There is always a detox or cleanse that seems to be the new trend where only drinking green tea or eating cabbage soup for a week is supposed to detox the body. Detoxing doesn’t always have to be about cleaning out your insides.
Here are four cleanse I tried this week that helped detox my soul.
The Closet Cleanse
What is it? Clean out your closet. It’s that simple. Remove clothing that no longer fits or is worn out. Trash shoeboxes, sort through photos and throw out anything that makes you say, “Oh! I totally forgot about this!”
Why should you do it? It allows for peace of mind. Cleaning and reorganizing almost resets your mind. It enables you to evaluate your belongings and minimalize your lifestyle.
What are the benefits? Cleaning and organizing is good for the soul. Getting rid of clutter is refreshing, uplifting and allows more room for storage (and new clothes!).
The “Un-Follow” Cleanse
What is it? I’ll admit it; I have people I follow on social media to cyber-stalk or keep up with for selfish amusement. I also have 500+ friends on Facebook that I ‘ve actually never met in person just clogging up my newsfeed.
And, it is time to unfollow.
Yes, this includes ex-boyfriends, frien-enemies and that one person from your hometown that is still trying to be a rapper.
Why should you do it? Following these people out of spite, jealousy or for entertainment purposes is equivalent to paying good money to a movie you know is going to suck. What the point? That just makes you and me a self-righteous critic.
What are the benefits?
- It removes the clutter on your Facebook feed. No more babies you don’t know and Starbucks coffee pictures you don’t need to see. We get it, Starbucks sucks at spelling names.
- Following people that caused pain in your past or bring unwanted commentary to your newsfeed is letting toxins back into your daily life.
Tip: Remove people you don’t know by checking whose Birthday it is each day. If you can’t remember John Smith delete him as a friend.
Also, if you don’t want to “unfriend” someone on Facebook just opt to “unfollow” him or her. Their news will not make it to your newsfeed.
The Digital Detox
What is it? Keep “quiet hours” each day in which you cannot have your phone or go on the computer for an allotted amount of time. Especially if you are on the computer all day at work – pledge to remain off technology starting an hour a day then work your way up to two or there.
Why should you do it? It allows you disconnect from the world and connect with the people in front of you. What is more annoying then going to dinner with a group of friends or family you haven't seen and everyone is checking their phones? Ugh, set it aside people and be present.
What are the benefits? At first it gave me a little anxiety, I thought that the moment I turn off my phone is going to be the second someone will need to get in contact with me. But, in time, I became more present with my surroundings and more at peace with being by myself.
Negativity Cleanse
What is it? Don’t be so pessimistic. You may not even realize it, but the people around you do. I believe that positivity comes from perception. For example, if your neighbor is loud because they are having a party, do not constantly moan about how loud and disruptive he or she is. Instead think, “Good for them. They are having a good time. This could be a good opportunity to introduce myself.”
Why should you do it? It lifts you up as well as other people around you. Find the silver lining in every situation. Negative comments never make anyone feel better. If someone compliments you don’t respond with a negative reply – “Those jeans fit you so well.” “Are you kidding? My legs are huge.”
What are the benefits? It humbles you completely.
Always, Maddi B.