Detox your life

By definition the word detox means to eliminate or cleanse. But while most of us associate it with diet and physical health, detoxing other areas of your life can make a real difference to your mental wellbeing, better enabling you to relax and enjoy the good times, as well as cope with the bad.

First steps - decluttering
Whether it's your home, your car, your wardrobe, even your Facebook page, things can easily get messy. The first step to a life detox is getting rid of all the physical clutter that builds up. Have a proper clear-out at home - ditch the useless, empty biros and 2009 receipts from draws at home or in the office, get rid of the clothes you no longer wear (or are never likely to) and go through your various contacts lists on computers, phones, social media accounts. There's a good chance there are at least a few you never use, possibly even some you don't recognise! Physical de-cluttering is a surprisingly easy first step on the life detox ladder.

Manage your money
The last few years haven't been easy on the general population, but whatever your personal circumstances, getting your finances in order can really help to lift a weight from your shoulders and remove those nagging worries from the back of your mind. If you're struggling with debt, get some free advice or speak directly to your creditors to arrange how to repay arrears or lower payments. Then set up direct debits so that you no longer have to worry about those hefty bills or, worse still, bailiffs letters.

Start saying no
Our lives are quite busy enough without saying 'yes' to every invitation and request. If you regularly find yourself getting bogged down in an ever-growing to-do list or end up at social events you can't wait to get away from, it could be time to practice saying no, even if it's only occasionally. Doing away with the unnecessary will allow you to simplify your day-to-day life and give you time for the truly important things, both at home and at work.

Relax
With all the physical decluttering out of the way and hopefully a few weights lifted from your shoulders, relaxation should come a little easier. It doesn't matter how you do it - for some, it's going for a run, for others a hot bath or a good read - just make sure you allow yourself time for those things that ease the stresses and strains of daily life. If you struggle to let go of the day's events, consider taking up yoga, tai chi or meditation to help you melt away tension.

Forgive and forget
During the course of the year, it's amazing how many grudges, hurt feelings and resentment we pile into our brains, but by holding onto negativity you're only hurting yourself. Let go of those nagging doubts about the events of six months ago, forgive and forget, and feel a renewed positivity flowing through your veins.