Blog Category: Essential Oils

Are you feeling like you missed a night's sleep? Feeling lethargic, foggy-headed, and struggling to remain alert throughout the day? I understand your struggle. Poor quality of sleep has become increasingly common life problem, making it hard for many people to stay productive and energized. So if you're a mom looking for some natural ways to improve your slumber, I have some suggestions for you! Check out these 11 easy steps on how to get better sleep that won't leave any trace of fatigue or exhaustion. With these tips backed by science and real holistic solutions, prepare yourself for some uplifting shut-eye every night!

One of the best ways to get better sleep is to follow a routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Establishing a regular bedtime and wake time can also make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.  Your routine can include things like journaling, expressing gratitude, prayer, light stretching or yoga, an evening bath, or herbal tea, whatever you choose, try to do the same things in the same order each night.

Creating a comfortable environment in your bedroom can also help you to get better sleep. Make sure that your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Darkness promotes melatonin production , which makes us feel sleepy. Consider using blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light, and earplugs or white noise to reduce noise.  You can also diffuse essential oils that help your body relax and help quiet your mind.

It is also important to limit your exposure to screens before bed. The blue light emitted by screens can suppress melatonin, the hormone that makes you feel sleepy. Avoid using phones, laptops, and other electronic devices for at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake and make it difficult to fall asleep. Avoid drinking caffeine in the evening and try to limit your intake earlier in the day.  It is better to get your energy from natural antioxidants than from artificial stimulants and when you use foods and juices to fuel your energy, your body is better able to relax at bedtime.

Exercise can help you to sleep better at night. At least a half hour of exercise is beneficial for everyone.  Take a short walk if that's all you can do.  Your body needs movement during the day and has a harder time relaxing when there hasn't been enough movement.  However, it is important to avoid exercising too close to bedtime as this can make it harder to fall asleep. aim to exercise earlier in the day and finish at least 3 hours before you plan on going to bed.

While alcohol may make you feel drowsy, it actually disrupts sleep and can make it difficult to stay asleep throughout the night. I avoid drinking alcohol completely, but if you choose to consume alcohol, try not to consume more than one drink per day.   

Eating a healthy diet is also important for good sleep. Eating foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar can help promote restful sleep. Eating antioxidants promotes better sleep. Eating too much OR too little can disrupt sleep, so don't overindulge, but be sure to get the right amount of calories for your body. In addition, avoiding large meals before bedtime can prevent indigestion and make it easier to fall asleep.  Your body needs a rest from digestion while sleeping, so avoid all late-night snacks so your body can truly rest.

8 . Manage stress levels  

Managing stress levels is crucial for good sleep. When we are stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, which is a hormone that makes us feel alert. Cortisol is necessary for certain functions, but too much too often wear down our bodies and make it harder to sleep. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, essential oils, or consider talking to a therapist if stress levels are consistently affecting your ability to sleep. This is also a great way to regulate this hormone. 

9 . Take breaks during the day 

If you have trouble sleeping at night, it may be because you are not taking enough breaks during the day. Our bodies need time to rest and recover, so make sure to take breaks throughout the day. For some people, taking a short nap in the afternoon can also help improve nighttime sleep. 

For many people, napping during the day can interfere with nighttime sleep, so limit naps to no more than 30 minutes. If you find yourself feeling tired during the day, try taking a brisk walk instead of taking a nap, or take 10 minutes to meditate and let your body relax. (One caveat - if you have a nursing infant - sleep when they sleep.  Don't worry about limiting your naps mama - you need more sleep!)

11 . Go outside 

Getting outside during the daytime can help improve nighttime sleep. Exposure to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which is our internal clock that tells us when we should be awake and when we should be asleep. An hour outside is ideal, but a half hour will do in a pinch.  Plus, being outside is so beneficial for our body and soul!  So don't just send the kids out - go out with them - you will all benefit.  

If you’re having trouble sleeping, don’t despair. There are a number of things you can try to get better sleep. Create a routine and make sleep a priority by doing those things throughout the day that will support your sleep. You may find that you feel better rested and have more energy during the day if you commit to getting enough quality sleep each night.  Make sleep a priority, mama — you deserve it!

 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

As a mom, it can be difficult to find time for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It often feels like there is no time left to focus on our spiritual wellbeing. But setting spiritual goals can help us stay connected with God and our inner selves while also manifesting greater peace and clarity in our lives. Let’s take a look at why spiritual goals are important and how moms can incorporate them into their daily lives. 

Spiritual goals have the power to provide us with clarity and direction in our lives by helping us create deeper connections with God, ourselves, and those around us. They can also help us feel God’s inspiration guiding us and tap into our intuition so we can make decisions that align with our values and beliefs— something that is especially important for moms who are trying to raise their children with love, understanding, and respect. Not only that, but setting spiritual goals gives you something to strive for—and what better way to show your kids how important it is to grow spiritually than by being an example? 

Setting spiritual goals doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it’s all about taking small steps every day. For example, some moms may choose to dedicate 10 minutes each morning or evening for silent meditation or prayer (I love adding essential oils into my prayer and meditation practice.  It enhances the experience and inspiration); others may prefer mindful activities such as reading God’s word, journaling, or creative arts projects. No matter what form these spiritual goals take on in your life, they should bring peace and clarity into your everyday life. Additionally, sharing your journey towards achieving these goals with your children can be a powerful way to demonstrate the importance of staying connected spiritually. You can make these SMART goals be adding specifics on what you will do, when, for how much time, etc. (or if you are reading - a finish date).

  

No matter where you are in your journey towards achieving spiritual growth, setting spiritual goals is an excellent way for moms to stay connected with God and their own inner wisdom while providing valuable examples for their children along the way. From daily meditations and prayers to mindful activities like reading the Bible, journaling, or creative arts projects, there are plenty of ways moms can incorporate spiritual goals into their daily routine—and all it takes is a little bit of determination! So don’t forget: when it comes down to spirituality, it’s all about taking small steps every day towards manifesting greater peace and clarity in your life!  I have felt so much peace as I read God’s word with prayer and journaling the answers I am led to.  This practice has been a game-changer for me.  I know it can be for you, too!  

  Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to stay positive when faced with a difficult situation. Many moms feel like they are thrown from one dumpster fire to another as they try to juggle all their responsibilities. Though it may seem like an impossible task, there are ways that moms can take a holistic approach to dealing with difficult situations. Let’s explore how you can approach these moments in a way that helps you get through them successfully. 

Having the right attitude is key in any difficult situation. It’s easy to allow your emotions to take over and feel overwhelmed by a certain problem or issue. But if you can focus on staying calm, then you will be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. There are several ways that natural moms can develop the right attitude when faced with something challenging. First, remember to be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Instead of letting emotions control your decisions and reactions, choose to think logically and objectively about what is happening in front of you. Additionally, try to keep an open mind and practice patience—these two elements will help immensely when facing tough times. And using tools like prayer, deep breathing, and essential oils like Lavender, Stress Away, or Peace & Calming when things are crazy really helps diffuse stressful situations. 

Problem solving is also essential for getting through difficult situations. Having a plan or strategy (ahead of time) for tackling the problem head-on is crucial for finding a resolution quickly and efficiently. When problem-solving as a natural mom, it’s important to consider both short-term solutions that provide immediate relief as well as long-term strategies that enable you to prevent similar issues from occurring down the line. And consider the effects of each item you try.  Read* and research to find answers, and seek help when needed—there are so many resources available online or in person that can offer valuable insight into how best to handle challenging moments in life. Holistic Super Moms Face Book Group is an excellent place to problem solve with other moms.  

Finally, instead of viewing difficult situations as only negative experiences, try looking at them as learning opportunities as well! Ask yourself "What can I learn from this?  What can I do differently in the future?  What can I express gratitude for in this situation?" Journaling is a great way to get these thoughts out on paper.  Every challenging moment has something valuable hidden within it—all you have to do is look deeply enough and seek out what it has taught you about yourself or how you operate in certain scenarios. By taking this perspective, natural moms can gain invaluable knowledge while simultaneously developing their own personal power along the journey!  

 All in all, taking a holistic approach when dealing with difficult situations makes all the difference for natural moms who want to remain calm yet powerful during challenging times! Developing the right attitude paired with active problem solving and seeing each challenge as an opportunity for growth are essential components of success in any situation—whether big or small! So don't forget these three tips next time difficulty arises--you'll be glad you did!

*If you are looking for a good read, or have moved recently, check out Homesick:  Finding Home Wherever You Are.  I contributed a chapter to the book and many of the stories in it share tips on dealing with the difficulties of moving and all the nuances that come with it.  

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones. But for some, the holidays can be a time of sadness and grief. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or struggling with infertility, the holiday season can be a difficult time. I know the pain of loss during this season, and it can be extremely difficult, especially when it seems everyone around you is happy. Here are the five stages of grief during the holidays and how to cope with them.

1. Denial: This is the stage where you try to pretend that everything is normal. You may put on a brave face and act like everything is fine, even though inside you are dying.   Many times, you fill your life with busy activities so you don't have to think about your loss. This is not sustainable and will only make you feel worse in the long run. It is important to allow yourself to feel your emotions and grieve in your own way.  Find a safe person and place and express your feelings.  

2. Anger: This is the stage where you may lash out at those around you. You may be angry at God, the world, or yourself. It is important to express your anger in a healthy way, such as through journaling, talking to a therapist or another safe person, or prayer. Don't bottle up your emotions; they will only come out in negative ways.  Make sure your family knows you love them and talk about the anger you feel.  Purification is an oil that helps me let go of anger.  I apply it on my liver.

3. Bargaining: This is the stage where you try to make deals with God or the universe. You may find yourself praying or making promises in an attempt to change the situation. Unfortunately, this stage will not change anything; it is only an attempt to delay the inevitable.  Realize there are some things you can change, and there are some things you cannot change no matter what you do.  

4. Depression: This is the stage where you may feel hopeless and helpless. You may withdraw from friends and family and isolate yourself. You will not feel like doing anything at all, so support is crucial.   It is crucial to reach out for help during this stage; talking to a therapist or clergy member,  or joining a support group can be very beneficial.    Yoga is also restorative.  (I love Yoga with Adriene!).  And essential oils are known for their uplifting qualities.  Some of my favorites are Joy, Orange, and Peace & Calming.  If you are really low and need to talk with the suicide hotline, that number is 988.  They will listen, provide support, and connect you with resources in your local area if needed.

5. Acceptance: This is the final stage of grief where you accept the situation for what it is. You may still feel sad and have days where you struggle, but overall you have made peace with what has happened. This is when healing can begin.   Acceptance doesn't mean you still don't have emotional pain, but you are better able to deal with it.  Acceptance is an essential oil that helps me reset negative emotional thought patterns.

The holiday season can be a difficult time for those who are grieving loss or struggling with infertility. If you find yourself in one of these situations, know that you are not alone and that there are others who understand what you are going through. Allow yourself to grieve in whatever way feels right for you, and reach out for help if you need it.

Inflammation is one of those words that can cause a lot of fear and confusion. We hear it all the time, but what does it actually mean? Simply put, inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. We all have inflammation to some degree or another.  It can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on how it is managed. In this blog post, we will talk about how to reduce inflammation in the body with holistic tips and techniques. 

There are a variety of factors that can lead to inflammation in the body. The most common causes include stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, medications, and exposure to environmental toxins like air pollution. All of these things can lead to an increase in inflammation levels in the body which can cause a variety of health issues including joint pain, headaches, fatigue, digestive problems and more.  

 

Fortunately there are many different ways that you can reduce inflammation naturally. Here are some holistic tips for reducing inflammation in your body: 

• Get plenty of sleep: Sleep is essential for reducing stress levels which helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Aim for 7-8 hours per night. This is easier said than done - but creating a bedtime routine is essential for this!  See this video for some tips on sleep!  Sleep Better!

• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet: Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables and nuts can help reduce inflammation levels in the body. Avoid processed foods, animal products, and sugar since they increase inflammation levels. 

• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity helps boost circulation throughout your body which helps reduce inflammation levels by flushing out toxins from your system. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days a week if possible.                                     

                                         

 • Take supplements: Certain supplements have been shown to help reduce inflammation such as omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), turmeric, ginger and probiotics. Talk with a holistic healthcare professional about which supplements may be right for you based on your individual needs. These are what I use with great results!  

 • Reduce stress:  Lowering cortisol levels in the body reduces inflammation.  Stress causes elevated cortisol for extended periods of time.  While we need cortisol, levels should not be high all day every day.  Essential oils like Lavender, Stress Away, RutaVaLa, Peace & Calming, and Chamomile have a calming effect, and can also help relax so you can sleep better.  Also, this is amazing at lowering cortisol levels.  

Inflammation can be beneficial when managed properly but it can also be damaging if left unchecked for too long. Fortunately there are many different ways to manage inflammation holistically without having to resort to medications or other treatments with potentially harmful side effects. By following these simple tips you should be able to easily manage any flare ups of inflammation quickly and effectively so you can live a healthier life!

If you desire to reduce inflammation, send me a message, and I will help support you on your journey!