Issue #17 Ready to cleanse?
Start the new year by releasing some old shit
It’s January and of course, we’re all trying to be better people. It’s round about now that we go into full drill sergeant mode. All or nothing. We want a health overhaul. And we want it in 2-4 weeks please. I have been there, trust me. But, no matter how rotten December has left me feeling, I have learned over the years that being too extreme in those early days and weeks can really set you up for failure. In fact, a gentle approach with small steps, building up as you go (and a healthy dose of self-compassion) have been scientifically proven to be far more effective.
Just Google the terms ‘cleanse’ or ‘detox’ and you’ll be inundated with extreme programs that promise miracle results, alongside articles with dire health warnings or that simply debunk the idea of cleansing entirely. As always, I advocate for a balanced approach. It may not provide the instant fix, but your body will thank you.
A few years back, after battling for years with chronic, niggling health issues, I did my first herbal liver cleanse, with guidance from a brilliant naturopath. It was a full reset of my diet that challenged me to completely rethink the way I was eating and living. For me, the results were life changing. But every body is unique and what worked for me, won’t necessarily work for you. The key is to try and listen to your body & figure out what it needs to feel well.
And to be conscious that ‘cleansing’ isn’t just about what goes inside your body. There are so many other aspects that can affect our health – from toxic relationships to bad habits, household clutter and emotional baggage. Why not start the new year thinking about what you could slowly and gently release from your body and life starting…. whenever you feel like? Make your own rules!
Practice: Emotional Release
It’s now becoming common understanding that heavy emotions can become stored in the body as Cortisol and cause us pain and illness if they aren’t released. When thinking about cleansing, let’s also consider what emotions we are suppressing that may be impacting our mental & physical health. Sit quietly a take a few deep breaths. Try to tune into your what emotions you might be feeling and identify where in the body you feel them. Practicing somatic release exercises regularly can help to release trapped emotions like fear, anger and grief. Here are a few simple ones to try at home. Visit my Exercises Collection on Tiktok to find more!
Read: The 4 Pillar Plan by Dr Rangan Chatterjee
I truly believe Dr. Chatterjee is the GP we all deserve. One that takes the time to ask the right questions & look at the root cause of the condition. His holistic approach comes to life in The 4 Pillar Plan - a brilliant wellness guide comprised of 4 simple pillars that need to be addressed daily. What I love most about this guide is that it’s tailored specifically with modern lifestyles in mind, taking into account things like digital stressors, and is informed by the latest breakthrough findings about everything from trauma, to depression and the gut microbiome. All of this to say, it is also presented in a way that is simple & super easy to follow. I find his balanced approach to health so refreshing & his patient anecdotes help to reinforce the impact of these simple health interventions. If you want to reclaim your health in 2025, this is the book to read.
Listen: Tips for Energetic Cleansing with Sa Ra
As part of my vision to grow SW, I am looking forward to collaborating with some brilliant people in the fields of wellness & spirituality each month. This month, I am so pleased to share this little chat with my dear friend Sa Ra - a Hypnotherapist, N.L.P Practitioner, Transformational Coach and Shamanic Icaro Sound and Energy Healer. Sa Ra has a gift for balancing deep work with fun & light-heartedness & curates the most beautiful ceremonies & circles. This is why I felt she was the perfect person to ask about energetic cleansing! Here, we discuss some of the ways you can cleanse your home & your own energetic field in order to feel lighter and more positive.
Watch: Is it time for a Digital Cleanse?
I’m certain if I looked at your list of goals for 2025, spending less time on your phone would probably be one of them. So many of us are struggling with the same problem & as technology pervades every aspect of our lives, it’s becoming harder & harder to let go. I watched a lot of videos on this & the common thread is that changing small habits can make a big impact. This particular video struck a chord with me. It’s interesting to view this issue through the eyes of the younger generation (who have grown up with this tech) & see what’s working for them. I’m definitely implementing some phone rules in my life starting immediately - how about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on Digital Detoxing!
Know: The Rise of Sauna Culture
In Finland - a country that has been voted happiest in the world 7 times running - sauna is part of everyday culture & plays a major role in the the country’s positive mental and physical wellbeing. Now, sauna culture is taking off globally once more with community saunas popping up all over - from beaches to office spaces and more. In the UK there were 2500 new sauna businesses in 2023! While saunas provide the opportunity to sweat out the not so good stuff, they also have numerous health benefits including: immune system stimulation, healthy brain support, metabolism regulation and cardiac health boosting. Sauna with others to also make the most of the emotional benefits!
Drink: Lemon Water
My Gran always had the most beautiful skin. Everyone commented on it. She was also generally very healthy. She attributed a lot of this to her daily habit of drinking a warm cup of lemon water first thing every morning. I have been doing the same for several years now and I love how it gives me a boost of hydration as soon as I wake up, helps support my digestion and pumps my body full of Vitamin C (to imprve immunity & skin health). Read more on some of the other benefits here. Replace that first cup of coffee with a lemon water & let me know how you feel!
Follow:
I’ve tried to pull together a nice selection of follows that could potentially help you navigate your own cleansing journey - from the external spaces to the internal and beyond.
@drchatterjee, @glucosegoddess, @thenarddogcooks, @jacobking, @bytheforkful_, @nutrition_facts_org, @forksoverknives, @sortedandplaced, @orderlyofficeandhome, @dillysdollies, @guthealth.nutritionist, @dr.meganross, @thewellnessdigest_, @foodbody.peace, @knowthyself, @tinybuddhaofficial, @the.conscious.psychologist, @healyournervoussystem
Believe:
Instead of a quote this month, I thought I’d share an Affirmation - something you can use to help you to release anything negative in your life as you embark on your cleanse.
“I release what no longer serves my highest good. I clear away old patterns and beliefs. I give myself grace as I embody these changes. I deserve peace, love and harmony in my life.”
Save the Date: Tues 28 Jan - Sister Wild’s First Online Sister Circle!
I’m super excited to announce that I will be hosting my first Online Sister Circle later this month & you’re ALL invited! Our theme for the evening’s event will be Cleanse’& we will be chatting all things Cleansing - a great time to catch up & discuss where you’re at in your own journey if you are cleansing or get inspired for next month perhaps? I’ll be sharing more details soon, but save the date in the meantime! Hope to see you there! X
Amethyst is my birthstone and palo santo is my fav cleansing tool