Is anyone else ready to kick 2021 to the curb? Ok the last two years for that matter?

As we sit on the cusp of more severe restrictions and another announcement, I’ve noticed a shift. I no longer want to curl into a ball and hide, I want to thrive. I’m pretty done with feeling sorry for our collective selves at this point, I’m ready to renew my purpose and start fresh in 2022.


Apathy out, renewed action in.

If you’ve followed us for a while, you know that one of my core beliefs is that when you have your health your potential is limitless. For many of us, myself included, the last two years haven't done many miracles for our health. Perhaps more responsibly said, I often failed to prioritize my health and mindset over the last 24 months. That does not discount that if you’ve made it this far and you are still standing on your own two feet, that IS the major accomplishment of the year. However, if we want to ascend to new heights in 2022, that probably means getting rid of the things that are weighing us down.

If we want to reclaim our health and shift our mindset, we are going to need to detox 2021 out of systems.

Instead of waiting for the new year to start, I’m suggesting that now might just be the perfect time to get intentional about the small and subtle practices of your daily routine that will reboot your body and mind and leave you primed for big moves as we head into the new year.

Here are 5 ways I am daily detoxifying from 2021.

Sweat It Out

I was never an early morning exerciser but thanks to Peloton and the peace of a quiet house, I’ve been starting each day with a good sweat.

While I’ve long been preaching the benefits of exercise, I may not have fully explained the benefits of sweat. Our skin is our largest organ and its ability to rid our bodies of toxins makes it a great tool for detoxifying our body. Studies have shown that sweating is an effective way to eliminate heavy metals and BPA, a chemical found in resins and plastics from our body. There is also evidence that the glycoproteins in sweat bind to bacteria and when we eliminate them through sweat we reduce our risk or illness and infection.

Hot Lemon Water

Many of us start our day with coffee, a known diuretic and stimulant. I am in no way advocating that you eliminate caffeine, heck it is how most of us survive, I am suggesting you might want to start with lemon water instead.

Not only does it hydrate our fasted body, it can be a great kick start for our digestive and metabolic systems. It helps to alleviate constipation which can be a source of accumulated toxins in the body and a barrier to weight loss. If that’s not enough, starting the day with a hydrating drink has massive benefits for the quality of your skin, the mobility of your joints and muscles and the lemon even helps to freshen your breath.

Like with all healthy habits, consistency is the key. You will definitely want to use fresh lemons and preferably at least half a lemon instead of just the traditional wedge.

Himalayan Salt Baths

I am a huge fan of Himalayan salt. I use it in both my kitchen and my self care routine. The difference between pink Himalayan salt and more refined and commercial salts is not just that it is less processed but it also has significant mineral content. I prefer it over more traditionally used epsom salts because it not only leaches the accumulated lactic acids and toxins from our systems but it also replenishes our body with important minerals that are lost during sweat and to our environment.

Himalayan salts baths are a safe daily practice. To enjoy the benefits, dissolve ½ to 1 cup of salts in hot water and then let it cool to your desired temperature. Hop in and relax for 20 – 30 minutes. For a more complete muscle detox, you can add up to 3 cups in a single bath once a week.

Don’t have a bath or unable to take hot baths? No problem. A good foot soak using the same techniques has been shown to have the same benefits.

Gratitude

Once I’ve done my physical routine each morning I settle into gratitude. Gratitude and joy are our highest vibration emotions and when you start your day looking for things to be grateful for, chances are you are likely to find them. 2020 has made it easy to slip into negative thoughts and emotions but by starting my day with gratitude, I set a more positive intention for my day that has been helpful in the tougher moments.

Every morning I write out 5 things I am grateful for in my life. It can be as simple as a delicious cup of coffee (I told you there was no way I was going to shame coffee). It does not need to be monumental but it does need to provoke thought. A new practice has been to exhibit gratitude for things that did not go my way or tough situations. This has been a game changer when it comes to perspective and quite possibly the way I will wind up this year.

Unfollow, Unfollow, Unfollow

While gratitude and joy are our highest vibration emotions, anxiety is the most contagious. So in a year where pretty much all news has been bad news you may want to turn down the volume. I’m not suggesting that you put your head in the sand, just simply put a limit to the negativity you consume.

That is not just exclusive to the news but also to social media and relationships. Invite in the people and things that support your growth, success and wellbeing and decide if you want to be in the room with the rest.

Not so tough, right?

If these suggestions have been helpful and you share my desire for a better, more uplifted version of ourselves in 2022 you might be interested to know that we are going to kick off the year mid January with a FREE 5-day Challenge and sneak peak at our exclusive health community for female high performers. No failed resolutions, no bullshit, just a primer to start with a readied body and an open mind so you can design the 2022 of your dreams.

For more details, make sure you are either following us on Instagram for all the details. 

Melanie Stevens Sutherland, Clinic Director & Senior Orthopaedic and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist


Melanie is a graduate of McMaster University and brings 20+ years of experience as a senior physiotherapist to Body Co. She has enjoyed a long tenure working with active populations at prestigious sport medicine clinics. Past clients include Provincial, National and Olympic level athletes as well as members of the National Football League, the Canadian Football League, the Ontario Hockey League, the American Hockey League, the National Lacrosse League and Major League Soccer.


Following the birth of her own children, Melanie developed a strong interest in women’s health. She has taken specialized courses in pelvic floor physiotherapy and women’s nutrition. She is passionate about helping women find strength and confidence in their post-natal bodies following pregnancy and delivery.

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