Tips to Detox Your Life

The health industry LOVES its buzzwords. Low-carb, Quick-fix, Cleansing, Detox.

I, of course, don’t love these buzzwords because usually, the buzzwords don’t mean much. They don’t have lasting effects because they are only focusing on part of an issue rather than looking at your whole lifestyle.

But, there is one exception. There is a buzzword I want to discuss and that’s detox. 

When you hear someone talk about trying a new detox, they are probably talking about a tea or some type of juice cleanse that is probably a marketing ploy and unlikely to deliver any real results other than being extremely uncomfortable for a while.

The type of detoxing I’m referring to isn’t going to cost you money. It may still be uncomfortable to start but it will be well worth it in the end. I’m talking about detoxing your life. Get rid of the negativity that is dragging you down in so many different areas.

Here are some tips for how to do that.

Detox bad food 

I’m starting with food because this is the one we’re most familiar with. When I say detox bad food, I’m not talking about those detoxes I mentioned above. What I’m saying is to get rid of the junk you’re consuming. We all know that junk food is terrible for our bodies—but did you know that it can also be mentally draining? They call our gut our second brain for a reason because they are both tied to each other.

You can’t expect to feel your best if you’re filling your body with overly processed foods. Try eating more whole food instead—they’re better for your body AND mind! Once detox the bad food from your life and your body and mind are feeling better overall, the rest of the detoxes will feel like something you can achieve because you will be feeling better and performing better.

Detox your calendar

Is your calendar jam-packed from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed? What about on the weekends? Are you constantly running from one activity to the next? The questions I need you to ask yourself are, “Why?,” and “What can I give up?” You don’t need to say yes to every request for your time. The more you stretch yourself too thin, the less impact you will have because you will not be on the top of your game. Are your children in four sports each? Do they really need to be? Or would they be just as happy with one or two and then have time to actually spend with friends and family and then you wouldn’t have to run to four separate practices. I’m not saying it’s easy to cut things from your calendar but in the end, those few hours a week you are able to give back to yourself will have a remarkable impact on your mental health and overall relationship with yourself and with others.

Detox negative people 

Similar to detoxing your calendar, this one isn’t easy and it may take a bit of time but, it is 100% worth it. Take a long hard look at the relationships in your life. If there are people in it who are bringing you down and making you feel bad about yourself, cut them out. Not all people in our lives are actually good for us, even if we do love them or care for them. Remember that it’s okay to say no when someone asks you for help and it’s okay to not engage in a conversation. Hold strong to your boundaries. You have to take care of yourself.

Detox bad thoughts 

I have always said, “If anyone talked to you the way that you talked to you, you wouldn’t be their friend.” So what type of thoughts run through your head each day?

Be aware of what kind of thoughts are running through your head when things get tough. Are they helpful? Are they realistic? Or do they just cause you to feel bad about yourself? If so, it’s time to replace those thoughts with something healthier.

Affirmations are one of the most important ingredients for your mental health…

The way you talk to yourself is crucial.

My favorite way is to do it is mirror work. Not just saying your affirmations but looking at yourself in the mirror, and actually talking to yourself.

You can say anything that makes you feel good about yourself such as: 

1. I am intelligent
2. I am making an impact
3. I am helping people
4. I am beautiful

Starting your day with affirmations can be really helpful but it can also be really great to practice them right before an important appointment or meeting as well. 

The important thing to remember through all of these is that detoxing isn’t selfish. Each of these detoxes is meant to help you live your best life either mentally or physically.

Sometimes it feels like there’s so much going on that it’s impossible to take care of all the things that need attention. But it’s something that seriously needs to be prioritized.

It’s time to put you first. Start taking care of yourself and your needs.