For True Well-Being, Detox Your Mind!
We’re human. Even the most positive among us can have their vibes dragged down.
In yoga teachings, a "vasana" is the lens we see the world through. Of course, even if we don't practice yoga, we understand that our perception of events is shaped by our opinions and past experiences.
Our minds are all powerful in shaping our daily experiences, and our opinions and perceptions shifted by the content we choose to consume and the information we feed our minds.
We know junk food has a negative impact on our physical health, but what does junk content do to our mental health? What we allow into our psyche is just as important as what we put into our mouth.
Your time is precious. A truly happy life might feel selfish. But, choosing not to obsess over other people (personal or famous) and instead focusing on yourself is one of the best things you can do for your mind, your loved ones, and your life.
Simple Steps to Detox Your Mind
- Reclaim Your Time
Examine your life and see where your time and energy are being channeled. What are you looking at when you browse social media? Is it the millennial version of keeping up with the Joneses, with an altered body and a perfectly neutral wardrobe? Are you creeping your ex’s account to compare yourself to the people they follow? Stop.
Spending time comparing yourself to others does tremendous damage to your self-esteem. Unfollow accounts that make you feel low, and maybe spend less time on social media altogether. What if you swapped time spent on social media with meditation, reading, or even dancing?
Choose to Uplift yourself! You'll be surprised how much time you have for hobbies and personal growth when you stop scrolling and spend your time more mindfully. - Don’t Worry How Others Perceive You
Your life is yours to live. Your body, mind, and actions are yours as well. If someone thinks you’re weird, or too loud, or whatever… who cares? They don’t need to be around you. Rather than shrinking to avoid criticism, what if you just let it be? People will always talk. Constructive criticism will help you grow. Learn to recognize when to listen and appreciate criticism, and when to let it roll off your back like a duck in rain!
The people who truly love and appreciate you won’t allow their opinions to be changed by someone else’s words. Likewise, if someone tries to speak about someone else, let them know that you don’t do that. Which leads us to… - Don’t Talk About Others
Nothing brings down your vibration as much as talking negatively about others. If you don’t like them, leave them alone. It’s that simple. Gossip and talking s—t about people does nothing to empower or inspire you. Often, we do this to highlight negatives because we are jealous of that person.
If you feel negative feelings toward someone, stop and think. Why do you dislike this person and what about this person do you admire? People are people. We all have good and bad qualities. Instead of trying to cut someone down, just let them live. For a truly transformational practice, focus on their positives and switch up your mindset. - Forgive Everyone… Including Yourself
No one is to blame for your life. Sometimes we are the victim of unfair treatment. However, as an adult, once you have found a safe space for yourself, you can do the work to unpack negativity. We don’t have to deny harm done, but we can seek to understand why people are hurting others. Often, it is because they are deeply wounded themselves.
Forgiving does not mean allowing others to continue to harm you. Rather, forgiveness is a way to relieve yourself of the burden of negative feelings. With forgiveness, you can move on and become a new person, transformed from any experience.
What if the person who needs to be forgiven is you? Maybe you’ve made mistakes that put you in a place you don’t want to be. To do the work to fix your current situation, you must accept that you, too, are human. We all mess up. Recognize your mistake and seek to prevent similar circumstances in the future.
A Healthy Routine
Everyone’s healthy routine will be unique. Don't worry about checking boxes!
Do the things that truly enhance your life and lift your spirits.
Here are some tips to detox your mind:
- Avoid social media for at least an hour after waking up + before bed
- Unfollow accounts that bring you down
- Move every day! Try yoga, dancing, or lifting weights
- Build a daily routine that you can stick with
- Drink a green drink in the afternoon
- Clean your work and living space daily - don't let it build up!
- Declutter your closet + get rid of things you don’t use
- Try a nootropic mushroom coffee blend to support focus and clarity
- Meditate! Guided meditations are a great way to start!
- Get a houseplant
- Seek to learn something new everyday