Often when we think ‘detox’ it conjures up notions of restricted diets, fasting, juicing, bowel purging and having to endure constant cravings until those taste buds are altered (which may be about 21 days in case you’re wondering). Although our minds jump quickly to the need of our physical body to detox (which is also very necessary), little thought is given to the importance of a detoxed mind.
These days, quiet reflection has been replaced by technology, deadlines, and to-do lists. We are constantly bombarded with ways to fill up our minds with tasks. There never seems to be a break- Unless you count the mental breakdown you have, before you realize you need to book a vacation somewhere (ANYWHERE but here)!
Before you hit your breaking point, try a mind-focused detox. Here are some simple tips to empty out a cluttered headspace and go from mind FULL to MINDFUL.
Turn it Off
It may be hard to give up sitcoms, your cell phone addiction or the latest game on your tablet device, but those external stimuli are far from thought-provoking (even with the latest apps). You may think watching TV is a great way to unwind, but the visual stimuli from the ever-changing pictures are doing a number on your brain and body at the subconscious level. Don’t even consider a TV in the bedroom! It’s not just the blue light, so amber glasses are great, but it really needs to become a habit to keep electronics out of your mind and away from your own prying eyes, ideally at least an hour prior to bedtime.
Dear Journal
Try turning attention inward and journal about your day. A great exercise that creates focus is to wake up every day and write down three things you are grateful for. At the end of the day, journal about three personal successes of the day. You’d be surprised at how many different things you may come up with. You could also write about what you want to accomplish in the coming month and create realistic goals or ponder deep philosophical questions. Whatever you choose, writing is a great method of expression that is often overlooked. You can do this with your new-found ‘no-TV or cellphone before bed’ time.
Read then Read Some More
Depending on what you choose to pick up, reading can take you on a journey of self-discovery. If you’re not so inclined to go diving deep into your psyche just yet, picking up a book is still a good choice because it replaces other external distractions with a more inward-based activity. Remember: If you feel the need to uncover mental or emotional issues, seeing a health care practitioner should be priority over self-help books, but they certainly can help pave the way to the deeper work.
Let’s Eat
Creating awareness around eating is something we have lost as a society. FAST is how we want things, and our digestive systems just aren’t meant to run double-time. Instead, practice mindful eating. Take the time to smell the food you lovingly prepared. The digestive system gets revved up the moment you smell food (or even think of it) so don’t miss out on this opportunity for healthy digestion! Take a moment to observe the colours and textures. Notice what sounds are made as you move your utensil through your meal (yes, your food makes sounds). After you’ve done that, actually taste the food! It’s much more enjoyable than inhaling it to get back to the computer or trying to balance a dinner plate while watching TV.
Free Your Right Brain
Paint, doodle, colour with crayons or play with clay. Whatever your medium, being creative unleashes the activity of your right brain which will help balance the typical routine-bound, to-do lister, left-brained type activities of the day.
De-clutter
Spend some time (not at night), cleaning out your inbox and trimming up your social media accounts. Don’t forget your actual living space. Clutter on the outside creates clutter on the inside. Our external environment is an extension of our inner one.
Meditate
Ahhh, the word that everyone recognizes as a relaxing technique. That is, until you try it yourself! It can be really difficult to turn off inner chatter, but is certainly blissful when it can be done. There are many different types of meditation and it can be anything as simple as focusing on a beloved object and experiencing it with all senses (mindfulness), to practicing clearing the mind completely. Have patience with meditative techniques and recognize that clearing the mind completely may not be achievable – nor does it have to be the goal. The goal is to step out of thoughts, and into the present of BE-ing, even for a brief moment.
If you allow some space in your day to clear your mind, I think you’ll surprise yourself with what it has to say when you allow it to come back online again. After all, we ALL work better after we’ve had a good rest.
NOTE: If having quiet time to reflect is something foreign to you, you may want to take it slow. Sometimes we keep busy to avoid dealing with emotional issues. If at any time you feel things are coming up and are overwhelming, it’s time to seek support from a trusted professional.
