Easy and smart ways to detox your life

This year detox means something more than green juices, it’s about a holistic approach to decluttering your life.

From Marie Kondo to less plastic, we know that decluttering and detoxing is not limited to whether we had a chocolate bar this morning and a glass of wine last night.  It’s about creating spaces and processes in which it’s easier to have a clearer head and a healthier outlook.  

So how can we put that into practice this year?

Look for ways to reduce your plastic use

Plastic is a problem that’s gained such a lot of momentum in the last few years.  We’re all finally waking up to the fact that this was never a material intended for single use, because it lasts almost forever.  

Removing it entirely from one’s own life is extremely difficult, but there are lots of little habits that we can all get into to systematically reduce our plastic consumption. The upshot is less waste and a lot more feel good factor in your life.  

For example: next time you need a new toothbrush opt for the bamboo variety, switch to flannels instead of face wipes, and try for soap bars instead of liquid soaps.

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Use essential oils instead of chemical scents

Having nice scents around the house is such a lovely thing to have.  It sets the mood and the tone for your home.  However, chemical perfumes and room fresheners do nothing to enhance the sense of relaxation and in some instances can be quite toxic.  

Essential oils however provide a healthy and soothing solution with aromatherapy properties.  Do as the aromatherapists do and go with the scent you’re drawn to.  It will have something in it that your mind and body are craving.

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Tidy up

Taking a leaf out of Marie Kondo’s book, there is something extremely therapeutic about having a home that’s neat and tidy.  Tidy space, tidy mind and all that.  

As the festive season has also no doubt just left you with lots of lovely new things, now’s the perfect time to have a bit of a clear out.  You don’t need to wait until spring to have that spring clean.  If there are jumpers you haven’t worn for a decade, take them to a charity shop.  If there’s underwear that’s hanging by its last thread - take them to a clothes recycling bin.  

It’s amazing how good it feels to have a proper clear out.  Then you can focus on all that neat and tidy folding.

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Bring the outside in

It’s not exactly the time of year for flinging the doors open and letting the sunshine in, but bringing a few plants into your home can work wonders.  In a world where we’re surrounded by e-smog, chemicals and pollution all the time, Mother Nature really does know best - even if you’re in a city.  

By having a few plants in the house you can neutralise that effect to some extent.  NASA scientists will tell you that the common Peace Lily can have a neutralising effect and can remove formaldehyde from the air to a tune of 30 feet, so have one next to each piece of electronic equipment (although that could mean wading through a jungle if you are very techy!

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