Autumn offers us the perfect opportunity to slow down and check in with our bodies. This year, 2020, has been especially challenging; requiring us to quickly adapt to a new normal. And while we may have done our best to go with the flow, stress is a normal part of life and it affects all of us. But unfortunately, stress takes a toll on our immune system in the process and negatively impacts our overall wellbeing.
A light detox can help our immune system cope better and give our system a break from the heavy load we carry. Below are some gentle ways to accomplish a detox, clear our skin and hopefully brighten our moods in the process.
1. Warm lemon water in the mornings. You probably have heard this before and you may even already do it. It's such a simple way to clear our body for the day ahead. It's great for our digestion and lymphatic system. Lemon is alkalizing to the body and supports liver detoxification. You can also add ginger or turmeric for anti-inflammatory support.
Here is a simple recipe to get you started:
- 1/2 of an organic lemon
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground organic turmeric
- 1 cup boiling purified water
- Organic Honey to taste (optional)
Instructions
-
Put on purified water to boil.
- Squeeze one half of a large lemon into your preferred tea mug then add in the sliced ginger and turmeric powder.
- Once the water is boiling, pour about a cup into your tea mug and let it sit for a few minutes before drinking.
- Add honey to taste if you'd like.
2. Autumn spices can help to naturally detox the body by enhancing digestion and increasing circulation. Think cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and cardamom! A great and simple way to add these into your diet would be to incorporate them into your recipes or tea. A warming and cleansing treat would be stewed apples with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom and maple syrup or coconut sugar. You could also make a warming tulsi tea with these spices. Tulsi tea supports our digestion, respiratory health and reduces cortisol to help combat stress and anxiety.
Enjoy a nourishing up of tulsi tea with warming spices:
- 1 tea bag of organic tulsi tea
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- Honey to taste (optional)
- Organic coconut milk (optional)
Instructions
- Brew one bag of organic tulsi tea in your favorite mug.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin spice, sweetener of choice and a splash of coconut milk.
3. Clear and support your skin. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and it absorbs everything we put on it. It also is impacted by toxins in the air and water. Below is one of my favorite skin care routines using all-natural gluten-free products by EvanHealy.
Naturally support your skin and leave it feeling refreshed and hydrated:
- Apply EvanHealy Blue Chamomile Cleansing Milk (dairy free).
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Apply a generous misting of EvanHealy Lavender Facial Tonic with Hydrosol. Spray it on your face and neck too.
- Finish with an application of EvanHealy Rosehip Facial Serum (Blue Chamomile).
4. To further support skin health and promote detoxification, try dry skin body brushing. The benefits of body brushing include the removal of toxins by stimulating circulation and the lymphatic system. Before you shower or bathe, use a dry skin brush. Start at your feet, using long strokes and work up toward the center of your body and upward toward the heart. You can also add epson salt to your next bath. Epson salt contains magnesium which helps to release toxins and relaxes your muscles.
5. Have you tried Art Journaling? Being creative is a great way to boost your mood. This can help us cleanse our thoughts and focus on what is really important to us. Recently, I've tried Bullet Journaling which has been a fun way to decompress and keep track of each month. I like to write down appointments, fun things we've done as a family and what books I read each month.
Here's a list of what you need to get started if you haven't tried it before:
- A Bullet Journal or Art Journal
- Art Journal Pens
- Highlighters
- Washi Tape
- or you can also get a How To Guide and Bullet Journal Set
I hope this list helps get you inspired for some easy autumn detox and stress-relief practices that you can apply to your daily schedule. Happy Autumn!
