The holidays are just around the corner, and many of us struggle to come up with gift ideas our friends and family will love. With so many people dealing with stress and anxiety these days over the recession, layoffs, and the threat of nuclear war, the best gift you can give this season is the gift of mental health.
With this in mind, here are some very thoughtful, practical, and creative gifts ideas for loved ones who may be struggling with stress or anxiety:
1. WEIGHTED BLANKETS
Weighted blankets have been shown to decrease a person’s anxiety. The weight of the blanket applies gentle pressure to the body, eliciting the same response as a hug or cuddle. These blankets are also great for helping people with sleep issues.
2. ART SUPPLIES
Some people, adults and children alike, have a hard time expressing how they feel through language. But expression through art helps people get their feelings out.
Why not head to your local craft store and get your loved one something to help them tap into their creative side? It could be a paint set, an adult colouring book, or modelling clay. Creating art has a meditative and calming effect as well.
3. JOURNAL
Some people need to write things down to process them. You can find really nice journals for under $25 for that person in your life who is introspective and needs to get those thoughts, feelings, and ideas onto paper.
4. MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS SUBSCRIPTION
Practicing mindfulness and meditation has been shown to provide mental, physical, and emotional benefits. But it can be hard to get started with the practice. Help your loved one find Zen & calm with a meditation & mindfulness app subscription.
5. MIND OVER MOOD | FEELING GREAT
There are many excellent mental health books out there. I am only recommending two:
1.) Mind Over Mind, which uses proven Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) exercises to shift an individual’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviours;
2.) Feeling Great: The Revolutionary New Treatment for Depression & Anxiety by Dr. David Burns reveals that our negative moods do not result from what’s wrong with us, but rather—what’s right with us. And when you listen and suddenly “hear” what your negative thoughts & feelings are trying to tell you, suddenly you won’t need them anymore, and recovery will be just a stone’s throw away. Dr. Burns will provide you with inspiring and mind-blowing case studies and more than 50 amazing tools to crush the negative thoughts that rob you of happiness & self-esteem. This is an excellent resource using the TEAM CBT approach.
And if you or your loved one would like to explore CBT with a Registered Psychotherapist, don’t hesitate to contact me. Sometimes talking to someone can really make all the difference.
SOURCES:
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/mental-health-gifts/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gifts-struggling-mental-health_l_5fc8f6ecc5b6933ec7dd0b9e
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/gift-guide-ideas
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