Bless you Gentle Reader and thank you for visiting. I wish you a peaceful and marvellous day.
Following our Valentine’s Day detour, we return to our mini-series-looking at the therapeutic and health benefits of a detox. Yoga is all about returning your body and mind to that quiet natural space inside and a detox is one of the best ways to bring your body back into alignment.
In today’s post, we look seven steps you need to take to ensure you have a positive and enjoyable detox.
When I first started this series, I didn’t realise just how involved I would get into the subject. It seems the more I write about detoxing, the more I realise just how much information there is to share. That’s why I love yoga. Its way more than a series of exercises! You scrape off one layer and then there is more underneath.
What Is A Detox?
The purpose of a detox is to give your body a chance to rest, re-balance and cleanse. A detox helps to remove toxins from your body, and gives your vital organs and digestive system a chance to rest and rejuvenate.
Detoxing Is Scary!
It can be quite frightening to think about going on a detox – especially if your normal diet consists of fast foods, caffeine, snacking and eating on the run. I’m “so busy at times” that I often end up snacking and eat-on-the-run, so I know how challenging it is to make the time to sit down and eat without allowing myself to be distracted.
It is easy to go to bed, feeling bloated, and wake up sluggish and say “right today I am going to detox” yet the reality is, to complete a detox, you need to prepare –emotionally, spiritually and physically.
A Detox Is A Life-Affirming Journey
A detox is more than going without food for a few days. It is a life affirming experience and a chance for you to reconnect, nourish, replenish and slow down the pace of your life. I know from experience, I have made many attempts to detox or do a mini cleanse yet within a day or so, I feel peckish, life takes over and I lose motivation to continue. So, to avoid you making the mistakes I made in the past, here are seven guidelines to help you have a carefree and happy detox.
If you have never detoxed before, it is important you consider the following seven points before you start. This will ensure you are physically and mentally prepared to get your detox off to a good start.
How to Detox in Seven Easy Steps
1. How do you feel about your body and how you would like to feel at the end of your detox?
Do you feel overweight, sluggish, always tired, flat and fed-up? Do you want to feel rested? Calmer? Cleaner? Stronger? Keep an open mind and during your detox hold your body intention in your heart every time you are tempted to stray from your programme.
2. Be creative.
A detox gives you a chance to eat foods which you may not usually eat. For instance, as a child I “hated” celery, but during my first detox I developed a taste for celery and it now forms a part of my regular diet. I encourage you to use the space to try different types of fruit, vegetables and herbal teas.
3. Decide in advance how long you wish to detox.
If it is your first detox then maybe a one day detox might be enough for you. Motivation plays a major part in sticking with your decision, so choose a length of time which you can fit comfortably around your daily schedule. Maybe a weekend when your children are away or during a quieter period at work, would be an ideal time for you.
4. Keep your heart and mind open.
Be a witness to all that is going on inside your body. Notice what you notice. You may experience a slight headache; feel dizzy, tired or even weepy as your mind and body adjust to your cleansing diet – especially if this is your first detox.
5. Keep a journal and record your thoughts, emotions and inspirations.
A detox offers you a wonderful way to explore your relationship with food, the way you eat, what you eat and why. This may be the first time you consciously eat foods to cleanse and re-balance your energy. Use your journal to record your inner world.
6. The new you.
Write in your journal the changes you are making in the way you eat, if it feels right and something you want to continue after the detox as part of your healthier lifestyle, do so – maybe you would like to start your regular day off with a slice of lemon and hot water instead of your usual coffee or cup of tea.
7. Invite a few friends or your partner to join you on your detox.
You can encourage and inspire each other and share your experiences. Any journey is easier with a friend. The best way I have found to detox is with a buddy or as part of a group. My first proper detox was the first module of a 12 month Personal and Spiritual Development Course I did in 2000 with my teacher, Shola Arewa. Throughout the detox we shared our experiences which helped to encourage and keep us accountable to each other.
Detoxing isn’t easy, but by following the above seven steps I hope your next detox is an enjoyable and positive experience.
To Recap
A detox is a commitment you make to yourself. It offers you an opportunity to explore your relationship with food and to cleanse, rejuvenate and re-balance your body.
So far in this mini yoga detox series, we have looked at a range of topics to inform and inspire you to detox, from looking at the seven benefits of going on a detox;
, the three common mistakes to avoid when detoxing and even tried our hand at making the Liver Flush Drink and Herbal Tea for radiant beauty and clearer skin.
Thanks for sharing this journey. Take your time and enjoy the experience. If you have done a detox, I’d love to know how you got on. Feel free to share your comments in the box below and if you have friends who you feel will benefit from this healthy information, simple click and share this post via your favourite social media icons below.
Final Thoughts
There are two final topics within this area I would like to share with you – yoga detox poses and herbs and foods you can use whilst detoxing. Sign up to my email list to ensure you receive these posts. In the meantime, remember how special and marvellous you are as we all strive to be Healthier in 2012.
Image-with thanks-DigitalWallpapers via flickrr.com
Bless you Sally..I hadnt realised just how much info there is about detoxing. Its a wonderful topic and I am glad you have done a detox before. I know for myself, the hardest part is starting, but after a couple of hours I am OK and enjoy feeling that I am doing something positive for self. Take care.
hi Ntathu, I haven't done a detox for quite some time but it is a wonderful way to cleanse the body. Your post is incredibly informative, helpful and inspiring. Thank you, Sally x