It is useful for the human body to detoxify occasionally to get rid of the toxins that uncontrollably enter into the system.
A simple detox regime for about a month will surely help you feel and maybe look healthier!
We think Ocsober is the perfect time to give it a go!
Here are some tips that might help you get started – who knows, you may even keep some of the ideas going for the rest of the year! Please remember that before you radically modify your diet or medications – always consult your medical professional. Good luck.
1. Create a detox shopping list
Set aside the old pantry and stock the new (shop now when you are not deprived). Stock up on fruits, veggies, soups, grains etc
2. Clear your social calendar
Detoxing is a good time to tone down your social engagements to enjoy some quiet time for reflection.
3. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally
The process of detoxing starts in the mind and requires self-discipline. Recognise that you will experience some symptoms – be happy that you’re having them.
4. Sign up as a participant in Ocsober
Ocsober is the perfect way to give up alcohol for the month of October – and raise money for Life Education Australia.
5. Early to bed, early to rise
There’s nothing better than establishing a good sleep pattern – go to bed early and rise with the sun.
6. Tongue scraping
When we are sleeping, toxins from the body accumulate on the top of our tongues. Get a tongue scraper or your tooth-brush each morning. Sounds gross, but is effective in preventing these toxins re-entering your system.
7. Warm water liver cleanse
Make your first morning drink a warm glass of water with a squeeze of half a lemon or lime. This gets your digestive juices going.
8. Give yourself a massage
Massage using exfoliating gloves to exfoliate the skin and clear away impurities. Massaging your body with sesame oil is also beneficial during a detox.
9. Make meal time sacred
During a detox you really gain an appreciation for how lucky we are to always have good food available. Focusing on your food and chewing more than usual helps aid digestion.
10. Slowly slowly
It is very important to slowly ease the body into and out of any detox program. Reintegrate foods slowly back into your life. Be aware how your body reacts to different foods when you do.
11. Have quiet time
Detoxing can ‘bring a lot of stuff up’ not just toxins, but old memories, unresolved experiences and unpleasant emotions. So give yourself some space, buy a book or start a journal.
12. Naturopathy
Get help from experts. Book in for a private consultation with a naturopath for guidance about your plans for your detox and medical conditions you have. Have them monitor your progress and return if you want to make the changes sustainable. An unsupervised detox experience is not only lonely – it can also be dangerous.
13. Daily exercise
Do 45+ minutes of exercise each day. Yoga, Pilates, swimming or brisk walking is ideal.
14. Find a mate
Partner up with someone. You may need each other’s support if you are feeling low in energy, particularly in the first few days. Share recipes, experiences and support each other. Have them sign up as a participant in Ocsober.
15. Enjoy the journey and above all – don’t overdo it
Detoxing can be a bumpy ride, with highs and lows – but the destination is worth getting to. So stick to it!
16. Enevitable times when you feel like giving up!
Above all, find a balanced, achievable program that combines daily exercise and changes to a healthy diet, with regular, qualified supervision. Remember you are trying to set up healthy habits – not further stress your body with rapid, extreme and unsustainable change.
