After the cold of winter comes the warmth of spring. Pretty soon, after all the ice melts, the flowers will bloom and we can open our windows to let the warm fresh air in. A common ritual for most people every spring is to deep clean their homes. When spring cleaning, we tend to neglect one of the most important things to keep clean and sacred: our bodies. Sure we clean our exterior by daily showers and feel-good pampering. How often do we clean our insides? Spring is the perfect time to attune to your internal signals and really listen to whats going on inside you. As eyes are the windows to a persons soul, the same is true for your skin, nails, and outer appearance as a reflection of your health. Especially after a long and sluggish winter, there are some signs that it maybe time for you to detox:
We all want to feel healthy and vital but oftentimes we sabotage our own success in the process. Every day is a new chance to feel great and it all begins with your choices. Consider your reasons for wanting to detox. After posting about my experience with burnout, I felt now was the best time to detox. I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired all the time. I wanted more energy, better sleep, reduced cravings, clearer skin and mind, and increased concentration. I finally decided that a few weeks of detox are well worth the benefits for what feels like a lifetime of dealing with symptoms.
I've been detoxing for almost a week now and I have never been happier with any other decision than to detox. The first few days, I felt better than ever before, with amazing energy and mental clarity finally. By the fourth day, I started to feel the side effects of detox. However, despite the temporary side effects, the long-tem benefits of a healthy gluten-free plant-based vegan lifestyle are well worth it. Here are my top 5 ways to detox:
1) Eliminate the Toxins
As your body will be doing its job to cleanse you of old and built up metabolic waste, please help your liver and kidneys by getting rid of the toxic ingredients: drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and processed junk foods. Replace bad habits with healthy ones, like going to bed early, quit smoking, and making better decisions.
2) Steam room and Sauna
Regular use of sauna and steam will help your lymphatic system flush out all the toxins it is trying so hard to clear away. Certain cultures have been practicing this for ages, like the Russian Banya and the Japanese Onsen. You can also take a cleansing epsom salt bath at home.
3) Exfoliate
In addition to using the bathroom, the body excretes wastes through the skin as well. Exfoliate your skin with facial scrubs and a korean washcloth to slough off all of the dirt and dead skin cells that build up on you. You'll be surprised at what comes off.
4) Sunbathe
Like the plants, we grow with the sun too. As the sun provides us with more benefits than just vitamin D, it can cleanse half an inch through your skin. With at least a dozen more benefits of sunbathing, have a happy dose of heliotherapy, an ancient practice.
5) Grounding
As humans, we are all connected to the Earth. By getting some fresh air and putting your bare feet on the ground at the beach or in grass, you can absorb negative ions that are released into the air to help lower your blood pressure and feel an elevation in mood and sense of calm.
In order to detox, you must make sure you adhere to the basics of any healthy lifestyle: plenty of sleep, water, and exercise. Please consult with your doctor if you do decide to detox. Remember your reasons to detox when you face times of struggle. You can feel your best very soon. Happy Spring and stay positive!
