It’s time to spring-clean your life

It’s not just our homes that need a spring clean at this time of year – other important parts of our lives could also do with a shake-up…

Whether your fitness regime has suffered, your waistline has expanded or your finances have seen better days, here are a few ideas to get everything back in shape:

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES

Most of us waste money in some way – an unwanted gym subscription here, an expensive coffee habit there – so look at your bank statements and receipts and work out what spending can be knocked on the head.

Start saving – or paying off any debt. Work out what you can afford each month and put it away the same day you get paid.

Review your pension and any investments to make sure they’re in the best place and put any spare money in a tax-free ISA if you haven’t done so already this tax year.

And don’t be afraid to switch providers. From your bank (many offer cash to open an account) to your utility and insurance companies, don’t be afraid to shop around.

SHAPE UP YOUR FITNESS REGIME

Try setting a new goal for yourself or join a new class – sports centres are constantly updating what they offer.

Shake things up – wake and exercise earlier to take advantage of the lighter mornings, buy some new kit or simply create a new playlist – they’ll all help re-energise you.

Take up a new sport, something different, like boxing, trampolining or synchronised swimming – classes are widely available. Or, if you live near a specialist centre such as onoe for skiing or sailing, take advantage!

Whatever you decide, register for an event – whether it’s a 5km run, an endurance challenge or a triathlon – there’s nothing better to motivate you.

DITCH THE DIRE DIET

With warmer weather, making salad seem appetising again: spring is a great time to change eating habits.

Clear out the cupboards – throw away anything that’s unnecessary, like crisps and cakes, and resolve not to buy them again. The same goes for booze.

Set time aside to make meals again – convenience food and takeaways often contain huge amounts of fat, sugar and salt.

Control your portion size and try to eat mindfully to give the brain time to recognise you’re full. Drink plenty of water, too – we often mistake thirst for hunger.

And consider eating vegan one day a week – not only is it better for the planet, it’s better for you, too, as it could lower your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and even protect against certain cancers.

REFRESH YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Friendships aren’t always for for ever. So, if one’s getting you down, now’s the time to take a look at what’s gone wrong.

If they’re a touch dull, why not meet up in more interesting circumstances, like a local theatre or at a pub quiz, to give you conversation?

Should they keep talking about the same problems or issues, try to steer the conversation on to something more interesting. After a while, they should get the hint.

If not, or if it’s more serious, try gently talking to the other person about how you feel . Equally, be prepared to listen, too – they might have criticisms of you that you’ll have to take on board.

Often an honest chat is enough to clear the air but if not, ask yourself why you’re continuing the relationship. If it’s just out of habit, it might be worth letting go.