Finding Calm in a Busy World Through the Use of Herbs
Mental Health Awareness Month is of particular importance to me. I’ve battled depression, and anxiety, I’ve lost someone I love to suicide, struggled with grief, and have felt lost and helpless more than once over the past decade. I know what it means to have to let go and trust that things will work out, no matter how dark a day may seem. I know the statistics of how much more likely men are to commit suicide, and how much more unlikely they are to ask for help. Today, I’m far from silent; I’m proud to be a man who talks about these things and encourages everyone, inclusively, to talk about them too.
Mental health means something different to many of us and I think that’s part of what makes us so wonderful, in honoring and understanding the unique things that work for each of us. Today, we are going to look at how you can seamlessly integrate simple herbal practices into your weekly routine to bring calm and peace into this busy and stressful world.
Some Basics of Mental Health, And Utilizing Herbs to Support Your Calm
One of the greatest steps many take with their mental health is slowing things down. This world is busy. Feeling burnt out doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong; it could mean you simply need a little rest and to recharge before you start back up. For some, this is a morning routine. For others, it’s finding time in the evenings and turning off electronics to be with themselves, their loved ones, or their animals. It could also mean taking time to sit quietly near the water on weekends.
Here are some of the ways we do this:
1) Making Teas - Since we’ve already talked about this (and you’ve all become EXPERTS in making teas at home!), we thought we’d bring it back. Tea brings in ritual, time to focus on a calming task, pleasant aroma, connection to the earth, and ideally herbs that are intended to support our nervous system. The very act of taking a few minutes to make a tea prompts us to slow down.
Calm Spirit Tea Blend - This tea blend contains herbs like Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and Lavender, which are beneficial for stress, anxiety, and a busy mind (while also being delicious).
2) Baths - Who doesn’t love a good bath (Don’t lie to me!)? Utilize pleasant and calming aromas, while you put your phone and worries away. Say yes to yourself for 20-30 minutes and remember that, in fact, most things CAN wait. Grab a book, listen to some music, drink some tea, or? Take a nap.
Take a look at these Calming Bath Melts to level-up your tub time.
3) Smudging, Smoke Medicine - Burning (or smudging) is a wonderful way to clear your energy after a stressful day or situation. Sage and Palo Santo have an effect on a physical space as well as positive effects to the nervous system.
You can check out a few examples of them here: https://herbsfromtheheart.com/sacred-smoke-medicine
4) Spritzers, Rollers
Again, taking in the smell of particular herbs and essential oils can have an incredible effect on us alone- and can put you into a calmer state, ease anxiety or increase creativity.
Rose is a powerful herb to support you when it comes to depression or grieving, as well as sadness and the heart in general. I’m a big fan of rollers, as they’re something you can carry with you or apply at night to calm your mood. Here’s our Love roller: Love Roll-on
Additional Things You Can Do For Your Mental Health
Time in Nature
Don’t underestimate the effect some time out in nature can have on your nervous system and emotional well-being. It can be time to be still, reflect, cry, or spend time with someone you love. This earth is healing: the ocean, the mountains, the animals, the grass, and the trees. Allow space for it to be part of your life.
Exercise, Sleep, & Diet
A nice 20-minute walk can move your body, clear the mind, blow off some steam, get some fresh air, and get you out in nature all at once.
I find many people don’t honor their body’s need for rest. What is your bedroom like? Is your phone still on? Electronics and lots of “stuff” in your bedroom? Your body gets its best rest when you allow it to, and when you remove distractions and interference.
Third, what are you putting into your body? Without going into too much detail, all my practitioner friends tell me about the connection between gut and brain health. If you’re feeding your body junk, don’t be surprised when you feel that way emotionally.
Check-in & Talk
A close friend has been going through a difficult time in his life, and I’m so proud of how he’s been dealing with it. One thing he’s taken up is calling several friends, including me, at least once a month to stay in touch because he needs support. He’s also doing this because he’s realized he wants to offer ME support. He understands the difficult concept that we never truly know how someone else is doing.
I encourage you to be present with your loved ones. Give them the gift of your time, your love, and your ears. Let them feel safe to tell you what’s going on; it could make a major difference in not only their lives, but maybe their ability to show up in other people’s lives.
This article is for educational purposes only. Our articles have not been evaluated by the FDA and our products do not claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the Author
Tim Peters is the Founder of Mind Body Business as well as a Certified Herbalist. He provides 1 on 1 business coaching plus writing and copy editing for health professionals. If you want to connect or learn more about him:
Tim@mind-bodybusiness.com
www.mind-bodybusiness.com
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