Detox in 2025
An opportunity to reflect, consider and decide how you might like 2025 to be for you is here. The following twelve months contain an awful lot of time and space and as the fireworks fizzle out and the continuous hangover subsides we can be left cold with leftover snacks and excesses of sugar. At this time of the year it may be easy to say 'yes, I will do sugar reduction or diet' and yet at the core of it, it may be better to recognise a deeper need or desire - Lifestyle change which incorporates diet or having a more watchful eye on consumption.
From body image to psychological well being, there is increasing awareness of the negative influences which may send us off kilter or play a role in mental health decline. Too high expectations, from others or even ourselves, social media and our reaction to it and what we may consider as 'toxic'.
Our environments can feel toxic depending on many factors, like how susceptible we are, our interests and sense of awareness. Toxic for me these days, is the city centre when busy, also I shut down when I have been on the laptop too much then just avoid it. Another toxic factor can be over exposure to bad news for example and feeling compelled to do something or to ignore it.
Typically we think of detox as a process of elimination, flushing out impurities and unhelpful bacteria and may turn to ideas like fad diets or quick fixes because we have heard or read about success stories relating to these. But what if we approach this with a holistic, psychological and more realistic view?
What would that look like? Potentially making ourselves vulnerable, honest with a focus on what feels right and our well being. The language surrounding 'change' or 'detox' can be very influential - perhaps with more suitable words and phrases we can be prepared to engage with what change may be.
Instead of 'failure' adopt a 'blip' or 'learning through experience'. Instead of greed opt for 'seasonal over indulgence'. The gist is to use language which promotes space to learn, grow and see opportunities.
Realistic in our plan for change, however small, involves a challenge to us, whether changing diet, exercise habits or more general lifestyle choices. The challenge may spur us on or make us want to examine a little deeper our core beliefs, examples may be 'I am useless' or 'I cannot succeed'. This is where realism is crucial, and setting goals which are actually obtainable.
It can sometimes feel as if we are working against ourselves: when I swim, I feel great, happier and fitter but finding the motivation to do this several times a week can be an immense obstacle to me but with a bit of self reflection I realise that the dark nights are affecting energy levels and this is where staying home and watching a series on Netflix becomes more appealing despite how much better I feel swimming. So instead of beating myself up, I change my aim to 'once a week' and use my yoga mat at home for a few exercises.
We are taught that self-discipline, strong willpower and mind over matter will get us to places we want to be. Although this may be true for certain people, we have to learn to listen to our inner voice, even when or especially when it does not feel very strong. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable is not weak or giving in but quite the opposite - brave and insightful.
Paula Smith
