Hey, it's Ronai! 🌿

Tonight, my friend Rose Turnbow is teaching a fantastic class on these very topics. I'm excited to share a sneak peek into some of the wisdom she will be imparting.👊

Mental health is such an important part of our overall well-being. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social state, influencing how we think, feel, and act. As the CDC highlights, our mental health impacts how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Sometimes, life throws curveballs that lead to prolonged sadness, lack of interest, sleep disturbances, irritability and anger, hopelessness and overwhelm, and low motivation. If you or a loved one are experiencing mental health issues, please consult a healthcare professional or therapist. However, there are natural ways to complement professional advice and support your mental well-being. Here are some of my favorite natural methods to help keep your spirits high and your mind at ease.

Essential Oils

Essential oils have been a personal lifesaver for me during times of overwhelm, sadness, depression, and anger. Simply inhaling the aroma of an essential oil can be incredibly calming for nervous or anxious feelings. Let me share some of my top picks with you!

Check out the Emotional Aromatherapy Kit

Check out the Emotional Aromatherapy Touch Kit

Prolonged Sadness

When sadness lingers and disinterest in usually enjoyable activities sets in, essential oils can offer comfort and elevate your mood. Try these:

• Lavender

• Any of the evergreen oils

• Melissa

• Rose

• Neroli (Neroli Touch)

• Wild Orange

• Cheer Blend

• Console Blend

Lack of Interest

Feeling a persistent low mood that makes daily activities feel overwhelming? Essential oils that inspire and invigorate can help you rediscover joy:

• Bergamot

• Lime

• Lemon

• Wild Orange

• Passion Blend (oil or touch)

• Motivate Blend (oil or touch)

• Citrus Bliss

• Cheer Blend

• Any of the evergreen oils

Sleep Disturbances

Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for our health. If you struggle with sleep, essential oils that calm the mind and relax the body might be just what you need:

• Serenity Blend (diffused)

• Serenity Soft Gel

• Serenity Sleep System

• Lavender

• Roman Chamomile

• Neroli

• Petitgrain

• Frankincense

• Cedarwood

• Vetiver

• Balance

Irritability and Anger

Anger can creep up on us and affect our whole body. Essential oils that calm emotions can help:

• Balance

• Serenity Blend

• Rose

• Sandalwood

• Jasmine

• Copaiba

• Petitgrain

• Wild Orange

• Bergamot

• Any of the evergreen oils

Hopelessness and Overwhelm

When feelings of hopelessness and overwhelm take over, essential oils that uplift the spirit can help elevate your mood:

• Bergamot

• Melissa

• Frankincense

• Sandalwood

• Rose

• Arborvitae

• Console Blend

• Cheer Blend

• Peace Blend

Low Motivation and Apathy

Apathy can sneak up on anyone. Essential oils that stimulate the senses and invigorate the body and mind can boost your motivation:

• Green Mandarin

• Bergamot

• Lemon

• Lime

• Tangerine

• Grapefruit

• Peppermint

• Spearmint

Forest Bathing

One of my absolute favorite ways to unwind is through forest bathing. Imagine immersing yourself in nature, taking a walk among the trees, and letting your mind relax. Even if you don’t have access to a forest, you can bring the forest to you! Diffuse forest oils like Black Spruce, Cedarwood, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Juniper Berry, Siberian Fir, Northern Escape, and Shinrin-Yoku at home, or make a roll-on to take with you.

Spend time in a nearby park, your yard, or create a green space indoors with potted plants. Close your eyes, listen to nature sounds, and let the calm wash over you.

Meditation

Meditation is a wonderful tool to train your attention and awareness, creating a calm, focused, and relaxed mental state. Find a quiet place, establish a routine, and start with short sessions. Use an app like Calm to guide you, and enhance your practice with essential oils like Thinker.

Prayer/Scripture Meditation

For me, prayer and scripture meditation have been transformative. Focusing on God’s promises and memorizing scripture can provide immense comfort and strength. Find a quiet place, read a passage of Scripture, meditate on its meaning, and pray. Let God’s love and power guide and uplift you.

Breathwork

Breathwork involves conscious breathing exercises that can improve your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing, box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, and alternate nostril breathing can promote relaxation or energize you. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new breathwork practice.

Explore these natural methods and find what works best for you. Be persistent and don’t give up. It took me months to feel healed from anger issues, and I continue these practices to maintain my mental health. Remember, you’re not alone. Reach out to a health professional, counselor, trusted friend, family member, or spiritual advisor for support. Together, we can navigate this journey to better mental health.

Stay well and take care, Ronai 🌿