Our Pure 21 alumni know the benefits of detoxing from unhealthy diets. But have you thought about the negative effects of unhealthy social or mental habits? To be successful in the Pure 21 Wellness Challenge, you need to know you’re capable of achieving your goals and becoming your best self. Letting go of any negativity in your life will help you get there faster.

So take a moment to think about it:

• What habits are you holding on to that hinder your wellbeing?
• What people or places do you interact with that leave you feeling stressed, frustrated, or drained?
• Are your daily thoughts propelling you toward your goal or slowing you down?

No matter how toxic your mind is, you can train it the same way you train your muscles. It begins with an intention to change your life, a commitment to yourself, and ends with three simple steps.

Step 1: Clear your external environment.

• Clear your clutter. Rid your home of all broken, unused or non-essential items. 
• Avoid any place or any situation that triggers temptation to avoid destructive habits.
• Stop spending time with people who discourage you from being ambitious and affect your anxiety and energy levels. Instead, fill your time with people who encourage, inspire, and motivate you to be your best.

Step 2: Cleanse your internal environment.

• Release negative thought patterns by thinking positively. Feed your mind and soul with positive words, positive people, and positive things. 
• When negative thoughts do arise, realize that they are not in control. We do not force negative thoughts into existence. Rather, they come into our lives like passing clouds and can just as easily leave our lives as long as we don’t get stuck on them. Next time a negative thought comes to you, acknowledge its existence, remember that it does not serve you, and let it go as easily as it showed up.

Step 3: Stay in the clear.

• Start your day with gratitude affirmations and end every day with reflection. Just 5 minutes can make all the difference.
• Surround yourself with positive people who encourage you to be your best self and work to be their best selves, too. 
• When negativity does seep in, take some time to go out in nature. Whether for an entire weekend or just a few hours, reconnecting with nature grounds you. Take this time to feel the breeze raise the hairs on your arms or the sun warming your cheeks. Making this a routine practice will help you keep your mind clear and keep you off social media, which can often lead to negative thought patterns. 

Now that you’re free from the negative effects of unhealthy habits, it’s time to maintain your clarity. Make positivity a priority by allowing good in your life and letting the bad slide by. Remember, negativity is inevitable, from work-related stress, relationship drama, and more, something is bound to happen. However, following these steps can help you keep your life as tidy as possible to limit the possible negativity-inducing situations.