It’s *that* time of year again!
A time to reflect on the past year and set our sights on the year ahead. What would we like our life to feel like? What do we want to create, who do we want to be? We can take simple yet powerful steps toward improved health and overall wellness. The start of a new year is a perfect time to hit the reset button on our inner and outer health and uncover our natural well-being. Whether we are looking to detox our body, mind, spirit or de-clutter our homes, these tips can help to start the year off right.
Many of us use this time to do a little “house cleaning” both metaphorically and literally. In the Chinese Feng Shui tradition, positive, flowing life force is called “Chi,” and when it degrades or is stagnant it is called “Sha Chi.“ We can bring in this living chi to our homes by cleaning- for example, adding plants, clearing out closets, getting rid of old clothes and household items we no longer need, and deep clean our homes.
We also take this opportunity to detox our bodies, hearts, and minds. Why not start the new year off with a clean slate? A detox can help rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit and help set you on the path to a healthier and happier year and~ life. Here are a few simple steps to help get you started:
1. Detox Your Body and Mind
One of the best ways to start the new year off on the right foot is to detox your body. This doesn’t mean you have to fast or go on a juice cleanse or deprive yourself of all of your favorite foods, but rather make simple changes to your diet and lifestyle that will support your body’s natural detoxification processes. Some easy ways to detox your body include:
– Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential for flushing toxins out of your system. Aim to drink six glasses of water or diluted fruit juices a day. Water is essential for good health and it helps to flush toxins out of your system.
– Eating plenty of fiber. Fiber-rich foods help to move toxins through your digestive system and promote regularity. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
– Avoiding processed foods and sugar. Processed foods and sugar can tax your liver and contribute to inflammation. This new year, commit to eating more whole foods and cutting back on sugar. For sweeter, I love local whipped honey, stevia and fresh organic dates. Here is a recipe for HEALTHY DATE TRUFFLES for those with a sweet tooth!
– Eat living healthy foods. Eating healthy foods helps your body to function at its best. Fill your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and living foods like sprouts and fermented foods like Kimchi. Limit your intake of processed and sugary foods. The best I have found, similar to the Mediterranean Diet, is the Whole Foods Plant Based Diet.
– Exercise. Exercise is a great way to boost your energy and mood. It also helps to promote a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
– Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for good health. It helps to restore your energy and reduces stress. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
– Manage stress. In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it’s important to take some time to detox your mind and recharge your batteries. This doesn’t mean you have retreat or to go off the grid, but rather be mindful of how you’re spending your time and what you’re exposing yourself to. (Yes the Internet and Social Media). Stress can take a toll on your health, so try to find ways to relax and de-stress. Whether it’s through meditation, mantra meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature, find what grounds, clears and calms you. Here is a sample THREE DAY PANCHAKARMA HOME RETREAT that I do often.
– And finally, detox your relationships. The quote about letting go (attributed to Anthony Hopkins) says it all.
Personally, my new year’s resolution was a trifecta called a 10, 10 and 10. Wake up, and then ten minutes of cardio, then ten minutes of yoga and then ten minutes of my morning meditation before breakfast… every day. This little 30 minute investment in self care has transformed my life and wellbeing.
2. Detox Your Home
Your home is where the heart of your health is. Do you remember the Japanese cleaning method? Occasionally the fresh chi needs to be restored. In the the winter, it gets a bit stuffy, and the air in the home is stagnant and not very fresh. There are hidden toxic substances we absorb from: commercial cleaning soaps, body care products, even our bedding, clothes and furniture in our homes. Toxins are hidden everywhere! Clean with non-toxic cleaner like Meyers, vinegar or lemon or make your own. On a warmer day, open all windows and freshen the air in your home. We just had our Hvac vents professionally cleaned and changed air filters in the furnace. It makes a huge difference.
Thoroughly dust baseboards, window sills, ceiling fan blades and surfaces. Dust your plants wiping the leaves will leave you and them more healthy. The brush attachment into the nozzle on your vacuum could make this easy. Get your rugs and carpets cleaned, and shake out area rugs outside. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer. Baking soda can be used everywhere, you can even make your own cleaning pods. Clean your the sheets, blankets, bedding, and pet beds.
This year, I’m going through each room, drawer and closet one by one, cleaning, dusting, reorganizing and throwing away things that are no longer needed. It feels great, and your ordinary home can be transformed into a de-cluttered healing sanctuary, filled with positive chi.
Dawn Boiani-Sandberg
Owner of https://www.buddhistmala.com
image: https://unsplash.com/@danedeaner
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