If you’ve over-indulged over Christmas and are [still] feeling guilty, don’t worry. Look at Nature. What are the animals doing? They’re curled up doing very little with a massive supply of food beside them. Follow suit and hold out until spring for the detox. Until then, store your reserves, rest and nourish yourself.
Until then, here are a few gentle ways to prepare.

• Have a cup of hot water first thing in the morning with a slice of lemon. Squeeze a little of the juice into the water. This helps to cleanse your system and make it more alkaline.
• A cup of hot water with a little ginger half an hour before meals helps aid digestion and prevents bloating.
• Pineapple and sprouted seeds provide digestive enzymes to aid digestion.

And pamper yourself . . .

• Skin brushing: Every morning before your shower, brush your skin with a natural bristle brush. Brush over the whole body always in the direction of the heart. This stimulates the lymphatic system and improves circulation. Take a warm shower, then end with a burst of cold water (I dare you) to further stimulate the circulation and lymph.
• Dead sea salt or Epsom salts bath: Put a cup of salt into your bath and lie in it for twenty minutes, letting the salt gently pull out toxins from your body. Afterwards, wrap up warmly or go to bed and rest a while. Don’t put on any oils or creams. Your body will continue to release toxins for a few hours. (Not recommended with high blood pressure.)
• Try to maintain a gentle exercise programme. This encourages circulation and the elimination of toxins through the lymph system and skin, as well as toning your body.

Have a spring clean of your home. Have a wardrobe clear-out, getting rid of anything which doesn’t suit you, or holds bad memories. Freecycle unused items, or give to charity.

If your body is eliminating toxins, you don’t want to replace them whenever you take a bath or clean the kitchen. Try to remove unnecessary chemicals from your home. There are plenty of natural alternatives.

Throw out shampoos and shower gels containing parabens or petroleum. Buy healthier options, or try making your own. Use a natural deodorant which doesn’t contain aluminium or parabens.

Everything you put on your skin is absorbed. So only use products you would put in your mouth. Try natural oils with the addition of a few drops of essential oil.

Cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals. You can clean your home using a solution of water and white vinegar which cuts through grease. Olive oil can be used as a furniture polish, and products such as borax and soda crystals are good to remove stains and clean drains. Lemon oil is also a good cleanser. Use an environmentally friendly washing detergent.

Sleep is vital for cell regeneration and general recuperation, so ensure you have eight hours. If you have trouble sleeping, try a cup of camomile tea before you go to bed, and put a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow.

We’ll wake you in the spring.

Article by Harriet Broadway