Essential Oils

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!

Staying healthy is one of my top priorities.  The winter season is here, and that means if we haven't already been actively taking care of our health, it's time to start thinking about how to stay well. There are many things we can do to boost our immunity and keep ourselves healthy, from making good food choices to using supplements to being proactive in our health. Here are some tips for staying well this winter season.

One of the best things we can do for our health is to make good food choices. That means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. It also means drinking plenty of water and limiting sugar and processed foods.

 It can be difficult to avoid sugar especially during the holidays, but it makes a huge difference! When we make good food choices, we are giving our bodies the nutrients it needs to function optimally. 

Another great way to boost our immunity and stay well during the winter months is to use supplements. There are many different supplements that can be beneficial, from Vitamins C & D to elderberry syrup to my favorite super juice. The best "weed & feed" supplements I have found are Life 9 & Inner Defense, which weed out the unwanted junk and feed our gut.  Supplements can help fill in the gaps when we are not getting all the nutrients we need from our diet.  I use the items in my Winter Wellness pack throughout the year, but I make sure I have plenty in stock for winter!

Essential oils are another great tool for supporting our immunity and helping us stay well during the winter season. There are many different ways to use essential oils, from diffusing them in our homes to using them topically on our skin. Some great essential oils for immunity include Thieves oil, R. C. oil, Eucalyptus oil, Lemon oil, and Oregano oil. 

Finally, one of the best things we can do for our health is to be proactive in our care. That means getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress. When we take care of ourselves, we are more likely to stay well during cold and flu season. 

The winter season is a great time to focus on our health. There are many things we can do to support our immunity and keep ourselves healthy, from making good food choices to using supplements to being proactive in our care. By taking these steps, we can increase our chances of staying well throughout the winter season so we have the energy and ability to enjoy all the events and visits with family we have during this time.  Keeping health a top priority during this time will make all the difference in the world!  

The holidays are a wonderful time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of stress, anxiety, and even grief. If you're feeling anything other than happiness this holiday season, you're not alone. Here's a look at some of the most common emotions people feel during the holidays that bring them down—and how to deal with them.  I have felt each one of these at different times and know how much they can affect your life.  

Anxiety is one of the most common emotions people feel during the holidays. There are a lot of things that can contribute to holiday anxiety: financial stress, family dynamics, unrealistic expectations, and more. If you're feeling anxious this holiday season, there are a few things you can do to ease your mind. 

First, try to set realistic expectations for yourself and your loved ones and communicate your expectations. The holidays don't have to be perfect—in fact, they rarely are. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to create an Instagram-worthy Christmas or host the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, focus on enjoying quality time with your loved ones. 

Second, make a budget and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and going into debt—which can add to your anxiety. Make sure you are on the same page with your spouse by communicating and making a plan.

Third, take some time for yourself. Whether it's taking a long walk in the park, getting a massage with essential oils, or simply taking a few minutes to meditate each day, find ways to relax and de-stress. This can be hard when there is so much to be done, but even a few minutes to breathe deeply can make a difference.

The holidays can be especially tough if you've experienced a loss recently. Whether it's the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or something else entirely, grief can put a damper on even the happiest of holidays.  If you're grieving this holiday season, allow yourself to feel all the feels—sadness, anger, loneliness, etc. It's okay not to be okay during the holidays. Loss leaves a hole that cannot be filled.

First, reach out to your support system—whether that's family members, close friends, or a therapist—for help getting through this tough time. And if you need some extra support, there are plenty of grief support groups available both in person and online. Just having someone to express your feelings to can make all the difference. If your grief leads you down too far and you are in need of emergency help, 988 is the new 3 digit National Suicide & Crisis hotline.  You can also use the number: 1-800-273-8225.  

Second, do things that bring up good memories of your lost loved one, or something that will honor their memory.  This can be donating to their favorite charity, making their favorite cookies, or setting out one of their cherished decorations.  Remember the good times.  

Third, think of ways you can bring happiness to others.  Many times, when we step out of our troubles and focus on serving others,  it helps lessen the emotional burden.  We can be a blessing to others who are going through tough times, too.  Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while, take food or supplies to the homeless, or visit your lonely elderly neighbor.  

Like anxiety, stress is common during the holidays. There are many things that can contribute to holiday stress: cooking large meals, hosting out-of-town guests, traveling long distances, attending festive parties—the list goes on and on! If you're feeling stressed this holiday season, there are several things you can do to ease your mind. 

First and foremost: don't try to do it all! Delegate tasks whenever possible so you're not carrying the entire load yourself. 

Reach out for help when you need it! Don't be afraid to ask your family members or friends for assistance with cooking dinner or wrapping presents—they'll likely be happy to help! 

Second. make time for self-care! Whether it's taking a relaxing bath with essential oils before bedtime or squeezing in a workout at the gym (even if it's just 20 minutes), find ways to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. 

Third, remember the reason for the holidays!  Remember that Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and find things daily that you are thankful for.  Remember that Christmas celebrates the birth of our Savior and that He came to save us all.  He came to save YOU because He loves you!  

No matter what emotions you are feeling this holiday season—anxiety, grief, stress—know that you're not alone. There are plenty of people who are feeling exactly what you're feeling—and there are plenty of resources available to help you get through it. From setting realistic expectations to making time for self-care, there are lots of things you can do to ease your mind and enjoy the holiday season despite whatever challenges come your way.

Reach out.  As someone who has acutely felt each of these emotions during the holidays, I know how you feel.  If you'd like to join a supportive group of women learning and working on creating healing homes, and holistic lifestyles, visit us at Holistic Super Moms FaceBook page.