Have you ever tried to detox your body?
If you’ve attempted removing even ONE chemical from your life – from your food, your cleaning supplies, or a daily habit like nicotine, alcohol, sugar, or caffeine – you know that cutting down on chemical consumption is way easier said than done.
It’s a growing trend to minimize our exposure to chemicals, for benefits such as weight loss, more energy, mental clarity, or better skin. Minimizing our chemical consumption is often an important part of providing for our body. Loving our body helps us feel mentally whole, which impacts every area of our lives.
Still, the process is often filled with maddening obstacles. Temptation & exposure to chemicals is everywhere we look. Attempts to cut back are often full of mood swings, feeling drained, & terrible headaches… not to mention endless trial & error with new products that aren’t always worth their salt. Not to mention the time & learning it takes to prepare chemical-free food… it’s all enough stress to make anyone lose their cool.
There has to be a better way! Cutting out chemicals is supposed to feel good, right? We’re looking to gain clarity here, not lose our minds. Try these three steps to get you through:
Don’t judge. Go easy on yourself & keep it simple. Tell yourself that your efforts are good enough. Allow yourself to do what feels good for you, and accept every part of your personality that comes up along the way. Judging yourself harshly regarding your progress will only push you back into the arms of the chemicals you’re trying to avoid. When the pressure comes off, it can be much easier for the habit to fade out naturally.
Substitute. Figure out what need that chemical has been filling for you, and brainstorm some other ways to fill the need when it hits. Write your ideas down on paper & consider this your go-to action plan when cravings or urges hit. Are you looking for energy? Try drinking some water or going for a walk. Are you looking for sweetness or connection? Seek out a hug, or give a compliment to someone you love. Drink teas, find something to fidget with, take a bath. Try making your own bathing & cleaning products. Find alternatives that really work for you.
Get support. This is truly the biggest key to lasting success. Surround yourself with people who support you, & support yourself by avoiding tempting situations at first. Get a therapist or coach to talk to. Surround yourself with people making similar changes in their life. Find books that share stories & advice from people who have successfully done what you’re attempting. Learn how to ask for what you want from others. Connecting with other people for support is one of the strongest things you can do, and when mentally whole people come together for a purpose, amazing things are possible.
Above all else, make these changes for yourself – because you want to. Focus on the outcomes you’re trying to achieve. And – always know you’re good enough & you deserve love, right now, regardless of what chemicals you choose to consume.
