As the season is changing, many health and wellness experts urge patients to take the proper steps to create a healthy transition for the mind, body, and spirit into the next season. This transition can start with a detox for the entire body.
Detoxing can alleviate a stubborn sluggish feeling, or help solve skin, digestion, or general aches and pains issues. It can be a great way to start off a weight loss effort as well.
Here are four tips to help anyone learn how to detox properly and get their mind, body, and soul back in sync:
1. Cleanse
Detoxing usually starts with a simple diet cleanse which lasts three to five days, where caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, saturated fat and refined sugars are eliminated. During those days one should focus on consuming vegetable and fruit juices, whole grains, nuts and legumes, vegetable broth, fresh fruits and vegetables.
This cleanse will purge out harmful bodily toxins and send a message to the brain that it's time to clean out and start fresh. The first day or two may be difficult, but this is just a sign that all the junk is being released from the body.
2. Pamper
As simple as it sounds, taking care of oneself just feels good. It can be as easy as spending time in a steam room, relaxing in a hot whirlpool, or maybe just sitting quietly in meditation. Many day spas and hotels offer opportunities for these experiences, and some even take it a step further.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, has a department called Well & Being which is entirely focused on giving guests a medically guided, personalized and fully integrated wellness program. Guests get to be pampered and stimulated mentally and physically ... the best of all worlds.
3. De-stress
Schedule a visit to an acupuncturist or another naturopathic expert to help relieve stagnation and reduce stress, which is something that can slow a detox down. Yoga, qigong and meditation are effective ways to relieve stress, helping to reset your physical and mental reactions to the inevitable issues life will bring.
Detoxing stressful life situations should go right along with detoxifying one's body. For those who need to get away from their regular surroundings to de-stress, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach in Miami, Florida is listed as one of the best places for a yoga retreat. Their Yoga, Movement, and Meditation program helps guests focus on relaxation and not on the problems that plague them back home.
4. Get Moving
Adding more cardio exercises into one's workout helps the body release toxins through sweat. So ramp up the exercise routine by adding an hour of yoga or even jumping rope.
Get outside to take a walk, run, or a hike. Play tennis, or even practice yoga outside on the grass. The fresh air will be invigorating, and you'll get a healthy dose of vitamin D from some time in the sun (protected by a 30+ SPF sunscreen, of course).
If kids get in the way of exercising, why not bring them with you?
Walt Disney World Resort hotels have several runDisney events throughout the year, including some that are open to children as young as 4 years of age. Running around the neighborhood might not be too exciting, but running around Disney definitely is!
Doing something good for yourself like this is not selfish, it is necessary for a sustainable, life-long journey to wellness. So go ahead and start a detox to shed the doldrums of winter, and enter into the new season feeling refreshed.
Sources:
Fairmont.com . Web. 20 March 2013. "Willow Stream."
http://www.fairmont.com/scottsdale/willow-stream
Gaiam.cm. Web. 20 March 2013. "10 ways to detox your body".
http://life.gaiam.com/article/10-ways-detoxify-your-body
CoastalLiving.com . Web. 21 March 2013. "23 Best Coastal Yoga Retreats".
http://www.coastalliving.com/travel/twenty-three-best-coastal-yoga-retreats-00400000065636/page3.html
runDisney.com . Web. 21 March 2013. "Expedition Everest Challenge".
http://www.rundisney.com/expedition-everest-challenge
Reviewed March 21, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith