“New Year, New You” is all everyone is talking about in January, and often people are trying to make really positive changes to help themselves get back to a healthier, happier version of themselves! That’s why we thought we’d help you get started by providing some top tips on how to cleanse and revitalize this January.
The first thing we want to point out is that cleansing is still holistic. If we only focus on changing the physical aspects (such as eating healthy and exercising more) – while this is good for us – forcing this could mean that our new habits are less likely to be embodied! When we recognize that holistic cleansing can help us stay balanced in all areas – and by holistic I mean body, mind and spirit – we are more likely to start the new year more aligned with who we really are – and that keep it that way too! It is not so much about creating a ‘new’ you, but about rediscovering the existing you.
You see, all we really need to do is tap into what works for us in our healthier habits to help us detox and cleanse, and get rid of any unhelpful habits. The meaning of ‘cleanse’ and ‘detox’ is to ‘eliminate’ everything that is not needed. So the goal of the new year is actually to drop everything that is not necessary and leave our true selves behind! So, how do we do that?
Understanding the connection between mind, body and spirit
Let us first understand that our minds are very powerful things, and they play a huge role in our health. In the same way, our soul must be fulfilled to be in balance. Simply changing physical habits is like trying to fix and suppress something. So while we’ll certainly get into the ‘physical’ detoxing later, let’s first introduce some holistic cleanses for the mind and soul! Remember this: when we look at our thinking about who we really are, and become more aware of our heart’s desires, transformation will happen!
For example, if you want to lose weight and cleanse to do this, why do you feel the need to do this? Do you really need to lose weight, or is there something underneath it? Is it because you feel unlovable, or out of control, or something else? For example, I often overeat when I’m stressed, so what can I do to alleviate that problem? I could address my stress and be kinder to myself – or I could ask more questions about why I’m stressed. For example, stress often arises from the fact that life is different than we expect. Is there something spiritual underlying this? Am I stressed because I am not fulfilling my heart’s desire? There are many levels of health that can affect things! Then again, maybe I’m just stuck thinking about all this, and if I look away from it, it might just fall away!
Anyway, when I sit in contemplation and ask myself the right questions, this is where the real cleansing process begins. Underneath all the physical things I would like to address, there may be something else that can be ‘purified’ and simply fall away by simply becoming more aware of it! Understanding what is going on with us often creates space for it to fall away, allowing us to get out of our heads and back into our hearts!
Beginning the cleansing process – starting with the soul
Let’s start the cleansing process with some contemplative rituals to help us do this! The first thing I would suggest is to ask those questions! To start, place yourself in a nice meditative environment. Maybe put some comfy pillows on the floor and a few warm blankets, grab your box of essential oils, grab a journal and a pen, and then put the following contemplative blend in your aromatherapy diffuser to help cleanse your soul:
Mix 3 drops of frankincense essential oil, 3 drops of tangerine and 2 drops of myrrh. Spray in the room for a maximum of 30 minutes.
As you are engulfed by the beautiful aroma, you can simply sit in the silence and reflect within.
Some questions you may want to ask are:
- What do I feel like I’m ‘stuck’ with – and is there a reason for that? (possibly not)
- Is there something deeper underlying this problem?
- What do I really want this year?
- What do I love? What fills my heart with joy?
- Who am I at my core, beneath the superficial things I might want to change?
If you do this, you might be surprised at what comes up! Perhaps it increases your awareness of things you haven’t seen yet, and just seeing them can cause ‘things’ to fall away, revealing more of who you really are. Remember, the best cleansing process simply removes the layers of you that aren’t needed, rather than forcing you to recreate yourself! You are already perfect!
You may also want to balance this session with some self-love and compassion, as that also helps cleanse the soul!
Try making a massage mix with 3 drops of rose essential oil, 2 drops of geranium, 2 drops of sweet orange and 15 ml of grapeseed oil. Spread this over your entire body, massage in the direction of the heart, then lie back and balance your inhalation and exhalation, really being aware of the wonderful scents. Give your mind time to find some space, or simply notice what answers emerge to the questions above – if any. Let your mind wander gently, but become an observer of it. What does it tell you?
Cleansing blends for the mind
In addition to your soul, it is also important to become aware of your mental-emotional state. It is useful to become aware of the extent to which any mental-emotional problems are driving your ‘need’ to cleanse. Why do you want to be a ‘new you’ when the existing you is already perfect?
You might have looked into this if it came up in the first two “soul” exercises. Maybe something has come up for you. It’s also possible that you want to get more clarity about what you really want this year – maybe you don’t know it yet!
If you have a busy mind telling you to be ‘different’ this new year, try a wonderful mind cleansing blend to help focus your thoughts on what you want to achieve. In a spray bottle, mix 15 drops of lemon essential oil, 10 drops of lavender, 5 drops of basil and 100 ml of lavender hydrosol. Spray yourself throughout the day to promote mental clarity.
Practical mixtures to support physical cleaning
Finally, we get to the physical part – perhaps where most people will start talking about how to detox and cleanse for the new year! Obviously, there are certain ways people want to detox at this time of year. To help you out, we have some popular January detox blends for you to enjoy as soon as you get clarity!
Detoxifying aromatherapy blend for the body
In general, we can support our body’s physical detoxification process through the use of cleansing essential oils.
Try 2 drops of Juniper Berry, 2 drops of Spanish Lavender Sage and 2 drops of Fennel mixed in 15 ml of Grape Seed Oil. Use this daily as a moisturizing body oil and apply to your body every morning after showering throughout the month to support your January cleanse!
Healthier habits blend together – boosting your willpower
People also tend to want a blend that will help them stick to their new rituals and cleansing routines, so this one is more aimed at supporting your willpower when performing the ‘Mind-Body-Soul Holistic Cleansing’- approach!
Diffuse this beautiful, addictive blend of 5 drops of grapefruit and 3 drops of peppermint in an aromatherapy diffuser or candle burner regularly throughout the day, for up to half an hour at a time – or you can put a few drops of each oil in an aromatherapy device. inhaler and snort as and when needed when you’re on the go!
We hope these tips will help you take a more holistic approach to cleansing – which is a much better way to be healthier and happier this January! Try the top 5 blends above – or get creative with your own! Follow your nose – and your intuition – for a happier and healthier New Year!