Ah, spring. The season of renewal, blooming flowers, and finally packing away that winter coat that made you look like a human marshmallow. The season of the RESET. But while we’re all busy decluttering our closets and power-washing our patios, there’s one area of life that desperately needs a deep clean—our relationships.
Yep, I’m talking about your friendships, work dynamics, marriage, and even your relationship with your kids. Because let’s be real: some of these connections could use a little dusting off… or, in some cases, a complete overhaul.
Friendships: Are They Bringing You Joy or Just Emotional Clutter?
Marie Kondo had it right—hold something (or someone) in your hands (metaphorically, lol) and ask: Does this spark joy? If the answer is no, it might be time to lovingly let it (or them) go.
Science backs this up. Studies show that toxic friendships can increase cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone that makes you feel like you’re perpetually running late to the airport). Hanging onto friends who drain your energy rather than lift you up is like keeping a pair of jeans from 2005 that might fit again someday—unrealistic and unnecessary.
Spring clean tip: Audit your friendships. Are you always the one reaching out? Do you leave interactions feeling depleted rather than energized? If yes, it may be time to distance yourself or redefine the relationship. And remember, quality beats quantity—one amazing friend is worth more than a hundred ‘meh’ ones.
Coworker Chaos: Time to Reorganize the Office Dynamics
There’s always that coworker. The one who takes credit for your ideas, gossips at the water cooler, or emails “per my last email” with just a little too much sass. Work relationships can be tricky because, unlike your personal life, you can’t exactly ghost Brenda from accounting!
Studies in workplace psychology show that positive relationships at work can increase job satisfaction by up to 50% and even boost productivity. Meanwhile, a toxic work environment does the opposite—leading to burnout, anxiety, and decreased motivation.
Spring clean tip: Set boundaries and communicate clearly. If you have a difficult coworker, practice assertive (not aggressive) communication. And if your work environment is feeling like an episode of Survivor, it might be time to consider a bigger change.
Marriage or Partnership: When’s the Last Time You Dusted Off the Romance?
Just like your baseboards, relationships collect dust. Over time, the little gestures that once made your heart race (like love notes or surprise coffee deliveries) get replaced with practical, less thrilling interactions (like “Did you take out the garbage?”).
Psychologists at the Gottman Institute (aka the wizards of relationships) say that small, everyday interactions build the foundation of lasting love. They call these “bids for connection.” So, when your partner makes a dad joke, don’t roll your eyes—laugh (or at least pretend to). Responding positively to these bids strengthens relationships over time.
Spring clean tip: Reignite the spark. Plan a date night, leave a cute note, or—dare I say—put away your phone and actually talk (gasp!). If things feel stale, shake them up with something new: a dance class, a pickleball lesson, a weekend getaway, or even a game night with zero responsibilities.
Parenting: Less Nagging, More Laughing
If your relationship with your kids has started to feel more like The Negotiator than The Sound of Music, it might be time for a refresh.
Child psychologists emphasize the importance of connection before correction. If your kiddo is acting up, they might not need another lecture—they might just need a hug, or a quiet empathetic ear without judgement. Or, if they’re teenagers, an awkward-but-meaningful head nod from across the room (which, in teen language, is basically an ‘I love you’)—a silent reassurance that they see you, they appreciate you, and deep down, they know you’re always in their corner.
If your family interactions mostly consist of coordinating schedules, nagging about homework, and asking, “Did you feed the dog?”—it’s time to inject some joy. Shared positive experiences strengthen bonds and make relationships more resilient.
Spring clean tips:
- Schedule non-negotiable fun. Put a weekly game night (we love Rummicub), family walk, or tennis match on the calendar—no rescheduling.
- Let your kids take the lead. Ask, “What’s something fun we can do together this week?” and do it, no matter how silly (yes, even if it involves slime or another round of hide-and-seek for younger ones).
- Say “yes” more. Instead of defaulting to “Not now,” try “Why not?” when your kid asks you to go to a movie on a school night, or to have the boys over to watch the NHL game.
The stronger your connection, the smoother daily life becomes.
Just like you wouldn’t let expired milk sit in your fridge for months (I hope), don’t let stagnant or toxic relationships take up space in your life. Spring cleaning your relationships isn’t about cutting people out recklessly—it’s about making intentional choices that bring more joy, peace, and balance into your world.
So, take a deep breath, grab a metaphorical feather duster, and start clearing out what no longer serves you. The result? A life filled with more laughter, love, and the kind of relationships that feel fresh, vibrant, and totally worth keeping around.
Now, if only spring cleaning the actual house was this much fun…
P.S. Spring is the season of renewal—so why not refresh your mindset, relationships, and life? If you’re ready to up-level your well-being, set powerful goals, and create real lasting change, let’s work together. Book a one-on-one coaching session with me, and let’s design a life you love—one that feels balanced, fulfilling, and aligned. Your next level is waiting! Click here to learn more. ??
