It can be a month of winter storms, of the hint of spring, and the month of LOVE....but whatever face February shows us, it moves us ever closer to springtime weather, longer days, gentler breezes.
Based on your feedback, I have totally revamped the newsletter so it is more accessible from your email and won't need you to travel to an external link. I hope you like it.
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Table of Contents
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IT ALL OUT!
Welcome to February
Getting Light in Winter - how to get through these last dark days of Winter
Canadian Gifts with Purchase
February Recipe - Sugary Citrus Diffuser Blend
US Gifts with Purchase
EU/UK Gifts with Purchase
Seasonal Affective Disorder -- how to support yourself
Young Living Events - Kona Challenge
February Educational Opportunities
Coffee with Chris
Getting Light In Winter
Top 4 Lighting Habits for Winter
The darkest days of Winter are now starting to ease but many of us will still be leaving work after sunset and in some cases arriving before sunrise. And yet, our bodies depend upon exposure to bright natural light during the day to feel awake and alert – we need bright blue-rich light stimulate our energy, mood and metabolism! Unfortunately, the artificial lighting in our homes and offices does not provide nearly enough light during the day to make us feel energized and alive. Artificial light does not provide the cues we need to maintain our circadian rhythms and overall health and wellness. When we fall back at the end of daylight savings, we spend more time with artificial light and it becomes even harder to connect with the cycles of natural light. Shifting our time clocks also requires our body clocks (circadian rhythms) to adapt. Fortunately there are a couple of practical things we can do when we fall back to standard time, here we share our Top Four Healthy Lighting Habits to offset the season of darkness.
Top four healthy lighting habits!
How not to fall back into darkness
(1) remind your body it’s day time = get outside during the day
15-30 minutes of daylight each morning will help you feel better and sleep easier. note: it doesn’t have to be sunny and you don’t have to exercise – just enjoy the light! Science: most cloudy days are still 10-100x brighter than your average office
(2) Minimize your exposure to blue-rich light two hours before bed
Use incandescent, or blue-light free LEDs in your bedrooms and evening spaces note: screens emit an enormous amount of blue light – use f.lux, Nightshift, in the evenings Science: blue light signals daytime and therefore disrupts sleep and recovery
(3) Choose indoor lighting which is similar to the cycle of natural light
Favor brightly lit spaces during the day (especially in the morning) and avoid dimly lit spaces! Note: you don’t have to live in darkness at night – use blue-free light sources safely at night Science: sunlight is bright and blue-rich, fire and candle light is soft and contains no blue light
(4) Use light therapy as a way to get extra bright blue-rich light each morning
For those with difficult climates or schedules, use a light therapy lamp each morning Note: as little as 15-30 minutes of extra light exposure each morning supports energy, mood and sleep! Science: we need sufficient bright blue-rich light during the day for healthy circadian rhythms
Another issue with low light in our hemisphere in winter is Vitamin D levels.
You can get vitamin D in a variety of ways, including:
Sun exposure on your skin (however, people with darker skin and older people may not get enough vitamin D through sunlight. Your geographical location may also prevent adequate vitamin D exposure through sunlight).
Through the food you eat.
Through nutritional supplements.
Despite all these methods to get vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency is a common worldwide problem. In North America we compound the problem by using sun screens which effectively block the sun from our skin and mean we do not make enough Vitamin D when we are out in natural light.
Vitamin D supplementation is key to healthy immune over winter.
February’s gift with purchase is all about nurturing your relationship with yourself. Let us help you nourish your mind, body and soul with self-care essentials that keep you looking and feeling your best. Order early to earn up to $248 worth of self-care goodies, plus points and product credits to spend on your faves.
Add to your points balance, take time to smell some Jade Lemon, Bloom on with an essential oil or a skin loving refresher.
Learn why I go on and on about balancing your hormones and try out the Progressence to see how much better your sleep can be!
This gorgeous concoction combines the sweet, tart scent of Bergamot, Lemongrass, and Grapefruit for an aroma reminiscent of chewy fruit candies—without the consequences!
February's US Gifts with Purchase
*I am jumping for joy because my favorite lotion is included!!!!!!
While the term self-care gets a bad wrap sometimes, we are here to make true self-care a priority. Nurturing daily practices that nourish both body and mind will take you far with your health! And while we do love a good epsom salt bath, there is even more to self-care than that. This month you can snag some of our self-care favorites for free! Plus, if the winter blues have you feeling down, you can mentally escape to the tropics while winter does its worst outside!
February is a magnificent month to celebrate love, care and appreciation. We want to show you the variety of love and help you focus on self-care and happiness, especially during the cold season. https://bit.ly/3l13llq
With products like our citrusy Elemi essential oil, enticing and floral Sensation blend or our relaxing Lavender bath bombs, our PV promo is full of the perfect products, which are essential for your self-care routine.
Also, for this month we have some exciting offers you are going to fall in love with, as well as some stunning new business accessories!
If shorter days and shifts in weather zap your energy and make you feel blue, you’ve got classic symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression triggered by changes in daylight and weather that occur primarily in winter.
Why do some people get SAD? Experts aren’t certain, but some think that those seasonal changes disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, the 24-hour clock that regulates how we function during sleeping and waking hours, which cause us to feel energized and alert sometimes and drowsy at other times.
Another theory is that the changing seasons disrupt hormones, such as serotonin and melatonin, which regulate sleep, mood, and feelings of well-being.
Whatever the causes of one’s SAD may be, the signs and symptoms typically can include:
Feelings of depression that happen most of the day, every day, in a seasonal pattern
Having tiredness or low energy
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Changes in appetite or weight gain
Sleeping too much
1 Talk With Your Doctor
Because SAD is a form of depression, it needs to be diagnosed by a mental health professional. "There are a number of screening questions that can help determine if someone is depressed," Dr. Pierce says. "Your doctor will be able to sort out whether you have SAD as opposed to some other form of depression."
If you have SAD, seeing a professional can help you work through it. About 12 years ago, Arlene Malinowski, PhD, 58, recognized she had SAD when she read about the symptoms in a magazine article.
“I would notice a drop in how I felt and perceived the world in the winter,” the Chicago resident recalls. The psychiatrist she had been seeing for depression confirmed it.
2 Ready Your Mind in the Fall
As you prepare our homes for the fall-to-winter transition, you may want to consider preparing your mind, too.
Regularly allotting time for mood-boosting activities can help people feel physically and psychologically healthier, says psychologist Kim Burgess, PhD, founder of the Pediatric Psychology Center in Rockville, Maryland, and an adjunct associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.
“It’s better to set yourself up for the winter season by starting in the fall season — doing enjoyable activities, initiating friend group chats and outings, choosing fun hobbies, and engaging in clubs or community service,” says Dr. Burgess.
Regularly taking part in these activities ahead of time is much easier than trying to start from scratch once the winter blues have already set in, she adds
3 Try Light From a Box
Bright light therapy — exposure to artificial light to help keep one’s circadian rhythm on track — is widely considered a first-line treatment option for SAD, according to a review published in 2017 in the Einstein Journal of Biology and Medicine. One way to try bright light therapy is by using a light therapy box.
Also known as phototherapy boxes, these devices give off light that mimics sunshine and can help in the management of SAD, according to the Mayo Clinic. The light from the therapy boxes is significantly brighter than that of regular light bulbs, and is provided in different wavelengths.
Typically, you’ll sit in front of the light box for about 20 to 30 minutes a day. This will result in a chemical change in your brain that boosts your mood and alleviates symptoms of SAD, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Experts usually recommend using the light box within the first hour after you wake up in the morning, the Mayo Clinic adds.
Although often safe and effective, light therapy boxes are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Be sure to talk with your doctor about whether a light therapy box is right for you.
4 Use Dawn Simulators
Dawn simulators can help some people with SAD. These devices are alarm clocks, but rather than waking you abruptly with beeping or loud music, they produce light that gradually increases in intensity, just like the sun.
Different models of dawn simulators are available, but the best ones use full-spectrum light, which is closest to natural sunlight. Researchers found that dawn simulators were as effective as light therapy for people with mild SAD, according to a study published in July 2015 in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
When taking antidepressants for SAD, you’ll typically need to use the medication from autumn until spring, the organization says.
It's important to recognize when the symptoms of SAD start, and to see your doctor for a prescription before they escalate, says Ani Kalayjian, EdD, an adjunct professor of psychology at Columbia University in New York City.
6 Prioritize Social Activities
Dr. Malinowski tries to get the jump on treating SAD by filling her winter months with enjoyable activities. “Proactive is the way to go,” says Malinowski, who participates in a writing group and book club.
Why are social activities important if you have SAD? Studies have found a causal relationship between social isolation and depression, says Burgess. And lately, isolation has been in no short supply as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finding creative ways to stay connected with others during times of increased isolation is important, says Burgess. She suggests hanging out with relatives and friends at a local park, playing outdoor sports or yard games, or going on walks when the weather allows.
If wintertime darkness, weather, and COVID-19 have you staying indoors more than desired, there are ways other than in-person interactions to socialize.
“When the winter weather makes it super cold to be outside or unsafe to drive, we can FaceTime with friends and extended family members or set up Zoom calls with them,” Burgess says.
7 Add Aromatherapy to Your Treatment Plan
Aromatherapy — the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes — may also help those with SAD.
That said, the authors of the review note that evidence of the mental health benefits of essential oils thus far are small and somewhat limited in usefulness.
When it comes to SAD in particular, essential oils could potentially influence the area of the brain that's responsible for controlling moods and the body's internal clock that influences sleep and appetite, Dr. Kalayjian says.
And although the evidence for aromatherapy may be limited, using essential oils could be a simple and safe way to improve mental well-being — particularly when paired with another soothing activity, like a taking a bath or enjoying company by candlelight.
Make sure you use a high quality and trusted brand of essential oils as oils are one of the most adulterated products on store shelves. You want to be confident that what it says on the label is what is in the bottle and that those oils have been distilled with the safest, most supportive methods possible.
If you need help choosing oils to help, drop me a PM and we can talk!
8 Stick to a Schedule
People who live with SAD often have trouble sleeping at night and getting up in the morning. Maintaining a regular schedule improves sleep, which can help alleviate symptoms of seasonal depression.
"Keeping a regular schedule will also expose you to light at consistent and predictable times," Pierce says. And eating at regular intervals can help you avoid overeating. Many people who live with SAD find they gain weight in the winter, according to the Mayo Clinic.
9 Get Moving
As it does with other forms of depression, exercise can help alleviate SAD. Exercise can also help offset the weight gain that is common with SAD, Kalayjian says. Malinowski says she's more vigilant about sticking with her exercise and yoga routine in the dead of winter
Outdoor exercise is most helpful for relieving SAD symptoms. But if you can't exercise outside because it's cold or snowy, try using a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical machine set close to a window at home or at the gym.
If you have seasonal depression or wintertime SAD, you'll want to get outside as much as you can during the day to take advantage of what sunlight there is. On cold days, bundle up and take a stroll around the block at noon or soon after — that's when the sun is brightest.
Also, when you're indoors, keep your blinds open to let in as much natural light as you can. And if you’re working remotely, choose a workspace near a source of natural light if possible. Indoor lighting is much dimmer than natural light, and this can negatively affect SAD symptoms, reports Yale Medicine.
11 Take a Vacation or ‘Staycation’
Taking a winter vacation to warmer climates can help alleviate symptoms of SAD by helping you escape cold and overcast skies, Kalayjian says. Even a short break from your daily routine in a sunny place can be helpful with winter depression.
“The excitement that can lift your mood can start as you prepare for your vacation and linger for a few weeks after you return,” Kalayjian adds. Malinowski plans visits to warm-weather friends in winter for just that reason.
If your travel plans have been sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic, consider planning a “staycation” instead — taking time off from work and finding ways to experience typical vacation activities within your own home and community.
12 Consider Avoiding Alcohol
People may drink more for many different reasons during times of stress or sadness, Burgess says. “When someone is feeling ‘down’ they are more likely to drink alcohol, but drinking causes further depression, hence the downward spiral,” she explains.
Also, if you notice that you’re drinking on more days of the week than before, or drinking a larger amount of alcohol than you used to, these changes could eventually lead to an addiction, she says.
Burgess says it’s important to determine what’s behind the behavior. She suggests asking yourself, “Why do I think I’m drinking more?” If you think you may have a drinking problem, talking your doctor can also help, Burgess adds.
13 Keep a Journal
Writing down your thoughts can have a positive effect on your mood. "It can help you get some of your negative feelings out of your system,” Kalayjian explains.
How can journaling help you cope with depression? According to the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, it works by helping you prioritize life’s problems and identify your depression triggers, as well as what helps lift your mood.
Include your thoughts, feelings, and concerns when you journal. A good time to do so is at night so that you can reflect on all that happened in the last 24 hours.
Experts don’t know for sure whether taking vitamin D supplements can relieve symptoms of SAD, the NCCIH reports. But ensuring you get enough sunlight during the day and incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into your diet may help.
Talk to your doctor about testing your vitamin D levels and whether supplements would be right for you, Kalayjian suggests. Malinowski upped her vitamin D during the winter at her psychiatrist’s suggestion and has found that it helps.
Learn more about the Young Living Oils and Supplements that can help My Favourite Things
Young Living Events and Promotions
KONA 2023!! . October 21-26, 2023
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Earn a dream vacation to Hawaii AND up to $1,273.35 USD /$1,547.09 CAD of essential oils with our new incentive program: the Kona Challenge!*
Start by earning points for building your Young Living business. The more points you earn between January 1 and June 30, the bigger the rewards.
HOW TO EARN POINTS
Earn 1 point when you personally enroll someone with a 100+ PV order (any type) at the time of enrollment.
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Earn 5 points for each new rank you personally achieve during the offer period. Plus, earn 5 points for each new rank your personally enrolled Brand Partners achieve.
*The Brand Partner sales earnings disclosed are potential gross earnings and not net of other business expenses and not necessarily representative of the actual income, if any, that a Brand Partner can or will earn through the Young Living Sales Compensation Plan. A Brand Partner’s earnings will depend on individual diligence, work effort, sales skill, and market conditions. Young Living does not guarantee any income or rank success.
See the Income Disclosure Statement for detailed earnings information per rank.
You can earn a total of 4 points for enrolling someone with a 100+ PV order on Loyalty Rewards or Essential Rewards.
Here is our class schedule for the month of Feburary -- RSVP in the events section of New Perspective Oilers Facebook page (and make sure you get your printable if there is one for the class!!)
February 2, 2023 7pm PST Build A YL Business: (Zoom)
Young Living broke out their new compensation plan November 1, 2022 and it is a doozy!Join me to talk about the new plan and how it can work for you -- whether you want to make an extra $500 a month or you want to make WAAAAAYYYY more than that. This is the company to share.
February 5th, 2023 5pm PST Sleep Hygiene: (FB Class in New Perspective Oilers Group):
Would you like to sleep AMAZINGLY well tonight? If you’re like me, I’m thinking your answer is a YES. I’d love to share a little bit about healthy sleep hygiene with you. Join me on FB for some great tips for troubleshooting your routine + some of my favorite YL tools that have been fantastic when I’ve used them.
February 9th 2023 7pm PST Oils & Emotions: (Zoom) :
Emotions can be difficult and even scary. It is so much easier to suppress emotions than to recognize, feel, and process them. However, the ability to recognize, feel, process, and release emotions will enable you to function in a more positive and successful state so you can live free to create the life you desire.
Join me to learn more about emotions. This information will transform your day to day life and give you the tools you need to process emotions in a healthy and effective way. These tools can be used for all ages and are very effective.
February 16th 2023 7pm Self-Care with the Premium Starter Bundles: (Zoom)
This class will be fast-paced and fun! I am going to give you quick tips on how to maximize your PSK this season. Come get some suggestions for oils and products you can use every day to address some of the most common wellness problems and find ways to use them to enhance your self-care.
February 23rd 2023 7pm PST Living Well Through Menopause: (Zoom)
Each stage of menopause - peri, meno and post - has its own unique demands on our mind and body. This class will look at the mind, body and emotional supports you can use to live well through all the phases of menopause
Zoom Link for All Clasess not hosted in the Facebook group is below
This happy group of people are all here to work on our wellness, with the help of some terrific Young Living Products. Join the group to be first in the know about new education opportunities, new product launches, and some pretty fabulous draws!
Well that's it for February! Stay on top of ALL the news and supports by checking in at New Perspective Oilers FB Group OR New Wellness Perspective website.
I wish you a February filled with love and well-being. As always if you have any comments or concerns pop me an email at hello@newwellnessperspective.com
us help you nourish your mind, body and soul with self-care essentials that keep you looking and feeling your best. Order early to earn up to $248 worth of self-care goodies, plus points and product credits to spend on your faves.
