Is it possible to fully attend to the holiday gathering without the feeling of overwhelm and stress?

It certainly can be if you start putting self care for you and your child at the top of the list.  This may mean you have to say no to a few things over the next few weeks, but holidays only happen a few times a year.  This will be the only Thanksgiving and Christmas your child will be this exact age too!  Such precious moments and memories we are given to have and to hold.  No Mom wants to feel overwhelmed and exhausted by taking on too much.

If you are willing, do me the favor of grabbing your calendar right this second and putting in three time slots a day just for you or you and your sweet kiddos.  I know it is hard to do, but can you spare three 20-40 minute slots in each day from now until after the New Year?  Even if you have to start out with 15 minute slots.  Please just add them in.  

Maybe this means you will spend time after school with your kiddo, electronics out of mind.  Or maybe this means you will read to your child while they play in the tub and then enjoy a little play time after.  Could it be time to stretch and have hot cocoa after with a big kiddo?  There are so many things that come to mind and only you know what will work for you. 

Now that you have some breathe time in your schedule, lets go over a few more great ways to keep your mind focused on what matters, keep those shoulders from tensing up, and be sure you immunity is up for the gathering of smiles, laughter, and good ole germs.

• Stay hydrated.  Keep your kiddos hydrated too.  The air is dryer and there is illness going around the schools and day cares because the weather can be crazy this time of year (at least in Wisconsin it is!).  Think hydration being natural spring water, electrolyte water, coconut water, watermelon, cucumbers, fruit infused water... get creative.  Adding lemon or making fresh squeezed juices are also a great way to hydrate with the addition of much needed vitamin C.
• Stay on a sleep schedule.  You can splurge here or there, but your energy levels and immunity will be more elevated if you are on a good sleep schedule.
• When it comes to holiday gatherings, think before, during, and after natural wellness and immunity planning.  What can you do the week prior to boost your immunity?  What foods and drinks can you serve during to keep everyone's immunity balanced?  Last, what can you do for the week following the get together to keep your immunity elevated?  

I know that last one was a lot but here are some ideas...

-->  One week prior start having the recommended dose of elderberry syrup daily for two weeks.  Or you could drink organic herbal tea with immune boosting herbs such as lemon balm, elderberry, or hibiscus... just to name a few.
-->  For the holiday meals and snacks, you could think of adding more healthy and immune boosting herbs to your meals like rosemary, sage, garlic, onions, pepper, and turmeric.  You could make homemade pesto, hummus, a fruit or veggie platter, homemade soup, use herbal infused bone broth for your potatoes, soups, and dips, make homemade lemonade to sip on, or have sliced lemons and oranges served with herbal tea.  You can also do some healthy ingredient substitutions to prevent gluten and sugar overloads.
-->  For after the special gathering, you can continue with all of these tips and offer a bit more "ME" or "Me and Kiddo" down time than normal so you aren't always on the go and in a rush.  Plan ahead because it really will make things easier.  Remember, when our bodies feel nourished and well, our mind's ability to stay focused and balanced is also greater.  

Here are a few more tips -

• Use a hepa air filter in your home or in the place where family will be gathering.  You can also use a diffuser and use a child safe blend of anti viral and antibacterial essential oils to help keep the air cleaner.
• Take time for good ole epsom salt baths.  Add the recommended safe diluted blend of lavender and sunflower seed oil to the bath to help moisten little's skin.  If you all aren't up for baths, you can add a few drops of lavender to the side of the shower floor to steam the relaxing aroma while you shower.  Bathing gives us time to clear our minds and the warm steam moistens the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs to help keep the lining in tact to prevent microbes from harboring.
• Ask for help or simply say no.  If someone asks if you want them to bring a dish... take the offer with open arms.  On the flip side, if you are busy working 9-5 and care for your kids every hour around your work schedule, feel free to say no or simplify what you are bringing.  Even if that means you simply cut up fruit for a fruit tray instead of making your extra moist and delicious chocolate chip pumpkin muffins.  It is okay.  Your kind of busy Mom's will know just how busy you are, even if some friends or family don't understand.
• Apply essential oils made for a specific intent to your lotion over the next few weeks before your "me" time breaks.  Think of what your body needs that day.  Is it focus, relaxation, muscle tension relief, or grounding?  What do you need in that moment and what do you have on hand that you could use for essential oils or aromatherapy products that will help?  For example, one day you may want to add the safe diluted amount of Frankincense e.o. to your face and body lotion because you are feeling anxious and need to feel more grounded.  Or maybe you would like to feel less muscle tension and need to feel more relaxed, so you may choose to add the safe diluted amount of blue chamomile e.o. to your lotion on this day and apply it before your time to focus on your child's self care and Mommy and me time.

I wish you a wonderful holiday season and hope this helps you on a deeper level than just that of drinking a glass of water and going to bed at eight.  

Being a mom means having to have a healthy mindset, especially during holiday season.  Be kind to yourself.  Take time for yourself.  Set limits for the expectations others have of you and stay focused on your children so can truly enjoy and take in the moments.  Healthy and Well Wishes,  Jamie

Sometimes we get lost in the word mother or in the meaning of motherhood and try to follow one hundred too many rules.

Can you relate?  Ever try to go on a date night after having kids and feel guilty, run into someone and wonder what they will say about you letting loose, or wonder how many day spa appointments or or date nights is too much?

It seems we are more self conscious after becoming Mom's and sometimes that puts us in overdrive of trying to do everything right.  The problem with this is that we get run down.  Mom's simply need a break.  There are a few ways to change your perspective if you have caught yourself in this trap of feeling like you shouldn't "do" this or that.

Here are some tips to get "unstuck" from what others think and get into habits that are good for your soul!

1.  This is the most important and you have to start here.  GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION FOR "YOU" TIME, SELF CARE, AND SELF LOVE.

2.  Focus solely on what your own goals are and block out all other noise.  This may mean that you need to say "no" to certain occasions or others requests, but you need to stay in your lane and do what is best for you and your kiddos.  This helps you stay on track and prevents you from doing too much for others or at other's requests which takes away time for you and your kiddos.  Stay focused and do you!

3.  Reevaluate your time now that you have done step one and step two.  Every single day make time for yourself.  You care for others, you love to do this, therefore you need to care for yourself in order to continue to keep caring for others.  Mark time on your calendar.  When will you go sleep?  When will you stretch?  Will you allow yourself to go to a yoga class, swim class, go for a walk, get out and jog, ski, anything outdoors or that includes movement.  When will you meditate or get a massage?  Plan a date night, scenic day drive, or coffee morning!

4.  Now that you have allowed yourself time for nourishment, you are focused on what is most important to you to save time and energy, and you have it on the calendar... you will need energy and nourishment to feel good, motivated, and inspired to do those things.  I know how easy it is to make plans and then feel exhausted and not want to stick with the plan.  To prevent this, stay on your sleep schedule as much as possible.  Stay hydrated.  Eat well. 

Repeat again.... Three things I just mentioned.  Rest, Hydration, Healthy Eating.  These basics are so incredibly helpful to give you energy.

5.  Enjoy your "YOU" time.  It really is that simple.  There is no right or wrong when it comes to being a mom and what you will do with your "YOU" time.  You just do YOU.  Don't worry about what anyone else says.  Workout if you want to workout.  Take your kids skiing if you love to ski.  Go on three dates if you want to go out with your kiddos Daddy!  After all, a healthy relationship is the strength of the home for which everyone resides. 

Just because your a Mom doesn't mean you can't look beautiful, can't go take time for yourself, can't work on your own health and wellness, have to worry about what everyone else may say or think when you do something for you that doesn't involve scrubbing floors, wiping doopa's, and snuggling sweet kiddos.  Just do YOU busy Mom!

Using essential oils with kids can be a really great way to support their immune system, overall health, and improve their emotional balance, and general wellbeing.  However, choosing the correct essential oils and safe uses is key to their support.

I know you may be new to using essential oils with your child, so instead of sharing all the ways to use essential oils, today I just want to share five ways NOT to use essential oils with your child.  Sometimes learning less is what sticks rather than learning too much at once. 

If there is something to remember before you carry on with your aromatherapy uses, let it be these five - 

1.  Do not use essential oils topically on or around (diffusing/sprays) your child unless you have checked precautions in relation to how old your child is, their health profile, special sensitivities, allergies, and how to safely use that essential oil to prevent an adverse reaction.  This also means, note if the essential oil is safe for kids!

There are more essential oils that are NOT safe for kids than safe.  

2.  Do not apply essential oils undiluted topically (on your child's sensitive skin).  Essential oils should be combined with a lotion or carrier oil (such as jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, etc.).  There is a certain dilution ratio that you can memorize and follow for all your homemade creations, including chest rubs, lip balms, healing salves, and roller ball remedies.  The dilution ratio's are set per age, but it is noted that if your child has specific health ailments or sensitivities, to go down the ratio line and start using much less of a dilution ratio to prevent adverse reactions. 

I actually always recommend using less as most of the time, less works on a therapeutic level just fine, which in turn saves a possible adverse reaction and money on products.

3.  Do not let your child ingest essential oils.  This means they must be kept out of reach of your child.  Essential oils are best kept in cool dark places away from heat and sunlight exposure.  Make sure your caps are secured on after each use.

4.  Do not add undiluted essential oils to your child's bath.  Essential oils do not mix with water.  They float on the top and can gather on your child's sensitive skin, which can possibly cause an unwanted burning sensation.

5.  Do not use essential oils that do not have a botanical name and have "fragrance" in the ingredients.  Find a trust worthy company that only offers "true" essential oils.  True essential oils are completely different than fragrance oils.

There are many more precautions, and I must add one more. 

Do not use essential oils on any sensitive part of your child's body. 

Do not put essential oils in your child's ears, up their nose, or anywhere near their eyes... or again, any other sensitive body parts.  

Sometimes it seems when getting started using essential oils it is easy to follow along in groups and see what everyone else is doing.  However, this isn't always the safest choice.  You and your child are your own person, with your own health profiles.  One person's go to use can be another's not so good experience.  

Follow my Rule of 3 - 

Always research precautions and safe uses for an essential oil by the botanical name.  Look for precautions in regard to your child's age, health profile, allergies, and sensitivity scale by using three different sources for information.  You can choose books, online resources, or ask a certified clinical aromatherapist.  Note which precautions you are seeing the most.  Note which safe uses your are seeing the most.  

Always know the intention of essential oil use when searching for precautions and safe use.  Aromatherapy can be used both aromatically and topically for certain ailments.  When you are clear on the intention of use, it makes it easier to understand, follow along, and note the most common safe uses from your reputable resources.

Not all kiddos are sensitive, I get that.  However, your child is your true treasure, your gold.  The education I deliver will always be more on the cautious side because I myself, have sensitive kids with allergies.  I know what it is like to worry about what your use around your child or topically with them.  I have seen reactions due to allergies during my years in the medical field.  I have heard and can never forget Mom's telling me at the doctor's office how scary it is when their sweet child has an asthma attack.  How worried they are every single day.  This is why I try my best to deliver education that keeps all those sweet sensitive kiddos in mind.

P.S.  Did you know babies and toddlers do not even need essential oils use.  Essential oils are very concentrated.  Safety and sensitivity is a huge concern and using products that are much less potent, have proven themselves to be just as effective.

I invite you to ask questions and to grab a limited time only FREEBIE I created for safe use of essential oils, carrier oils, and other natural products with your baby, toddler, little or big kid.  Learning how essential oils work within our bodies to improve immunity, prevent illness, and balance emotional wellbeing isn't something that can be taught in an hour, a day, or even a week.  There is so much information to take into consideration.  My goal is to make learning as simple as possible for the busiest of busy Mom's (Dad's, caregivers, teachers), and deliver education, tips, and information that lasts a lifetime.  

Grab your free "Quick Notes" today to start learning!  Only available for a limited time! ~ Wishing You Wellness!  Jamie

Sending the kiddos out to jump into those fall leaves?  I know, it's so much fun watching their cute smiles, but if your kiddos have allergies, those smiles are usually followed with runny noses and sneezes.

So how do we help our sweet kiddos with allergy symptoms?

How do we prevent those allergy symptoms from turning into something worse, like ear infections and bronchitis?

We can do things like this -->

• Close the windows - Even though the fall air feels amazing and the sound of the leaves blowing is relaxing, sometimes it is super helpful to keep the windows closed when the kids are struggling with allergies.
• Invest in a Hepa Air Purifier - This is certainly one of the best items in our home (in my opinion) that has helped our family with allergies, clean the air, pull odors from the air, and prevent colds from spreading.  Check to see that your vacuum also has a Hepa filter.
• Keep the kids hydrated - Allergies are often accompanied by sinus pressure that can cause a headache.  Being dehydrated can also cause a boatload of unwanted symptoms, including headaches, so it is best to offer fluids often. 
• Saline nasal spray or an all natural aloe based nasal spray - Allergies cause the sinuses to be dry, even though the nose may be running, using a moisturizing nasal spray twice a day can be super helpful, or just simply using the nasal saline spray to help flush the sinuses to help prevent germs from harboring.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Epsom Salt baths - Have you ever heard that lavender is good to get drainage moving?  It is a very beneficial essential oil when it comes to allergies and sinus conditions.  Adding the appropriate amount of lavender to a carrier oil, and then into the warm bath, can be very relaxing, and sinus clearing.  Have your child gently blow their nose after the bath by only blowing one nasal side at a time, not both at the same time.  Only us a "true" lavender essential oil, not a fragrance oil.
• Apply (correctly diluted per age and health profile) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil in a carrier oil - Apply this blend over the sinus areas a few times a day, especially before bedtime to help the sinuses drain.  This can be very helpful to open sinuses and allow your child to breathe better at night and get a better night's sleep.  You also rub this blend down the sides of their neck to again, help promote drainage, and over the chest.
• Diffuse Essential Oils - Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) also proves to be helpful when diffused for sinus symptoms.  Depending on the child's age, you may also be able to add Niauoli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) or Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), both of which are helpful for colds, coughs, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

The best way to alleviate allergy symptoms, is to try to prevent them from starting in the first place.  By keeping the air in your home cleaner, you are giving your child a chance to prevent allergy symptoms. 

By using some of the tools above for allergy symptoms, you are helping alleviate those symptoms much more quickly and preventing them from becoming something worse, such as an ear infection or bronchitis.

Remember, any time there is sinus pressure or drainage, that drainage must be released or it will cause a domino effect.  This usually starts with the headaches, then the ear pressure, then the drainage down the throat which turns into a sore throat, then that drainage enters the lungs and tries to harbor there.  Always think ahead and think prevention.

Have you ever attended an event and ended up sitting next a person who can't stop coughing, sneezing, or sniffling?  You can feel a cloud of doom hover over you because you know you are most likely getting front row seats to being exposed to some kind of nasty virus or illness.

If we look at food as medicine, the first step when exposed to illness, should be to make sure we are hydrated and eating healthy from that point on.  Eating a variety of foods that boost immune function should be at the top of the list, with a glass of water.

Toxins cannot leave the body if the body is dehydrated.  Everything becomes sluggish within.  Hydrate with some water, electrolyte water, fresh squeezed organic fruit juice, fruit juice popsicles, or coconut water.  You can also get creative and sneak these hydrating options in foods and smoothies, such as coconut water or unflavored electrolyte water.

Eat a variety of foods and herbs that boost immunity.  Be sure to add in foods that are high in Vitamin C.  Some healthy immune boosting options include garlic, onions, black pepper, turmeric, ginger, citrus fruits, vegetables, herbal infused bone broth, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, bell peppers, kiwi, and whatever may be in season and available near you.

A few extra ways to boost immunity include getting enough sleep, using aromatherapy products, using natural therapies for stress reduction, drinking herbal teas that boost the immune system, stretching, exercising, walking and moving.

When we stretch and move, the lymphatic system can drain and flow to assist in removing unwanted toxins and germs within.  This is what we want, a clean, healthy system so that if germs to get in, our bodies can filter them out.

Exercising our bodies exercises our lungs and heart.  When we breathe during exercise, our lungs are cleaning out any extra germs that may be trying to house way deep down there.  Exercising the lungs strengthens them.  Exercising also increases circulation, which means more oxygen is getting to our muscles.  

Using aromatherapy for illness can include diffusing essential oils, adding essential oils diluted in a carrier oil in the bath (bath safe e.o.'s only), applying essential oil blends to the affected areas such as chest and back or stomach, spraying hydrosols or adding to bath, etc.

When choosing essential oils to use for illness, it is best to use a combination of essential oils that have antiviral and antibacterial properties.  Note the age, health profile, proper dilution ratio, and precautions prior to use aromatically or topically.  

Some common antiviral essential oils are eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender.  Some common antibacterial essential oils are lemon, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and lime.  Note that lavender and tea tree are listed in both categories.  There are many more but here are some that you may hear more often. 

There are many precautions, especially for children, pregnant women, nursing mom's, and those with certain health profiles with essential oils in general, but especially eucalyptus.  It is important to note the species you are using, by looking for precautions, using the botanical name.   

Always check precautions prior to using essential oils... always.  Or feel free to reach out!  Be cautious with eucalyptus and use it as directed in correct dilution.  It is not to be used with babies and young children.  Although it is such a beneficial essential oil, it has been noted to cause breathing problems in babies and children and can possibly induce asthma attacks for those who suffer with asthma.

As always, be sure you are using a "true" essential oil that is from a trusted company.  If you have fragrance oils, these will not give you a therapeutic effect to boost immunity.

It takes extra time and thought to prevent illness.   It takes a grocery list, weekly snack list, and a meal plan.  It takes writing time slots daily on your calendar for self care, but I promise, it is all worth it in the end.  Preventing illness saves valuable time, money, and energy.

We do not have time to get sick.  Stay healthy, well, and vibrant!  And if you are ready to learn more, remember this -Education that promotes healthy habits, lasts a lifetime!  Just reach out!  Jamie

I bet you have already heard "I don't want to go to school today" and school has just begun!  You are not alone!  I have heard it too and I know thousands of others in this world are hearing it every morning with us.

So how to we navigate this issue and turn a negative into a positive?

How can we keep our kiddos feeling positive about going to school?

I think as Mom's (parents, teachers, caregivers) we are so incredibly busy trying to keep our work and school life balanced that it is easy to forget the easiest littlest tasks that we can do for our kids or with our kids, that can change not only their outlook for the day, but our own outlook as well.  After all, how many times have you told your kiddos some positive advice and then quietly told yourself you should take your own advice!?  I know I have done this many many times!  But please don't tell my children!  :)

Here are five tips to try before school to motivate those cutie kiddos to WANT to go to school, to WANT to learn, and to be excited to experience something new.

1.  Healthy Eats - This is so important and so often just passed right up.  Feed those learning machines a healthy, warm breakfast so their bodies can absorb the nutrients and hydration it needs to get through the day.  This is their energy!  When they feel good, they have positive energy. 

Just to add a little more food for thought... if kids eat sugary foods for breakfast, they are more apt to have a sugar slide late morning in which their blood sugars will drop too fast and they will not feel great at all.  So not only will they not have the nutrients they need to get their energy levels up, they will have even less energy and motivation when their blood sugars aren't balanced.  

2.  Give them something to look forward to that day - This can be at school or after.  Let them see sunshine and know that there are going to be some positive and fun parts of the day to look forward too!  For us, this is often seeing friends at school, getting to see teachers they really like, getting to do experiments, after school ice cream parties, going fishing, riding dirt bikes and four wheelers, movie and popcorn night, etc.  Whatever it may be, it can be so incredibly simple, just let them know it is part of the day so they can look forward to it and be excited about it.  Remind them to do their best work because they have something to look forward to.

3.  Confidence - Send those babies off with some reminders of how amazing they are.  Let them wear they favorite jam and remind them to keep smiling because their wonderful smiles make others smiles and that starts a trail of happiness. 

Send them off with a compliment.  Compliments make people happy any time of the day!

4.  Positive Affirmations - Tell your kiddo something in the morning that is positive.  Google and Alexa are great helpers with this!  Also send a note in their lunches that spreads positivity.  Tell them to share it with their friends.  You can also leave sticky notes around the house, by tooth brushes, on the door, in clothes drawers, etc.  If your kiddo isn't up for listening to you say it, they can still read it.

5.  Coping Tools - We are people, we are human, we have emotions.  As my good friend told me today, "If we didn't feel, we wouldn't be living."  We just need the tools to overcome feelings when they get too big. 

Always remind your kiddos, when the time is right or on a day they need it, that they have the tools to overcome big feelings.  Remind them their favorite ways to cope with certain emotions, like anxiety, nervousness, and fear, and also remind them the tools and how to use them.  This may be self talk "I am Brave.  I can do this.  I got this!."  This may be taking a break to deep breathe and refocus.  Whatever tool you have tried or provided, that you know helps your child, give them reminders that they can use them.

-->  I have to throw this one extra tool in.  This is a love or can do without.  You get to decide.  

Bonus Tip - Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Use -  Raise your hand if you are all for it and have felt the benefits!  Diffusing e.o.'s in the morning that are well known to boost one's mood is a very effective way to get the ball rolling in the mornings in the right direction.

We often use citrus essential oils to promote a happy and positive mood.  Citrus essential oils can also increase energy levels, or one can say maybe the energy level is increased because the mood is increased.  Either way you look at it, it has worked for many! 

Wearing aromatherapy jewelry is also a fantastic option for taking the e.o's on the go.  It is the aroma we smell that sends signals within our brains to tell the body what the next move will be.  If the aroma of the diffused e.o. helps bring upon a better mood at home, it will be great to add to a lava stone on a bracelet or to a pad in an aromatherapy necklace.  

Nasal inhalers are also a great tool to carry with and easy to use.  Nasal inhalers are a preferred option since the aroma is kept within the inhaler, not affecting anyone nearby. 

Kids, teens, even us adults, can take a break, deep breathe with the nasal inhaler, refocus, and carry on. 

Coffee cheers!  You got this!  Jamie

Whether they are little or big, going back to school can bring upon big emotions for parents and children.  Thankfully, there are a few ways we can prep our mind and body to keep those big emotions at bay.

Using aromatherapy is a wonderful way to get your day started on the right foot and your night ended in a relaxed more sleep.

The use of hydrosols or essential oils topically or aromatically can assist to decrease anxiety and worry and help one feel grounded and focused to take on the day.

Hydrosols are best for children as they are not as concentrated as essential oils.  Essential oils are loved by many and wonderful as long as they are age appropriate and used safely per one's health profile.  One must always check precautions and with your health care provider before using aromatherapy or natural products, especially with children.

Hydrosols or essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), frankincense (Boswellia carteri) can be all you need.  Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is also a wonderful essential oil to add to the diffuser.  Simply add one or a combination of your choice to a diffuser in the morning before school while you and the kiddos are getting ready, or spray a few spritz of hydrosol around the room, or even use it topically in your skin care routine as a toner or moisturizing spritz.

Allow your self and your children plenty of time to be awake and get ready in the morning's so there isn't an added rush while trying to keep a calm and worry free atmosphere.

Make a healthy breakfast and give yourselves time to think and talk about the day.

Make a plan for pick up so your child knows exactly what the school day looks like, pick up or drop off, and what might be happening after school.

Believe or not, children are just like us.  They like to know what the plan is.  They do better with a schedule.

Just to note, you can also create roller ball blends (kid safe per age and health profile) that can be applied on the wrists before school.  Apply the blend on your wrists too!  Remember, those emotions can sneak up on both of you.  

You can also create a nasal inhaler along for the ride and if those big emotions sneak up, you can take a few minutes to hug and deep breathe while inhaling from your calming and grounding inhaler blend.

One more fun idea?  Aromatherapy jewelry is super fun!  You can even get matching bracelets or necklaces.  Apply the essential oils to the pad provided that goes into the jewel or add to a lava stone on the piece.  It is nice when you both can be reminded of each other throughout the day and have a calming aroma close to you that reminds you of home.

If you aren't much into aromatherapy, that's okay.  I mean really, who doesn't love a massage?! 

Schedule yourself a massage!  Don't even think about.  When you are there, always think to yourself "inhale the good, exhale the bad".  This will help to relax those tense muscles.  It is way easier to relax when we aren't super tense and our shoulders are down where they are supposed to be.  Substitute with a relaxing lavender and epsom salt bath two or three times a week for fifteen minutes, followed by a glass of water to rehydrate.

How about getting some channels opened up so your energy can flow and vibe?  Ever tried reflexology?  Reflexology is a therapy where pressure is applied to the feet, hands, or ears.  The pressure points correspond with certain organs and areas of the body.  Reflexology is good for all sorts of emotions and physical ailments.  Scheduled a few times a year or prior to change, it can really be helpful to bring upon balance.

Well, maybe you are thinking you are just not into ANY of that... and I certainly should not mention acupuncture because you might say that is out too?

Okay, don't worry!  I got you too!

Back to the BASICS that we all should do every single day but tend to get busy -

• Decrease the caffeine, especially after lunch time.
• Increase your water intake - aka hydrate.  The body is so negatively affected when it is dehydrated. 
• Stretch at least two times daily for ten minutes (add some calming nature sounds if you will).
• Deep Breathe for a few minutes or meditate after stretching.
• Limit or cut our the alcohol because it does not help balance emotions.
• Limit processed foods and fast foods.
• Add fruits and veggies to every snack and meal.
• Work on your weekly schedule ahead of time and stay on task.
• Don't strive for perfect, just better today than yesterday.
• Take time to notice something you love about yourself and your kiddos.  Confidence can change your day.
• Walk or exercise.  Even if it is only for fifteen minutes.  Walk off those worries and allow your mind to find clarity.
• Go to bed on time.  Stay on a sleep schedule for you and your kiddos as much as possible.

All of these things are small steps to a bigger step towards mental and physical wellness.

Questions are welcomed!  Wishing you all a smooth back to school return!  Jamie

Love getting amazing tips?  Send Jamie some coffee love so she can send more! :)

Are you starting ask yourself how on earth you can get yourself and your sweet kiddos back in a school routine? Of course you are! Aren't we all! This is the time of year when we start to feel the end of summer crunch, as if the weeks are all of a sudden becoming SO much shorter! Time is flying by and even the nights are getting shorter again. The count down of the last days off of school have begun! Getting back into routine can be rough, but it doesn't have to be. With a little bit of preparation, the transition can be much smoother.

Besides the regular prep for going back to school, like shopping for the long list of supplies, shoes, and such, parents and children alike can greatly benefit from some good ole natural wellness prep too!  Natural wellness is creating balance within the mind, body, and spiritual side... with nature's help.  Try this exercise below to prepare your family for the transition.

Grab a piece of paper, jot down your worries, and answer questions like in the examples below, to find your back to school wellness plan.

Problem "I worry most about ________ when my kids go back to school."

Solution The solution will be how you can help to decrease some of your worry. This could by picking a day to school shop, a day to organize, and at least three ways you can naturally decrease your worry, fears, or anxiety. 

What three wellness techniques work for you to relieve a worried mind (aromatherapy use, using a roller ball blend throughout the day, getting a massage, going for a walk, taking a relaxing bath, spending time with family, having a cup of herbal tea, etc)?

1. ________, 2.________, 3.________  

* Add all of these organization hours and self care minutes to your calendar this month and during the first two weeks of school.

Problem "My child worries most about ________ starting a new year at school."

Solution The solution will be whatever works for your child to alleviate worry and anxiety. This could also be choosing days for down time and relaxation, quality time together, organizing and allowing time for questions in regards to back to school feelings, etc.

What three wellness techniques work to help promote calm for your child when they are nervous, anxious, or worried (diffusing essential oils, getting to bed on time for plenty of sleep, journaling, drawing, reflexology, relaxing baths, etc.)

1. ________, 2. ________, 3. ________

Problem "My routine needs to change in the mornings from ________ to ________."

Solution What changes can be made or what do you need to do starting the week or two before school starts to get you back into routine?

1. ________, 2. ________, 3. ________

Add these to your calendar with the adjusted times to get you back on track. "I love a morning rush out the door before school" said NO parent EVER! :)

Problem "My child's routine needs to change in the mornings from ________ to ________."

Solution What changes can be made starting the week or two before school starts to get your child closer to back into routine? You can make one adjustment two weeks prior to school, and then add another the week prior for a slow and less noticeable change of pace.

1. ________, 2. ________, 3. ________

Problem "My child's bed time routine needs to change from ________ to ________."

Solution Starting as soon as possible, depending on how much later than usual your child has been staying up, slowly decrease your child's bedtime closer to back to school bed time. 

For example, for the next four days have your child go to bed ten minutes earlier, then adjust that to twenty minutes earlier for a few days, then adjust bedtime to thirty minutes earlier for a few days, etc.  Do this until the bed time is closer to what a school bed time would be.  The slow increments allow your child to sleep better when school starts so they aren't laying in bed unable to fall asleep SO early before the first days of school.

Problem --> Back to school can usually increase the chance for a round of colds, stomach viruses, and things like head lice that aren't FUN nor cool.

Solution -->  Write down answers to the questions below to continue the exercise -->

What can you do to raise your child's immunity before school starts (like offer extra fruits and veggies, make sure they are hydrated, getting enough good rest, reminding them to wash their hands, stretch and move often, etc)?

1. ________, 2. ________, 3. ________

What can you do to increase your child's resistance to the stomach flu (perhaps you like to add a round of pre and probiotics, fermented foods, healthy foods and less fast food or fatty foods, water versus soda, etc.)

1. ________, 2. ________, 3. ________

What can you do to try to avoid things like head lice, after school overwhelmed moods, etc. (create roller ball blends for before or after school, make sprays known to keep head lice farther away, use hydrosols on hair for nourishment and prevention, clean pillow cases and sheets more often, soak brushes in a tea tree soak on a regular basis, spray back packs and shoes every day after school, etc.)

1. ________, 2. ________, 3. ________

Now I know not every one of these examples may be your EXACT back to school dilemma, BUT, you can easily do this exercise with all of your personal back to school concerns and answers. 

Just write your worries on a piece of paper with your solutions. 

Add time for everything, even the self wellness acts, on your calendar (don't forget to add extra time if you need to prepare or create blends, time to travel to things like a massage, etc). 

Now highlight what you can be doing on a daily basis (versus the things you are only doing here and there - like a massage or reflexology appointment), and tape your highlighted exercise wherever your are most of your day as a reminder (you can even make a copy and tape one at work and one at home) for when your list gets too big and you forget what you could be doing.

Worry free back to school wishes! :) Jamie
​

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Note by the author ~  I found this old blog I wrote and shared years ago while I was enrolled in the Master's of Aromatherapy Program.  I loved reading it again and thought you would enjoy it too!  Be sure to check out my updated notes after the blog! ~ Jamie

I am often asked at what moment I first realized there was a difference in different brands of essential oils.  There was a time when I started using lavender essential oil to try to help with a restful nights sleep.  For years however, I couldn’t bring myself to use it because I truly did not care for the smell of lavender.  This was when I still used air fresheners, body sprays, and household cleaning products and sprays that contained tons of chemicals.  If you are into aromatherapy and have converted some of your products to a safer alternative, then I think you can relate to the how I did not like the smell of lavender.  My sense of smell was used to much different fragrances.

When my first blessing was born and wasn’t sleeping well at night, the use of lavender came to mind.  I added a few drops of lavender to a spray bottle with some water and would spray the room in the evening.  I still didn’t care for the smell, but it was actually seeming to help.  My first “WOW” in the aromatherapy world that seemed to have proven itself to me.  I continued to use my lavender spray (which was not very concentrated or strong at all to be baby safe, and for my own self not adoring the lavender scent) and my sweet little baby seemed to sleep for a few more hours at a time.

A few months later I had run out of lavender.  The bottle I was using was from a company referred to myself by a Nurse Practitioner I had once worked with.  Bless her heart, she is the reason I am as far into the Aromatherapy world as I am!  I must make note and take a moment to say that I will always be thankful to her for everything she has taught me and for always believing in me.  With that said, she gave me a book and ordered me some essential oils.  I remembered her saying to always use the book as a resource and only order from this company or a company that is well known for their "true" products.

I had gone and bought a brand of lavender that I had seen sold in many stores.  It also seemed like the company had been around for a very long time, so this brand must be good…. right?  Wrong, the fragrance was very strong and even after major dilution this brand was not working to help ease my little one to a better nights sleep, nor did it even smell good.
At this point I went down to the store again and gave my experience to the worker who then had suggested I try another brand that was well known and had a better reputation than the previous brand.  I bought that brand and tried it with nothing but the same results as the first.

It was at this time that I brought out my book and computer and started to research the companies further and then also researched the original company referred by the NP.  I cannot express enough to any of you reading this blog and using aromatherapy products how important it is for you to understand what you are using, how it works, and the safe ways to use the product as well as the true and solid company background.

​I had always knew I wanted to take a course in Aromatherapy.  I had known this for at least 10 years before I actually took any courses, but it was this experience above that led me to where I am today.  The world of aromatherapy, nature’s natural properties and what they can do and provide is so abundant and profound that I found myself taking one course just to expand my nursing knowledge for patients that presented to the office and used aromatherapy products.  I wanted to know why people were using these interesting products and if any, what side effects could be alleviated or exasperated.  My one course led me to the whole Master’s Program and Teachers Training, with more courses to be taken and much research to be done.

Note by the author ~ See these great take away tips:

• Always be grateful and your days will be sunnier.
• Note that there are several different types of lavender.  Always check the botanical names.
• Use my rule of three and instead of checking one resource, always check three.
• Essential oils and water do not mix.  The e.o.'s float on the top which can break down the plastic spray bottle tubing.  It is best if you add your essential oils to glycerin first when making a spray, and then add distilled water.  Shake well before spraying.
• Always check precautions of all products before using them near those sweet babies and kiddos!

Since I wrote this blog, I have also completed multiple herbal and natural health related courses, helped motivate and teach many Mom's, Dad's, teacher's and caregivers to better care for themselves, their families, and the kiddos they care for.  

I am grateful for you and for the power of nature that prevents illness, boosts immunity, and heals. ~ Jamie

When we are overwhelmed, our kids become overwhelmed… and vice versa. 

So how can we help calm our nerves and find clarity when we are feeling overwhelmed?

•  Start with a few sprays in the room of a calming hydrosol.  Lavender and Chamomile are great options!

•  Now take a few deep breaths focusing on relaxing your shoulders as you exhale.

•  Look around and verify with yourself that you are in a grounded and safe space.

•  Look around and note what your children are doing, that they are healthy and well, and are safe.

•  Take a few minutes to deep breathe again, focusing on relaxing those shoulders.  Stretch in a few directions to increase circulation to the muscles that were just overly tensed.

•  Now make a NEW list for the day.  A list that is more doable.

-  Start with writing down what absolutely needs to get done right now.

-  Next write down what needs to get done before the end of the day.

-  Now make a separate list of the things you would also like to accomplish today.  Maybe this is getting the dishes, laundry, or vacuuming done?

-  Make some time frames that are doable, noting nap time or any of your child’s activities, for the things you absolutely have to do today.

*  Always add an extra 30 minutes in case you get interrupted, or if it takes you longer than expected.

*  Also be sure to add time with the kiddos that is just that - time with the kiddos… all of your focused attention before you start your next task.

- If you finish the task before the time frame is up, work on something on your list of things that you would “like” to accomplish.

Now brew a cup of organic herbal lemon balm, lavender, or chamomile tea and carry on with your day! 

You’ve got this! 

Relaxing & Well Wishes!  Jamie

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