Last updated on August 19th, 2020 at 09:46 pm
It’s funny how toxicity can spread. I mean, seriously – it really does! Toxic personalities can completely alter a workplace or family unit. Toxic plants and venomous animals can create illness or even death. Toxins in our environment create an endless array of health and mental issues. We are even finding toxins in our food systems! It’s never-ending.
But, since this blog is all about simplifying one’s life and living intentionally, I have this week’s tip that is actually much more meaningful and impactful than one might initially think; think of toxins in the larger sense, dearest readers:
It’s Time To Abolish Toxicity in all forms, Friend.
And, I really do mean this in more ways than one. This post is going to guide you towards not only removing toxic products in your home, but also removing all toxins in your life! In my own personal journey of creating a more substantial life, it absolutely amazed me how closely linked all-things-toxic really are….and what a massive relief it is to rid oneself of all things toxic!
Getting rid of ALL things toxic in your home and life really DOES simplify things for you! Here’s How….
For example, when we purchase, say, cleaning products that contain a laundry-list of noxious ingredients, we are not only weighing down our own health by exposing ourselves (and others!) to these ingredients, but we are also negatively affecting our environment! So, detoxifying our household products really IS much more efficacious than one might initially acknowledge.
And, equally important, ridding our lives of those aspects that might be harder to replace (errrr…..family members, friends, acquaintances, etc….) – although extremely difficult – is actually quite critical in order to establish the aforementioned substantial life. Honestly, neither can be understated; what I’m telling you, dear readers, is when you clear out whatever is toxic and pernicious in your world – you WILL see an overall improvement in your daily existence! It’s like everything in your life becomes more precise and coherent. Which, of course, will lead to a much more substantial living experience!
Ya see how it works – and is all connected?
So, this post should leave you feeling completely refreshed, revived, and ready for renewal by the time you finish reading! Whew….that was a lot of R’s. 🤣
Below are my tips and tricks for abolishing toxicity in your household, your healthcare, and your overall life:
Le Chalet (a.k.a. Your House)
Turn Down Your Thermostat!
Lots of people don’t do this – or know about this one! Did you know that a higher household temperature is associated with weight gain? It’s true! Keeping your thermostat set between 62-77 degrees (Fahrenheit) will help keep body temperatures (and therefore weight) at better levels. Basically, your body has to work harder by using up more calories to maintain the 98.6 degree temperature. ALSO: make sure to let in as much natural light as possible! Research shows that closed curtains and less natural light increases eating habits and disrupts sleep once nighttime hits. So: let there be light! Now THESE are easy steps to follow-through with, right? 👍 And….your utilities bill will be less! #win-win
Less Screens, More Clarity!
Now, I know pretty much everyone knows less screen time is better for you, so I won’t be repeating that old adage! But, for those of us who cannot avoid screen time through our work life, I suggest getting yourself some glasses like these – or, better yet, cut down the number of screens in your house!
There have been numerous studies showing that more screens in a home = more time sitting down to look at them! Seems pretty logical to me! So, limit the numbers, friends: have one computer or laptop, one or two TV’s (no more!) in the home, and definitely limit the gadgets with screens your littles have access to!
Hey, we’re all guilty of allowing any screen to ‘babysit’ every once-in-a-while, but just focus on limiting how many you own so you can encourage a more active lifestyle! Oh, and puhlease get that TV outta your bedroom!
How NOT sexy…..
More Green Inside = Cleaner Air Quality!
I simply cannot stress enough the importance of depending on Mother Earth to provide you the green/clean/non-toxic elements your body and mind crave! So, get yourself some indoor plants STAT!
There are sooo many studies showing how these plants improve your indoor air quality….and, really, the air we breathe kiiiinda matters, people! The overall message to report? Get organic indoor plants, and a variety at that. Transfer them out of any plastic pot they might come in to also reduce toxins. Regardless of all the scientific details, we know this: houseplants can and do improve air quality when following this advice….and, they are certainly aesthetically pleasing to-boot! ‘Nuff said.
Throw ‘Em All Out!
I mean it: every.single.toxic.bottle.you.own! I know, you spent money on it. I know, it’s wasteful. But, I don’t care….because it will STILL feel better throwing out all that noxious and poisonous C#@! than worrying about the dollars lost on it. Besides, I think unless you do it this way you won’t really make the total swap. And, then you’ll just not commit to it. Just trust me…..you will absolutely and without-a-doubt feel better about throwing them all away in one fell swoop. Just. Do. It. You will find some killer recipes I use with my oils as you read further on in this post. 🌿 AND: by supporting all-natural and holistic companies, you are making your voice heard loud and clear as to what types of products you want to see more of! THIS IS HUGE!!!!
I source ALL my household products from here and here.
Your Health
Meal Planning Is Good, But Portion-Size Is Critical!
What I mean is, there is no quicker way to either A) waste food, or B) give yo’self the excuse to overeat when there are too many leftovers in the fridge! So, focus on really getting to know how much your family eats, and cook based off of that information. So, if you are a meal planner like muah, this means really figuring out how much yoghurt your kiddo will eat in one week and make (or buy) that amount for 7 days. Or, how many vegan enchiladas will your husband eat in 7 days – and ONLY make that many! Better yet, reduce carbon emissions and food waste by growing your own food: trust me, when you’ve put in the time to grow your food you will cherish it! This way, you will also KNOW your food is clean, clear, and non-toxified! #growyourown 🍅🥦🥕
Out With The Bad, In With The Good (Food) !!!
Basically, here’s my advice on this one: get rid of all highly processed and boxed foods in one fell swoop, and purchase healthy snacks (we love pre-sliced carrots and celery with homemade healthy ranch dressing kept in mason jars – thanks to Kristin Marr at the Live Simply blog!) and organic, pasture-raised meats and whole foods. It is not as daunting or as difficult as it seems! It really just comes down to DOING IT and seeing how good you’ll feel after about a month of sticking to it! Trust Me: self-discipline has never been my personal strong-point, but you simply won’t believe how eating for your particular body will make you feel amazing! But lastly, if you have a cheat day or night, forgive yo’self…..#forgivenessiseverything
Wash Them Hands On-The-Reg, Friends! 🤲
This seems obvious – but I bet a lot of you don’t do it as often as you should! And, while you’re at it, puhlease wash them hands with something all-natural and non-toxic, okay? Remember to use a palm-sized amount of soap, lather all parts of hands and wrists for about 20 or so seconds, and then rinse well and dry with a clean towel. Ya don’t wanna take that time eliminating germs to then dry your hands on a germ-laden towel, now do ya? And, gross side note, friends: keep your toothbrush’s FAR AWAY from le toilette, mmmmm-kay? Google search that one or just use your good ole’ imagination as to why……🚽😲🤢
Get A Doctor Who LISTENS To You!
I mean, this is SUPER critical! Don’t just keep going to that doc who you spend an hour waiting for and who is in (and out!) of the room in less than 10 minutes! Just DON’T. You deserve better. I am embarrassed to admit how long I spent doing this same ole’ routine with my last doctor (before I found a Lyme-literate doc, more to come on that in another post!) before I finally had had ENOUGH!!! 🤦 So, lesson here is to research and work towards finding a doctor who listens to you, takes you seriously, doesn’t have a God-complex, and spends more time with you than a millisecond. And, if this new doc costs more – just cough it up and DO IT!!! You’re completely and utterly worth it….
Practice Self Care
This can be many different things in many different forms! Maybe it is a bath with a glass of wine once a week. Or allowing yourself a mani/pedi once a month. Or heck, maybe it’s just a freakin’ walk outside for 30 minutes a day! Just make sure to give SOMETHING to yourself each day. A time for reflection, to ponder, and to breathe…..#selfcare
Keep That Mental Health In Check!
Whatever it takes – this is a MUST-DO. Get therapy if you feel you need it, meditate, STOP comparing yourself to others (and yes: this includes not spending too much time on social media!), and finally just ACCEPT YO’SELF. You are beautiful and wonderful and magical and funny. Oh, and delegate when needed within your household, y’all! Practice writing/journaling, forgiveness, release of toxic emotions, mindfulness and meditation, and goddamn it get therapy if you’re in a really bad way!!! Just always keep checking in with yourself: “What Do I Need?” “How Can Someone Help Me, Here?” “What Can I Do To Lower My Stress Right Now?” Seriously, friends: talk to yourself more….check in with yourself. Women totally do NOT do this enough! #talktoyourselfthewayyoutalktodogs
Get 8 Hours Of Sleep + Walk At Least 30 Minutes A Day
Do-able, right? Just know this: if you do these two things you are already winning at life. Enough said.
Eat For YOUR Body!
As some readers already know, my husband is Vegan and I am not. I try try try to follow the Weston A. Price Foundation/Nourishing Traditions/Ancestral Eating protocol, but I won’t deny I cheat sometimes (especially when we are Rving!) – but the bigger point here is this: eat for YOU, not someone else! Follow a dietary protocol that makes YOU feel your best, not the rigid standards of someone else. Does my husband make the occasional meat comment to me? Yes. Do I occasionally remind him how much I miss his not eating pastured/ethically raised and processed meats? Yes. But all in all, we both respect each other’s choices! He understands that my autoimmune issues (more later – I promise!) require my eating a certain way, just as I respect his ethics and decision to exclude meat and dairy. Don’t let someone else pressure you into what is best for YOUR body, k?
Overall Toxicity, Yo….
Toxic People Out, More Family Time IN….
This is hard, but totally necessary. I will admit it: I have had to purposely cut some people out of my life. Like, it was H.A.R.D. But, I knew they weren’t bringing anything positive or meaningful or intentional to my life. And, to boot, it allows for more quality family time! So, I just consciously DID IT. I won’t go into details in order to protect people, but know this: I cut out some people with a seriously LOOOOONG history in my life. Because I knew in my gut, y’all — I knew it had to be done. There was no drama because I did it slowly and without drama. So, rip that band-aid off. And, honestly my dearies, I have never regretted it. Not once. #substantial
NEWS: Nothing Good Comes From It!
I mean this. Just do NOT turn on the news. Don’t you feel like when you turn on the morning news it’s like freakin’ Groundhog Day??? 🙄🦔 If you want to remain in touch with the world, there are far better ways of accessing up-to-date information. With wit and dry humor, to boot. So, just turn off the noise, y’all…..
“Meryl-Streep-It” (a.k.a. Believe in the universe ‘cuz everything’s temporary)
This is what I call not only knowing that everything is temporary in your life, but OWNING the fact that everything is temporary in your life. It’s deep, I know. So – if ya gotta “Meryl-Streep-It” (fake it, another words), than do so. If you don’t come naturally to this concept, than commit to being ‘in character’ a la Meryl Streep and be a convincing actress! Eventually, you’ll notice it working! And if you are reading this and you don’t know who Meryl Streep is….ummmmm………..#nowords My point, you ask??? Just OWN that everything in your life is temporary. REALLY, OWN IT. When you commit to this concept, you know you can conquer ALL. You realize that nothing in your life is really that big of a deal. It is seriously empowering. #girlpower
Don’t Waste Time
This has proven to be a super difficult one for me, in all honesty. As someone who is an obsessive researcher of any and all subject matter, I find myself especially vulnerable to rabbit holes. Whether it be via social media, academic studies, ultimate trip destinations, traditional cooking methods, gardening know-how, essential oils and natural remedies…..I mean, you guys: it’s outta control!!! So lately – in order to really zero in on constantly seeking a more meaningful existence – I’ve really been attempting to not spend aspects of my day wasting time. And, as long as I keep myself in check (again – always conversing with mahself!) I am able to succeed at this. And, here’s the total win-win: I always end up feeling SO much better about myself at the end of the day when I haven’t just wasted it watching YouTube cooking lessons. Which, btw, I am like totally obsessed with…. (and YES, I am aware of the irony that here I am tellin’ you to not get stuck going down rabbit holes yet I’ve also linked to other articles and social media channels….sorry bout that.) 😬
Find Inspiration (or a Muse…)
This will bring SERIOUS joy to your life – and inevitably therefore drastically cut OUT anything toxic in your life, mindset, or just on-the-daily. When you read something does it give you the chills? Read MORE from that source. Does that band just make you feel better every time you listen to them? Make listening to them mandatory! Does that super-sweet cooking instructor just put a smile on your face even when you’ve had an awful day? Watch him/her religiously. Does sitting on a laptop writing all the thoughts you have in your head out just make you feel complete? Then start writing, girl! (cough, cough) WHATEVER it is – if it leaves the wee little hairs on the back of your neck standing straight up, just get MORE OF THAT in your life.It will help you feel stimulated and encouraged, and in THAT is pure bliss on.the.daily. #musesaremagical
Do WHATEVER Is Needed To Reduce Stress Levels
I do not need to explain WHY, do I??? Do you need a refresher? Here goes: stress does SERIOUS damage to your body AND mind. Did you know that our bodies have zero way of discerning the difference between physical stress and emotional stress? It’s totally true. And cuhrazy powerful. Since the body sees this stress (lookin’ at you, Cortisol!) as the same freakin’ thing, it reacts accordingly and then y’all end up with prolonged inflammation, chronic disease, weight gain, and insomnia. Guess what all this loveliness leads to? Yup: death. And yeeeeah, I MEAN to sound that dramatic. Because it is serious stuff, friends. I suffer from Lyme Disease (more, more, more in the future – I promise!) and I do NOT want any of y’all to suffer as I have. So, do whatever is necessary to completely and utterly reduce stress levels. NOTHING is more toxic than stress.
When All Else Fails: Talk To Yourself Like You Talk To Your Beloved Dog…..(I couldn’t resist going there again)
There are many people who will give a whole lotta’ side eye to these suggestions – but I truly believe that it is only when we have a metaphorical concept of ridding ALL toxicity in our lives that we are then able to see it through into fruition.
And when YOU do? Well, what really does your daily grind look like?
You’ll be more energetic. You’ll do right by yourself more frequently. You’ll get that to-do list done, but you’ll also shun the to-do list when you know better. You’ll take baths, eat more greens, meditate more; your home will be more organized, you’ll feel vivid; more alive.
You’ll relish in the knowledge that you’ve made yourself, your family, your house, your health, and you environment free of all things harmful, poisonous, and damaging. And THAT, my friends, is immensely healthy….
Always Here,
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