Let’s talk about poop! Yep, I said it—poop. Everybody does it, but nobody wants to talk about it. Recently, I heard a mom (who also happens to be a doctor) share how she’s normalized poop talk in her house. When her kids go to the bathroom, she asks them about it. Why? Because it gives her clues on how their bodies are doing and what they might need to feel their best.
Let’s start with the basics:
Normal stool size: It should ideally be a few inches long—ideally between 4 and 8 inches. Think smooth, soft, and easy to pass. If you’re pooping out little balls or chunks, that’s not ideal.
Sinking poop: If your poop sinks like a rock, you might not be drinking enough water or eating enough fiber. Dehydration and lack of fiber can make things darker and denser, too.
Floating poop: An occasional floater isn’t a big deal—usually just extra gas from carbonated drinks, beans, or sugary foods. But if it’s happening often, it could point to a GI issue like IBS. If you’ve got other symptoms, check in with your doctor.
Pebble poop: Little pellet-like poops are a clear sign of constipation. It’s often diet or activity related but can also tie to hormones as we age. Up your water and fiber intake, and it should help.
Loose stool: Occasional loose stools or diarrhea are normal and often linked to something you ate or a virus. But if it’s happening all the time, sugar could be the culprit. Too much sugar (or sugary drinks like soda) can cause trouble, so try cutting back and see if it helps.
So today, here’s your homework: take a look at your 
. Yep, really. Check the texture and whether it sinks or floats. Tomorrow, we’re diving into the rainbow of poop colors. You’re excited, right?
. Yep, really. Check the texture and whether it sinks or floats. Tomorrow, we’re diving into the rainbow of poop colors. You’re excited, right? 
When the winter chill is in the air, nothing beats a warm cup of this tea packed with natural goodness to help keep your immune system in top shape! This Immunity Tea is the perfect blend of comforting flavors and powerful wellness benefits, featuring Young Living’s essential oils and some delicious, health-boosting ingredients.
🌟 Immunity Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz hot water (not boiling - keep under 165 degrees)
- 1 drop Thieves Vitality (supports a healthy immune system with its clove, cinnamon, and lemon blend)
- 1 drop Lemon Vitality (packed with antioxidants to cleanse and support your body)
- 1 drop Copaiba Vitality (helps support your body's natural responses)
- 1 tsp raw honey (natural soothing antioxidant properties)
- Juice of ½ a lemon (boosts vitamin C levels for added immune support)
- 2 star anise pods (contains natural compounds known to combat flu like symptoms!)
- 2 oz pineapple juice (rich in bromelain and vitamin C for immune health)
- OPTIONAL - 2oz NingXia Red packet for an extra antioxidant punch!
Instructions:
- Brew 8 oz of hot water in your favorite mug.
- Add the honey and stir to dissolve.
- Squeeze in the juice of ½ a lemon and pour in the pineapple juice.
- Add your drop of Thieves Vitality, Lemon Vitality, and Copaiba Vitality essential oils.
- Toss in the star anise pods for a fun visual and a hint of spice.
- Stir well, sip, and enjoy the warmth and wellness boost!
✨Winter Wellness Toolbox: Supporting Mental Health Naturally ✨
Winter months can be a beautiful season of coziness and reflection—but let’s be honest, they can also bring challenges to our mental health. Shorter days, colder weather, and the post-holiday blues can all impact our mood and energy. Thankfully, we have tools in our Winter Wellness Toolbox to nurture our mental well-being and create space for peace and joy.
Here are my top tips and Young Living products to support your mental health this winter:
1️⃣ Create a Daily Diffusing Ritual
In our world full of toxic synthetic fragrance, we don’t think of scents as being healing and supportive. But true, unadulterated plant essences like what you get at Young Living impact our mind and emotions in powerful and unique ways! The power of scent is incredible for lifting your mood and calming your mind, and there are olfactory cell receptors in every organ and tissue of your body! Set aside time each day to diffuse oils that promote emotional balance and relaxation. It can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being.
Mood-Boosting Diffuser Blends:
- “Winter Sunshine”: 3 drops Citrus Fresh, 2 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Ylang Ylang
- “Cozy Calm”: 3 drops Lavender, 3 drops Stress Away, 2 drops Cedarwood
- “Grounded Joy”: 3 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Orange, 1 drop Vetiver
2️⃣ Support Healthy Sleep
Good mental health starts with quality sleep. Your body has specialized healing and detoxing systems that only activate during deep sleep! If you aren’t getting good rest, there’s no way you can be functioning at your best. Make sleep a PRIORITY this year! Help your body wind down and prepare for restful nights by using these tools:
- NO SCREENS 1 hour before sleep: Blue light hijacks your circadian rhythm, which helps you fall asleep and wake up rested. The BEST thing you can do is put your phone AWAY at least 1 hour before you go to sleep. If you must look at a screen, wear blue-light blocking glasses so you don’t disrupt your body’s hormonal rhythms!
- ImmuPro: Provides natural melatonin for sleep support and a dose of immune-boosting ingredients. If you are feeling run-down and need a good night’s sleep - pop an ImmuPro before bed.
- Deep Night Essence - this is a new supplement specifically designed to deepen sleep, lengthen your time asleep, and help you sleep faster to get all those good benefits of restful sleep! Can take this daily or as-needed! TIP - do NOT take Deep Night Essence and then spend an hour scrolling your phone! Works best when taken immediately before going to sleep!
- Lavender & Cedarwood Essential Oils: Add a drop to your pillow, rub onto your feet, or diffuse before bed.
- Peace & Calming: Diffuse Peace & Calming about 30 mins before you start to wind down for bed! If you struggle with restless legs, rub Peace & Calming all over your legs at night!
3️⃣ Nourish Your Body with Vital Nutrients
A balanced body helps foster a balanced mind. Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for staying emotionally resilient.
- NingXia Red: Packed with antioxidants to support overall wellness and energy.
- Mineral Essence: Provides trace minerals for cellular health, which are critical for brain function.
- Vitality Drops: Keep hydrated with added electrolytes and a touch of flavor!
4️⃣ Use Oils to Calm Stress and Overwhelm
Stress can feel magnified in the winter, but essential oils can help you find calm in the chaos.
Go-To Oils for Stress Relief:
- Stress Away: Apply to your wrists and neck during overwhelming moments.
- Frankincense: Diffuse during meditation or prayer for grounding and to calm anxious feelings.
- Grounding: Helps your mental state feel grounded and willing to stay and work on solutions instead of escape hard situations.
5️⃣ Move Your Body and Focus Your Mind
Gentle movement and mindfulness practices are essential for mental clarity and emotional health. Pair them with oils for an extra boost.
- Pre-Workout Motivation: Apply Peppermint and or En-R-Gee blend to your wrists for energy before a walk or yoga session.
- Post-Workout Recovery: Use PanAway on tired muscles to keep moving all winter long.
Bonus Tip: Journaling with Oils
Pairing journaling with specific oils can help you release emotions and find gratitude:
- Gratitude Oil Blend: Diffuse while writing down 5 things you’re thankful for.
- Inner Child: Apply over your heart when processing emotions.
- Hope: Add a drop to your diffuser or apply to your wrists when setting intentions for the day.
Winter may bring its challenges, but with the right tools, we can stay strong emotionally and mentally. Remember: It’s okay to take a step back, breathe deeply, and lean into the natural support your oils provide!
