“‘Tis the season to be jolly”…but what if we’re not really feeling it? 2020 has been an unprecedented year of upheaval for us all. The pandemic has led to many life changes, most of which have been out of our control. It should come as no surprise that our mental wellbeing has suffered as a result. So when it comes to selecting holiday gifts this season, where can we turn for a thoughtful pick-me-up?
Our 2020 Gift Guide aims to not only inspire and lift the spirits but to support small business during this economic downturn. So whether you have a Secret Santa budget or a little more cash, here’s a range of options to meet your every need and to foster mental wellbeing as we head into the new year.
It’s sometimes the small things that count most and the impact of this little book defies its size. There’s a tendency to view self-care as indulgent or a sign of weakness, but if we’re running on empty, what is there to share with anyone else? This book speaks to the importance of mindset, how to identify what nourishes us, and includes reminders, inspiring thoughts, easy wins and practical advice to empower oneself towards greater choices for wellbeing. Why not show someone they’re worth it?
I’ve always enjoyed colouring and adult colouring is a mindful way of achieving relaxation and a meditative state. It can be used to lower stress, anxiety, unhelpful negative thoughts, and to promote positivity – often reminding us of the simplicity of childhood. A great way to take a digital detox and to spark creativity. Let your imagination guide you but be sure to keep them away from the kids!
Know any Trekkies? This is THE perfect holiday gift for the Star Trek fan in your life! Mr. Spock shares his wisdom on focus, computers, social media, love, family, self-acceptance and more. Includes actual quotes from Star Trek characters and mindful insights about our relationships with modern life. Bringing calm and rational Vulcan thought to a universe upended, this book provides a refreshingly light yet impactful take on mindfulness and mental wellbeing.
Essential oils have long been recognised as having therapeutic benefits and aromatherapy is often used as an alternative treatment for insomnia, depression and anxiety. This gorgeous gift pack includes 5 essential oil blends designed to help with anxiety, confidence, happiness, peace and vitality. Designed for embracing life, following dreams and restoring energy, this is a small but big-hearted gift. Note: Your recipient will require an oil burner.
These beautifully presented gift boxes, each come with their own theme, or opt in for a 3 or 6 month subscription. Whether it be less stress, gratitude, cleansing, love, joy, mindfulness or relaxation you’re after, these boxes will simply delight with their combinations of eye pillows, journals, body balms, teas, bath salts, massage melts, moisturiser, candles, essential oils and more. The ultimate self-care package to pamper a special person in your life!
This is a wonderful tool produced by Resilience Agenda whose mission is to inspire people to think of their Mental Fitness just like they do their Physical Fitness. This annual diary and planner is not only a helpful project management tool but I like to think of it as a pocket coach for those tougher days. You’ll be introduced to a Mental Fitness Toolkit and receive strategies for approaching mental health in a positive, proactive and preventative way. Packed with a year’s worth of empowering and practical mental fitness insights.
After suffering crippling anxiety for many years, award winning author Ali Swift took the proverbial bull by the horns and wrote an innovative and amusing guide “My Wellness Toolbox”; a collection of 26 tools Ali used to cope and overcome. Add to the book a Rose Quartz Crystal, a Positivity Card Set, a Guided Meditation, Gratitude Challenge Postcard and Bookmark, and you have yourself a boxed gift of positivity, gratitude and all things wellness. If your budget doesn’t stretch to the whole box, you can purchase the book only for £9.99.
Sleep can sometimes become more elusive as we age. Studies have shown that weighted blankets can help to promote healthy sleep patterns (a decrease in waking up after sleep) and reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Getting better sleep can improve our productivity, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life. The Calming Blanket has a number of products for both adults and kids – in cozy different styles and colours. Family bundles are also available. Who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep?
About the author
Jacqui Edmiston is the Founder of Breathe whose mission is to empower busy humans with tangible tools to manage stress, enhance wellbeing and build the mental fitness needed to not only survive, but thrive through difficult times. Breathe uses an assessment tool to gauge resilience levels and proximity to burnout, provides 1-1 and group resilience coaching, offers the popular 8-Week Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course, and develops bespoke programmes to meet strategic business objectives in the areas of leadership, wellness, diversity and inclusion.
