Get rid of negativity in your life. Fill that New Year’s cup with positivity instead.
“Detoxication is essential and will welcome you into a new year that will give you a healthy outlook physically and mentally,” says Dr. Evelina Grayver, director of Coronary Care at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.
There are lots of ways to detoxify your life. Here are some tips from the experts:
ENJOY GOOD NUTRITION
A balanced, fad-free diet, free of processed sugars, is critical for detoxification and overall good health.
“Processed sugars cause mental cloudiness and physical fatigue proven to cause cortisol surges and inflammation,” says Dr. Grayver.
She suggests sticking to three meals per day and drinking lots of water.
“When you’re drinking enough, you’re supplementing the enzymes that we have to allow for appropriate digestion,” the doctor adds.
GET FIT
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity (or a combination of both), plus at least two days per week of muscle strengthening.
Great “detoxifying exercises” include jogging, spinning, swimming, dancing — “anything that involves increasing your heart rate above your baseline,” says Dr. Grayver.
Plus, exercise releases endorphins. And endorphins make you happy.
REST YOUR MIND
“Cube breathing,” says Dr. Grayver, involves inhaling through the nose, holding, and exhaling through the mouth for a count of four with each.
Concentrate on nothing else for that time while cube breathing (also called box breathing or four-square breathing)
Breathe all the way in, and exhale all the way out. It seriously works wonders.
JUICE IT UP
Detoxify through organic juicing, suggests Craig Margulies, co-owner with Rowan Shifrin of Organic Corner in Massapequa and Wantagh. Organic Corner is soon to establish the first 100 percent organic plant-based restaurant on Long Island early this year, Margulies adds.
“The real benefit of a juice cleanse is you’re putting yourself into a digestive rest, giving your body enough time to heal,” he says.
GET ADJUSTED
Having a chiropractor perform an adjustment isn’t only for those with back trouble.
“A chiropractic adjustment supports detoxification through the elimination of structural interference relating to the nervous system, allowing for efficient flow and movement,” says Dr. Alan Sherr, founder and director of Northport Wellness Center in Northport.
It’s noninvasive and effective, he adds.
STRIKE A POSE
There’s a reason people leave yoga class in a good mood.
“All yoga postures have the potential to promote detoxification,” says Kristina Klimek, certified yoga therapist and yoga instructor and owner of Garden Yoga Therapy LLC in East Northport.
Yoga helps achieve “lightness in the body, clarity in the mind, and spiritual expansion,” she adds.
DECLUTTER
A cluttered living space can impede self improvement.
“The objects you keep within your home could be affecting your mood, memories, cognitive focus, stress, and anxiety levels,” says Laura Cerrano, a certified feng shui expert and CEO of Feng Shui Manhattan. “Whatever you do not need, use or love, let it go!”
Start slow and simple, perhaps with one shelf or drawer. Consider donating instead of throwing away.
NATURAL ONE
Including real plants in your home can reduce stress and anxiety, Cerrano says.
The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” also helps achieve calming, rejuvenating and restorative benefits.
It’s like bringing home the feeling of well-being discovered on a walk in the woods or on the beach.
DETOXIFY YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
“If you’re with a toxic, borderline narcissist — leave,” says Fred L. Holtz, Ph.D., director of Psychological Services Long Island in Hicksville.
You can’t negotiate or change toxic people, but you can disengage, even if it’s from a family member, he says.
Surround yourself with positive people who inspire. Be mindful of social media influencers and don’t compare yourself to others. And keep in mind the power of forgiveness.
“It builds toxicity in your mind to not forgive people,” including yourself, Holtz says.
Learn from mistakes and move on.
Rather than dwell on the negative, “Pause and appreciate the things and people that you do have,” advises Holtz.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Remind yourself of past achievements. Recite positive affirmations daily. Change your perspective.
“Most things in life are really just an inconvenience,” Holtz notes. “A flat tire is not a tragedy.”
Explore “life-affirming activities,” says Holtz. Learn a new language, train for a marathon.
When you detoxify your life, your self-esteem and your self-efficacy increases, says Holtz. You can effectively change your life. If you find yourself trying these strategies with little success, seek professional support, he advises.
We all deserve to be happy.
