Give the Gift of Mental Health: 5 Present Ideas
3 days until Christmas! Are you done with your shopping? Many of us are struggling to come up with gift ideas our friends and family will love.
With this in mind, here are some very thoughtful, practical and creative gift 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 can help 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, adult coloring book, lego set, or modeling clay. Creating art has a meditative and calming effect as well.
3. Journal
Some people need to write things down in order to process them. You can find really nice journals for under $20 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 and calm with a subscription to a meditation and mindfulness app. Some great apps are Insight Timer, Headspace, and Calm.
5. Books to Grow Mindset
Growing your mindset is the gift that keeps on giving. There are many wonderful mental health books out there that can shift a person from more of a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.
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