Tag: healthy living

The Invisible Load No One Sees

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How I’m reducing stress & learning to regulate my emotions

If you’re a mom, you already know about the invisible load… the one no one else sees but you feel in your bones every single day.

It’s the mental checklist running nonstop in the back of your mind:
Snacks packed? Did I switch the laundry? Why is the dog limping? Who’s out of socks? Don’t forget to RSVP. Add yogurt to the grocery list. Oh, and be patient, be present, be calm…

It’s the weight of everyone else’s needs stacking on top of your own, until suddenly you realize… you haven’t taken a full breath all day.

For a long time, I thought stress was just “part of the job” and emotional overwhelm was normal. I told myself to just push through, but pushing didn’t make me stronger. It made me exhausted, anxious, reactive, and stuck in a cycle I hated.

The truth?
I wasn’t okay.
And that invisible load was crushing me.

What Finally Changed

One night, after snapping at my kids again, I sat on the edge of my bed and realized something had to shift. Not in a “burn everything down and start over” way… but in a small, steady “I can’t keep white-knuckling my life” way.

So I started making changes: simple, doable shifts that began rewiring how I show up, how I think, and how I care for myself.

Here’s what has truly helped lower my stress and regulate my emotions:

1. I Slowed My Mornings Down

No more waking up in chaos.
Now I start with coffee, quiet, and intention.
A few pages of prayer or Scripture.
Coffee + breathing.
Just being before I rush into doing.

That alone shifted the tone of my whole day.

2. I Nourish My Body (So My Brain Can Function)

This one surprised me.

I learned that stress is harder to manage when your nervous system is running on fumes.
That’s when I started supporting my body with calm-supporting tools:
✔️ Collagen + CBG in my morning drink
✔️ Daily cannabinoids for emotional balance
✔️ Functional mushrooms for focus + resilience
✔️ Enough water + electrolytes so my system isn’t running dry

The difference in my mood and patience was almost immediate.
A nourished body produces a calmer, more regulated mind.

3. I Pay Attention to My Triggers Instead of Hiding From Them

Instead of stuffing emotions down, I started noticing them.

When I feel my chest tighten or my fuse shortening, I pause.
I breathe.
I ask: What’s really going on? What do I need right now?

It sounds simple, but this one practice has saved me from so many emotional spirals.

4. I Stopped Carrying It All Alone

I’m learning to ask for help.
I’m delegating.
I’m telling my family what I need instead of assuming they should already know.

And most shockingly?
They actually want to help.
I just needed to let them.

5. I Built Tiny Moments of Comfort Into My Day

I used to think self-care meant spa days.
Nope.
Self-care is the small things that tell your nervous system, you’re safe.

A walk outside.
Ten minutes with my LumeBox.
Sitting in the car before going inside.
Saying “no” without apologizing.

Little things add up to big emotional shifts.

I’m Not Perfect Now, But I’m Present

The invisible load hasn’t disappeared.
But now? It doesn’t crush me.

I’m more regulated, more patient, more aware, and more anchored in who I want to be.

If you’re carrying more than anyone knows, please hear me:
You don’t have to stay overwhelmed.
Small steps can change everything.
And you’re allowed to take them.

You deserve to breathe again.
You deserve to feel like you again.

And if you ever need support, tools, or a starting point, I’m right here.

My Go-To Tools for Winding Down at Night Naturally

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Because we deserve to feel peace, not pressure, at the end of the day.

There was a time when my nights looked a lot like this:
I’d finally collapse into bed, physically drained, but somehow, my brain would go into overdrive. I’d be running through my to-do list, rethinking things I said (or didn’t say), and mentally prepping for tomorrow before today had even ended.

Even though I was exhausted, true rest felt impossible.

Sound familiar?

Whether you’re a mom, a multitasker, or just someone trying to keep up with life, you know that the way we end our day matters. And over time, I realized that I couldn’t keep hoping for rest. I had to create it.

That’s when I started building a nighttime routine with natural tools that truly support my body and mind. These aren’t complicated or expensive. They’re small, intentional habits that help signal to my nervous system: “You’re safe. You can slow down now.”

So if you’re looking to feel more peace and less panic in the evenings, here are my tried-and-true tools:

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🌿 1. Hemp (not pot) to Calm the Chaos

This one is non-negotiable for me now. A clean, full-spectrum CBD, THC, or CBG jelly in the evening has been a game-changer for my nervous system. It helps reduce that mental spiral so I can actually feel present and peaceful, whether I’m having quiet time alone or unwinding with my partner.

There are so many options out there, but not all CBD is created equal. I only use Green Compass because I trust their sourcing, their transparency, and the way their products actually work.

🧘🏼‍♀️ 2. Gentle Movement or Breathwork

If I’ve had a high-stress day (and let’s be real, most days qualify), I take five minutes to stretch on the floor or do some box breathing. Sometimes I just lie with my legs up the wall and breathe deeply. It’s simple, but it signals to my body: “You’re not in fight or flight anymore.”

You don’t have to be a yogi to do this. Just dim the lights, roll out a mat or towel, and move in a way that feels good.

📱 3. No Screens After 9 PM

This one’s tough, especially when the kids are finally asleep and you just want to scroll. But I’ve noticed a huge difference in my ability to fall asleep when I cut off blue light exposure and social media noise at least an hour before bed.

Instead, I try to do something that helps my brain unplug rather than rev up again.

🍵 4. Magnesium-Rich Tea or Mocktail

I love making a cozy magnesium mocktail or sipping herbal tea with ingredients like chamomile, passionflower, or lemon balm. Not only is it soothing, but magnesium helps relax your muscles and regulate the stress hormone cortisol.

It’s like a warm, gentle “exhale” in a cup.

📖 5. A Few Pages of a Book

Reading (something light or inspiring!) helps me shift out of the busy world in my brain and into a slower rhythm. Just a few pages can create the perfect transition between wakefulness and rest. Bonus: It makes my dreams way more interesting than if I had just scrolled reels before bed 😆

I’m not saying every night is perfect. Some nights still involve toddler wakeups, late-night dishes, or staying up too late talking with my husband. But having this toolbox has absolutely changed the way I experience my evenings.

I don’t just collapse into bed anymore… I wind down intentionally.
And I fall asleep with more peace, fewer spirals, and a body that knows it’s safe to rest.

If you’re stuck in the cycle of going to bed exhausted but wired, try adding just one of these tools into your routine tonight. Then build from there.

You deserve a nighttime routine that supports you.

Tell me – what helps you wind down naturally? I’d love to add your ideas to my list!

Want to try the CBD that’s helped me the most? I’m always happy to share what’s worked for me and help you find what fits your needs. Just send me a message or check out this link for info + a free consult -> free consult here.

What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day (Hint: It’s Not a Mug)

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There’s a running joke among moms that every Mother’s Day gift is either a mug that says “Best Mom Ever” or a candle with a generic scent and a tag someone else filled out. And while we appreciate the sentiment (and yes, we are the best moms ever), most of us crave something much deeper:

Rest. Relaxation. And a moment to ourselves.

Let’s be honest — motherhood is the most beautiful, exhausting, emotionally-charged job on the planet. Whether you’re a mom of littles who hasn’t had an uninterrupted night’s sleep in years, or a seasoned mama still doing all the things for everyone around her, one universal truth stands: we are tired.

This year, instead of flowers that wilt or a brunch reservation that still requires wrangling toddlers, give the moms (and mothers of your children) in your life what they really want: a reason to exhale.

Introducing: The Mother’s Day Relaxation Bundle

Available now through May 11th (or while supplies last)

This limited-edition bundle is like a warm hug, a deep breath, and a “go take a nap” — all wrapped into one beautifully curated gift. It’s thoughtfully designed to support rest, relaxation, and radiant health from the inside out.

Here’s what’s inside:

🍫 3 Weeks of Chocolate Collagen

Yes, chocolate. This delicious, dairy-free collagen isn’t just a treat — it’s a functional beauty and wellness supplement designed to support skin, hair, joints, and gut health. Every mom deserves to glow from the inside out.

🌿 Unwind Jellies

Think of these as stress relief in a gummy. Infused with clean hemp and calming botanicals, Unwind Jellies help ease tension, support mood balance, and encourage those “I can breathe again” moments we all crave after a long day.

🌙 Sleep Jellies

Because counting sheep just isn’t cutting it. These jellies are packed with clean CBN to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling like a human (not a zombie).

😴 A Silky Sleep Mask

Light-blocking, ultra-soft, and surprisingly luxurious. It’s the finishing touch to create a peaceful bedtime routine that actually works — because let’s face it, most moms haven’t bought anything for themselves in months.

💰 And the Best Part?

It’s almost HALF OFF retail price and ships free — so you can gift generously without the guilt.

Whether you’re shopping for your mom, your sister, your spouse, or yourself (because, let’s be real, you deserve this), this bundle is the perfect way to say:

“You give so much. This is just for you.”

🌸 Don’t Wait

This bundle is only available through May 11th or while supplies last — and last year’s Mother’s Day specials sold out fast.

Let this be the year we stop asking moms what they want and start giving them what they actually need:
Better sleep. Less stress. And a little bit of chocolate.

👉 Grab the Mother’s Day Relaxation Bundle now prefilled shopping cart w/ $10 off for new clients!

I Yelled Today. Then I Cried. Then I Hugged Them Tighter.

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Mom confession:
I yelled today.
Then I cried.
Then I hugged them tighter.

It wasn’t the moment I wanted.
It wasn’t the version of me I’m proud of.
But it was real.

Motherhood has a way of holding both the most beautiful and the most overwhelming moments in the exact same day. Sometimes the same hour.

I lost my patience over something small—maybe it was the constant noise, the spilled juice, the backtalk, the mess I cleaned for the fifth time. But it wasn’t just that moment. It was the mental load I’d been carrying all day. All week. Maybe longer.

And once again, I found myself in that place of frustration…
where the tears come right after the yelling.
The guilt creeps in fast.
The shame whispers, “You should be better at this.”

But here’s what I’m reminding myself of:

We are human.
We are growing.
And our kids are learning through our imperfections, not in spite of them.

So I apologized.
I hugged them.
I started over.

And then, I took a moment for me.

Because I’ve learned that when I don’t pour into myself, I pour out stress.

I’ve had to get really honest about how I’m supporting my nervous system. And not just with bubble baths or locking myself in the bathroom for five minutes (although let’s be honest… I’ve done that too 🙃).

I’ve started building in daily rhythms that help me feel more grounded—especially on the hard days. Things like:

  • Taking my CBD regularly to support a calm mood
  • Sipping adaptogenic mushroom tea to help manage stress
  • Saying yes to hydration and no to perfection
  • Getting outside, even if it’s just for 10 minutes
  • Checking in with my breath before I check my phone

These small things don’t erase the chaos. But they help me show up better in it.
And on the days I still lose my cool?
I come back to grace. Again and again.

If you’ve ever had a moment like mine—where you yelled, then cried, then hugged tighter—I see you. You’re not alone.

You’re not failing.
You’re just a mom who cares deeply.
And caring is exhausting sometimes.

Give yourself a little more compassion today.
And if you’re looking for natural ways to support your stress and show up with more calm and clarity—I’d love to share what’s helped me. 💛

P.S. Want to peek at the simple wellness tools that keep me steady on the wobbly days? I’d love to see you over in my wellness community! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1698BmZ41k/

Water in your Skincare?

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🤔 Let’s bust a beauty myth 🤔

▶️▶️ Myth – a skincare product is not good/effective if water is the first or second ingredient

If you’ve heard that water should not be in skincare because it makes it less effective let me just tell you that I have found very few brands that do not use water in their products (including ones that claim to be waterless…) + I’d be much more concerned about a brand using toxins in their products than water, but that’s just me 🤷‍♀️

The brand that has built itself on bashing companies for using water in their formula USES WATER… Sometimes it’s even the second ingredient. They also use fragrance (while claiming to be fragrance free). They claim to be organic without a single organic ingredient in their labels. Their brand is built on misleading consumers and tearing down other companies. It’s very sad. (This brand is Oliveda if you’re curious).

But let’s actually bust this myth…

Water is a crucial ingredient in skincare for several reasons:

💧Hydration: Water hydrates the skin, keeping it moist and supple. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing dryness and flakiness.

💧Nutrient Delivery: Water helps deliver essential nutrients to skin cells, ensuring proper functioning and overall skin health.

💧Detoxification: Water helps flush out toxins from the skin, promoting a clear complexion and reducing the risk of breakouts.

💧pH Balance: Water helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance, which is important for healthy skin function and protection against environmental stressors.

💧Cooling Effect: Water has a cooling effect on the skin, which can help soothe irritation and inflammation.

💧Enhanced Absorption: Water-based products can be absorbed more easily into the skin, allowing for better penetration of beneficial ingredients.

Overall, water is an essential ingredient in skincare products and plays a key role in maintaining healthy, radiant skin.

I hope this post helps clear up a common misconception!

Here’s to safe, healthy skincare!

If you liked this post, make sure you join my wellness community -> https://www.facebook.com/share/VwtiHeNLmwiS7AZQ/

If you want to try my favorite skincare brand that has the best ingredients + best performance + is eco-friendly shoot me a message here for a custom recommendation & link ->
M.me/Jessie.rae.31

My Newest Adventure

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I still don’t know how it happened honestly…

I just wanted to feel better so I ordered some products. And I started to feel better.

I wanted to help my daughter so I gave her some and her life completely changed.

I felt pulled to share my experiences with others so I decided to grab a link to be able to do that. I never intended for it to be anything big.

Five months later I’ve been one rank below leadership for two months in a row, I’ve gotten over 80 orders totaling over $8,000, sold over 175 products, and earned more than I thought I would or even planned to, and I…

EARNED A FREE TRIP 🤯

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I wasn’t even going for the trip. It wasn’t even on my radar. But my passion, my excitement it somehow brought me here.

Man what a freaking ride. I can’t wait to see who comes along with me for the second half of the year.

🤗everything I did to get here? I teach the people who trust me enough to join me🥰

For info about partnering with me -> https://boards.com/a/rlJn5.O5nBEa

For content all around health and wellness, join my FB community -> https://www.facebook.com/share/3GALbwncUKGqvrBs/

Stay healthy!

Jess

One of my daily must haves

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This oceanic wonder has been making waves in the health and wellness community for its impressive array of benefits. From solving common health issues to boosting overall well-being, incorporating this into your daily routine can lead to transformative results.

Digestive Health: rich in prebiotic fibers, which act as fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, it can alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

Immune Support: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron, it helps strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption can boost your body’s defenses against common illnesses and infections.

Thyroid Function: it is a natural source of iodine, a mineral crucial for thyroid health. By supporting optimal thyroid function, it can help regulate metabolism, energy levels, and hormone balance.

Skin Health: When consumed internally, it nourishes the skin from within, promoting a clear, radiant complexion and helping to alleviate conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Weight Management: Thanks to its high fiber content, it helps promote feelings of fullness and satiety, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, it supports metabolic function, aiding in fat metabolism and energy production.

Detoxification: it acts as a gentle detoxifier, helping to remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. By supporting liver function and promoting regular bowel movements, it aids in the elimination of waste and impurities.

Is this something you would like to add to your daily regimen?

For more content like this and/or to reach out to chat more about this specific product or anything I else I have to offer to help you feel your best, hop over to my wellness community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean

Slay your Sleep Struggles

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Safe Swaps for Melatonin

I have always struggled with sleep. So, I’ve tried A LOT of safe sleep aid products.

I have a really hard time turning my brain off at night so it takes me a LONG time to fall asleep. I’m also a light sleeper, so little things wake me, and then I have trouble falling back asleep. I’ve been learning about the importance of sleep lately and the effects sleep deprivation have on your daily life and it’s pretty scary. The more “sleep debt” you have, the less executive function you have during the day. This means it’s harder to make decisions, think, and function as a human… Lack of sleep can even increase your risk of dying earlier than those who get enough sleep. Sleep is truly not something to be taken lightly. But, neither are the long term side effects of Melatonin. Despite my very serious sleep struggles, I would not touch melatonin. So, what are some safe alternatives? I’m glad you asked!

What I’ve used for the kids and/or myself:

Lavender Essential Oil – rolled on bottom of feet and/or back of neck

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – dropped in mouth

Earthley’s Goodnight Lotion – rubbed on tummy and legs

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – consumed during the day

Epsom Salt baths before bed – in bath

Green Compass Sleep Boost – taken orally

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 2+ starting with 1/4 jelly)

Green Compass Full Spectrum Nano Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 5+ starting with 1/4 jelly)

My thoughts/experiences:

Lavender oil used on Willow – Noticed no improvement

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Helps me fall and stay asleep a little bit. Helps Adeline fall and stay asleep as far as I can tell.

Eathley’s Goodnight Lotion – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Adeline loves it. Does nothing for me.

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – Noticed no improvement for Willow.

Epsom Salt baths before bed – Noticed no improvement for sleeping but does help calm both kids and make bedtime routine easier.

Green Compass Sleep Boost – Helps me fall and stay asleep more than the Earthly tincture but not as well as the jellies.

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – These work amazingly. They are my favorite thing I’ve used for myself. These help me sleep the best of anything I’ve tried. I fall asleep faster and stay asleep ALL NIGHT!

Green Compass Full Spectrum Nano Jellies – These also work amazingly. They knock me out really fast and put me into a DEEP sleep. If you want a really good, restorative deep sleep, these are for you.

Links (it means the world to my family when you use my links to shop!):

Earthley – https://earthley.com/ref/dericoj/

Cherry Juice –https://amzn.to/3SUFwKI

Green Compass – https://jessicaderico.greencompassglobal.com/share/573327

*the Green Compass link gets you $10 off your first order*

Safe Swaps for Melatonin

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I’ve seen so many desperate mommas lately looking for help with either their sleep or their kids’ sleep. Anyone who knows me personally knows my 16 month old Willow has struggled with sleep since she was born. I also have never been a good sleeper with my biggest issue being falling asleep. Because of this, I’ve tried A LOT of safe sleep aid products for myself and Willow.

What I’ve used for the girls and/or myself:

Lavender Essential Oil – rolled on bottom of feet

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – dropped in mouth

Earthley’s Goodnight Lotion – rubbed on tummy and legs

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – consumed during the day

Epsom Salt baths before bed – in bath

Green Compass Sleep Boost – in belly button

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – consumed before bed (would recommend for age 3+ starting with 1/4 jelly)

My thoughts/experiences:

Lavender oil used on Willow & myself – Noticed no improvement

Earthley’s Sleepy Time Tincture – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Helps me fall and stay asleep but not the best thing I’ve tried. Helps Adeline fall and stay asleep.

Eathley’s Goodnight Lotion – Noticed no improvement for Willow. Adeline loves it for her growing pains.

Organic Tart Cherry Juice – Noticed no improvement for Willow.

Epsom Salt baths before bed – Noticed no improvement for sleeping but does help calm both kids and make bedtime routine a little easier.

Green Compass Sleep Boost – The FIRST thing that has genuinely improved Willow’s sleep. Since starting it she went from waking 4-5 times a night to 1-2 and sleeping 2-3 hour stretches to over 6! All the hallelujah hands for this one 🙌🙌🙌🙌

Green Compass Sleep Jellies – Only tried myself so far and they work amazingly. These help me fall and stay asleep the best of anything I’ve tried.

Links (it means the world to my family when you use my links to shop!):

$10 off Green Compass – https://jessicaderico.greencompassglobal.com/share/573327

Cherry Juice – https://amzn.to/3SUFwKI

Epsom Salt – https://amzn.to/49I5tCW

Earthley – https://earthley.com/ref/dericoj/

Let me know if you try any of these and how they work for you! And for more content like this, make sure you’re in my wellness community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisingclean/

Stay well!

Mother’s Day

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Give the gift of Clean Beauty this Mother’s Day!

Whether you have a mother figure you are looking for something special for or you’re a mom and want to treat yourself or give a great idea to a spouse or child, what gift is more special than clean beauty. It is a way to feel beautiful, practice self care, and it doesn’t cause you harm or disrupt your hormones like other makeup and skincare out there!

 So, I present to you… our Mothers Day Offers! 

Available through May 14th – or while supplies last!

Daylight & Nightlight Facial Cream Bundle w/ a complimentary Crunchi Spa Headband

Advocate Price: $91.20

Client Retail Price: $114

Everluxe® Lip Crayon in Limited Edition shade, Sienna Red

Advocate Price: $22.40

Client Retail Price: $28

Everluxe® Lip Crayon in Limited Edition shade, French Mauve

Advocate Price: $22.40

Client Retail Price: $28

Limited Edition Lip Dream Duo ( Lip Scrub + Lip Treatment )

Advocate Price: $33.60

Client Price: $38 – (Retail $42 – $4 savings!)

✨

Special Client Bundle

Snag all four of the offers and receive special 20% off – making this deal just $175 PLUS free shipping!

If you are ready to make the change to clean beauty and/or skincare this link will get you entered to win a free facial essence + half priced coupons! You also get $10 off your first $50 order using this link if you are new to Crunchi!

http://Crunchi.com/Jessicaderico/event/36077

And… if those Advocate prices look good to you, just click Get Involved then Advocate Enrollment to choose the best discounted kit for you, start getting 20% off your orders immediately, and get an affiliate link to share with others and make 20-40% in commission!

(Make sure you see shopping with Jessica DeRico in the top right corner to be entered to win rewards)