National Parenting Week

It’s National Parent Week in the U.K. week (17.10.2022 - 21.10.20022) so first of all - round of applause to you all! It’s safe to say that being a parent is the best but most challenging job you can take on. Ever. 

It’s pretty apparent what the most rewarding aspects of being a parent may be; creating a living breathing person you love unconditionally, you get to watch them grow and blossom, and experiencing a whole new journey in a world that is forever evolving. 

However - challenges may include; lack of sleep, lack of healthy diet, lack of energy, and mental health challenges (believe it or not). So how can Mood Essential Oils help support this journey and the challenges that you may overcome? 

For lack of sleep, how can holistic methods help? Essential oils are widely known to aid a good night's sleep 5 of the most commonly found are:

1. Lavender oil - Numerous studies have cited the effectiveness of inhaling lavender oil to keep insomnia at bay.
2. Ylang Ylang oil - lowers blood pressure and heart rate and quite naturally sets the body up for sleep.
3. Chamomile oil - when diffused in the air, the subtle floral aroma has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind.
4. Peppermint oil - promotes restfulness by clearing your head, both figuratively and literally.
5. Bergamot oil - Noted for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, bergamot oil also reduces blood pressure and heart rate and prepares the body for sleep.

A healthy diet can seem hard when you’ve had a lack of sleep, and eating habits can become a case of survival during phases (teething, nightmares, potty training, etc…). What holistic methods can be used to help encourage a healthy balanced diet? Holistic nutrition is all about eating healthy food as close to its natural state as possible for optimum health and well-being. Hallmarks of holistic nutrition include unrefined, unprocessed, organic, and locally grown whole foods. This in turn helps you keep active, get fresh air, socialising, and can support good mental health. 

We all know that good mental health is key to physical health and overall well-being. But did you know that your surroundings, including your home decor, can have a significant impact on your emotions and mental wellness? Here are five elements to consider when choosing home decor for good mental health.

1. Clear the clutter - Research shows that being in a cluttered environment has negative effects on our cognition, our emotions, and even on our relationships.
2. The “Colour” Cure - healthcare institutions have a long history of using colour to help soothe the body and mind.
3. Artful Arrangements - Feng Shui can be used to create a calm environment through the use of the "commanding position" principle. 
4. Bring outside, inside - Always having an indoor reference to nature can make us feel grounded and allows for clarity of thought and emotional tranquility.
5. Design for easy maintenance - To help keep your house free of allergens, choose decor that's easy to clean or that doesn't trap dust. 

Another method we would advise for relaxing and recharging would be reading, which is again, a simple yet effective solution. Reading about the mind-body connection helped you find the link between your thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, and physical health. While scientists have long understood that our emotions can affect our bodies, we're just now beginning to understand how emotions influence health and longevity. Another topic worth reading is Gratitude - Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

To all parents and parents-to-be, keep up the good work, and remember we are here to help you find ways to continue a calm and holistic lifestyle. 

“The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter and the spirit heals with joy.”