Essentials for Young Athletes
Well, we’ve officially reached that stage in our parenting career when our life revolves around the boys’ sports schedules. And while part of my mama self is grieving over how fast the time goes (and how much I’m spending on MEN’S sized athletic shoes!), the other is so excited to watch them develop + support them in doing what they love.
Now, me being me, you know I always look for new ways to share how we’re using natural solutions and low tox alternatives to support ourselves in day to day adventures. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, NOTHING is more rewarding for me than feeling confident + capable in caring for my family. The natural tools I’ve come to know + trust, empower me to do just that. I know many of you are in this same season of life trying to balance all the things while prioritizing healthy living. So I thought, why not put together a little one stop shop/read to make sports mom (or dad) life a little more manageable. If you like the sounds of that, keep reading.
As always, it’s important to note that I’m sharing what works for OUR family. YOU (yes YOU!!) are the best judge for deciding what works for YOUR family. One remedy or protocol is never a sure fix for everyone or everything, and if someone else’s advice or guidance feels off in your gut then it probably is. Just remember that your success with natural solutions can vary depending on your trust in them actually working + your willingness to break free of current belief systems.
Ok now, let’s get to the nitty gritty of what I always have on hand in the bleachers and on the sidelines. I like to make sure that my kids + the other mamas know that they can come to me for all their “first aid” needs. I’m always prepped for whatever situation (mental or physical) might pop up, but my ultimate goal is to empower other families to do the same. So let’s chat about how to make that happen.
Sideline Essentials
Mama is the name, essential oil dealer is my game. Too much? Never! Fellow teammates + sideline parents come at me with all your practice + game day health concerns because I’ve got what you need (and if I don’t have it today, I’ll be sure as shit to pack it for next time!). Here’s what you can find in my travel “first aid” kit:
Even if you’re already an oil user, you may not be familiar with this hidden gem. Think polysporin but petroleum + preservative free. This natural ointment contains Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lavender, Tea Tree and Cedarwood and is great for soothing and restoring the skin. I keep this on hand for any scrapes, cuts, rashes, or other minor skin irritations that might come up. You could definitely
SWAP: If you don’t have Correct X you can pack a Lavender touch or DIY roller, or mix up my favourite Owie blend!
Consider this your one stop shop for sore muscles, bumps, bruises, strains + sprains. The Deep Blue stick combines the already amazing soothing blend with maximum strength plant-based menthol AND Copaiba oil. I love the mess free application almost as much as I love how effective it is in offering pain relief + supporting recovery.
PSA: It definitely has an icy hot sensation so if your kids don’t like that try the Rescuer roller bottle instead.
Frankincense is deemed as the King of oils and with good reason. It’s supportive both physically and emotionally which makes it a true fave in my books. Physically Frank is great for skin issues, but it’s real claim to fame is in connection to brain health. If you’re concerned about head trauma in the sports your kids are involved in this is one you won’t want to be without. Emotionally Frank is grounding + calming and I’m not sure I know anyone who couldn’t use a little extra of that in their life! I know I’ve giving alternatives for each of the products I’m listing but in my opinion there just isn’t one for this oil.
The emotional training for sports can require just as much training as the physical. Pregame nerves and anxious feelings can make or break performance, or even impact the desire to play at all! Talking to our kids is the first step because they often don’t or can’t even communicate how + what they are feeling. Then, once we’ve identified the issue, we can offer tools to help them cope. Adaptiv is a calming blend containing Lavender, Wild Orange, Copaiba, Neroli, Spearmint, and Magnolia purposefully designed to provide an aroma of calm confidence. A little swipe is sure to make all the difference!
Tamer
Does your kid get “tummy aches” on the way to a game? Or maybe they have to make trips to the bathroom before heading onto the field? Tamer to the rescue! This roller bottle is a winning combo of Spearmint, Japanese Peppermint, Ginger, Black Pepper, and Parsley Seed for digestive support, but is also great an energetic boost. Important to note here that the root cause of this physical discomfort is most likely stemming from an emotional component so a little Adaptiv (or your calming oil of choice) can help in these instances as well.
As much as our littles love their sports, the reality is that some days they will be more motivated than others…..especially when games or practices are in the early morning hours. A little roll of peppermint can provide the perfect boost of energy! Peppermint can also come in super handy on hot days because it is cooling to the body. Win Win! Oh and Mamas, if you happen to be dealing with some head tension due to stressful situations or maybe too much noise in the stands, roll a little on the temples for quick relief.
Another get up and go option: Diffuse a couple drops of Peppermint + Wild Orange to help everyone wake up on the right side of the bed!
This is a must in ANY bag, purse or backpack you might be carrying around. Clean hands without the chemicals or synthetic fragrance that typically come in these types of sprays and gels. It smells amazing, includes immune supporting properties, and is gentle on the skin.
If you like the idea of having these oils on hand + are new to oiling, I’ve put together a Sideline Essentials kit!
Click below to be directed to my doTERRA shop where you’ll unlock wholesale pricing. You’ll also score a free membership AND free diffuser!
*If you’re already a doTERRA customer simply head to your account + add these products to your next Loyalty Rewards order!
Pregame + Recovery
In my opinion, this is the biggest contributor to a successful athletic lifestyle for everyone, but especially our littles. Now is the time to lay down the foundations + incorporate healthy habits that they can carry with them for years to come. These basic principles apply to any level of sports and any degree of athleticism. We can only perform as well as we treat our bodies. And if we aren’t supporting basic needs we definitely cannot expect optimal performance. I think ultimately we all want our kids to be happy + have fun, and if they feel good while they’re doing it, they’re sporting experiences will be that much better! Here’s what I keep on hand at home to make sure our little athletes are getting the best possible treatment.
This is definitely a top 10 oil for us! Known as the Massage Blend, Aromatouch is a winning combination of Cypress, Peppermint, Marjoram, Basil, Grapefruit, and Lavender. I love getting the boys into a recovery bath (1 cup epsom salts, 1 tsp fractionated coconut oil, 8 drops Aromatouch) after a hard game or practice to help their bodies relax + rejuvenate, but it’s also great to just dilute it in some carrier oil for a quick (or long) rub down.
If you have a preferred oil you gravitate to for sleep support, please insert here. Around our house it just happens to be good old faithful Lavender. Apply a little on the feet and/or add to the diffuser for help falling asleep, staying asleep, and having an overall more restful night of sleep! If you’ve given this a try and it hasn’t been effective enough, give Serenity a try (think Lavender but on steroids). And remember as I’ve mentioned before, oils aren’t a one size fits all situation. Sometimes it can take a few tries to figure out what works for you.
FYI doTERRA’s new Serenity + Valerian stick is coming soon and would be the perfect addition to any bedtime routine!
Big crowds of people, shared equipment, stressful situations, tournament hotel stays…..sounds like a potential breeding ground for germs if you ask me! When we’re taking care of our body (good sleep, good food, etc) our immune system will be stronger, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be able to repel every sickness that comes our way. On Guard immune supporting blend
I like to apply or diffuse if I know we will be or have been exposed to germy situations (the diffuser is the first thing I set up in a hotel room!!), but if you happen to come down with something it’s also great for getting yourself healthy quicker.
Copaiba is an oil supportive to all body systems but is specifically our go to for easing pain. A few drops in the tub, diluted + applied to the skin, and/or a drop under the tongue (my favourite method) and you’ll notice a difference in no time. The extra bonus here is that Copaiba is also helping for reducing anxious feelings + helping the mind relax.
Another great internal option (dependant on age + ability to swallow capsules) to keep in your medicine cabinet is the Deep Blue Polyphenol Complex.
Sporting events are a complete overload to the sensory (and nervous) system. All the lights, noise, and distraction can take a toll on any of us but we don’t often consider this as part of the challenge our littles are facing while they’re competing. If you find your kids have a hard time focusing or could benefit from getting a little deeper into the zone, Thinker is a great roller to have on hand. This supportive blend includes Peppermint, Rosemary, Clementine and Vetiver to help promote clarity and alertness, while uplifting the mood and grounding the emotions. If you ask me, this sounds like something every young athlete could benefit from!
I know I’m not alone when I say it’s tough to keep up with the appetite of athletic, hungry, growing boys, let alone find them healthy + nutrient dense options that they actually like! Protein is crucial for building muscle, energy and stamina, and helping the body recover. Real food sources are ideal, but sometimes that just not real life. Powders are a great way to sneak in extra protein, and smoothies are a great way to pack in a whole whack of other nutrients that our kids might not be eating otherwise. There are so many shitty protein powders on the market so I love that doTERRA has an option with ingredients I know I can trust. We like to just shake it up with a cup of milk on nights we get home a little later as a quick post sports/pre bed refuel. If the kids are coming home from school hungry + need something substantial before heading back out the door to activities, a smoothie is a great option.
I thought it would be helpful to include an example of a day in the life of a little Newton athlete. Check out our game day routine below.
Other Faves
Of course there are lots of ways we nourish our bodies at and for daily sports commitments. Some of them are doTERRA, others are just what we know works well for us or products we’ve grown to love.
I hope this has been helpful for you! If you have any questions I’d love to hear from you. All the best to you and your young athletes as they grow and development both in their sports and their wellness!
