Lavender: The Single Mom's Stress Management Secret

Every day single moms deal with the stress of parenting alone. We have to worry about taking care of all the details of life for ourselves and our children. Financial pressures, health care, work, and dealing with the ex are all a part of solo parenting.

Some single moms may even decide to go back to college or start a business which adds to the pressure, causing more stress. Even though these activities are for a better future, the present is filled with a little extra stress that may be temporary.

Stress is manifested in several ways including insomnia, headaches (migraines and tension), ulcers or other stomach ailments, as well as skin blemishes.

No matter what kind of stress it is, it affects the mental and physical health of single moms everywhere. I have personally found that lavender is one of the best non-pharmaceutical solutions to relieving the stress and getting on with life.

Sometimes single moms are pretty strapped for cash, but don't let that be an excuse for having good health. Reducing your stress is worth every penny spent on natural, drug-free solutions for stress.

But just in case you want to know the types and average cost of lavender lets take a look.

Oils - Price ranges between $3-12
Lotions - $5-$25
Pot Potpourri - $1-$4

For a more concentrated and/or organic product the prices are higher but because you use less it lasts longer. Essential Oils range from $12-$25 and Organic lotions range from $$20-$40.

Lavender can also be found in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and sprays.

Using lavender doesn't have to take up any extra time or effort. As a single mom I don't always want to add yet another thing to my routine. So I have found a few lavender products that integrate well into my life.

The first thing I looked for was lavender oil. Having this oil in my cabinet or by my bed makes it easy to grab and dab. I rub a little oil on my temples or wrist when I am feeling stressed at my desk or when I can't go to sleep right away.

Potpourri is as easy as pouring in a decorative bowl and sitting on a nightstand or counter. A lavender spray can be used on my pillow and sheets for a restful nights sleep.

Another way to use lavender is to either purchase lavender lotion (organic) or adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to my unscented lotion. Keeping a bottle in my purse, at my bedside or at my desk at work and using as needed keeps my stress level down.