The graduation season brings with it a whirlwind of emotions and tasks. From the excitement of watching your child walk across the stage to the often-overwhelming to-do lists of party planning and dorm room shopping, there’s a lot on a parent’s plate. Amidst the chaos of emotions, it's crucial to remember to care for yourself too. Stress can quickly mount, and without proper self-care, it can overshadow what should be a joyous occasion. Let’s dive into how you can keep stress at bay and incorporate self-care activities into your routine by leaning into natural solutions and other holistic modalities.
UNDERSTANDING THE STRESS OF GRADUATION SEASON
Graduation is a significant milestone, not just for your child but for you as a parent. It marks the culmination of years of effort and the beginning of a new chapter. It’s natural to feel a mix of pride, nostalgia, and even anxiety about the future. The pressure to host the perfect graduation party, ensure all logistics are in place, and support your child’s next steps can be overwhelming. Recognizing these stressors is the first step in managing them effectively.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR STRESS RELIEF
Essential oils are a fantastic tool for stress management. Their soothing aromas can help calm your mind and body, creating a peaceful environment even amidst chaos. When you inhale the aroma of an essential oil, the olfactory nerves in your nose send signals directly to the limbic system - a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain. It controls basic emotions (like fear and pleasure) and drives (such as hunger and sex). It also influences the nervous system and hormones. Essential oils have direct physiological effects, such as reducing cortisol levels and helping to lower heart rate and blood pressure.
doTERRA Balance Grounding Blend: With a combination of Black Spruce, Ho Leaf, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus this grounding blend is proven to create a calming atmosphere. I personally start my day off with this grounding blend by rubbing a few drops into the bottoms of my feet. You can also use it in a calming bath or by incorporating it into a likely much-needed massage. If you’re taking a road trip with your grad (or even just a summer vacay) bring along a portable diffuser and diffuse in the car along the way.
Copaiba: doTERRA Copaiba essential oil is derived from the resin of the copaiba tree, which grows over 100 feet tall in tropical South America. Though Copaiba doesn’t contain psychoactive cannabinoids, the main component, β-caryophyllene (BCP), may be neuroprotective and support the nervous system. And while Copaiba is a multipurpose essential oil, using it in your stress relieving efforts can truly be a game changer. Apply it to the bottoms of your feet two-times per day to help maintain blood pressure levels.* Massage a drop into the webs of your hands and the base of the skull to even mood. Or take 1-3 drops internally to promote healthy brain function and encourage general sense of well-being, especially during periods of stress or nervousness.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
doTERRA Adaptiv Calming Blend: Just listen to the lineup of essential oils in this blend: Lavender, Copaiba, Rosemary, Magnolia, Neroli, and Sweetgum essential oils come together to create a soothing, relaxing atmosphere, while Wild Orange and Spearmint contribute uplifting aromas. Whether you’re feeling fatigued or restless, indecisive or irritable, Adaptiv can help as you engage in self-care activities. You can use similarly to doTERRA Balance in a bath or massage to provide a super relaxing soak or soothing massage. Diffuse while meditating to foster a calm, centered mindset. Apply to the wrists and temples whenever you feel the need to compose yourself quickly and achieve feelings of balance. Or simply smell directly from the bottle or from the palms of your hands as needed throughout the day.
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HOLISTIC MODALITIES FOR SELF-CARE
Beyond the power of incorporating essential oils into your stress-relieving efforts, there are numerous holistic practices that can help you maintain balance and well-being during this busy time.
Meditation & Prayer: Taking a few minutes each day to pause a moment to meditate and pray can significantly reduce stress. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Allow thoughts to come and go without judgment. Sometimes meditation isn’t about silence but in honoring the thoughts that are coming up for you. Take those thoughts to prayer. Praying creates a sense of control and stability by fostering a feeling of being connected to a higher power and greater purpose – you are not alone.
Exercise: Physical exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, and helps reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Choose an activity you enjoy. Whether it’s walking, yoga, dancing or hiking, pick something that will allow you to move your body at least 20-30 minutes. Bonus points if you make it social and invite a friend. Social connections are not only a fantastic form of self-care, but also helps in strengthening bonds and setting yourself up with a support system.
Get Creative: Engaging in creative activities can provide a therapeutic escape from daily stressors, allowing the mind to relax and focus on enjoyable tasks. Engage in a creative hobby that lights you up, such as doing a puzzle, drawing/coloring, writing, knitting, or playing an instrument. Put an emphasis on enjoying the process of being creative not just the outcome or completion. Not only will your stress melt away, but you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment all while enhancing your cognitive functions.
MANAGING GRADUATION TASKS
The journey to that celebratory walk across the stage is often paved with a myriad of tasks that can feel overwhelming if not properly managed. From organizing celebratory events to ensuring all academic and administrative requirements are met, managing graduation tasks requires careful planning and a touch of creativity.
Delegate Responsibilities: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Delegate tasks like party planning, decorations, or food preparations to friends or family members. Sharing the load can significantly reduce your stress by reducing the overwhelm and feeling overburdened. Play to people’s strengths. You’ll be surprised how happily people will pitch in – you just have to ask.
Create a Checklist: Organization is key. Make a detailed checklist of everything that needs to be done. Prioritize tasks and tackle them one at a time. Working off of a list also allows you to adapt and adjust plans as needed, which can help you manage unexpected changes without becoming overwhelmed. If a new task arises, you can easily adjust your checklist – as priorities shift rearrange task to address the most urgent needs first. As a bonus, checking off completed tasks can provide a sense of accomplishment and reduce anxiety.
Self-Care Breaks: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of the to-do’s, but taking regular breaks is essential. Remember self-care activities don’t have to be time-consuming. Consider stepping outside to soak in some sunshine, go for a short walk, enjoy a cup of tea, or simply sit in a quiet room for a few minutes. These short breaks can rejuvenate you and improve your productivity. And don’t forget the self-care actions that can be incorporated into your day like making your bed, brushing your teeth, staying hydrated throughout the day or even talking to a friend on the phone while you grocery shop.😉
CHERISHING THE MOMENT
By incorporating essential oils, holistic practices, and practical organizational tips, you can navigate the graduation season with grace and serenity. Prioritize self-care, and you’ll find yourself better equipped to enjoy this special time with your graduate. After all, a calm and happy parent is the best gift you can give yourself and your family.
Remember, graduation is a celebration of your child’s achievements and your role in their journey. Amidst the preparations, take time to appreciate the moment. Capture memories, share stories, and savor the joy and pride that comes with this milestone. I’m excited for you as well as what’s to come in the next chapter for you (and your kiddo, of course).
xoDanette