12 Ways To Detox Your Mind Body And Spirit
I’m sure that we’re all familiar with the idea of detoxing, cleansing ourselves of things that aren’t supporting us and the life that we picture for ourselves. And while much of the focus for detoxing leans towards what we’re eating...I think that it helps to take a more holistic look at our lifestyle.
Why? Because detoxing can be a liberating experience; helping to take the power back over any bad habits that have crept into our days and are making us feel less than our best. Even if you only have the motivation to tackle one thing from this list, please take action because it will spark your motivation to continue and inspire you to make many more positive changes.
So, take a look through my favourite 12 ways to detox your mind, body and spirit and see where you can get started today…
MIND:
WRITE IT OUT
Letting go of emotions can be challenging but I’ve always found that writing them down helps to release anything that won’t stop swirling around in my mind. It’s not difficult and it doesn’t have to be written anywhere special because you probably won’t want to keep it afterwards, in fact I often burn the paper once I’m done to help release what I’ve written (just be sure to do this safely outdoors)! Write for as long as it takes to get a few layers into what’s really bothering you because it’s not always what you think. This is where the healing and detoxing can really begin.
PRACTICE EFT
Emotional Freedom Technique has been a part of my own daily practice for many years and it can work wonders for...well, just about anything and it’s great for clearing toxins.
Also called ‘tapping’ it stimulates your body’s energy meridian points by tapping on them with your fingertips; using your own energy to heal both mind and body. To get started, you don’t really need to understand it all...just have faith and follow the scripts - you’ll find some great intro videos on YouTube...I personally love Brad Yates videos. Of course for more in depth or personalised work you can seek out an EFT practitioner.
ENJOY THE MOMENT
Release your mind of future worries and ruminating over the past, even if it’s only for a few hours. Enjoying the present moment helps to remind us that it’s only here that we have the power to effect change and make the decisions that we need to cleanse our minds and rediscover clarity.
TURN OFF THE TECH
You knew that this one was coming, right? Whether you’re aware of it or not, most of us spend too long in front of devices like phones, tablets and TV’s. Yes, sometimes they’re helpful but let’s be honest they can also just make us feel bad…
So, take a break. Turn them off. Put your phone where you can’t see, so that you’re not tempted to pick it up. It feels good to take a detox from our devices and for some of us - over a certain age - it gives us a nostalgic feeling of what life used to be like.
BODY:
SWEAT IT OUT
This can look however you’d like; turn up your favourite playlist and dance around the house, go out for a run, take a class, take an energetic walk with the dog...whatever works for you. Not only does this type of exercise feel great, it boosts the natural detoxifying process in our bodies and pumps up our serotonin levels to help us feel more positive.
BE KIND TO YOUR SKIN
What we apply to our skin makes a difference not only to its outer appearance but what’s going on inside too. Chemical additives in everyday skincare products can add up and put additional strain on our bodies to remove them during it’s natural detoxing cycle. So, from moisturisers to perfumes and bath foam to shampoo, try making a few swaps to products that are created with high levels (100% is ideal) of natural ingredients. Take a peek at our Natural Soap Bars, Mineral Bath Soak and Body Oil to help you get started.
NURTURE FROM THE INSIDE
When we’re not feeling our best, it’s easy to reach for food that feels good while we’re eating it but not so good once we’re done. Try taking a look at the kinds of food that you reach for the most; it could be full of added sugar and refined carbs! Removing these from your day is a wonderful place to start your detox. Avoid that sense of self deprivation by swapping them for something healthy that you enjoy; your favourite fruit, nuts or herbal tea.
TAKE A YOGA CLASS
There’s not much that can’t be made better by spending some time on your mat and as you probably already know, yoga supports a healthy digestion and can help to detox our internal organs too. There’s really nothing not to love about it and so even if you’re a beginner, I encourage you to give it a try. You can visit a local class or take a look online for something that suits you.
SPIRIT:
START A MEDITATION PRACTICE
Whether you’ve tried it before or have always wanted to give it a go, starting a meditation practice is the perfect way to detox your mind, body and spirit...all at once. So if you only have time for one thing then this is a great place to begin.
You don’t have to sit for hours or commit to a new way of life. Meditation can be effective, even in small doses, I started with 2 minutes a day and built up from there because I knew that I couldn’t find any excuse not to find such a small amount of time. Experiment until you find the teacher and type of meditation that feels right for you. Creating a daily meditation practice is a decision that you won’t regret. Here are a few ways to help you make meditation your new wellness habit.
SWAP INDOORS FOR OUTDOORS
Reconnecting to nature feeds our souls and we should try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. It doesn’t matter how. Some of us like to walk for hours with our dogs, take the kids on trips, pack picnics others might enjoy bike rides or water sports. They all work to help release the stagnant energy that builds up from being indoors and physically still.
CULTIVATE KINDNESS
Kindness lifts our spirits in a special way, don’t you think? But, so many of us forget to direct a little of it towards ourselves. I find that this helps to detox some of those harsh words that our inner critic throws our way. Try showing yourself the same kindness and support that you would a friend, enjoy things that feel good; time alone or a lunch date with a positive friend, buy yourself flowers for no reason, spend the afternoon lost in your latest read. Read this post for tips on how to cultivate self kindness.
TAKE A BREAK
We’ve all had those people in our lives that we knew weren’t good for us; they can be friends that you’ve drifted apart from or even family members that are outright toxic. Spending time in their company is draining. So, maybe it’s time to take a break from them. You don’t have to make a statement or even tell them about it. Simply step back for a while and keep communication to a minimum - none at all if you can. I know that this is a tricky one, but having a life full of toxic relationships has a devastating impact on our wellbing, and life is simply too short to tolerate them.
Detoxing our mind, body and spirit helps us to address the habits in our lives that aren’t healthy, this in turn helps us to create balance, reduce stress and lead happier lives. So, let’s try and see our detox as a positive step in the right direction...one where your wellbeing and health come first.
AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN
Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.
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