Supporting Mental Health with Essential Oils, Diet, & Exercise

Folks, this post is HUGE!  Yes, it's taken me a couple weeks for me to gather my thoughts and get them down, but hear my heart, here.  There is so much that we don't know from a holistic standpoint that has been "squashed" by folks from Big Ph@rm@ that research had come to a standstill in the 70's in favor of the "quick fix" of the psychotrop1c drugs that completely took our people away from us.  Hear my heart, here.  I am NOT saying to squelch Western Medicine at all.  There is a time and a place for it.  However, before going to Western Medicine, try diet changes (ie: Removing all dyes, sugar, and getting tested for food allergies) first.  Add some challenging games and regular exercise for about 30 minutes a day.  Make sure to get enough rest.  If someone you love isn't getting enough rest, do all that you can to make sure they get as much as they need.  When you don't sleep well, your brain doesn't function to it's best ability.  

Supporting mental health, your own or someone you love, requires a holistic approach that addresses emotional, physical, and mental well-being. For someone with a mental health diagnosis, achieving feelings of acceptance, hope, love, and a clear mind is crucial for overall wellness.

Why is mental health so important to me?  I have Seasonal Affective Disorder.  I am doing proactive things in order to have it less often.  One of the biggest things we did was to move to southern Georgia where there is more sunshine throughout the winter.  Sunshine and increased Super Vitamin D helps with the seasonal issues.  But, what about all the other mental health concerns that are out there?  Will using essential oils diminish the effectiveness of prescribed medications?  Where do I start?

I have enclosed some things that may help as a comprehensive approach that includes essential oils, supplements, diet, and exercise:

(Note:  All links to each product are bold, underlined, and in dark red for your reference if you'd like to order.)  

 Emotional Needs:

1. Acceptance:  Everyone has a need to feel accepted and loved for who they are, "warts and all."  As we navigate this world, it helps that each one of us are aware of that specific need, especially those who have any kind of Mental Health diagnosis.  Let's be ready to help, grant grace, and be extra patient because sometimes folks feel the same way we do, but with BIG feelings.  Those things can be overwhelming and embarrassing to some.  

Simply diffusing a couple oils, adding a drop to wrists, behind the ears, on the feet after a shower and before putting sock on may help.  There are roll-ons for a few of the products that you can look in to.  My personal favorite is Stress Away. 

 Emotional Balance:  Feeling accepted often starts with self-acceptance. Essential oils can be part of a daily routine to promote a sense of grounding and inner peace. Frankincense or Lavender can be diffused or applied topically to wrists, between collar bones, or to the back of your neck,  to enhance emotional well-being and self-acceptance.

   Aromatherapy: Create a daily ritual using a blend of Valor and Orange essential oils to help foster a positive outlook and a sense of belonging.  How?  Add a drop of each to your hand, put your hands together and mix by rubbing hands together in a clock-wise rotation.  Cup over your nose and mouth and breath deeply for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds.  Repeat that process as may times as you feel that you need to.  Remember:  Essential oils can be found in your body in measurable amounts in 30 seconds.  Inhaling them takes them directly to your brain where your Amygdala is! 

Hope:

   - Mental Clarity: Essential oils like Peppermint and Lemon can help clear mental fog and inspire feelings of hope and renewal. Diffuse them in your workspace or home to create an uplifting atmosphere.  Two others that I liked using with my college age young adults are Clarity & Vetiver.  I combined them with equal drops in a roller bottle and added 40 drops of olive oil.   (You can use any liquid oil that you'd like as a carrier oil.)  They rolled this on their wrists, behind their ears and along the back of their neck to help them focus. 

- Positive Affirmations: Combine aromatherapy with positive affirmations.  Use oils such as Joy, with its uplifting aroma, to inspire hope and happiness.

Love:

   - Self-Care Routines:  Incorporate Rose or Geranium essential oils into your daily self-care routine. These oils are known for their comforting and soothing properties, promoting a sense of love and compassion.  Self care takes on different meanings for each of us, whether it is a special soap, getting mani-pedis, our hair done, or any number of other things, find something that helps you feel good.  If you need a starting point, let me know and I'll ask you some questions to better help you get started.  There is no guilt in taking care of yourself!  For many folks, others have told them to "deny themselves", which in some cases is good, however when taking care of simple body needs, it is paramount to our own mental health to care for ourselves.  If we don't care for ourselves now, then who will?!  

   - Connecting with Others: Use Ylang Ylang to create a warm and inviting environment that encourages meaningful connections with loved ones.  Additionally, you can use the oils in the  Feelings Kit to help with a variety of circumstances that may help with feelings of overwhelm, anxious, and helping you feel more brave.  

1. Clear Mind:

   - Focus and Concentration: Essential oils like Clarity and Brain Power can be beneficial for enhancing concentration and mental clarity. Apply them to pulse points or diffuse them when working on tasks that require cognitive focus.

   - Calmness: Stress Away or Lavender can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, leading to a clearer and more focused mind.  I like to combine Stress Away, Lavender, and Copaiba in a roller bottle and roll-on easily to your pulse points.  Just combine 20 drops of each oil in a roller bottle, add 60 drops of a carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc...).  Shake a bit before each application.  You can also combine a couple drops of each of these oils in a diffuser and breathe deeply.  You'll be surprised at how calm you and your family members, or even coworkers feel after breathing in these calming oils. 

2. Supplements:

   - MindWise: Supports normal brain and heart function.

   - NingXia Red: Provides a daily boost of antioxidants and essential nutrients that support overall wellness.

   -Green Omega 3™ Softgels: Contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and cognitive function.

1. Healthy Diet:

   - Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.

   - Stay hydrated and avoid excessive intake of caffeine and sugar, which can negatively impact mood and energy levels.

   - Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flax seeds, which are beneficial for brain health.

2. Exercise:

   -Regular Physical Activity: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-5 days of the week. Activities such as walking, yoga, and swimming can improve mood and reduce anxiety.

   -Mindful Movement: Practices like yoga and tai chi can enhance mental clarity and emotional stability. Add Eucalyptus Globulus or Peppermint essential oil to your workout routine for an invigorating experience.  Both Eucalyptus and Peppermint give greater breathing support during exercise as well as seasonal concerns. 

Supporting mental health involves multi-faceted care. By incorporating Young Living essential oils, supplements, a healthy diet, and regular exercise into your routine, you can create a balanced lifestyle that promotes mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being. Remember, self-care isn't a luxury; it’s a necessity.

If you have further questions or comments, please let me know.

Love & God Bless,

Regina Graham