The holidays have ended, and with us returning to work, school and other stressful engagements, it’s the perfect time to begin a detox programme.

Detoxification can give us renewed energy and zeal as we launch back into family and work responsibilities. Moreover, it can go a long way in improving overall health. 

Read on for four practical ways to detox and rejuvenate your body and mind through revising your eating habits, getting proper rest, and more

Get proper rest.  Your body and mind need rest. Life has always had its stresses, but since 2020 we’ve all been dealing with more. Life has become more taxing.

The American Psychological Association 2020 survey revealed that life’s stressors have intensified, negatively impacting the mind and body.  Ensuring you have downtime supports your mental and physical health.

But more than just getting sleep, the quality of rest you get is equally. Rested and refreshed, you’re better able to address tomorrow’s trials.  

Decrease your sugar and salt intake. Managing these two can be a challenge.  Some of us are incapable of eating our meals unless we taste salt, and beverages are not to be drunk unless they are sweet.

However, consuming too much salt and sugar is unhealthy. What’s more, some foods have hidden sugar, and a diet high in glucose causes many chronic diseases.

If reducing the two seems too much too soon, begin with sugar. Start detoxing by cutting down on sugary drinks and junk food until you eliminate them from your diet.   

Reduce your alcohol consumption. Aim to drink less alcohol. Although our bodies are naturally equipped to remove toxins, excessive drinking can still be quite harmful. Over time, consuming too much alcohol can lead to liver damage.

The CDC advises that other long-term health risks are hypertension, heart disease, various cancers and immune system dysfunction. By drinking less, you can stave off these and other chronic diseases.   

Stay hydrated.  Some of us love drinking water, and for others, it’s an unpleasant practice. Maybe thinking about the benefits will help you down your eight glasses a day.

Some advantages of staying hydrated are that it flushes your system, improves digestion, helps avert constipation, and controls your blood pressure.

If you have kidney, liver or thyroid conditions or take medication that causes water retention, consult your doctor before making any changes to your water intake.  

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Detoxing can help increase your energy level, improve your vigour and ultimately your health. Can you think of a better way to start the year?  We can’t.

Also, remember to discuss your plan with your general practitioner before getting started. If you need a doctor, search the Find Yello directory for a doctor near you.

Sources: American Psychological Association, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Harvard Health Publishing and Healthline.