|
|
From busy work schedules to familial obligations, there’s no shortage of daily stressors. For many people, these stressors can seriously impact mental health — studies show that about 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, every year. To help manage stress, more people are emphasizing the importance of self-care.
While there are many ways to indulge in self-care, one of the most popular forms involves mental health gifts. Put simply, a mental health gift is a product designed to boost mindfulness, wellness and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to improve your own mental wellness or support a struggling loved one, these gifts can be highly effective. Let’s explore some popular self-care gift ideas and how to find the best product for you or your loved one’s needs.
Exploring the Benefits of Mental Health Gifts
Before we review common mental health gifts, it’s important to understand how they differ from regular gifts. General gifts can be anything you like or find entertaining. Mental health awareness gifts, on the other hand, are specifically designed to boost mental wellness and sometimes even physical and emotional wellness. While they can be fun, the priority is self-improvement rather than entertainment.
So, how do these products improve mental well-being? Some may use scientifically proven methods, while others may include self-help tips and tools that promote long-term growth. Although every gift is different, most self-care products promote the following:
- Stress relief. Self-care products help relieve stress using methods such as distraction, aromatherapy and pressure stimulation.
- Mood improvement. By reducing stress, mental health gifts can also improve mood and happiness.
- Self-reflection. Many mental health gifts encourage the recipient to reflect on their strengths and consider how they can grow.
- Positive thinking. In addition to promoting self-reflection, self-care products may boost positive thinking.
Now that you know the benefits of mental health awareness gifts, let’s examine some popular products.
Self-Care Essentials: Products to Nurture Mental Health
Are you looking for gifts for someone with anxiety and depression? Or perhaps you’re interested in a self-help product to improve your own wellness. Either way, these 10 mental health gifts will help you reach your goals:
- Stress balls. Stress balls are simple yet effective gifts known to reduce anxiety. Generally made of malleable materials (such as rubber), they give you something to fidget with during high-stress scenarios.
- Weighted blankets. Weighted blankets use deep pressure stimulation to encourage relaxation. According to some studies, people with anxiety have reported reduced stress and better sleep after using a weighted blanket.
- Aromatherapy diffusers. According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, essential oils can lower stress levels, improve mood and even relieve headaches and nausea. A common way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils is through aromatherapy diffusers, which release scents into the air. Popular scents include chamomile, lavender and peppermint.
- Adult coloring books. Adult coloring books have seen a recent surge in popularity, proving that coloring isn’t just for kids. Also referred to as art therapy, these coloring books encourage the user to focus on an image and get in touch with their creativity, which helps distract from stressors.
- Light therapy lamps. These lamps simulate natural sunlight, which is known to improve mood and energy. While you can use them year-round, they’re especially helpful during winter when the days are darker.
- Meditation apps. For years, people have used meditation to clear their minds. If you haven’t tried meditation before, it can be difficult to get started. Meditation apps can guide you through different types of mindfulness exercises and teach you how to engage in the practice. Keep in mind that these apps generally require a monthly paid subscription.
- Gratitude journals. Gratitude journals use thoughtful prompts and mindfulness exercises to help you think positively. They also encourage you to dive deep into your thoughts, which promotes better self-awareness and introspection.
- Skin care materials. Although skin care centers around improving physical appearance, it can also boost mental and emotional well-being. For example, the act of applying facial masks and exfoliation products may promote relaxation.
- Self-help books. Self-help books offer guidance on how to navigate and improve your life. These books cover a wide range of topics, from managing anxiety and depression to fulfilling your fitness goals.
- Experiences. Mental health gifts don’t always have to be products; they can also be experiences. There are many real-world activities known to improve holistic wellness, such as massages, yoga sessions and meditation classes.
With so many different mental health awareness gifts available, you might wonder how to decide what to buy. The answer depends on the recipient’s unique needs, whether that’s yourself or a loved one.
Personalized Self-Care: Finding What Works Best
Selecting a mental health gift should be a personalized process. Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing gifts:
- Individual interests. Try to choose a product that aligns with the recipient’s personal interests. For example, someone who enjoys reading and writing may appreciate a gratitude journal.
- Stressors. In addition to personal interests, consider any stressors or mental health conditions. For instance, say you’re buying a gift for a friend with anxiety; you should look for products geared toward reducing anxiety, such as weighted blankets or stress balls.
- Budget. Aim to stay within your budget, and be careful not to go over the recipient’s budget. For example, don’t buy someone a gift that requires a monthly subscription if they can’t afford it.
The more thought and consideration you put into your gift, the more helpful it will be.
The Art of Self-Care Gifting: Treating Yourself and Others
From reducing stress levels to encouraging positive thinking, there are many benefits of self-care gifting. However, self-care isn’t a comprehensive solution. While an aromatherapy set or a coloring book can temporarily alleviate stress, these products won’t cure mental health conditions. For the most effective results, it’s best to pair self-care methods with professional support.
At FHE Health, we have a team of mental health experts who are familiar with a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. We can recommend helpful self-care techniques and gifts and provide support designed to boost long-term wellness. Contact us today to get in touch with a mental health practitioner.
