Phil Says: Get Ready for Spring (Cleaning)

Apologies for posting this before emerging from my burrow this morning! Today’s my time to shine, but the sun may have other plans — and a cloudy day means that #spring is on the way. I’m not the most accurate predictor of the weather (historically, I get things right just 39% of the time on #Groundhog Day), but even if six more weeks of #winter are on the way, there’s no time like the present to start #cleaning and #decluttering your #nest. Spring cleaning can restore one’s immune system, head off stress, prevent illness and prepare the body for increased physical activity in the warmer months, Healthline says. For me, that means digging a more spacious burrow, foraging for food, hiding from coyotes and um, socializing. Off to Gobbler’s Knob!

Phil Says: Eat Healthy, Lose Winter Weight

Punxsutawney Phil here! It’s a busy week for me, but the kind folks at ClothingDonations.org have asked me to #chuck a few of my #healthy #hibernation habits with readers. First, let’s talk about nutrition — healthy eating is a must if you plan to spend more time indoors. As a vegetarian, I gorge myself on grasses, berries and tree bark in preparation for winter, when I can lose up to a quarter of my body weight. You may have bulked up during the holidays, so now’s the time to introduce more unprocessed foods — especially fruits and vegetables — into your diet in order to get into shape for spring (and the television cameras). Shameless plug: Remember to livestream my prediction tomorrow morning at VisitPA.com!

Introducing Special Guest Columnist Punxsutawney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil has the right idea. One of the largest members of the ground squirrel family and a “true” hibernator, he suspends regular activity during the winter, entering a deep sleep and avoiding frigid weather in an underground hibernation chamber. Humans also tend to slow their activity through the winter (albeit in climate-controlled homes and with a host of entertainment options), but we can take a few cues from the world’s most beloved weather prognosticator. This week, the Organizing Blog turns things over to Phil to get his advice on a life well-lived. His initial counsel? “Cut the #clutter for a restful winter. And keep your burrow #tidy.”

Start Small With a Winter Deep-Clean

With a winter storm blanketing much of the United States with snow, it’s unlikely that legendary groundhog Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow tomorrow morning. To cope with another six weeks of winter gloom, try doing a thorough #deep-cleaning of your home. Start small, says My Creative Days. Pick a single drawer, closet or room, and #purge it of accumulated #junk. Keep an empty box nearby for anything you find to #donate to ClothingDonations.org, and call for a #donation #pickup as soon as you fill a few boxes or bags. Then #deep-clean the area and #organize the stuff that goes back in it.