but now Hailey Bieber— and all the alleged drama with her — is back in the picture. We were under the impression she was excited for the couple's engagement, but one fan claims she's back at her shady behavior...and it's making people look at her sideways all over again. Here's what allegedly happened, plus what Hailey had to say about it all!

Scroll to find out if Hailey Bieber actually threw shade at Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco...

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Hailey Bieber can't seem to catch a break in the news. Though we reported she liked Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco's engagement post last year, there was a suggestion she may have other thoughts about them. It's no secret she and Selena allegedly aren't the best of friends, but we never would've suspected she'd do what one person claims she did.

According to TikTok creator @courtneypresto, Hailey liked a video where she admits to being "a little shady to Selena Gomez." She also shared a couple of interesting pictures of her and Benny's Interview Magazine feature with one of them showing Benny smiling while the singer's two feet are on his cheeks.

But Hailey apparently thinks the creator's claim is "fake news" because her rep told Page Six, "This never happened." To make things slightly worse, the rep also threw @courtneypresto under the bus. "This entire story has been fabricated by a content creator looking to capitalize off of an old, tired narrative." You can't see us, but this statement made us choke on our lattes.

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Buzzfeed reports the model also shared a personal statement on Instagram, but it's unclear who she was referring to. The message started off with, "pastors and preachers really love to put words together with the same letter and act like it's HITTING so crazy..." before she signed off with "...sh-- drives me bananas."

As for Selena & Benny? They're in their own paradise and the singer's recent post dedicated to the producer proves it. She shared a sweet Instagram carousel that captured intimate moments of their love to celebrate his birthday. "I’m not sure what I did to deserve you but damn am I glad you were born.. happy birthday baby ♥️."

Maybe Hailey Bieber liked the original shady TikTok by accident? Whatever the case, we hope the girls aren't fighting again!

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Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively just premiered their new movie Another Simple Favor at the 2025 SXSW Festival (you can stream it on Prime Video May 1), and aside from buzz about the movie itself, the internet is going wild for one simple reason. Anna Kendrick got a little sassy when asked what it was like to reunite with Blake for the film, and while the drama surrounding Blake's It Ends With Us legal battle didn't delay the movie, social media users can't stop talking about Anna's reaction.

Here's what Anna Kendrick said about working with Blake Lively on Another Simple Favor.

Anna Kendrick's comments about Blake Lively just went viral.

@entertainmenttonight Anna Kendrick arrives to the premiere of 'Another Simple Favor' at SXSW. #annakendrick#blakelively#anothersimplefavor♬ original sound - Entertainment Tonight

While greeting fans at the movie premiere, Anna was asked what it meant to be working with Blake again, to which Anna doesn't even stop. She just responds, "Oh, you know."

"'Oh you know' are the exact words I say when someone asks me how I am and I am barely hanging on," one TikTok user jokes in the comments, while another speculates, "I think she hates the hate Blake is getting and how the media is out to get click bait from her about it."

@varietymagazine How is the release of "Another Simple Favor" being affected by everything going on in the world? Anna Kendrick: "Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone." #SXSW♬ original sound - Variety

The actress was also asked about "everything going on" (undoubtedly alluding to the It Ends With Us drama), to which Anna responded, "Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone."

Anna is known for her sense of humor, and TikTok users commented saying this "was a phenomenal answer" and that she's "effortlessly funny."

Anna opened up about reuniting with Blake for the sequel, telling People in October 2024 that getting cast members from the first A Simple Favor back together again was "a little bit like riding a bike."

"She lives on the East Coast, I live on the West Coast, so we don't get to see each other often," she says. "But it was lovely, and I think that those characters have such weird chemistry that it's so fun to just get the gang back together."

And when someone tweeted that Blake Lively was "terrified to walk the carpet" and Anna Kendrick was "pissed and never wants to work with her again," director Paul Feig retweeted with a simple, "Um … you’re wrong." And I'll take his word for it.

Check out why Blake Lively's Another Simple Favor Trailer Is All About “Revenge”