The Invisible Load No One Sees

November 14, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

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.

Snack Swaps that are Safe, Healthy, AND Delicious

September 13, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

Back-to-school season means busy mornings, packed lunches, and after-school hunger strikes. 🍎 It can be so tempting to toss in pre-packaged snacks that are quick but loaded with sugar, artificial colors, and ingredients we can’t even pronounce.

The good news? With just a few smart swaps, you can give your kids (and yourself!) snacks that are safe, healthy, and actually delicious. Here are some of my favorite back-to-school energy boosters:

1. Swap Fruit Snacks → Real Fruit + Sea Moss Gummies

Instead of sugar-filled gummies, try fresh fruit paired with nutrient-dense sea moss gummies for minerals and natural energy.

2. Swap Chips → Homemade Energy Bites

Trade greasy, empty-calorie chips for protein-packed bites made with oats, nut butter, and clean add-ins like cacao nibs or chia seeds.

3. Swap Juice Boxes → Electrolyte Water or Smoothies

Skip the sugar crash from traditional juices and give them hydration with electrolytes or a homemade fruit smoothie. Bonus: sneak in a scoop of collagen for extra support.

4. Swap Granola Bars → No-Bake Clean Snack Bars

So many granola bars are full of corn syrup and preservatives. Try making your own with whole ingredients. It’s quick, easy, and customizable.

5. Swap Candy → Dark Chocolate + Nut Butter

Instead of processed candy, a square of dark chocolate with almond or peanut butter satisfies the sweet tooth while fueling the body.

Healthy snacks don’t have to be boring or complicated, they can be quick, fun, and something your kids actually ask for. When we fuel them with the right ingredients, we’re helping their energy, focus, and mood stay balanced all school day long.

👉 I’ve put together a collection of my go-to back-to-school snack recipes that are kid-approved and mom-approved. Click here to grab the recipes!

Monday Mood + My Favorite Stack

July 28, 2025July 23, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

It’s Monday morning. The house is waking up. The to-do list is already long, and let’s be honest… so is the laundry pile.

But here’s the thing: I no longer start my week in survival mode.

Instead, I have a little ritual that sets the tone for my energy, my mindset, and my mood and I call it my Monday Morning Stack. It’s my way of fueling from the inside out, with purpose and intention.

Let me break it down for you:

🌿 Broad Spectrum Jelly

This is my calm-in-a-storm moment.
One little jelly helps support my mood, lower stress, and smooth out those anxious jitters that tend to sneak in on a Monday morning. It’s gentle, clean, and works fast. I can feel the shift in how I show up.

🍊 Immune Bloom Jelly

With little ones running around (and touching everything), immune support isn’t optional… it’s a must.
This jelly is packed with elderberry + functional mushrooms to help keep my defenses strong. Bonus: it tastes like a treat, not a chore.

🌱 Digestive Jelly

Gut health is the foundation of it all, and this one supports digestion, reduces bloat, and helps everything stay regular.
Let’s just say it keeps things… moving. 😉 And when my gut feels good, my mood and focus do too.

✨ Collagen with CBG

I add this into my morning smoothie or just shake it up with cold water and ice.
It supports my hair, skin, joints, and even my thyroid. And thanks to the added CBG, it offers extra anti-inflammatory benefits, which is perfect after a busy weekend or hard workout.

This stack isn’t just a supplement routine.
It’s part of how I say yes to feeling good – without the crash, chemicals, or overwhelm.

It’s energy, immunity, gut support, and beauty from within… simplified.

This is what choosing wellness looks like for me right now.
Not perfect. Not complicated.
Just little shifts that add up to a better Monday mood… and a better week.

Want help building your own stack? I’ve got you. 💛

https://boards.com/a/rlJn5.mXenDf <- click here and I’ll help you out!

Stay well, friends!

Jess

✨ It’s Here! Our New Age-Defying Body Treatment Has Officially Launched ✨

June 26, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

If you’ve ever wished your body could get the same level of TLC as your face… this one’s for you.

I’m so excited to share that our brand new Age-Defying Body Treatment has officially launched, and it’s already making waves. This isn’t just another body lotion, it’s a collagen-boosting, skin-smoothing powerhouse designed to firm and hydrate the areas that need it most.

Let’s talk about the star of the show: Tripeptide-29.
This ingredient works with your body’s natural collagen production to help restore elasticity, smooth crepey skin, and give you that healthy, youthful glow… all without harmful ingredients or toxic junk. 🙌🏼

Think:
✨ Arms that feel smoother
✨ Thighs that look firmer
✨ Hands and chest that appear more youthful
✨ Skin that actually feels supported from the inside out

It’s perfect for those spots we often ignore when it comes to anti-aging care, but where we see the biggest changes over time.

And here’s the fun part…

🎁 I’m giving a FREE wellness product to anyone who grabs the body treatment from me today.
Why? Because you deserve to feel amazing from head to toe.

Ready to experience the glow-up your body’s been waiting for?

Send me a quick message or grab yours now, the freebie won’t last long!

Age-Defying Body Treatment

Click above to shop, make sure you see Jessica DeRico as your advocate & use code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off your first order!

How My Husband Supports Stress & Sleep with Clean, Non-Toxic Tools

June 11, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

I used to think I was the only one in our house who needed a solid wellness routine to feel like myself, but the truth is, stress doesn’t discriminate. My husband, like so many men, carries a lot on his shoulders. Between work, parenting, and everything in between, I started noticing signs that his stress and sleep needed just as much attention as mine.

So we decided to be intentional about giving him tools that actually support his well-being and do it in a clean, non-toxic way.

Here’s what that looks like in our home:

🌿 CBD to the Rescue

My husband was hesitant at first, but now he’s the one reminding me when we’re low on his jellies. CBD has become his go-to for stress and helping his mind shift out of “fight or flight” mode.

😌 Unwind Jellies for Evenings

Some nights are harder than others, and when his brain just won’t shut off, he’ll take an Unwind Jelly. These are formulated with natural calming botanicals and cannabinoids that help relax both mind and body.

They’re clean, they’re effective, and he doesn’t wake up groggy… just rested.

💤 Sleep Hygiene That Works

We’ve also made some simple changes to his evening routine that make a huge difference:

Magnesium supplements after dinner to relax muscles and support deep sleep.
Blue light blockers in the evening to help his body produce melatonin naturally.
No caffeine – he switched to decaf coffee and it has been a game changer for him.
A cool, dark bedroom and a sound machine or fan to help his body settle into true rest.

💧 Hydration + Functional Support

Stress affects hydration and energy levels, so we’re intentional about getting in electrolytes during the day (without the junk ingredients). He also adds a scoop of clean collagen to his morning smoothies for joint, gut, and skin support, because men deserve that glow too 😉

Why It Matters

Supporting stress and sleep isn’t just a “women’s wellness” thing. Men need it too. And it’s powerful to see the difference when they have access to tools that actually work.

Clean, natural, non-toxic options aren’t just for me, they’re for him too. And I love that our wellness routines don’t have to look the same, but they can still align in the values we share: safe, effective, and intentional care.

If your partner is navigating stress or struggling to sleep well, consider introducing one or two of these clean swaps. You might be surprised how quickly they notice a difference… mine sure did.

Need help choosing where to start? I’d love to share what’s worked for us 💚

Go here to get into contact with me and get a free consultation -> https://boards.com/a/rlJn5.mXenDf

My Go-To Tools for Winding Down at Night Naturally

June 9, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

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:

🌿 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)

May 3, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

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.

April 19, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

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/

I used to feel so guilty for stepping away…

April 17, 2025 raisingcleanLeave a comment

Like if I wasn’t constantly doing all the things for my kids, I wasn’t doing enough.

But I’ve learned that pausing — even just for a few quiet minutes with a yummy coffee and my own thoughts — is exactly what helps me show up better.

This little moment in the coffee shop? It’s where I reset. Breathe. Think clearly. And remember that I’m doing a good job.

And honestly, my Nano jellies help make this kind of peace possible. They quiet the anxious thoughts, calm my mind, and help me stay present — without the mom guilt creeping in.

I’m finally learning to show up for me, too. And that’s a win worth celebrating. 💕

✨ P.S. Today is the LAST day to use the $30 OFF discount code or get my 3 daily wellness products for just $79 (less than the price of one product alone)!
If you want something to help you slow down, recharge, or reset… this is your sign.

You deserve to feel good, too.

https://jessicaderico.greencompassglobal.com/cart/158759 -> Go here and use code GCSAVE20 on the very last page of checkout before clicking “order” and you’ll get FOUR must have wellness products for just $108 and save $250!