In this episode we sit down with Jessica Carter to discuss managing stress every day. She'll discuss some lifestyle changes you can make, her favorite essential oils to use, as well as what doTERRA products you can use internally to help you ease feelings of tension.
doTERRA: Did you know that 44 percent of Americans have reported that their stress levels have increased over the past five years? That's a lot, and it means that managing your stress is more important than ever. Today, we'll give you some tips and tricks on how to manage your stress.
Welcome back to Essential Oil Solutions with doTERRA, the podcast where you'll hear exciting, useful, and simple everyday uses for essential oils from experts in the field. If you like what you hear today, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen. We always appreciate hearing from you.
Today, we're excited to talk to Jessica Carter about how you can manage your stress naturally. Jessica, thank you so much for being here to talk with us today.
Jessica Carter: Thank you for having me.
doTERRA: This is definitely a topic that I think springs up in a lot of people's lives. So to start out with, can you tell us a little bit about what stress is?
Jessica: Sure; stress is a normal part of life. It's when the body reacts in a physical or emotional way to a challenge or even danger. Stress is a healthy response. And as long as we learn how to manage it, it's fine. It's when we stay in this constant state of stress, also known as fight or flight, that other problems can arise.
doTERRA: So, like you mentioned, it's kind of a healthy response as long as we're managing it. But how do we know if we're not managing it? What are some signs that maybe my stress is getting the better of me?
Jessica: According to the Cleveland Clinic, stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress. Distress can disturb the body's internal balance or equilibrium. These problems include depression, panic attacks, anxiety, and worry. Research suggests that stress can bring on or worsen certain symptoms or diseases, and it's linked to the six leading causes of death. So as you can see, prolonged stress is quite serious.
doTERRA: Absolutely. So what can I do? What are some lifestyle changes that maybe I could make to help manage my stress better?
Nutrition
Jessica: Absolutely! First, we can start with nutrition. Our body is beautifully designed to handle what life throws at it when we give it what it needs in the way of proper nutrition.
I highly recommend our Lifelong Vitality supplements. They are whole food and soft packed. Our body recognizes them as food. I love so many of doTERRA's products, but if I was told I had to choose one of doTERRA’s products for the rest of my life, it would be these. Now, hopefully, I never have to make that decision because I feel like there are so many products that I could not live without, but I just wanted to share how passionate I am about the Lifelong Vitality supplements.
Sleep
Second, we can try our best to get a great night's sleep, putting away our electronic devices about 30 minutes before bed. And I also like to take a Copaiba and a Serenity softgel about 30 minutes before I go to bed as well.
Breathing
Third, I recommend taking time in between each task to reset with some deep breathing, simply breathing in for four, holding for four, breathing out for four, and holding for four while thinking positive thoughts about your next task can help greatly reduce feelings of stress. I like to add a drop of Breathe essential oil to my hands and cup them over my nose on each inhale.
Exercise
Fourth, I recommend exercise. I particularly love yoga and hiking. We feel so amazing surrounded by the forest. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are the main components of essential oils. Researchers have learned that forests contain an astonishing array of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted into the air in mass quantities by trees and other plants.
Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are some of the principal VOCs admitted by the Forest. Alpha-Pinene is one of the many terpenes that are the top components of some of our favorite essential oils that are also emitted by forests. Now, I just channeled my inner Dr. Hill on that one.
Removing Toxins
And then lastly, it's so important we remove toxins from our home now. Now, don't feel like you have to do this all at once. When you run out of a product, replace it with a non-toxic alternative. It took me about a year, but I have gotten all the toxins out of our home by replacing them with doTERRA products.
I adore doTERRA skincare. It costs about a fourth of what I was paying on my previous skincare. We use doTERRA soap, laundry detergent, concentrated cleaner, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products. And we get quality products at wholesale prices. We also earn 30 percent back on every purchase, and we could spend those on future purchases. With all those savings, we are actually spending less than we were in the big box stores.
doTERRA: And I love all of those tips. And nothing that you mentioned sounds too complicated or absolutely impossible to try and work into our daily lives. And I love that, the simplicity of it.
Jessica: Absolutely! Just do one thing at a time and then add a second one.
doTERRA: So you mentioned a few products as we were going through that. I want to dive a little bit deeper into products. So what essential oils can I use to help create a relaxing environment, whether that's in my home or office or anywhere I might be?
Jessica: Some of my favorite oils to diffuse to help create a relaxing environment are Adaptiv™, Frankincense, Arborvitae, Copaiba, Douglas Fir, Siberian Fir, Lavender, Serenity, Balance, Sandalwood, Bergamot, and Roman Chamomile. One of my favorite diffuser blends for fall is two drops of each—Arborvitae, Douglas Fir, and Sandalwood—with four drops of Bergamot.
doTERRA: That sounds absolutely delicious. That's one I'm definitely going to have to try.
Jessica: It's dreamy!
doTERRA: So what about using doTERRA products internally? I know you mentioned LLV for nutrition, but what else can I use internally to help ease feelings of tension?
Jessica: I start out every morning with a drop of Copaiba and Frankincense under my tongue. Among other health benefits, these help calm, soothe, and support the nervous system.
I also highly recommend our Adaptiv supplement. I like to take one in the morning if I know I have a stressful day ahead, and sometimes I take a second one between noon and three o'clock.
doTERRA: Jessica, thank you so much for talking with us today, for your suggestions. I think all of those are so helpful for people wanting to better manage the stress that's in their lives. We really appreciate you.
Jessica: You're so welcome.
doTERRA: Thanks for joining us and congratulations on living a healthier lifestyle with essential oils. If you liked what you heard today, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen. Also, if you want to try any of the products you learned about, go to doterra.com or find a Wellness Advocate near you to place an order today.