This post first appeared on Piping Rock. All content is theirs.
Warm breezes. Beach days. Bathing suits. Farmer markets. If summer read as a grocery list, we’re pretty sure we’d never be done shopping. With all the lovely things it has going for it, one that is often overlooked is that it’s prime time to take a detox to realign your mind and body. A detox allows you to clear yourself fully of bad habits, and not-so-healthy ways of living. It makes way for a fresh start. So, what better time to do it then in the most beautiful season of the year, and when happiness is at a peak?
Today we’ve gathered several ways to help make this the most effective detox. To make it easy, we’ve broken it down into three parts: mind, body, and spirit. This way, you can cleanse each part of yourself and be left feeling fully restored as well as balanced.
Ready?
Mind
The first order of business is resetting your mind and becoming more in tune with your thoughts. To do this, we suggest daily meditation, practicing gratitude and as a result, living mindfully during your three-day summer detox. Confused on how to do that? Let us lead the way…
Way 1) Meditation
Meditating is the best way to quiet the mind and refocus on what matters. When you take steps to become one with your breath, you are able to practice being more aware of your inner self. While there are apps, and music you can try out, our favorite type of meditation is guided.
Way 2) Practice Being Grateful
Gratitude. The word itself seems simple enough to do, right? But when was the last time you practiced this? Realign your heart and soul with your mind. At the end of each day of your three-day summer detox, name three things that happened that day you are grateful for. It can be as simple as "I'm grateful for the vegetables I ate" to as complex as "I'm grateful to live in such a great neighborhood surrounded by loved ones who understand me". Whatever comes to mind, breathe in the warm feeling and believe in it. Then release it and continue on with your evening or, if done before bed, get some shut-eye.
Body
Now that your mind is clear and in focus, let’s take some time to help your body get there too. Have you spent a majority of your summer either indulging on buttery lobster rolls, seasonal beers or one-too-many ice cream cones? We get that it is easy for that to happen, but it is also easy to reset habits and get healthier!
Way 1) Eat Less Grease. More Green.
Burgers. Steaks. Hot Dogs. Summer is the equivalent to one long BBQ and while it may be delicious, it isn’t awesome for your health. So, the first step in body detoxing? Cutting back on the greasy stuff. Go to the farmer’s market and buy a bunch of kale, carrots and some free-range chicken. Then, come home and meal prep this recipe for the week:
SPICY LIME CHICKEN BREAST
- + 5 Skinless, Boneless Free-Range Chicken Breasts
- + 2 Limes, Juiced
- + 1 Jalapeno Pepper
- + 2 cups cilantro
- + 3 Cloves Garlic
- + 1 Bunch Kale
- + 2 Bundles of Carrots
- + 1 Tsp Black Peppercorns Whole Organic
- + 1/2 Tsp Himalayan Pink Mineral Salt
LIME MARINADE
- Blend together the cilantro, garlic cloves, black pepper, salt, and jalapeno peppers in a food processor. The mixture should be creamy.
CHICKEN BREAST
- Place the clean chicken breast in a zipblock bag with the lime marinade. Let sit an hour.
- When ready, remove from bag and grill chicken.
- Serve!
KALE
- Add 2 tbsp of water to a skillet with 1 tsp Olive Oil, and a pinch of salt/pepper. Heat the skillet. Add desired amount of kale (minimum 1 cup) to the skillet and saute. Once done, set aside.
CARROTS
- Simply boil the carrots and top with seasonings, or leave plain,as desired.
Way 2) Salt Baths
Salt baths a great way to complement your three day summer detox. They not only soothe the skin, but they are relaxing! What better way to end the day, right?
The Summer Soak
In a warm bath, add the following:
+ Two cups Epsom Salt, Magnesium Sulfate
+ 5 Drops Akhe Away Essential Oil
Once done, head in, and soak for 15-20 minutes. Burn some incense or candles to heighten the mood!
Spirit
Aromatherapy Sessions
Get your mind in the right state with one of the following blends. We've put together three blends that you can choose to use on varying days of your detox depending on your energy that day. Just add the blend to your diffuser, lay down and unwind.
Be Positive Blend
+ 2 Drops Palo Santo 100% Pure Essential
+ 3 Drops Grapefruit (Pink) 100% Pure Essential Oil
+ 2 Drops Neroli Essential Oil Blend
Be Aware Blend
+ 4 Drops Clove Bud 100% Pure Essential Oil
+ 4 Drops Jasmine 100% Pure Essential Oil
Be Happy Blend
+ 3 Drops Rose Fragrance Oil
+ 2 Drops Orange Sweet 100% Pure Essential Oil
+ 2 Drops Cinnamon Leaf 100% Pure Essential Oil
There you have it! A three day summer detox to get your entire body back to balance and give yourself some TLC. We definitely promote beach days and sun-gazing (with sunscreen, of course) to make it an even better experience.