We tend to associate spring with cleaning. Spring is the perfect time for a holistic detox as the season is synonymous with the symbolism of rebirth and new life.
We talk a lot about detoxing our bodies, but what about the other areas of our life – like detoxing our mind from negative thoughts and the environment from toxic products, dirt and clutter?
A detox should not be about deprivation, rather an opportunity to re-energise your nutrition, routine and mindset, and assess what in your life is working – and what isn’t. It can help you let go of any habits or beliefs that are no longer serving you to make space for new and fresh.
Physical ways to detox
Eat a predominantly plant-based diet
Eliminate wheat, gluten, sugar, alcohol, coffee + processed foods and reduce your intake of animal-based products like dairy and meat protein. Replace with wholefood fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, plant-based proteins like nuts, seeds, legumes.
Add green goodness: spinach, kale, silverbeet, asparagus, peas, lettuce, broccoli, green beans and Asian greens. The chlorophyll in greens helps cleanse your liver and support your body’s natural ability to detox.
To boost your greens intake, add a daily serve of Green Smoothie to your diet and replace your morning cup of espresso with Matcha Green Tea.
Stay hydrated
Start your day with a big glass of water and a squeeze of lemon or a tablespoon of alkalizing greens. This will help clean out the liver and prepare your system for digestion. Make a habit of taking your water bottle with you wherever you go.
Sweat it out
Exercise for 30 – 60 minutes every day or hit the sauna to work up a sweat and flush out toxins. Remember that your body is working hard to get rid of toxins during the detox period, so instead of doing intense workouts, opt for gentle forms of exercise like yoga, pilates and walking.
Mental ways to detox
Get outside and into nature
We spend so much time indoors during Winter, so Spring is the perfect time to break the bubble and get outside. Spending time outdoors has the power to create inspiration, increase energy levels, lower stress levels, enhance your ability to concentrate, and quiet the mind. With the warmer weather, blue skies and new florals in bloom, I find getting outdoors one of the best ways to detox the mind.
Practice meditation and mindfulness
Meditations are effective tools to calm your mind and clear away the information overload that builds up and contributes to our stress. Having regular practice will also detox your mind from negative thoughts over time.
Environmental ways to detox
De-clutter
When you live in a cluttered environment, often, your life feels cluttered too! Whether it be your home, office, desk, closet (or all of the above), dedicate some time to clear away the clutter in your life.
Reduce the use of toxic products
Consider what products you use in your beauty regime and for cleaning the house. Many everyday skincare products, cleaning products and makeup products are full of chemicals that contribute to the body’s toxic load. Read your labels and opt for natural/organic alternatives to lighten the load on your liver.
