Oils for Seasonal Depression
Getting DEEP today...I have always struggled with seasonal depression so I usually plan ahead and try to get my ass out of New York. We love spending our winters somewhere warm. So, my husband, sassy doggie (Gracie), and I booked our one-way ticket to head to Tulum, Mexico after Christmas. The plan was to stay in Mexico until I needed to come back to see my fertility doctor in early February.
Well, God had other plans...
The medium Jeffrey Wands finally returned my call and gave me a reading that LITERALLY CHANGED MY LIFE.
I followed the whisper in my spirit and took my father to the emergency room last Saturday.
My father was admitted to the hospital and he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that has spread to his brain (This came as a HUGE surprise to the family).
My father moved in and my husband and I are taking care of him.
As you can imagine, I was devastated. The past 6 months were not easy, to say the least. From an endometriosis surgery (more on that later), two back-to-back IVF cycles, and my father’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis...that is enough to keep you in bed for a while!
...But instead, I've decided to use these difficult experiences as teachable moments. I've spent the past week diving inward to reflect on our new reality. As expected, there have already been a lot of ups and downs, but I'm humbled and BEYOND grateful to have this time with my father before he transitions into the afterlife. I also realize this is just the beginning.
Please note: I write to help process my emotions and share my authentic experiences to help someone who may be struggling; NOT FOR PITY.
Seasonal Depression Remedies that Help Me
NOW is the time to bust out all the self-care, spiritual, and personal development tools I've learned over the past 20 years and put all of them into action! I have a rare gift to care for my father and shower him with love as we navigate his cancer diagnosis, treatment, and next steps.
...And I've stumbled upon a few gems that I'd like to share:
Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Grace & patience are my new best friends.
The only way out is through.
Stay in the Present moment = Try not to think about the past or the future.
Make memories you can hold on to.
Set yourself up for Self-Care Success! My favs are daily workouts, prayer, breath work, journaling, essential oils and mediation. These practices are literally saving my life right now!
Mindset is EVERYTHING!
Health brings a freedom few realize until they no longer have it. Without your mind, body, and spiritual health, you have nothing.
Release control....you see how I had my entire winter planned??? "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”
[Video]: How To Beat Seasonal Depression (My YouTube Video from 2014).
4 Essential Oils for Seasonal Depression:
1. Bergamot is a great antidepressant because it’s very stimulating. This oil creates a feeling of joy, freshness, and energy by improving the circulation of your blood.
2. Lavender is one of the best-known oils for depression symptom relief. A study published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice reported that 80-milligram capsules of lavender essential oil can help alleviate anxiety and depression.
3. Roman Chamomile is one the best medicinal herbs for fighting stress and promoting relaxation. This is why you see chamomile as a popular ingredient in candles and other aromatherapy products, whether in tea, tincture, or essential oil form.
4. Ylang-ylang: Inhaling ylang-ylang can have immediate, positive effects on your mood and act as a mild remedy for depression. Research shows it can help release negative emotions such as anger, low self-esteem, and even jealousy! Ylang-ylang works because of its mild sedative effects, which can lower stress responses helping you relax. To enhance confidence, mood, and self-love, try diffusing the oil in your home or massaging it into your skin.
There are several ways you can use essential oils, whether major depressive disorder or seasonal depression. To relieve stress while improving sleep, put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse oils while you sleep at night. You can also rub the oil topically behind your ears, on the back of your neck, on your tummy, and bottoms of your feet.
If you have any questions about essential oils, send me a note - I'm happy to help. :)
Love,
Tara