It is a tradition for a lot of people in Spring to clear out the old and make way for the new. Why stop with your cupboards and household items? Take it a stage further and give your body a clean out too.
If you have been feeling lethargic, bloated and irritable then you may benefit from cleansing your body, especially if you over indulged during the last few months and the Easter weekend approaching.
Here are some gentle suggestions to help you get started with a healthier regime in your daily life, resulting in a more energetic and balanced mind and body. Gradually reduce the bad habits and excessive use of stimulants eg tea, coffee, sugar and carbonated drinks that your body has come to rely upon over a long period of time.
The body’s main fuel is food, therefore it is important to eat quality fresh food and avoid processed items. Food containing preservatives, additives and chemicals are much harder for our body to digest and do not provide the nourishment of fresh produce. The same applies to deep fried food. Although very tasty and great at taking away our appetite in the short term it slows down our digestive system and makes us feel sluggish afterwards. It is highly beneficial to eat seasonal vegetables and if possible local produce. By doing so we are providing our bodies with the best quality nutrition and promoting a more eco friendly lifestyle.
A recommended daily routine would be to eat 3 fresh meals a day. Healthy snacks like fruit, nuts and seeds between meal times helps to keep blood sugar levels constant and avoid low energy spirals. This is normally when we reach out for that much needed cup of tea to get us through the need to rest. A balanced meal of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables will ensure our body is given a good supply of essential minerals, vitamins and energy producing substances.
If possible have your main meal of the day at lunch time. We are generally more active during the day and our body needs the energy supply from food to keep it going. Otherwise it will deplete your organs to find what it needs. The last meal of the day is best before 7pm and soup would be ideal as it’s easily digested. This will allow your body to be resting during sleep and healing itself, instead of working on emptying the contents of your stomach.
Daily exercise and being active will help your body to detox. Take advantage of the lighter mornings/evenings and spend time outside during Spring. Walking in the fresh air is very good and free, and everyone can do this at their own pace and level. A brisk walk will help to stimulate your body’s systems and raise your energy levels.
Simple yoga postures also support a detox programme. Seated twists stimulate certain organs and help rid the body of unwanted toxins. The breathing exercise Bhastrika is excellent to eliminate toxins and stale air from the lungs. This energetic practise floods all the organs and body tissues with oxygen and promotes good blood circulation to all the cells in the body. As a result we feel more energetic and clearer in the mind. With regular practice our diaphragm and lungs will become stronger and more efficient.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Regular sipping of water will create a hydrated body that can perform at it’s optimum level. Gulping a large quantity at one time will probably pass through the body quickly and not be absorbed as it should.
To finish off the day and further support a detox aim to have a regular good sleeping habit. Now that Spring is here it is easier to sleep early and rise early. The hours before midnight are very beneficial. Keeping a balance is crucial as too much sleep will make us feel lethargic. Eight hours should be adequate for most people.
If you do decide to begin a detox, always remember to do it gradually and allow your body time to readjust to new habits. Going cold turkey and cutting everything out at once is not a good idea and will shock your whole system. Start to notice how you feel after eating certain foods. Do you feel light enough but energised, or does your system feel overloaded and heavy? We recommend that you seek professional advice and a qualified Nutritionist if you really want to begin a more in depth detox.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Spring :)
The next opportunity to have a mini-detox with us is:
Spring Detox Workshop
@10am-1pm - Perth Yoga Studio- Sunday 28th April
Combining asana & breathing you will remove toxins from your system in a balanced and motivating yoga session. Led by Suthesh.
To book email enquiries@simpliyoga.com or text 07466 360152.