Meghann Mix: Mental and physical declutter

AHEAD of my trip to Mallorca, I found myself falling into a deep dive into my wardrobe as I searched for my summer clothing. What started as a packing mission resulted in four large bags of clothing being donated to charity. 

I am a hoarder which is ironic considering I have spent most of my life moving house so one would think that I have become nifty with having less possessions but perhaps that has led to me wanting more, holding onto memories from past addresses, clutching onto the happiest moments from every occasion. But if I continue to live like this, I’ll have to buy a five bedroom house for my clothing alone. 

Last week, I did a Marie Kondo on it. When in my hands, if it didn't bring me any joy, it went in the bag. Marie Kondo is a household name via her Netflix series. She is a Japanese organising consultant, a professional tidying expert, in that she organises people's homes. Her method involves emotional attachment to clothing, unless it sparks some happiness, then let it go.  

I shared my donation bags on my social media alerting followers to the fact that a lot of my clothes, all in good condition, would be available in my Mother’s charity shop in the coming days (Gort, County Galway) and it seems the warmer weather is having this effect on so many others. My inbox was inundated with messages from people who were doing similar. 

The decluttering didn’t end with my wardrobe, the next stop was my mind. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and drained all of a sudden but I know it’s because I need a break, hence why I am currently in Mallorca (more on that in next week's column) but before I jetted off I wanted to unleash some stresses so I went to a wellness and health spa. 

I did an infrared sauna. An infrared sauna heats the body using light as opposed to a regular sauna which heats the air. I followed that up by an hour in a pod or floatation therapy. The tank contains epsom salt therefore you float. It’s incredible for mental clarity, stress de-buster or sometimes a nap, which has happened to me before. The first time you try this, it is unusual and takes time to adjust but I would recommend trying it at least three times. 

For me, as seasons change, so does my outlook and perspective and I find a little declutter here and there makes the transition so much smoother. 

A proud Clare man with Limerick roots

Recently, I met up with one of Ireland’s best known hurling managers, Davy Fitzgerald. The Clare born, former hurler, was in Limerick to promote his event, Limerick’s Fittest Superstars.

He’s hard working and dedicated to every project, whether it’s managing the Waterford senior hurlers, his TV show, Ireland’s Fittest Family, as well as his latest venture which sees him travel to clubs around Ireland.

The former Clare goalkeeper of the 90s, revealed to me that his mother is in fact from Limerick and he fancies them to bring Liam MacCarthy home again even after the loss to Clare in the Munster senior hurling championship.

“I expect them to bounce back with a good bit of energy the next day and progress. And you, you just don't know who else is going to be in the mix. I think there's teams that fancy themselves saying; ‘Limerick are beatable’. I think they're going to come really strong towards the end of the championship,” he said.

Not a man to rest on his laurels, Davy will be returning to Kilruddery House in Wicklow in a few weeks to film the next series of Ireland’s Fittest Family.

WATCH: Hurling legend looking forward to finding 'Limerick's Fittest Superstars'

I love this show, it’s challenging, it’s nerve wracking and even though I don’t know the families involved you can’t help but get behind a team and cheer them on.

He has adapted that concept as a roadshow event that stops by clubhouses allowing team mates to become opponents as they take on the 10 foot wall and the ramp, which are firm favourites on the TV series. Limerick’s Fittest Superstars takes place this Saturday, May 20 in Mungret GAA clubhouse from 9am.

Rogha na Seachtaine

Event: Horse racing is back in Limerick with two days of twilight racing, May 25 and 26. There will be seven races each evening with the first race starting from 5.00pm approximately.

Watch: Firefly Lane is back on Netflix with Season 2, part 2. It follows the unlikely friendship of Tully (Katherine Heigl) and Kate (Sarah Chalke) as they navigate life from school through adulthood. It moves seamlessly from the 70s to current day and back again.

Skincare: I’ve been sent skincare from Elave which is made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. It’s cruelty free and vegan and they have everything from sun factor to after sun, body lotion, cleanser, moisturisers, balm and more.

Contact Meghann by email - meghannmix@limerickleader.ie