Challenge 5: Shower Boosters
Shower Boosters:
Dry Brushing, Oil Pulling and Cold Water Showers
CHALLENGE #5 of the Clean Life Challenge… incorporate Shower Boosters. Shower what? Shower Boosters are little things you can do when you take a shower adding great benefits to your health, body and mind… Dry Brushing, Oil Pulling and Cold Water Showers. I do these 3 things pretty much every time I take a shower and I ask that you give them a try too. Pick one, two or all three… that’s up to you!
What are they and how do I incorporate them?
Dry Brushing - Dry Brushing is a centuries-old method of exfoliating skin. It has been touted as an effective way to slough off dry winter skin, increase circulation, accelerate detoxification and digestion, and even combat stubborn cellulite.
I do this while I wait for the water to warm up in the shower or the bath. I also keep my dry brush hanging on the shower door to help me remember to do it!
For more info and tips on dry brushing, click here.
Oil Pulling - Oil Pulling is the ancient Ayurvedic practice of swishing oil around your mouth. It is believed to help pull the toxins out of your body, improving overall health, oral health and whiten teeth.
Oil Pulling is very easy to do… I do it while I take a shower!
Simply, swish 1 tablespoon of oil, such as coconut oil (my preferred choice), around your mouth for up to 20 minutes. Maybe start with 5 or 10 and work up to 20. When done, spit it out in a trash can, not down the drain! Rinse your mouth with water and you are done.
Cold Water Showers - Cold Water Showers or Hot to Cold Showers are when you introduce cold water blasts into your shower. Whether you end your shower with a cold water blast or do intervals, you want to introduce cold water into your shower experience. Cold water can help strengthen your immune system, increase energy, improve circulation, and improve your skin and hair by sealing cuticles and pores.
If you are ready to take the leap and incorporate cold showers, I recommend starting gradually and working up! I incorporate cold showers at the end of my shower with a goal getting to 2 minutes of cold water.
If you are new, start out in intervals, alternating between hot and cold water. I started out doing 30 second intervals while using the deep belly breathing technique. Focusing on your breathing will take your mind away from the cold water. Do 30 seconds of cold water, 30 seconds of hot water, 30 seconds of cold water and 30 seconds of hot.
Eventually work up to 1 minute intervals and then 2 minutes of pure cold water. I have found that once I can get through 1 minute, 2 minutes isn't much different. And I promise… focusing on your breathing will make all the difference in getting through this process!
Bonus if you utilize deep belly breathing… you get your mediation in for the day!!!
Are you up for this challenge? I incorporate all 3 on most days but at least 1 of them always. Can you guess which one I always do? I'll give you a hint… no matter where you are, if you take a shower, you can do this… ha!
Let me know if you are in and which ones you give a try! I would love to know what you think.
I hope you join me in this challenge and find it as helpful and useful as I have! And don’t forget, challenges are more fun with others. Please pass on, share and stay tuned for the next one…
Stay safe, healthy and happy!
Elena XOXO
Have questions, thoughts, or your own tips & tricks? I would love to hear from you! Let’s get social—find me on social media or share right here by using the comment box below.
