The Lock-Down Detox We Could All Use | Sustainable Lifestyle | Luxiders

SKIP THE MAKEUP REGIME

If you haven’t already, give your skin a breather and refrain from using makeup. Spend the time typically spent applying cover-up applying a DIY face mask or scrub instead – pair coconut oil with coffee grains, rich in anti-oxidant properties, for a quick and effective exfoliator.

 

LEAVE OUT THE SHAMPOO, TOO

When it comes to hair, good things really do come to those who wait. Let your Barnet get a little unruly during the lock-down and skimp on the shampoo or better still, leave it out entirely. Our hair contains natural oils which, when left to their own devises, are more nourishing than any chemical-containing product. This may be futile if you’re constantly travelling on germ-ridden public transport through a polluted city, but the landscape from behind locked doors is a little different. Push through the grease and you’ll look and feel brilliant post-lockdown.

  

LET IT GROW

Why shave? Perhaps this issue should be addressed in an detailed essay rather than a lockdown detox article but nonetheless, why waste your precious time shaving? Detox yourself from the chains of society’s gender roles, let your armpit hair flow free, and spend your spared minutes admiring @connellschain.

STAY CLEAN

“No s***”, you say. But cleanliness is severely underrated. Like a walk, the mind feels considerably clearer after a shower, not to mention the obvious health-benefits of keeping sanitary.

THERE’S NO DRINK LIKE TEA

Caffeine isn’t essential while lounging around at home so if you can, try to limit caffeine usage and swap out the odd cup of coffee with some herbal classics – lemon and ginger has abundant immune-boosting properties.

EAT THE RAINBOW

You will have seen this saying everywhere and there’s a reason for it. Skimp on the shampoo but don’t skimp on your 5-a-day. The gut and brain are closely connected, so fill your belly with good foods and your mental health will reap the benefits, too.

DON’T CUT CARBS

Eating well doesn’t mean starving yourself of a major food group. Starchy foods make up over a third of our recommended diet and by cutting them out, you’re restricting your body of a vital source of energy (and yes, you still need that while at home). You can still enjoy your favourite fusilli, just swap white for whole-wheat, or mix the two for gradual adjustment (have patience, you’ll get used to the difference). Other good starchy foods include potatoes, wholemeal bread and brown rice.

 

ALL IN MODERATION

Allow yourself the odd piece of banana bread and enjoy it. Just don’t have it every day. The best detox you can have is a varied, balanced diet.

 

DRINK AMPLE WATER

It may seem simple, but hydration makes a huge difference to your mind and body. Even mild dehydration has detrimental effects on your mood, memory and brain function. Water can aid a multitude of issues, from constipation, to fatigue, to hangovers (a sure sign to keep the water flowing). Drinking the recommended 8-12 glasses a day may seem like a tiresome challenge, so carry a bottle around with you in the house to always have a swig on hand.

 

EXERCISE LITTLE AND OFTEN

The time is now to start exercising, but it doesn’t need to be extensive by any means. It has been reported that just 15 minutes of exercise a day can boost life expectancy by three years. Better start now, then.

 

MAINTAIN A SENSE OF ROUTINE

Setting some sort of structure to the seemingly endless days will help keep anxiety and hopelessness at bay. Set yourself time slots for work and/or projects interspersed with breaks, periods of fresh air, and exercise.

 

CHOOSE BOOKS OVER TV

Hate or love it, there’s a lot more to reading than staring at a screen. This is particularly relevant during the lockdown, where many of us will be working on screens for the majority of the day. Break up screen time by picking a good book over a film. If you’re rusty, start with a simple novel and work your way up gradually, so not to put yourself off. You will feel proud for each novel completed, surprised at what you have learnt and if anything, healthier for separating yourself from your phone – a detox on its own. 

 

LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE

That brings us onto separating ourselves from social media, too. Social media is a brilliant source of connectivity during these isolated times, but too much and you’ll start comparing yourselves to others, questioning the relevance of your lockdown productivity. Easier said than done, but try to detox yourself of those Instagram lives when possible.

 

MINDFULNESS

Your imagination may be running riot during these times of isolation, causing anxiety to sky rocket. Detoxing yourself of your demons is a challenging feat, and the constant bombardment of negativity of late will hardly ease anxiety. Mindfulness, the act of “Paying more attention to the present moment”, is a small, simple way of presenting relief. It won’t cure your troubles, but it may subdue them slightly. Get yourself out of your head and go on a mindful walk, or try meditating for a few minutes. It may seem like a daunting prospect, but just sitting in the moment with a YouTube or Headspace mindful track is surprisingly calming.

 

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SLEEP

Change up your sleep routine if you can, getting into bed early and reading a book before getting a full nine hours of slumber. Sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects on your body and mind – depression is five times more likely in those with insomnia.

 

SELF-THERAPY

We’re talking journaling, voice notes, painting, talking to a teddy/human, casting spells – or standard counselling if accessible. Anything to help you process what’s going on up there, do it. Bottling up stress is a highly toxic coping mechanism, so externalise whatever is bothering you in a healthy, therapeutic way. We all need to find ways of detoxing ourselves from negativity during these stressful times.


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