We all hope to have a rich and full life, but what happens when life seems a little too “full,” perhaps bursting? Our family has been in the midst of a very busy travel season over the past few months, visiting family and friends from coast to coast, and sharing our love for natural health and wellness, along the way. But traveling for days with children can sometimes be a challenge.

Having travelled together in the past, when our older children were young and our younger children were just babies, James and I were discussing today all the things that have made this travel season less stressful. Obviously, it’s easier to travel when you don’t have to worry about diapers and car seats, but it’s more than that:

• Pack a plug-in cooler with healthy snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated, avoiding messy foods, MSG, sugar, etc. Good choices might include boiled eggs, nitrate-free beef or chicken sticks, sliced veggies, rice or quinoa crackers, coconut chips, grapes, berries, cheese sticks, dried fruit, Young Living’s dried wolfberries, or Young Living’s Slique bars.
• We try not to stop for breakfast or lunch, but everyone looks forward to a nice dinner for our evening hotel stay.
• Bring along audio books, coloring books (even adult coloring books!), drawing pads, colored pencils in a zipper carrying case, journals, etc. Avoid bringing anything messy or games that have pieces that may get lost…because they will!
• Avoid coffee or (especially) soda. Remember, sticky drinks are messy spilled in the car; and, caffeine will not only cause kids to bounce off the walls, it will also stimulate the bladder, causing more frequent potty stops. Drink plenty of fresh water and make sure everyone takes advantage of potty breaks – even if they think they don’t have to go!
• Essential oils and blends can be used in a variety of ways, but they are especially useful diffused into the air. Their fresh aroma helps us to maintain focus and order. So, diffuse essential oils in the car! There are number of diffusers that will plug right into a USB port, making them perfect for long road trips! You will not be sorry!
• NingXia Red and NingXia Nitro are both must-haves when travelling! Compact for travel and loaded with nutrients, both drinks provide you with the nutrition and energy you need to stay alert and feeling good. I keep some in the glove compartment unless it’s hot outside. The kids beg for it too, but the driver has priority!

Here are a few of my favorite oils to bring with me on long road trips. I bring a lot more oils than this for our various needs, but the following oils are what I need for my own sanity…er…peace of mind…

• Tangerine is a calming essential oil with a sweet, tangy aroma, similar to orange. It is also said to help with occasional nervous irritability.
• Grapefruit has a fresh, citrus aroma that is energizing and uplifting. I also used a few drops in my water and rubbed a little on my tummy during a recent cleansing protocol.
• Peppermint has a strong, clean, fresh, minty aroma. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness. James uses this to help him stay focused and alert on the road!
• Lemon has a strong, purifying, citrus scent that revitalizes and uplifts spirits. Employers, including Vanderbilt University’s Emergency Room staff, have found that diffusing Lemon essential oil in the work place helps with the accuracy achieved at work, as well as the overall positive attitude of employees. It’s great in the classroom too!
• Peace and Calming® is a gentle, fragrant blend. When diffused, it helps calm tensions and uplift the spirit, promoting relaxation. Ask any mom who has used it on the feet of a fussy toddler!
• Vetiver is one of my favorites. A.K.A. “psycho chick oil” because it helps me relax when I feel like I’m on overload. As soon as I open a new bottle, I pop a roller ball on that baby, rub it on my neck and temples, inhale the intoxicating, earthy scent, and I’m ready to tackle anything!

While the above oils are the most economical choices for everyday stress and concentration, my absolute favorites are Sandalwood, Neroli, Frankincense, Present Time, and Brain Power. You can bet that I will almost always have one of these oils in my purse at all times!

Okay, now I need to get back to the tasks ahead. However, I do want to remind you that the best way to secure these oils for your household is by ordering a Young Living Premium Starter Kit. You’ll get three of the oils mentioned above (11 oils in total, plus a diffuser); plus, when you order this kit through me, I will send you a few goodies in your Common Scents welcome packet! Bon Voyage!

Note: Certain Young Living essential oils are labeled as “supplements” and are for internal use. This may not be true with other brands, as lower quality oils may be toxic. CLICK HERE for more information about red flags to look for when choosing an essential oil brand. I personally only recommend Young Living essential oils for internal use, since I know and trust their quality and purity.