5 Ways to Detox (Mentally and Physically) for the New Year

I was a little sad to see 2014 go. I can say with certainty it was my favorite year to date. The people, the places, and the moments are all so special, I don’t want them to become distant memories… tiny little blips in the grand scale of life. But one thing I’ve learned with time is that certain people will always be there, even when we don’t expect it, and certain places will always be home, even when we go away for a while. I’m excited for a fresh start, especially one that is taking place in a new city – I can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store. To help get me in the right mindset to take on the new year, I’m trying these 5 methods to “detox” both mentally and physically.

Cleanse the Home

Detox

Get rid of any lingering holiday clutter – decorations, gift boxes, leftover food, etc. Give your floors and counters a good scrub down; vacuum any carpets.  Open up the windows for a little while and let in some fresh air.  Burn some incense.  Change up your wall art. Make your bed with some crisp white sheets. Give yourself a fresh new space to start off the new year, you don’t have to wait until spring to do some spring cleaning.

Detox

Detox

I decided that although I loved my photo wall, even it needed a fresh start. The majority of the photos and mementos I had hanging were from last year, and I want to start anew with memories from 2015. Save for a few timeless photos, my wall is a blank canvas again.

Detox

Detox

Break a Sweat

Detox

Sweat out the toxins and while you’re at it, let go of any tension, stress, or negative feelings you’ve been holding onto from the previous year. For me, there is no better way to do this than to run. I don’t do it for any other reason than for the release it gives me – it makes me feel powerful, free, and clear-minded.

Detox

Nourish the Body

Detox

To detox is to rid the body of toxic substances, and while I don’t think it’s necessary to go on a new year’s cleanse, now is as good a time as any to simply refocus on what you’re putting into your body and nourish it with only the healthiest meals. Eating healthy is a lot like running in that once you start doing it, and make it the norm, it becomes more and more enjoyable and easy to do. I’ve been making lots of smoothies and versions of acai bowls – the one below is frozen strawberries, blueberries, and almond milk blended and topped with banana, oats, chia seeds, and almonds. One of the best things I’ve ever eaten.

Detox

Get rid of something (materially)

Detox

I used to be such a packrat, but somewhere, at some point, I did a 180 – now I can’t stand clutter. The thought of having too much stuff around gives me anxiety. In addition to cleaning my apartment and getting rid of a lot of unnecessary junk, I also like to go through my closet and make a pile of things to donate. I always find there are certain pieces I just don’t wear enough to justify holding onto, that someone else will have a lot more use for.

Get rid of something (mentally)

Detox

It’s hard to let things go, especially if they’re left unresolved.  But sometimes you just have to accept that there is nothing you can do, and let it go.  Move on.  I attended a yoga and wellness retreat a couple of years ago and on one of the last nights, we participated in a fire ceremony. We sat around a bonfire, and passed around a speaking stick. When you held the stick you could share something that you wanted to let go of, or you could simply sit in silence. It was so moving and empowering, and honestly… it worked. The act of putting something in words, or writing, and then consciously releasing it, is something we can all do from time to time. Let something go – do it in your own way, and bid it farewell.

Detox

How are you welcoming the new year?

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9 years ago

Aw, I love this post. Such great tips
I feel the same about running and I definitely need to run more. I also need to learn to get rid of something mentally more often.

Lots of hugs, A
myvolatilelove.blogspot.com

9 years ago

Fabulous post – thank you for all of these enlightening and attainable acts. There are a couple I feel especially drawn to. And I adore your images! Crisp white sheets look lovely.

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

Jen
9 years ago

Beautiful post!
I will also try detox for new year too!

http://safran-bolu.com

9 years ago

This is exactly what I needed to see today. Thanks for the tips, I shall be doing them all!

http://www.hayleyeszti.com

rae
9 years ago

Really great post and a great way to start the new year. Thanks for the great tips.

Rae of love from berlin

9 years ago

Detoxing is my favorite thing. I frequently detox every new moon just because that’s when I get the most restless.

Great post!

9 years ago

Love this post, I totally needed the inspo!

xo

Michaela

http://michaelajeanblog.com

9 years ago

for me 2015 is all about clearing and de-junking! I I just moved in with my finance and there’s piles and piles of boxes from my old apartment stacked up all over his place. I can’t believe how much “stuff” I accumulated over the years in my tiny studio apartment! My first job is to get rid of as much as it as I can, then I’m going to review the mental stuff that needs to go. I know it will all be worth it. It is so incredibly freeing to be clear of the stuff that you don’t need. Thank you for sharing your wonderful suggestions!

Best Wishes,
Susan
http://www.averyfairytale.wordpress.com

9 years ago

Love this. I too am craving cleanliness, minimalism, and a fresh start to 2015. Thank you for the wisdom Julia.

9 years ago

Great ideas! I let go of a lot of things in 2014, so I’m actually refocusing on what I want to attract in the coming year.

9 years ago

This post was great. I love the ideas on letting something go mentally. I think things can really hold us back sometimes and letting something go can feel like a new start. Definitely going to try this!

9 years ago

I want to seriously get into running. Your other posts related with that gave me a lot of motivation. Thanks for this post, it’s really helpful ;)

xx Cecil // http://www.wednesday19th.blogspot.com

9 years ago

This is such a wonderful post. This yoga retreat sound amazing, I should definitely spend some time doing my letting go ritual. I should also let go of some material things, I also hate clutter but there is somehow a little bit of it going on in my room!

Jessica
9 years ago

2015. I am beyond excited to start this New Year. I feel loved, happy and proud of the woman I’m becoming and the woman I will eventually learn to be. I took my first Yin Yoga class, started journaling again, freed myself of something(s) that were holding me down and incorporated more things that I LOVE.
I follow your posts daily, and wanted to thank you for inspiring me! Happy New Year, Looking forward to reading more.

9 years ago

Thanks a lot for this post. It was amazing, I also like the use of the stick as a way to speak out what we need to let go of. It’s like you are putting that thought, feeling, etc. into the stick and leaving it behind. I appreciate that.

http://www.AphroditeKinks.com