Oosouji is the ancient Japanese ritual of 'great cleansing' before entering a new stage or cycle.

Your mother calls it… spring cleaning/the old-fashioned wardrobe change; a weekend of mopping and cleaning solution. The Japanese add an extra touch of Zen and mental health, as they do with everything they do.

And given that We changed seasons...that your humble abode has become a circus that's only missing the tent, and that your wardrobe is a portal to another dimension where you only find fat socks...

It's the perfect time to tidy up your home... and things that aren't your home.

10 Tips for practicing Oosouji adapted to the times we live in.

1. A self-date with @Oosouji (no, it's not an OF account)

If you're serious about knitting and starting to get into the good weather, set aside the time it deserves.

A weekend might be too much, but you can't take away a good 6-8 hours, so turn off your phone, put on your favorite music, a good tracksuit or some comfortable, relaxed clothes and... get going!

2. Roomba-type automatic cleaning mode: ON

Since you're in for a cathartic day, it's best not to overthink things and just let yourself flow and #fuckclean.

The Japanese do it from far away (the last room of the house) to near (the entrance), from top to bottom (of the room), and in a clockwise direction. This way you avoid wandering aimlessly from one closet to another and you'll have a clear idea of ​​how much you have left to finish.

3. Anything that doesn't contribute is cut (practical minimalism)

Get yourself some trash bags (for throwing away) and boxes (for donating) because the idea is that you're going to fill quite a few.

Any object from the past that has already served its purpose in your life... should be thrown away. Less getting nostalgic over clothes you never wear and knick-knacks 'just in case,' and more saying goodbye!

4. What's done is done, in the digital world too.

Once you've finished with the house, it's time to go through your social media and external storage and delete things that no longer meet our standards of good taste. Photos with your ex, comments that haven't aged well, selfies that make us cringe…

5. Garlic for emotional vampires

And while you're at it, don't forget to ditch all those draining relationships that are sucking your energy and good mood. Delete contacts from your phone, uninstall dating apps, block profiles, mute WhatsApp conversations that bore you more than the mannequins at Zara…

The only toxic one that interests us is Britney Spears's.

6. I don't owe anything to anyone

If you can and it's easy for you, invite out outstanding debts from your life: from the electricity bill, to books and movies you borrowed, your mother's Tupperware, or the Bizum payments for drinks last weekend.

Reset to zero for your new spring version

7. "Sorry, I can't in two weeks."

It wouldn't hurt to also review everything you committed to... before deciding to start from scratch.

You don't have to go to that university reunion, that get-together, that event… if you don't feel like it. Learning to say no Taking it in advance is an addictive and uplifting adrenaline rush for your new self.

8.  Reconnect with your comfort zone

“Get out of your comfort zone,” they say. But…

Why? What for? No, thank you. After all the effort it took to build it, furnish it, and keep everything in it organized, we're not leaving unless absolutely necessary. During Oosouji, it's best to reconnect, set up an altar, and give space to all those things that make us feel safe and at peace.

9. Cleaning oneself

Besides finally saying goodbye to the shower gels you stole from the hotel during that rural getaway and the half-empty bottles, we advise you to end your Oosouji day in the bathroom with a good shower and a thorough physical cleansing.

Not only because you've been surrounded by dust all day by this point; but also to put a finishing touch on the whole ritual and to let your adrenaline subside and bring zen peace to your body.

10. Oosouji: renovation plan inside and out

The actual act of tidying the house is the least of it. Spring cleaning is the perfect excuse to kick everything you want out of your life and make room for the rest:

• to the peace of mind that comes from seeing everything clean and tidy
• to a life without stresses
• to the feeling of control over your life
• to the pride of a job well done by yourself
• Seeing a before vs. after in a matter of hours gives you the confidence to face other changes that will take longer but that you will no longer see as such an 'uphill battle'
• …

Listen to the Japanese and the moms: wax on, wax off during spring cleaning.

PS: A clean face is worth more than 1,000 nudes, so if you fancy complementing your spring cleansing with a "I'll eat your face" cleanser...

Today's post is sponsored by our Splash Foam Party.

A facial cleanser that leaves your skin hydrated, soft and clean of pimples, blackheads and daily impurities, while you throw an apple-scented foam party in the bathroom.