Even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays it is important to take time to restore your mind, body and spirit. Especially with so much going on around you, now is a good time to devote some attention to what is going on within you. Try one of the following holiday detox tips. Once you get the hang of it, you can use these simple strategies to rebuild your inner equilibrium any time of the year.
Detox Your Mind
When it comes to managing your mind, meditation is a can’t miss strategy. Available to everyone, meditation opens the doorway to calm and yields important opportunities to observe and reflect on your inner workings. Beginners can sit comfortably for 5 to 20 minutes simply noticing the breath as it enters and leaves the body. Yes, your mind will wander. Don’t chastise yourself. Just notice that your mind has wandered again and gently return your awareness to your breath. Even if you don’t have 20 minutes to devote to the cushion you can still reap some of the benefits. Here are some examples:
- Do one thing or think one thought at a time.
In other words, if you are washing dishes notice the feel of the warm water or observe the slippery feeling of your hands on the dishes. Try not to rush through with your thoughts flying in multiple directions.
- Keep your awareness in your body
Focus your mind and body on what is happening in this very moment instead of what happened before, what will happen next or even what you wish would or would not happen.
Detox Your Body
Keep Moving
Don’t abandon your fitness routine just because you are busy. Ultimately, exercise comes down to commitment, and we all know that we find time for things we are committed to. Instead of skipping the workout altogether, why not abbreviate it or turn it into a social experience by inviting family and friends along?
Monitor Your Diet
Consider a diet detox at least one day during the holiday season. Your body is likely to need a rest, particularly if you have succumbed to the many culinary temptations. To detox you need not necessarily restrict yourself to juices for the day. Instead try a day that eliminates all processed foods, caffeine, salt, alcohol, sugar and flour. Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and distilled water. Try this on a day when temptations are limited. For extra support, get a buddy to detox his or her diet for the day with you. You will both feel great together.
Detox Your Spirit
Even the most buoyant spirits sometimes get weary. Restore yours during the holidays with one of these suggestions.
- Let go of unrealistic expectations for yourself and those around you, too.
- Take slow, calming breaths throughout the day.
- Practice a yoga sequence
- Read inspirational quotes
- Take time for prayer and meditation.
- Slow down.
- Ask for help.
- Be patient with yourself.
- Visit a house of worship.
- Visit a friend you can really be yourself with and be fully present (no checking email or texts).
- Reflect on the real reason for the season. – Happy Holidays!
