There was a time when I found myself sitting on my couch, staring at the wall, numbly watching my toddler play while I held my baby. I didn't have the energy to get up and play with my little girl, I didn't have the motivation to clean the house, and I was wondering why I wasn't enjoying anything I used to. After a few weeks of that, I faced the realization that this wasn't normal. I started doing some research into what I could do to help myself, and I learned some pretty profound things. As I walked out of the fog of numb sadness, I could finally feel again. I was able to play with my kids, smile, and enjoy life again.
Welcoming a new life into the world is undoubtedly one of the most profound experiences a woman can go through. There is nothing like it! However, the postpartum period, often glamorized in media, can also be a time of significant emotional challenges. Overwhelm, sleepless nights, hormone fluctuations, and several other things play a role in how we feel. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects many new mothers, and while seeking professional help is crucial for severe cases, milder forms which tend to be more common and include overwhelm and sadness can often be alleviated through natural remedies and lifestyle changes. In this blog post, we'll explore a range of natural remedies that can help support mothers experiencing feeling down after baby, from essential oils and yoga to dietary adjustments and more.
1. Dietary Changes:
Paying attention to your diet can have a significant impact on your mood and overall well-being. Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts& seeds, and healthy fats. Minimize intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and caffeine, which can exacerbate mood swings and energy fluctuations. Increase your water intake and try this antioxidant. (This made a huge difference in my energy and motivation levels)
2. Yoga, Mindfulness, and Prayer:
Practicing yoga, mindfulness meditation, and prayer can help calm the mind and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gentle yoga poses, combined with deep breathing exercises and meditation, can promote relaxation and improve mood. Consider joining a postpartum yoga class or following online tutorials tailored for new mothers. I had never tried yoga before, and this was surprisingly beneficial for me!
3. Deep Breathing Exercises:
Deep breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing, can help activate the body's relaxation response and reduce stress. Take a few moments throughout the day to practice deep breathing exercises, focusing on slow, deep inhalations and exhalations.
4. Vitamin D:
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, so ensuring adequate intake of this essential nutrient is important for overall mental health. Spend time outdoors every day in natural sunlight, eat foods rich in vitamin D such as fatty fish, and consider taking a vitamin D supplement if recommended by your healthcare provider. This multivitamin includes Vitamin D.
5. Folate Instead of Folic Acid:
Folate is a B vitamin that plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter synthesis and mood regulation. Some studies suggest that folate may be more beneficial than folic acid, especially for individuals with certain genetic variations like MTHFR. Incorporate folate-rich foods such as leafy greens, lentils, and citrus fruits into your diet, and consider opting for a methylfolate supplement if appropriate. This multivitamin includes Folate.
6 Zinc:
Zinc plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter function and has been associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Include zinc-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, seafood, nuts, seeds, and whole grains in your diet. Alternatively, consult with your healthcare provider about incorporating a multivitamin with zinc if necessary.
7. Magnesium:
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including those related to mood regulation and stress management. Consuming magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help support overall mental health. Additionally, consider taking a multivitamin with magnesium if recommended by your healthcare provider.
8. DHA & EPA:
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), play a vital role in brain health and function. These fatty acids have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and support overall mental well-being. Incorporate sources of omega-3s such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts into your diet. Consider taking a high-quality supplement rich in DHA and EPA, especially if you do not consume fish regularly.
9. Iron:
Iron deficiency has been linked to depressive symptoms, fatigue, and low energy levels. Consuming iron-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and spinach, can help prevent iron deficiency and support overall energy levels and mood. If you're concerned about iron levels, discuss with your healthcare provider about testing and potential supplementation.
10. Essential Oils:
Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, bergamot, and ylang-ylang are known for their calming properties. Diffuse these oils in your home, add a few drops to a warm bath, or dilute them with a carrier oil for a soothing massage. Ylang Ylang and a blend called Joy were my life-savers after baby number 6. I applied the Joy directly over my heart and on my hands to inhale. I used some powerful mantras with it as well. This helped me feel joy again. It was a game-changer.
11. Wild Yam:
Wild yam is known to help support the hormones and help you feel more balanced. I love this serum! It is pretty amazing to me what a difference this makes - I still use it because if keeps my mood even all month long.
12. Support the Adrenals:
Sometimes our adrenals exhausted and need support. This was definitely the case for me. My adrenal cocktail recipe is:
4 oz Ningxia Red
4 oz Orange Juice
4 oz coconut water
1 squirt YL vitality drops + electrolytes
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
12. Social Support:
Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family members, and fellow mothers can provide invaluable emotional support during the postpartum period. Joining a new moms' group, attending support meetings, or seeking the guidance of a therapist or counselor can help you feel less isolated and more connected. At first, I couldn't even get dressed to make myself presentable in public, but after a little time in using these other things, I was able to make myself get out of the house. Meeting up with other moms was a piece I had been missing and I needed it! Also, ask for help. I remember others saying to me, "if there's anything I can do to help, let me know!" Yet, I didn't always ask them to come help. There are so many of us - myself included - that just don't want to bother someone else. ASK! Especially when someone has offered, it is not a bother. You are worth it. Let your friends and family help support you. They want to do it.
13. Self-Care Practices:
Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Make time for activities you enjoy, whether it's reading a book, taking a leisurely walk, practicing a hobby, or simply resting when you need to. Remember that taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of your baby. Let's get practical with this one. Make sure to take a shower/bath when your spouse is home so you actually get one! Read a book while you breastfeed. Start a stroller brigade and walk your baby around the neighborhood with other moms. You CAN do this!
Navigating the challenges of postpartum life can be overwhelming, but by incorporating natural remedies and lifestyle changes into your routine, you can take proactive steps toward well-being. Remember to be patient with yourself, reach out for help when needed, and celebrate the small victories along the way. You are not alone, and with time and support, you will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Disclaimer: This is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your medical provider, if needed. If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 for immediate help.
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Being a mom is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it's easy to get caught up in the mundane tasks of daily life. From changing diapers to preparing meals and managing household chores, it's easy to feel like life has become routine. However, a world of wonder and discovery is waiting for us beyond our everyday responsibilities. We can enrich our lives by embracing a sense of wonder, seeking new experiences, and challenging ourselves.
Everything in the universe is made up of energy, including our bodies. Each cell, organ, and system has a unique vibrational frequency. When these frequencies are in balance, we experience overall wellness. However, stress, negative emotions, toxins, poor diet, and other external factors can disrupt this balance, leading to discomfort and disarray.
Sound therapy and vibrational therapy aim to reestablish equilibrium by introducing specific frequencies to the body. These healing vibrations can positively impact our physical, emotional, and spiritual states by resonating with our natural frequencies.
Trauma is a difficult thing to heal. It can be triggered by memories, people, and even smells. When we smell something, it goes straight to our limbic system which is the emotional center of our brain. This is why certain smells can bring back memories, good and bad.
Smells can also affect our mood. Research has shown that certain essential oils can help improve our mood and make us feel more relaxed. This is because when we smell these oils, they interact with the amygdala which is the part of the brain that controls our fight or flight response.
The Fight or Flight Response
When we smell something, it goes through the olfactory bulb which is connected to the amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for our fight or flight response. This is the survival mechanism that helped our ancestors avoid being eaten by predators. Nowadays, we don't have to worry about being eaten by a tiger, but this survival mechanism is still hardwired into our brains.
The problem is that sometimes this survival mechanism gets triggered when there is no real threat. For example, if you were in a car accident, the smell of gasoline might trigger your fight or flight response even though you are not in danger. This can be very debilitating and make it hard to live a normal life.
The Link Between Smell and Memory
The link between smell and memory is due to the fact that the olfactory system—the part of the brain responsible for processing smells—is located close to the limbic system, which is responsible for emotion and memory. This proximity means that smells have a direct connection to the emotions we feel and the memories we store.
Because of this connection, certain smells can trigger a traumatic memory, which can be overwhelming and even debilitating. However, scent can also be used to heal trauma by helping to process and release those traumatic memories. When used in conjunction with other therapies, such as talk therapy, specific memory release protocols, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), scent can be a powerful tool in healing trauma.
How Essential Oils Can Help
Young Living's Feelings Kit is one way that essential oils can be used to help heal trauma. This kit includes six different essential oils—Forgiveness, Inner Child, Present Time, Release, Valor, and Harmony—which can be used individually or blended together to create a custom scent. There is also a protocol for how to use each oil for maximum benefit. I have walked through the step by step process many times and it has been vey beneficial in helping to releasepast trauma.
There are many people who have been through trauma and come out the other side. And there are many tools available to help you heal, including essential oils. If you are struggling with trauma, know that you are not alone. There are many people who have been through similar experiences and have found healing through essential oils. The Young Living Feelings Kit is one option that can help you release past trauma and move on with your life. Give it a try today! If you're interested in exploring this option further, please reach out to me and I'll be happy to chat with you about it further.
*Please consult a medical professional for severe trauma.
My blogs contain some affiliate links.
Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
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As we gear up for yet another school year, it's crucial to equip ourselves and our families with practical tools that promote focus, immunity, and emotional well-being. What better way to do this than by incorporating essential oils into our daily routines? These little powerhouses emit captivating aromas while providing endless therapeutic benefits. Let's dive into three DIY essential oil blends tailored for focus, immunity, and emotional support.
Focus Blend - Enhancing Concentration and Mental Clarity
When it comes to sharpening your focus and boosting mental clarity, certain essential oils truly shine. Let's create a splendid focus blend by combining the following essential oils:
Cedarwood: Loved for its grounding and calming properties, Cedarwood helps unleash a clear mind and enhance focus.
Vetiver: This earthy oil is renowned for improving attention span, reducing distractions, and promoting mental alertness.
Lavender: With its soothing and balancing qualities, Lavender fosters relaxation while simultaneously amping up your focus game.
Peppermint: Embrace the invigorating scent of Peppermint that stimulates your mind, boosts alertness, and tackles mental fatigue like a superhero.
Frankincense: Revered throughout history for its grounding and centering effects, Frankincense plays a pivotal role in maintaining your focus and mental clarity.
To create the focus blend, simply combine 10 drops of Cedarwood, Vetiver, and Lavender, and 5 drops of Frankincense and Peppermint in a stylish glass roller bottle, then fill with the carrier oil of your choice. During study sessions or whenever you need a mental boost, diffuse this magnificent blend or dilute it in a carrier oil and apply a drop to your temples or wrists for an instant pick-me-up.
If you prefer ready made blends, BrainPower, Geneyus, and Clarity are some of my favorites!
Emotional Support Blend - Nurturing Our Mental and Emotional Well-being
Life's ups and downs can really drain our emotional batteries. But worry not! Let's dive into a fabulous essential oil blend specially curated to boost our emotional well-being. This phenomenal blend includes:
Lavender: The ultimate stress and anxiety buster, this super herb brings much-needed calmness and serenity to the table.
Orange: An invigorating aroma that instantly uplifts the mood and fills the air with positivity. (Can substitute lemon)
Frankincense: The Zen master of essential oils, this grounding gem promotes emotional equilibrium and total wellness.
Bergamot: A delightful citrus oil that washes away tension, invites relaxation, and turns frowns upside down.
To unleash the magic of the emotional support blend, mix 10 drops of each of these enchanting oils and store them in an elegant glass bottle then fill with carrier oil. Whenever stress comes knocking or when you crave an emotional lift, fill your space with this divine blend. You can also dab it on your wrists or neck for an instant mood makeover.
If you prefer ready made blends, Peace & Calming, Stress Away, Valor, and KidPower are some of my favorites!
Immunity Blend - Super Charge your Defenses!
Get ready to boost your body's natural defenses with an Immunity Blend that packs a punch! As we embark on another school year, prioritizing our immune systems is a must. Essential oils, with their incredible immune-boosting properties, are here to save the day. Let's create this powerhouse blend by combining these essential oils:
Thieves blend: This bad boy, featuring cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary, is renowned for its immune-supporting prowess.
Oregano: This contains lots of antioxidants. It's immune system support at its finest! And digestive support as well!
R.C. blend: Take a deep breath with cypress, spruce, and three types of eucalyptus oil! These give your respiratory and immune systems a high-five. (Can substitute Raven)
Peppermint: Cool and soothing, peppermint oil will have your congestion crying for mercy while supporting healthy respiratory function.
Frankincense: This versatile oil not only provides immune support, but it also encourages overall wellness. Talk about a double-duty superstar!
Combine 10 drops of Thieves, RC, and Frankincense with 5 drops of Peppermint and Oregano to create this immunity blend. Keep it in a dark glass roller bottle and fill with a carrier oil and let it work its magic. (Without dilution) Diffuse and cleanse the air and support a healthy immune system all at once! If you prefer a more personal approach, dilute the blend in a carrier oil and apply it to the bottoms of your feet or along your spine for an extra boost.
If you prefer ready made blends, Thieves, Immupower, and RC are some of my favorites!
By incorporating these DIY essential oil blends into our daily routines, we can enhance focus, support emotional well-being, and supercharge our natural defenses. Just remember, essential oils are potent substances, so caution is key. Always conduct a patch test and ensure proper dilution before applying topically. Here's to a successful and balanced school year, filled with vitality and zest!
Get the essential oils here! Be sure to add the code SHAREYL for 10% off your first order and add to Loyalty Order for an extra 10-20% back!
My blogs contain some affiliate links.
Any purchase made is a blessing to my family at no extra cost to you!
Thank you for supporting us!
