Essential Oils

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.