How To Live A Non-Toxic Lifestyle: 5 Effortless Changes

You might be assuming that a non-toxic lifestyle means you have to sell everything you own, live in the woods somewhere, hunt and gather, bathe with homemade soap, and never look at your precious phone again. I’m going to make it much simpler for you. You don’t have to give up the life you know. You can begin living a non-toxic lifestyle with these 5 effortless changes.

1. Replace Toxic Home Items

One of the most frequently loved and used home items is the candle. Paraffin wax used in most home candles is actually sludge waste from petroleum. This makes it neither healthy or eco-friendly (1). Candles made of beeswax or soy are the best and healthiest options-if you’re going to use candles.

They burn cleaner in your home and reduce the release of toxins. Beautifully fragrant candles from Sundays and Skylar make the perfect swap for those discount candles you grab waiting in line at HomeGoods.

On the other hand, natural essential oils are an option that offers the soothing scents you crave without any of the health risks or smoke. Diffusing oils makes the air feel lighter and somehow, cleaner. Essential oils release negative ions, known to clear the air of mold spores, pollen, pet dander, odors, and even bacteria (2).

So, if you can get a scent boost and also incorporate cleaner living into your home, it’s a win-win. With a mission to make non toxic living affordable for everybody, Plant Therapy is my go-to. They have a wide variety of essential oils and diffusers, pup and pony and household products to choose from.

2. Clean Eating

Clean eating may seem like a trendy idea, but it’s really pretty simple. Begin by bringing in more organic fruits and vegetables. Follow the “Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen” guidelines to limit your pesticide exposure. Pesticides are a big problem in our food.

Limit your processed foods and read labels. Processed and packaged foods can contain added sugar, artificial colors, stabilizers and preservatives. At the store, check your labels and look for items with the least amount of added ingredients.

Make water your primary beverage. It does not contain additives, sugars, artificial sweeteners or questionable ingredients. When consuming animal products, choose grass-fed and hormone-free meat, eggs and dairy. Organic, humanely raised animals are not injected with antibiotics or hormones like estrogen or testosterone to maximize growth and limit infection (3).

Grab produce today from Farm Fresh To You, or a customized meat box with Crowd Cow

3. Non Toxic Beauty Products

Your skin is the largest organ in your body right? It’s also an elimination system. You sweat, pushing toxins and chemicals through your skin. And you shed multiple pounds of skin each year (4). Everything you apply to your skin is going to either penetrate or absorb, depending on the product and on your chemical makeup. Making changes to your beauty routine is an easy step towards a non-toxic lifestyle.

The skin care industry is riddled with questionable practices and toxic ingredients. However, non-toxic beauty is becoming more commonplace. What you want to look for is products that are cruelty-free, vegan, minimally processed and without parabens, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, high-risk pesticides and heavy metals.

For more information on non toxic beauty read How To Revitalize Your Beauty Routine This Spring and Sensational Summer Skin Is In

4. Toss Toxic Thoughts

Look inward and get rid of toxic thoughts. I know it’s harder to do than shop at health food stores. But I guarantee, creating a healthy mental environment, is just as important as removing chemicals from the home. Toxic thoughts lead to negative thought patterns, chronic stress, mental and physical fatigue, and poor concentration (5).

You can start with small actions like journaling in a Promptly Journal. Journaling allows you to express the negative or toxic thoughts. Putting things on paper is freeing and opens your mind for more reflection and release. Journaling about a traumatic or difficult life event can reduce anxiety and grief.

Take a few minutes each day to meditate. Meditation leads to a greater sense of mindfulness. Mindfulness is learning to live with whatever you are feeling in the moment. In turn, you acknowledge the thoughts without judgment or interpretation, connect better with yourself, and reduce brain chatter (6).

Begin or end your day expressing gratitude for something or someone. Practicing focused gratitude can be as simple as paying someone a compliment on a daily basis. You can be more intentional and keep a gratitude journal; writing down what you’re thankful for each day. Another form of gratitude can be expressed in the form of prayer.

5. No More Toxic Relationships

A non-toxic lifestyle isn’t just about organic fruits and skincare products. Toxic relationships can be just as draining and damaging to your mental and physical wellbeing. You probably already know which relationships in your life are toxic. The ones that are poisonous, seeping into your body and soul, like a cancer-causing viscous sludge.

You’re ready for growth, to get out of the relationships that no longer light you up. The relationships that keep you from being exactly who you are destined to be. Signs of a toxic relationship include lack of trust, controlling behaviors, manipulation and hostile communication. These aren’t always romantic relationships. It can be friendships, relationships with parents or siblings, even coworkers.

Additional red flags include:

• You should feel energized in your relationships, not anxious, confused or depleted.
• When conflict or differences in opinion rise up, debates should be respectful, not abusive personal attacks
• Showing up should be authentic. You don’t need to stay where your boundaries or needs are minimized or dismissed.
• Equal participation in fostering connection and intimacy (physical, mental, emotional)
• Relationships require intentionality and effort. Sometimes it’s work, but it should also be playful and fun.

You Can Do It

Living a non-toxic lifestyle is doable with these 5 effortless changes. Start making a few adjustments to your grocery list and toss your toxic home items in the donate pile. Do a little research or pick from any of my personal favorite non-toxic beauty brands. Get those toxic thoughts out on paper and breathe a little deeper. And it is possible to mend a toxic relationship when each partner is committed to trying. Otherwise, it’s time to make a plan to leave the relationship.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on Sweat Savor Soul is not substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for medical conditions. You should not use this info to diagnose or treat a medical problem. Sweat Savor Soul is not liable for how the information is used. You are personally responsible for your health and wellness. Sweat Savor Soul is simply a guide to help you reach your goals through healthy lifestyle changes.

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