A while back when I shared 25 tips to soothe a fussy baby, one reader replied by asking “what about tips for a fussy mommy?”. While she was only (kind of) kidding, I think she was on to something; moms need some strategies for nurturing themselves too! So alas I offer you a few ideas of items to have on hand for when you are feeling grouchy yourself. These are all-natural, tried and true crabby mommy remedies. I know because I am a cranky mom who has benefited from the following:

Essential Oils – Aromatherapy can be very powerful in changing your mood! There are a variety of scents available to provide calming and relaxation such as lavender or sandalwood. You can use them in a number of ways from adding a few drops to a warm bath, spritzing them into the air, or using them for a massage (be sure to dilute them in a carrier oil). A little goes a very long way so one bottle of your favorite essential oil will likely last you a long time. If you don’t own any essential oils, please treat yourself to some! They are super multi-functional and highly effective…I suspect that you will love, LOVE using essential oils!

Tea- A hot cup of herbal tea can be instantly healing and soothing to one’s soul. Some teas such as chamomile are specifically intending for inducing calm and relaxation. The nice thing about tea is that is takes only a few minutes to make for yourself, but the effects of it can last a whole afternoon. When I start to feel edgy, a cup of tea can turn things around for me rather quickly. Try drinking a cup of herbal tea at the onset of a bad mood and see what it does for you. As the weather is starting to warm up, you may be less interested in hot drinks, which is another added bonus to tea…it’s delicious hot or cold.

Rescue Remedy – The first time I heard about Rescue RemedyI was very pregnant with my second son and feeling highly emotional like woman often do near the end of their pregnancy. The first time I tried using Rescue Remedy, I didn’t realize it was in a glass bottle and I broke it while trying to open the package. I looked at the brand new $20 broken bottle on the floor and my pregnancy hormones got the best of me…I started bawling. My oldest son (who was almost two at the time) sat down next to me and started crying too. So we sat there together crying for a bit until I finally decided I should probably clean the glass up. While my first attempt at using Rescue Remedy was not successful, it has since become a staple in our home. I use it during times of high anxiety, stress, or emotion for myself and/or the kids. What is it exactly? It is a flower essence blend of five individual flower remedies that help you cope during time of emotional imbalance. It comes in a liquid, cream, or edible form. I have a travel size bottle that I tuck into the front pocket of my diaper bag so it’s always readily available when needed.

What is in your mama care kit? Any special products, tools, or tips that you would recommend for dealing with a case of the crankies?

-Sarah