Happy almost new year! Hopefully, your holiday season was everything that you wished for and you are looking forward to the rest of your year. Feeling very positive about the year ahead but maybe a little guilty about your over-indulgences? Read along for some basic post-Christmas detox tips.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating and dry body brushing are fantastic ways to help to boost circulation and improve the appearance of dulling skin. Both of these methods offer a great vitality boost for neglected skin. Start your first week of detox with a gentle exfoliation mask or face wash every two days, then drop back to once a week as you do not want to damage delicate facial skin. The body, however, can benefit from dry brushing every day. For glowing skin, brush your skin daily, towards the heart, from your feet upwards.
Cleanse
The rich foods and alcohol we consumed of the holidays tend to be more than usual, which means now is the time to cleanse the body of those additional toxins. A great first step is to start each day with a cup or glass of warm pre-boiled, or cold bottled water, with some added lemon juice. This is a fantastic detoxifier and your body will thank you for it! Avoid alcohol and caffeine (if possible) completely for the period of your detox.
Diet
If you haven’t already, give your body a break from heavy, rich or processed foods including red meat and products that contain wheat. Try to keep dairy to a minimum (a probiotic yogurt or eggs). Smoothies and organic vegetable soups provide a great meal alternative to a detox.
Aromatherapy Oils
Patchouli, lemon, juniper, grapefruit or geranium oils are all great for detox. Add 6-8 drops to your bathwater for the best results! It is always a good idea to patch test any oils that you have not previously used before including them in your detox in the event of any sensitivity.
Exercise
Exercise is the best thing you could include in your detox plan. Yoga is a fantastic option for both mind and body and as little as ten minutes in the morning and ten in the evening will help you to remain focused, relaxed and better able to deal with cravings.