As we prepare for the new year to come, we are also called to look back and reflect on the year that was.
This year, more than others asks us to make peace with the feelings and events that put a wet blanket on some of our most hoped for goals and desires.
While the memories formed from a year full of social injustice, civil unrest, illness, forced solitude, and unforeseen circumstances may be hard to shake, this our chance to make the decision to leave the burdens where they began and look to the new year as a clean slate.
It’s time to give our minds, bodies, and souls a break—and we can start with a much-needed detox.
Here are 6 ways to carry out a complete end of the year detox:
Write down all this year’s disasters and disappointments—and then burn them.
Writing down your thoughts and concerns and then getting rid of the paper is not a new or foreign concept by any means.
It’s a symbolic gesture that gives you the chance to air out your grievances and then release them once and for all.
You can write down a single sentence, a full letter, a list of what’s been bothering you—whatever it is that’s heavy on your heart—and then get rid of it.
Some of us (me!) like to be extra dramatic and burn the paper to a crisp to ensure that those problems never return.
However, that’s not the only way to go! You can rip or shred the paper, send it off in a helium balloon, or simply ball it up and throw it away.
Whatever you decide, let it be cathartic for you. And most importantly, let it feel final.
Go on a technology fast.
As always, the worst and best parts of technology really showed themselves. Without technology, most of us wouldn’t have been able to keep ourselves adequately entertained, well-connected, or even employed this year.
However, it was also the reason why we were so tuned in to every news story and event that did nothing more than pump us with fear and anxiety.
Social networks, television, and other media were definitely a mixed bag.
You’ve been plugged in all year and now it’s time to unplug for a little while.
It’s been 12 months of straight chaos, and a weekend, a week, or even a month away from it all won’t hurt.
Turn off the noise and tap into yourself.
Grab some good books, your favorite foods, get outdoors—do whatever you can to create a more comfortable reality for yourself.
And while you’re at it, fast from unhealthy foods, too.
This is a no-brainer, but feeling good often comes down to what you eat.
Quarantine had a lot of us snacking like there was no tomorrow, and when combined with stress eating and holiday goods? Yikes!
Cut out the extra sugary, salt, decadent foods and go for whole foods like lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Also, we are still in a pandemic so throw in some tea, vitamins, and other immune-boosting ingredients into your meals as well.
The important part here is to eat like you love yourself, and only you know exactly what that includes.
Grieve your unaccomplished goals and then set new ones.
For a lot of us, this year was like watching a slideshow of our vision boards going to hell. Vacations got canceled, summer bodies looked suspiciously similar to our winter bodies, and our career goals were put on an abrupt hold.
It was a mess, but it is okay.
The fact that our plans didn’t work out how we anticipated, does not mean we can’t make new ones.
In fact, this is the perfect time to make new plans! You’re aware of potential global obstacles, you have a better idea of what you can do financially, and you’ll be more focused and realistic with your goal setting.
Instead of being discouraged by uncontrollable circumstances, use all of this new insight as foresight and it’ll work to your advantage.
Do the usual clean and declutter.
A cluttered home is oftentimes a sign of a cluttered mind, so it’s time to literally clean house!
Here are a few things you can do to give yourself some extra physical space and mental clarity:
- Dust your shelves.
- Throw out or donate old clothes and items.
- Organize and file your papers.
- Rearrange your furniture.
- Clean out closets, couches, and desks.
- Sage or smoke cleanse your home.
- Dust, sweep, mop, and vacuum all areas.
- Buy door organizers and extra shelves.
- Create a small spot in your home to meditate, read, or rest.
Finally, get focused on gratitude
The amazing part of 2020 is the fact that we all had a chance to really slow down and appreciate the little things.
Family, walking outside in the sun, outdoor activities, prayer, and gratitude. Write down everything you are grateful for and keep your list close to you for the rest of this year and into the next.
Practicing gratitude creates positive emotions, and can create amazing energy around you and your life.
After the detox, this is a great way to fill yourself back up.
How do you plan to detox at the end of the year? Comment below
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