- Do you get stressed over the holidays?
- Is it difficult to focus on the joy in the long to do lists?
- Do you wish you had time to truly engage in the season?
- Do you struggle with holiday blues and unmet expectations?*
Wait until you have family and friends saying, "Wow, how did you get all of this done!" Or, "It smells heavenly in here!" Or how about, "You just seem so calm and full of joy? How do you do it?" Let's explore some ways you can prepare yourself so when the last minute hustle and bustle arrive, you are focusing on the warmth and peace of this beautiful season.
Diffusing for Mental Health
There are three major ways to use our essential oils. Some choose to use only one way while others choose to use all three. No matter how you are using the oils, they are going into your body so it is crucial to choose only high quality oils that have not been tampered with and have been distilled with your health in mind, not just a pretty smell.
EVERYTHING you breathe, ingest, or apply is a part of your health story.
At times we choose the method of diffusing (or inhaling) over topical or ingestion because it is extremely effective for:
- Emotions
- Mental Support
- Respiratory Support
- Rest & Relaxation
The short, quick version: Breathing our oils has the potential to make us happier, healthier, and more focused. It sends messages to our brain helping us to rest, reset, and recharge. It is an inexpensive and effective way to get a lot of oils into a room full of people. You can play with combinations to find the ones you love and that are the most beneficial to you!
If you want the long, detailed version: READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF DIFFUSING HERE
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT DOES WHAT?
When we think of Christmas Spirit Oil, we often think about replacing our candles with a nice scent that won't harm us with fragrance. And it is definitely that! But the benefits of Christmas Spirit go so much deeper!
The oils in Christmas Spirit not only smell incredible and festive, they are wonderful emotional support tools!
Christmas Spirit specifically can help us in processing family memories and emotions tied to those connections. A huge need this time of year, right??
Orange and other citrus oils are bright, happy and help stimulate creativity. When we are overwhelmed emotionally or are feeling undervalued or not heard, our creativity can suffer. Citrus oils, especially Orange, can help us shift our focus back towards our needs when we use them intentionally!
The Spruce and Evergreen family of oils are the ones to reach for when you feel like you are comparing yourself to others, are feeling undervalued or as though your unique voice has no place.
Cinnamon Bark is spicy and sweet, alerting to the senses and the mind. It can help move sadness and grief through the body as it physically warms the skin and helps us stay in our bodies (versus constantly being in our thoughts and emotions) so we can process and heal.
As you diffuse your Christmas Spirit today, stop for a moment and breathe deeply, connect to what is truly happening in your body and emotions and use this oil blend to help get your body back into safety. Read more about how to process and release emotions in this powerful book Releasing Emotional Patterns with Essential Oils GET YOUR COPY HERE
STRESS AND YOUR ADRENALS
Stress stored and fought by the body is possibly the number one health danger. It is truly a danger to so many pieces of your health and life puzzle, so making sure we have tools to help our bodies physically and emotionally deal with stress is one of the biggest positive changes we can make.
Why is stress so dangerous? Let’s take a look at what happens when you're stressed.
Your adrenal glands go into overdrive and your cortisol levels go up. High levels of cortisol cause the body to scavenge for protein to convert into glucose to provide energy for the brain to deal with the perceived stress (this also severely depresses the immune system).
So, adrenaline kicks in. Your adrenals can spike creating a feeling of energy then crash with extreme fatigue when they run out of materials to work with. (This looks like feeling fine in the morning, but getting tired or overwhelmed when contemplating work.)
This cycle is fine in the very short term. In fact it keeps you safe in dangerous situations. But it was never meant to be turned on as much as it is in our modern world.
When cortisol is produced too frequently, it can cause feelings of fatigue, difficulty maintaining healthy weight, and difficulty maintaining optimal health of cardiovascular systems.
When cortisol levels are chronically high, it affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, basically affecting all your hormones and disrupting the natural feedback loop. This causes the body to be less sensitive to the ‘Stop Signal,' and creates a vicious cycle of elevated stress signals.
This is not what we want. But we have the tools to fight this vicious cycle!
NUTMEG: THE POWER PLAYER
We know we need to combat the stress and support our adrenals which we can do with sunlight, sleep, protein, and emotional support. So why do we also add the Nutmeg Oil?
Nutmeg Oil is warm, welcoming, and energizing to the mind and body. It is amazing support for our adrenals, but it also helps us manage stress and supports immune health. Inhaling Nutmeg can even send a soothing hello signal to your tired brain and overworked thyroid and adrenals.
Nutmeg is known to soothe stress, calm nerves, release serotonin, stimulate the brain, detoxify the liver, and boost oxygen in the body. All of these combined mean your stressed body and adrenals say a giant THANK YOU with regular exposure to this warm, spicy friend.
UNDERSTANDING THE HOLIDAY BLUES
The holiday season is often seen as a joyful, festive time filled with gatherings, decorations, and celebration. But for many people, this season can also bring about feelings of sadness, stress, and loneliness — often called the “holiday blues.”
So, why do the holiday blues happen? Here are a few common reasons:
High Expectations: We’re surrounded by images of “perfect” holidays — happy families, elaborate meals, and tons of gifts. These unrealistic expectations can create pressure, making us feel like we’re falling short.
Financial Stress: The costs of travel, gifts, and events can add up quickly, creating stress or even guilt if we feel like we can’t give enough.
Social Isolation: If we’re far from loved ones or going through a difficult time, the holidays can amplify feelings of loneliness.
Seasonal Changes: The lack of sunlight and shorter days in winter can affect our mood and energy levels, contributing to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for some.
Reflecting on Loss: The holiday season can bring up memories of loved ones we’ve lost, as well as other significant life changes, which can feel especially poignant at this time of year. If you’re feeling down this season, remember that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to reach out for support. Be gentle with yourself, set realistic expectations, and consider connecting with others, even if it’s virtually or through simple messages.
Holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, a little self-care and perspective can go a long way in making this season a bit brighter.
PRACTICING GRATITUDE BY JOURNALING
Did you know that something as simple as writing down things you’re grateful for can make a big difference in your mental and emotional well-being? Gratitude journaling is a powerful practice where you take a few moments each day to reflect on the positive aspects of life, and it comes with amazing benefits:
Boosts Mental Health: Gratitude journaling shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. By regularly noticing the good around us, we can reduce negative thoughts, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and build resilience.
Improves Emotional Well-being: When we appreciate what we have, we experience more positive emotions like happiness, contentment, and even wonder. This can lead to better relationships, greater self-confidence, and a general uplift in mood.
Better Sleep & Stress Relief: Taking time to journal about things you’re grateful for — especially before bed — can help you relax and unwind, leading to more restful sleep and less stress.
Builds Resilience: Focusing on gratitude helps us approach challenges with a positive mindset, making it easier to cope during difficult times. Even on tough days, finding one or two things to be thankful for can be grounding and comforting.
CREATE A HOLIDAY LIST TO SPARK JOY THIS SEASON
The right music can instantly lift our spirits, and holiday songs are no exception. Whether you’re a fan of classic carols, jazzy tunes, or modern pop hits, making a holiday playlist is a great way to find your joy and bring some warmth to the season.
Here’s why a holiday playlist can make all the difference:
Instant Mood Booster: Music has a unique way of bringing up happy memories and boosting our mood. A cheerful holiday playlist can help you feel more connected to the season’s magic, even on days when it’s hard to get in the spirit.
Reduces Stress: The holidays can get busy and overwhelming. Taking a few minutes to relax with your favorite festive songs can provide a calming break and help reduce stress.
Sets the Scene: Playing holiday music can set a cozy, welcoming vibe whether you’re decorating, cooking, or hosting. It brings everyone into the holiday spirit and makes even the simplest moments feel more special.
Personalize Your Joy: Curate a mix that feels meaningful to you! Add songs that bring back good memories, or try something new. The goal is to create a playlist that resonates with your sense of holiday joy, whatever that may look like.
So, grab your favorite tunes, add a few that make you want to sing along, and let the music bring some cheer into each day. Happy listening!
IMPLEMENTING YOUR TOOLS AND HANDLING THE HOLIDAYS LIKE A BOSS
How are you going to prepare your mind and body to handle the upcoming holiday stress? You are going to implement all the tools you just read about.
Starting now, begin following these daily steps until the holiday season is over. These steps will help you feel more calm, cooler under pressure, and on top of your game:
- Apply Nutmeg Oil (I recommend putting a roller on your bottle and rolling over adrenals and back of neck!)
- Diffuse Christmas Spirit (try some of the new recipes below using Christmas Spirit this month!)
- Journal small gratitudes each day.
Anthro Christmas: 5 Christmas Spirit, 3 grapefruit, 3 bergamot, 2 clove
Sweet Christmas: 5 Christmas Spirit, 5 vanilla
Enchanted Forest: 5 drops Christmas Spirit, 3 drops Pine, 4 drops Grapefruit
Festivities Await: 6 drops Christmas Spirit, 5 drops Vanilla
Peppermint Twist: 4 drops Peppermint, 6 drops Christmas Spirit
Mulled Cider: 4 drops Christmas Spirit, 3 drops Clove, 3 drops Grapefruit, 2 drops Lemon
NEED OILS?
If you don't already have quality essential oils in your arsenal, now is the time. Order using the link below (you can add or remove anything you choose from your cart before checkout) to get the Christmas Spirit and Nutmeg essential oils and my favorite diffuser. Order at least 50pv and add coupon code SHAREYL at checkout for an additional 10% off from me! Then join my community on Facebook for all the wellness tips your heart desires.
(Desert Mist Diffuser, Christmas Spirit and Nutmeg EOs)
(Fresh Start Diffuser, Thieves All Purpose Plant Based Cleaner, Grapefruit, Vanilla, Christmas Spirit, Evergreen Essence, Peppermint, and Nutmeg EOs)
Connect with me on Facebook/Messenger @ JESSICA CIERI or KEEPING IT REAL WITH THE ESSENTOILS
Private Facebook Wellness Group for Customers
www.keepingitrealwiththeessentoils.com
Embrace a life filled with positivity and peace by incorporating gratitude into your daily routine. Practicing gratitude not only uplifts your spirit but also enhances your overall well-being. Spend some time this month being intentional. Try practicing gratitude every day using some of these simple and practical tasks.
Wouldn't it feel amazing to start every day in a positive mood and ready to take on the world. Instead of mentally replaying life's woes and continuing to put your head in the sand you could chose to take control of your thoughts and focus on the good? Each day you will learn to appreciate life more which leads to feeling happier. Don't knock it 'til you try it. Grab a journal and get writing! Need tips for how to get started? Try these:
*Be specific and detailed. Start with choosing one thing, big or small. Write down what you're thankful and then elaborate with why.
*Give yourself a break. You are not writing a novel to sell. Your words are for you. Just write how you are feeling and let go of grammar worries.
*Start with a prompt. Don't be afraid to get your mind going by searching for thankful prompts. The internet has plenty to choose from.
The power of your mind to manifest from thoughts sounds a bit hokey but until you've tried changing your language you can't imagine how powerful it truly is.
Start with a commitment that you won't complain for one day. Then two, then more. I promise you the less you complain, the more positive you will be. Your language will become encouraging rather than something that pulls you and everyone around you down. Pretty soon you'll have something positive to say even if you're tumbling down the stairs (wink wink) ...
A new study shows that expressing gratitude affects not only the grateful person, but anyone who witnesses it. Researchers studying gratitude have found that being thankful and expressing it to others is good for our health and happiness. Not only does it feel good, it also helps us build trust and closer bonds with the people around us.
Choose a day and say thank you a lot. Thank you when someone holds to door for you. Thank you when someone brings you a coffee. Thank you when a friend calls out of the blue. Thank you when someone hands you a completed work task. Thank you when your kids actually put their shoes where they belong. Just say thank you. The more you do it, the easier it will become.
Did a co-worker go above and beyond with a project? Tell them how much you appreciate the extra effort. It helps to build strong relationships, foster a sense of teamwork, and motivate people to do their best. When co-workers feel appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. Productive coworkers equal less stress for you. Imagine your workplace becoming more and more positive simply because you said thank you.
Was a friend recently there for you in an unexpected way that made your day? Tell them how appreciative you are and maybe add in a little "love you lots." It might feel strange to show affection to a friend because unlike romantic relationships, platonic relationships often lack a script for explicit declarations of love but something tells me your friends will be okay with knowing they are valued, especially if you have a friend whose love language is words of affirmation!
Do not fall into the trap of thinking everyone deserves your time and attention. The fastest way to derail your path of becoming more grateful is to allow negativity in your space all the time. The biggest culprit is within the vast space of social media. It is easy for people to air their grievances with little to no repercussions. Social media can be a space full of negative, rude, and combative individuals. That doesn't have to be your story. Do not be afraid to remove, unfollow, or snooze those on social media who tend to bring you down or constantly upset you. Instead, find individuals who post light hearted and positive content and add them to your favorites so you see more of it!
Unfortunately social media isn't the only place negativity exists. It can be anywhere. Are the employees rude where you shop? Does a co-worker use the breakroom as a place to word vomit negative thoughts about anything and everything? Does a family member make every holiday unbearable? Don't be afraid to create boundaries. It may not always be easy but you should consider prioritizing your mental health and creating a space where you can easily flourish and be grateful for all the things you allow into that space. Find a new favorite boutique or coffee shop, it may be even better than where you went before. Eat at your desk and give yourself some quiet time to reflect on things that bring you joy. And family. While it may be a super tricky situation to change, toxic family members do not have a right to sit at your table if they constantly cause discord. Those seats should be reserved for those showing love and harmony. Ultimately you get to decide who gets to share these holiday moments with you.
If you struggle with creating boundaries I highly recommend Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst or Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend. You will be setting appropriate boundaries in no time.
Keep calm as often as possible. We know that stress is a part of every day life but if we can take a few steps to calm our minds and push that stress out, we will have the space to concentrate on gratitude practices.
*Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace, and balance that can benefit your emotional well-being and your overall health. You can also use it to relax and cope with stress by focusing on something that calms you. Meditation can help you learn to stay centered and keep inner peace.
*Try Yoga. There are many possible reasons for how yoga may improve mental health and counteract stress. One well-accepted idea is that yoga helps regulate the autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary axis, both of which are stress response systems. Raise your hand if you're ready to try yoga now!
*Diffuse essential oils. Diffusing essential oils like Lavender or Frankincense can promote a sense of relaxation and reduce stress. Lavender is renowned for its soothing properties, aiding in a serene and restful ambiance. Frankincense, on the other hand, offers a grounding aroma that encourages mindfulness and reflection.
For over 8 years I've dug in, learned, made changes and began educating others how beneficial essential oils can be when you add them to your daily routine. Whether you just want to begin diffusing to help your mind become more grounded or you are ready to go all in and ditch the toxins for safer products, I am here to help.
If you are already a customer, we have a private online community and emails available so you can learn any time you want. If you haven't grabbed your products yet, browse my favorites in the bundles below and check out with code SHAREYL for 10% off your first purchase. Choose loyalty rewards order and get a free bonus essential oil (changes monthly) when you spend 100pv and a free diffuser if you place a second order next month of 50pv or more. Don't let it be overwhelming, I have plenty of guides to help you get started. If you choose the wish list link, please note you can add or delete any product from your cart before checking out. Be sure to use my link and watch for your welcome email to claim your customized welcome gift from me!
Free Your Mind
A diffuser and 3 of the most popular grounding and calming essential oils for thousands of hours of diffusing
The OG Make A Shift Diffusing Bundle
A diffuser, 2 of the most popular roll-ons, and 4 essential oil favorites including Lavender
Browse the full website and create your own bundle
Read more about loyalty rewards perks HERE
Read more about the November free gifts with purchase HERE
I'm looking forward to you joining my community. Visit me on Facebook, Instagram, or on my website. I am not an influencer but who knows, we may have something in common?! Happy shopping!
