Spring cleaning your mind and body

As the temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, it’s the perfect opportunity to engage in some spring cleaning. However, we don’t just mean dusting and decluttering your living space. Spring is also the perfect time to purify your mind and body. By intentionally taking steps to cleanse your system and renew your mental state, you can begin the new season feeling refreshed and ready.

Here are six tips on spring cleansing to help you get started:

Stay Hydrated

Probably the most important step of cleansing yourself is to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, delivering nutrients to cells and removing waste products from the body. When we become dehydrated these functions can become impaired, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and headaches.

Spring weather encourages us to spend more time outdoors, such as gardening, hiking and sports, which are good activities but increase water loss through sweating, alongside more water and electrolytes.

Aim for a minimum of eight glasses daily, and consider adding fresh lemon or cucumber for an extra flavour and detoxification boost.

Eat Whole Foods

The more whole, unprocessed foods you consume, the better. Try fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, as they can all help support your body’s natural pathways. For example, opt for a grilled salmon dish with roasted asparagus and quinoa, or a spring green salad with strawberries and goats cheese.

Also, try to avoid unhealthy food, such as processed foods, sugar and alcohol, as they can place strain on your liver and other detox organs.

Stay Active

Even just a brisk 20-minute walk outside can get your blood flowing and your lymphatic system moving. Try walking in areas of greenery for better results, as research shows this can help detoxify your mind as well as your body.

Did you know that May marks National Walking Month? What better way to celebrate than factoring in some walks, whether their solo around the block or a picnic with friends in the forest.

Get Sweaty

Sweating can be cleansing for your body, as it can stimulate circulation and increase blood flow. It also releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help reduce stress and improve our overall mood. When combined with other healthy habits such as drinking plenty of water and eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, getting sweaty can be an effective way to support the body’s natural renewal process.

To get sweaty this spring, consider trying a hot yoga or sauna session.

Practice Mindfulness

Take some time to concentrate on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Meditation, journaling, breathwork, gardening and other mindful practices can help you feel more grounded. By focusing on the present moment and observing without judgment, mindfulness can help you develop a greater awareness of your thoughts and emotions.

Not only benefitting your mind, research has shown that mindfulness practices can lower cortisol levels, which is a hormone that is released in response to stress. Lowering cortisol levels can help reduce inflammation in the body, improve digestion and boost the immune system.

Better Sleep

Focusing on sleep can help cleanse your body because sleep plays a critical role in the body’s natural renewal processes. Getting enough sleep can help regulate hormones and support tissue repair and regeneration. You should aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a consistent sleep schedule to help regulate your body’s natural rhythm.

By incorporating these six simple steps into your spring routine, you can help support your body’s natural cleansing and renewal process, promoting overall health and wellbeing.