Our bodies like to remind us when we’ve been stretched too thin and haven’t been properly caring for ourselves, or managing our stress. We become irritable, our skin might start reacting, and the little things anger us more easily. We may even feel more anxious or experience depressive moods. Well, these are signaling our bodies are trying to give us that we need to slow down, pause, and recharge. Without managing our stress properly, consistent stress over extended periods of time can increase the risk of physical and mental health problems. A stress detox will help rejuvenate mind and body and bring you back to balance.
Here are 10 Ways to do a Stress Detox Naturally
1. Practice Mindfulness
When we can be aware of our thoughts and feelings, we have the ability to change our response to them. If you are worried about something, feeling guilty, or getting down on yourself, you can become aware and practice self-compassion and positive self-talk. I love the quote “positivity is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them and find solutions.” Yoga and meditation are great ways to improve your practice.
2. Focus on a Healthy Diet
The stress hormone cortisol can cause us to crave comfort foods, such as processed foods high in sugar and fats. However, these types of foods can lead to weight gain and crashes of blood sugar levels which can increase anxiety, irritability, and depressive moods. Eating foods rich in nutrients give us energy, focus, and increase the feel-good chemicals within our bodies.
3. Time Management + Reduce Schedule Cramming
It’s helpful to do a time log from time to time to see exactly where your time is going and adjust accordingly. Then "plan to plan" by taking 30 minutes each week to prioritize and schedule your week ahead. Prep meals ahead of time and be sure to schedule downtime and self-care.
4. Exercise
Exercise is one of the most well-known ways to reduce stress by releasing endorphins and reducing stress hormones such as cortisol. Thirty minutes of moderate intensity exercise such as walking, running, biking or swimming five days per week is a great schedule.
5. Sleep
When we get a restful night’s sleep, the body heals and repairs itself. Sleep reduces stress hormones such as cortisol and improves mood and concentration. Try gentle yoga with a lavender essential oil diffuser before bed and make sure your bedroom is cozy, inviting, and free of clutter. A sleep mask to block out light also actually works really well.
6. Journal
Journaling reduces stress by serving as an outlet to get your thoughts and feelings out of your mind and body and onto paper. Journaling before bed can also help with sleep by reducing the things you tend to think about while sleeping. This is a good way to pause- have a cup of tea and reflect.
7. Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna has a host of health benefits and one of them is reducing stress. Infrared saunas induce relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and optimize the anti-depressant chemicals dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. For optimum relaxation, we suggest a private infrared sauna. If there is lots of chatter going on around you, your body may find it difficult to enter a full state of calm.
8. Deep Rest + Relaxation
In addition to sleep, there are ways our bodies enter a state of recovery from stress through deep rest and relaxation. Our facials and body treatments are designed to do just that. Through strategic massage, aromatherapy, dim lit candles, nurturing touch, and soft music, the body and mind deeply relax by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This is why you may notice yourself snoring during a facial.
9. Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy has been used as a healing practice since ancient times. Taking a hot bath with some relaxing essential oils and lighting a couple of candles can do wonders for reducing stress. Add some dry brushing and Epsom salt for added detox.
10. Gratitude
Mindset is such a powerful tool to combat stress. Using gratitude exercises throughout your day to think about all of the things that are good in your life can give you a positive, feel good perspective. Having a roof over our heads, our health, our children and family’s health, food to eat, clean water to drink, and a car to drive are some things to truly be grateful for daily.