You’ve probably heard the word “detox” floating around in relation to fad diets, but it isn’t just a fancy gimmick. This fast-paced world we live in means it’s easy to just enter into a habit of mindless consumption, where we don’t really take proper account of what we eat or how we’re spending our time.
That said, one of the offshoots of the current pandemic is that we’re suddenly faced with all the time in the world. The pressures of this situation has led to an increase in societal burnout that the International Wound Journal notes can be extremely harmful to our long-term health.
A detox is a time for you to take a deliberate pause and re-calibrate. This article will outline some physical and mental detoxes you can take right now to calm your senses and get in touch with your body once more.
Physical
Decrease your intake of salt and processed foods
It’s good to be drinking antioxidant-rich smoothies and fruit bowls, but it won’t amount to much if you’re still eating the same amount of salt and processed foods. You can try going cold turkey on these food items, but it’s better to gradually detox your body by making small switches such as adding more vegetables in each meal and swapping your favorite snack for fresh fruit. The age-old advice of switching to complex carbs also works here, and to that end Women’s Magazine lists chickpeas as a pantry staple that you absolutely must have to keep you full and happy.
Limit caffeine intake
Research has shown that caffeine can greatly benefit our overall health, but too much of it can also exacerbate your anxiety which is the last thing you need right now. Swapping to green coffee beans is a great way to still get that kick of energy you need. In connection to the previous point, the chlorogenic acid in green coffee works as an antioxidant that helps regulate blood pressure and maintain optimal blood sugar levels.
Try detox supplements
To be clear, detox supplements a miracle weight loss cure. Like any supplement, they’re there to give your body a little boost. This review of Detoxi Slim pills by lifestyle site Pretty Me cites natural ingredients like green tea extract and psyllium husk as natural detoxifying agents that aid in digestion. As a general rule, looking at the ingredient list is your best bet for determining whether a supplement is right for you. It’s also important to take them alongside a healthy diet and exercise so that you’re staying safe.
Mental
Step away from social media
One social media session can quickly lead into an endless rabbit hole that can make you feel a lot more anxious and socially pressured. Our post entitled Maintain Weight Loss underscores how screen time can be a nasty trigger for over-snacking, but this bad habit can also negatively impact your mental health. Setting a time limit to your phone usage and even deleting the social media apps off your device can go a long way in giving your mind a break.
Try breathing exercises
If you find yourself feeling stressed, take a step back and breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold for seven, and breathe out for eight. Simple breathing exercises can help you achieve mindfulness by forcing you to focus fully on your breath. Headspace’s lessons can help you build this awareness; while we did mention lessening screen time, meditation and breathing apps can be a jumping off point to build your practice offline. Once you’re done with your meditation session, you can go back to keeping your phone away.
At its core, these detoxification practices are all about listening to your body and giving it what it really needs. Taking the time to regularly detox your mind and body will reap huge rewards in the long run. You’ll be more in tune with yourself, and this awareness will help you navigate each stage of your life.
Exclusively for 7Company.com by Janice Grey
