It can be easy for life to become overwhelming and therefore it is important to look after ourselves and to look out for others. Events in our lives can impact all of us differently, often being influenced by how we are feeling and our own personal issues. The result is that there are many people at any one moment who feel anxious and down, and in desperate need of a good pick-me-up. A small token gift can go a long way to supporting somebody you love with their mental health and well-being. There’s the added bonus that gifting makes us feel great too, never mind if you’re the one receiving the gift. So, whether it’s a little token of appreciation, or an expensive indulgence, there are plenty of gifts out there that can support mental health and well-being.
Time
It might sound obvious but in our busy lives it can be easy to overlook the simple act of giving someone your time. You could help someone accomplish a task they have been trying to complete, or take someone out for an activity. The added bonus being that it has been shown that being outside and exercising can significantly reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and improve mood and overall well-being.
A walk or picnic can be a simple way to show someone you care about them, and will hopefully leave you both feeling more relaxed.
Escape into a great book!
Let’s continue with the basics. Books are always great gifts! In the world of mental health, there are two kinds of books you might want to explore. Firstly, the self-help style books that you’d typically think of. There are some fabulous ones out there right now, really quirky and interesting. Might I suggest The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F* by Mark Manson, or Untamed by Glennon Doyle? Alternatively, if you want some escapism, then fiction or poetry books might be your best bet. For an even better twist, sign the front cover with a little message of love.
We’re not done with books just yet (sorry!). There’s a new trend out there for both journaling and adult colouring books. Both are wonderful mental well-being tools. Whether you’re interested in buying a guided journal (which is basically therapy from your couch) or a Game of Thrones colouring book, you’ll be able to find anything you’re looking for on the internet, believe me.
Wonderful gifts to wind down...
Yoga mats, scented candles, and bubble baths. What do all of these have in common? They’re relaxation aids! We’re all different, and therefore find different things relaxing. Whether you like to relax by contorting your body into twists and binds, or by soaking in the bath, both are super aspects of self-care. Self-care is anything we do to take care of ourselves, to refill our bucket (if you will). You can’t go wrong with a nice scented candle if you’re not sure what the gift-ee would like, in my own opinion.
There are plenty of little relaxation aids you can gift to someone that can even fit through their letterbox. Bracelets, positive affirmation cards, posh teabags, and whatever else you could think of! It doesn’t have to be a lot to show the person you care about them.
Looking to spend a little more?
On the other hand, if you’re wanting to splash the cash, here are a couple of ideas! Weighted blankets, and I cannot stress enough how amazing these are, are used to help with anxious feelings. Previously used as a relaxation aid for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, they have recently broken into the larger market. The feeling of deep pressure helps support relaxation. They’re not cheap, mind you. But they’re ace! We highly recommend the Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket. Similarly, alarm clocks that mimic a sunrise are great gifts for people suffering from mental illness. It helps you to gently wake-up and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, giving you the best start for the day ahead.
At the end of the day...
Any thoughtful gift can help support mental health and well-being. Often, just the fact that somebody has thought of you enough to send a gift can be a significant boost. If you’re the one suffering from poor mental well-being, then hopefully this blog post has given you some ideas of what you could add to your own Giftwhale wish list - friends and family will want to show you love so don't be afraid to ask for something for yourself.
Disclaimer: No gift can replace therapy or intervention by professionals. If you need help, then please do reach out and get the help you need.
