How To Detox Your Mind and Body Of Negativity
Let’s face it, the last two years have been tough for everyone. Social isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty—it’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. There is hope, however; as the world slowly returns to a form of normalcy, it feels as if the clouds are beginning to part. This means It’s finally time to enjoy the world outside again. From embracing positive thoughts to doing things that make you happy, it’s time to take back your life and detox yourself of any negativity with these simple steps
Get Outside!
As the weather gets warmer, the days get longer, and the sun hangs higher in the sky, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. With things opening back up, your options are increasing every day, and don’t fret, you don’t need to expose yourself to large crowds of people in order to enjoy the warm weather. Hiking trails, nature walks, and national and state parks all offer a great opportunity to get out and experience the outdoors. Getting out and away from the hustle and bustle may be easier than you think—chances are there’s probably a nature center or park near you.
After two years with limited opportunities for getting out of the house, the peace and quiet of nature can be a great way to ease yourself back into the world at large. Go out with a friend or loved one if you’re looking for social interaction, but don’t feel comfortable going to crowded events. If you’re just looking for some fresh air and a little bit of time to forget your worries, go by yourself!
Get Together With Friends
Social interaction is important for everyone. Whether you’re more of an introvert or someone that thrives on getting out of your comfort zone, getting out and spending time with people who matter to you can do wonders for your mental state. Face-to-face contact has been proven to positively trigger the parts of our nervous system that are responsible for the regulation of hormones related to stress and anxiety.
In fact, recent studies found that people who exercised as a group had decreased stress levels and better physical and mental health relative to those that exercised on their own.
Of course, physical activity isn’t the only way to socialize (although it is a very healthy way!). Just surrounding yourself with people you care about can do wonders for your mental state.
If You Need to Talk to Someone; Talk to Someone!
Sometimes beating the blues and getting outside takes more than just willpower. Maybe you’re dealing with unresolved traumas or intrusive negative thoughts. While your friends and family can be a great support system, sometimes it can be beneficial to seek help from a trained professional. This can sound daunting but it’s easier than you’d think. Online therapy sessions offer a convenient, private, and effective option to help manage stress and anxiety, helping break the cycle of negative thoughts.
Get Active
We've already touched on the need to get out into the world and get moving, but the importance of engaging your body physically can’t be overstated. It’s been proven that exercise improves mental health, alleviates anxiety, and boosts self-esteem.
Most people understand it’s crucial to your health to stay active, but many people find it hard to muster the energy or make the time. Luckily, keeping yourself active doesn’t have to be grueling or time consuming. Yoga and pilates are great alternatives to stay in shape without needing a traditional gym. There are fitness apps available that can cater to just about anyone’s needs right from the comfort of their home or on the go.
Simply setting aside 20 minutes of exercise a day can make a difference in your health and well-being. It’s an investment in yourself that’s well worth it.
Last But Not Least, Eat Well!
Okay, we aren’t saying everything you eat needs to be boring or bland—just the opposite, really. You don’t need to feel bad about the occasional ‘guilty pleasure’, but it’s also possible to eat healthy, and deliciously at the same time. There is a big connection between the food you eat and the way you feel. Today, the field of nutritional psychiatry has identified many correlations between food and mood. The neurotransmitter serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, digestion, and memory, and 95% of it is produced in the digestive tract. It makes sense then, that if your brain and body are deprived of good-quality nutrition, it’s not able to produce the chemicals necessary to regulate your emotions.
Eating more whole grains, avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar, and making green vegetables a staple of your diet can do wonders for your mental health.
A lot of people struggle with stress, negative emotions, and burnout. Remember, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to sit with the feeling of discomfort. There are many ways you can take back your happiness and rid your body and mind of negativity.