Spring has long been considered the perfect season for cleaning out the closets, dusting under the furniture, organizing all the drawers and discarding the clutter in our lives. Spring cleaning—you may have heard of it.
Well, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be limited to the housekeeping realm. Many people also take advantage of this season of renewal to clear out the clutter in their bodies, as well.
Pesticides in our foods, pollutants in our air, chemicals in our water and environment, and even elevated stress hormones that have built up from working ourselves to the bone all year long—it’s no wonder our bodies can get bogged down and feel tired and sluggish.
A spring detox may be just the ticket to combat that over-indulgence, over-exhaustion and over-stimulation and get that healthful, happy spring back in your step. And don’t forget: sleep is an important part of any detox regimen. It is the oft-underappreciated key to our bodies’ natural repair and rebuilding processes.
Want to give it a shot?
Detoxing often entails temporary abstinence from certain foods, which could include sugar, meat, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, etc. There are many variations and it’s up to you to determine which is best for your unique body and circumstances. But a thorough detox also requires broader lifestyle changes.
What lifestyle changes can you add to your detox? Some ideas we like:
- Turn off the TV: Take a break from the television (and the computer and the phone, if possible.) Quieting your mind can work wonders where stress levels are concerned. When your stress is reduced, it goes without saying that you are better able to manage your health and happiness.
- Get more sleep: While your body is working to cleanse its cells of toxins, giving it adequate rest can make all the difference. Getting enough sleep during a detox can also help cut any negative side-effects like caffeine or sugar withdrawal, headaches, etc.
- Get some light exercise: Getting your blood pumping a few times a day can help to push you through the detoxification faster; More oxygen, stronger heart, better health. Don’t overdo it, though. Strenuous exercise can be too taxing on a body that’s detoxing.
What lifestyle changes do you think are most important to make while doing a spring cleanse? Share your experiences!