Did you have a hot girl summer? Exactly how many times did you drive the boat? If you answered yes to the first question and lost count when trying to answer the second, chances are your body can greatly benefit from a detox.
And with today being National Women’s Health and Fitness Day (holiday is always held on the last Wednesday in September) there’s no better day to kickstart a detox program to reset your body, mind, and soul. Read through our detox tips below and choose one today to keep the sickness and f-boys away!
Liver Detox
The liver acts as the main filtration organ, as it comes in contact with many different toxins and chemicals (alcohol, fatty foods, marijuana, etc). Liver detoxing is imperative to anyone who spent the summer reminding themselves that Hennessy is not their friend.
How to do it:
Drink lots of water: Like a lot. The best way to do this is to buy a water bottle and refill, that way you won’t have to think about it. If you’re really about that life, pick up a gallon bottle. Amazon sells really cute ones with positive affirmations on them: it really encourages you and keeps you going.
Garlic tea: Garlic is another way to detoxify the liver. My favorite way to consume garlic is by making a tea. Take 3 cloves of garlic, peel and thinly slice them, and place in a cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 mins. Strain the garlic out (I like the keep mine in honestly), add some honey to taste and boom! Delicious garlic tea. I know, “delicious” is probably not the first word that comes to mind when one thinks “garlic tea”, but the flavor is subtle and savory, and to me, quite enjoyable.
Celery and Lemon: To jumpstart your liver cleanse, consider juicing for a few days to rid your body of accumulated fatty toxins and by products of drugs and alcohol. When thinking of detoxing the liver, besides the things mentioned before, think leafy greens and acidic fruits. My favorite liver detoxifier is a celery lemon juice. Peel 2 lemons, then wash and slice 4 stalks of celery. Throw them in the blender. Then add a cup of parsley. Blend. Once everything is blended, add six cups of water. This recipe yields 2 servings. 1 serving in the morning and one in the evening before dinner. Try this delicious drink for 3 days while eating a mostly plant based diet and revel in your increased energy and vitality.
Full Body Detox
Living in NYC (or any large city for that matter) means your body will come in contact with a host of pollutants. One way to rid your body of these pollutants is by taking a detox bath. Detox baths are based on the idea of drawing toxins out through the skin during a bath by putting substances in the water that draw toxins out of the body
How to do it:
Baking Soda provides a naturally alkaline substance that helps remove toxins. It dissolves fully in water and it’s natural sodium content gives the bathwater a sexy, silky feel. Dissolve a 1/2 cup of baking soda in a tub of water that’s a comfortable temperature. Add some rose petals or essential oils, if you like. Soak in the bath for 10 to 20 minutes twice a week, with at least two days between each bath. Best time to take this bath is at night, maybe after a stressful day; it will literally melt away your frustrations, and have your mood on #Oprah.
Hair Detox
Did you know that July 2019 was the hottest month on record for the planet? Our kinky textured coils have truly suffered a beating from the heat and humidity. My favorite hair detox is an Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar mask. This recipe is a part of the “Max Hydration Method”, a detox regimen that brings literal LIFE (lifeeeeeee) to your curls. Bentonite clay draws out toxins, (which is why it’s such a bomb face mask), and the same thing is done when added to your hair: drawing out toxins, heavy metals, chemicals, and impurities.
How to do it:
Dilute 3 parts ACV to 1 part water in a plastic or wooden (not metal!) bowl. Add bentonite clay and mix until you have a greek yogurt consistency. Apply the mixture to damp hair and completely saturate your coils. Cover your hair with a shower cap when done and let sit for 30 mins. Rinse out with conditioner and follow with a deep conditioner.
Mind detox
Finally, take some time to detox your mind. The number one way to do this is through meditation. Specifically, mindful meditation. Maybe your mind is thinking of the decisions you made this summer that you aren’t proud of. Maybe you’re anxious thinking of the foreseeable future, or that Scorpio season is on the way (omg the feels). Whatever the cause of your suffering, mindful meditation is a good ally to combat any anxious thoughts or distraught memories by forcing you to live in the present moment.
Human suffering is caused simply by worries of the past and anxiety towards the future. When we are mindful, we are unconditionally present. Mindful meditation does not erase negative thoughts out of your mind; instead, it helps you become more aware of these negative thoughts, and gives you control on how these thoughts affect you.
How to do it:
With mindful meditation, remember 3 aspects: body, breath and thoughts. Your body should be in a comfortable upright position with your spine aligned or lying down. Your breath should be your main focus; deep inhales and exhales. Your thoughts should be focused while you become more familiar with them, as the goal for mindful meditation is to establish a healthier relationship with what’s going on with your mind. Start with 2 mins a day and increase in time day by day.
Celebrate Women’s National Health and Fitness Day today by considering one of our detox tips. There’s nothing wrong with hot girl activities, but sometimes it’s important to take a break to allow your mind, body, and soul to reset.
