NEW PERSPECTIVE
NATUROPATH ANTHIA KOULLOUROS SHARES HER LIST OF 10 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO CLEAR YOUR MIND AND NURTURE YOUR SOUL.
Naturopath Anthia Koullouros shares her New Year resolutions for a mind, body and soul refresh.
Last year, something clicked and environmental awareness entered the mainstream. We waged a war on waste, pledged to forego plastic, sought ethical alternatives and shopped local. The connection between the health of our planet and that of our bodies became clearer than ever. The call for cleaner living reached a crescendo. At the same time, the feeling of being overwhelmed also hit; something I witnessed daily in clinical practice. The desire to ‘be better’ — more eco-sensitive, less consumerist — coupled with everyday obligations of rent, bills, caretaking, self-care and social media became an unsustainable pursuit, draining our batteries and begging the question: how do we take care of the earth and ourselves… without burning out? The wonderful thing is that the ecosystem of the human body mirrors the natural world; what heals us heals the earth. It is my hope that in 2019, we can put our newfound knowledge and awareness into action, making resolutions that go beyond vanity and riches to nurture one and all. It starts with these 10 simple and uplifting steps for universal wellbeing that you can implement right now.
1. Dispose of disposables Plastics are making us sick, choking ecosystems and infiltrating the food chain. This year, stand up to single-use plastics and opt for reusable coffee cups, BYO water bottles and cutlery. Refuse one-serve condiments, replace coffee pods with a plunger, give up plastic wrap, ditch straws and drink stirrers, and get serious about using glass jars and containers for bulk shopping.
2. Live a low-tox life Harsh, synthetic chemicals do untold damage to human cells and the natural environment. Before bringing home new cleaning products or personal care items, think twice. Leave them on the shelf if they contain one of the following 12 nasties: BPA, dioxin, atrazine, phthalates, perchlorate, fire retardants, lead, arsenic, mercury, perfluorinated chemicals (PFCS), organophosphate pesticides and glycol ether.
3. Less screen time, more green time Screens. Love them or hate them, we’re spending more time than ever in their company. Not only can screens promote dry eye, tech neck, light sensitivity, blurred vision and headaches, they also underpin addictive behaviour and activate ‘fight or flight’ mode, keeping the nervous system on alert while switching off our ability to repair and heal. This year, spend more time in nature: strolling, listening, marvelling and basking in green.
4. Boost health with delicious herbs Herbs and spices are nature’s flavour enhancers and nutritional superstars, abundant in minerals, antioxidants and medicinal compounds. Prioritise them over processed condiments, sauces, pastes, dressings and refined salts, sugars or flavourings. Finish a meal with a handful of fresh herbs, steep aromatic leaves to make tea, create your own salad dressings and spice rubs, and become a DIY pesto aficionado.
5. Get serious about going organic Organic isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a holistic system of growing and handling that considers soil, plants, animals, food, people and the environment. Look for certified organic products, shop at farmer’s markets, join a co-op or grow your own. By doing so, you reduce the toxic load on your body and support sustainable food systems.
6. Create healing spaces Healing spaces in your home and workplace are an antidote to the hustling and bustling urban world. The assault of fumes, billboards, rubbish and the relentless noise of construction can stress an already taxed nervous system, desperate for stillness and calm. So, take time to declutter. Keep things that bring you joy, and let go of what doesn’t. Feel your spirits lift and body relax.
7. Choose your soundtrack Don’t forget about the joy of music. The right tunes can soothe or uplift you, adding motivation to workouts and meaning to housework. Moving to music releases tension from the body, or can ease you into calm, meditative and relaxed states. Rediscover your love of music and feel enlivened.
8. Purify the air with indoor plants Plants not only spruce up a room, they offer extraordinary health benefits, too. They are natural air purifiers, and can filter out pollutants and toxic chemicals from cleaning products, pesticides, synthetic candles, fragrances, furnishings and finishes — many of which are known irritants or carcinogens. My favourite indoor plants are devil’s ivy, bamboo palm, spider plant, peace lily, flamingo lily, snake plant, Chinese evergreen, weeping fig and Boston fern.
9. Find your community Time and again, research shows that the happiest members of the older generation are active in their community. It’s no surprise, as humans are made to exist in safe, supportive relationships that provide connection, inspiration, care and camaraderie. Get involved by volunteering, signing up for local activities, inviting your neighbours round for a meal or simply starting a conversation.
10. Be content with you For all the desire to improve, renew and revolutionise who you are, there is no substitute for self-acceptance. Comparison and competition are the thieves of joy, and happiness will never be found in material possessions or a smaller waistline. Bravely accepting yourself as you are and cultivating inner peace means less ‘stuff’ is required from the outside — altogether kinder to the earth, and astonishingly liberating. In 2019, let’s adopt a ‘good for one; good for all’ attitude, living greener, healthier lives that depend less on ‘stuff’ and more on simple joy and connection. Follow @anthia_koullouros_ naturopath on Instagram.
“The call for cleaner living reached a crescendo.”