There’s always talk about detox in the wellness world, and there’s always someone willing to sell you a detox solution wrapped up in a pretty package. But what if the detox your body most needs doesn’t require any of that stuff? What if you could detox using the power of your mind? Detox is a natural physical process our bodies go through every day, as we are continually in contact with all kinds of noxious substances-- from man-made chemicals to natural toxins such as mold. Although mental and emotional stress may not be as tangible as those toxins, it is one of the most injurious: toxic levels of stress wreak havoc on our nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular health, gut microbiome, and more. My personal experience with stress has proven to me how powerfully it can impact one’s health-- in my case, leading to IBS and multiple autoimmune disorders. Fortunately, there is an antidote that doesn’t require moving off the grid and renouncing the modern world. The best-studied, most scientifically-supported antidote to toxic stress is-- surprise, surprise... Mindfulness! So when we talk about nontoxic or natural living, not only do we need to mind the substances and chemicals we interact with, but we also need to mind our mind. Just a few scientifically proven benefits to our physical body of practicing mindfulness:
Treatment for heart disease (even the American Heart Association recommends mindfulness as a treatment for coronary disease and its prevention!)
Improved immune response
Lowered blood pressure
Improved sleep quality and quantity
Relief for gastrointestinal difficulties
Reduction in cell aging
Pain reduction
In my humble opinion, the very best mindfulness practice to detox stress from the body and aid in overall physical health is a body scan. Of the 10 or so mindful practices I teach at Mindful & Well, the body scan is my favorite!
You can listen to my guided body scan meditation here.
And if you're interested in learning other mindful practices for stress detox, reply back to this email to join my Natural Living online course for $47.
Wishing you a mindful month ahead.
💛 Emily
For youth & adults
Sessions take place in my backyard in Santa Cruz, and we sit 6 feet apart. Rates are on a sliding scale and sessions can be arranged for individuals, families, or small groups. In-person Coaching »
For youth & adults
I offer 50-minute and 80-minute private online sessions on a sliding scale. These are available one-on-one and for small groups or families. Private Online Session »
If you’d like personalized resources or coaching in mindfulness and wellness practices, send me an email at emily@mindfulandwell.org. You can also subscribe to the monthly Mindful & Well newsletter below. I’m always available to answer any questions you have, by email or in the comments below. Thanks for stopping by!