Spring Cleaning: Cleanse Your Mind
by Henri Roca, MD, Clinical Functional Medicine Specialist
It's time to cleanse your mind, clear your thoughts, and rejuvenate your mental wellbeing. We often talk about detoxifying our bodies, but what about our minds?
Just like our bodies, our minds can get cluttered and weighed down by toxic thoughts and beliefs. Retoxing, or allowing a space for these harmful thoughts, can hinder our progress and keep us from pursuing our true purpose.
Take An Inventory
Firstly, we need to take a thorough inventory of our beliefs, identifying those which lift us up and those which drag us down. It's essential to recognize our toxic thoughts, as well as to avoid what's known as toxic positivity.
Yes, you read that right. Not everything has a silver lining, and it's perfectly okay to feel annoyed. Toxic positivity often blinds us from the real underlying issues, leaving us feeling unfulfilled or stuck.
Try A Mindfulness Exercise
Next, let's put our focus on being present in the moment. Techniques such as box breathing, the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, or Pause-Notice-Choose can be incredibly helpful.
Retoxing often occurs when we let past traumas or future worries control us, pulling us out of the present. By practicing mindfulness, we can avoid these retoxifications and live more consciously.
Suspend your preconceived beliefs and don't be afraid to explore new perspectives. Examine the narratives that drive your actions and the metaphors that define your life. Could you consider new metaphors or create fresh stories?
Practice Self-Compassion
Remember to practice radical self-compassion. It's natural to have regrets, to feel inadequate or guilty. These emotions often stem from reactive decisions made when we weren't fully present. Being kind to ourselves allows us to learn from these experiences rather than letting them weigh us down.
Aim to be in the flow. Working to be in the flow involves removing all impediments - environmental, cognitive, and even interpersonal. Strive to create a life and environment free from distractions and negativity.
Retoxification
Often, retoxification of the mind is characterized by dysfunctional, non-reality-based, reactionary thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. These can lead to impaired stress responses, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, and a general feeling of being stuck.
You’re Not Alone
If you find yourself struggling, remember it's okay to seek help. Consider reaching out to a functional medicine provider or a therapist.
Cleansing your mind may not be easy, but it's a worthwhile endeavor. A clear, healthy mind paves the way for a happier, more fulfilling life. So, why not start today?
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