Are you having trouble deciding what holiday gifts to buy people this year? It is not surprising. First of all, you may have lost touch with people due to keeping your distance because of COVID-19. Second, many people aren’t doing the same things they used to due to staying home, which makes gift-giving more challenging. 

One thing is for sure, it’s hard to imagine everyone on your holiday list couldn’t use more support with reducing their stress level. 

That’s why I made your life easier by selecting this gift guide to help your loved ones stress less. Show them your thinking of them. Ditch the cheeseboard you have in your shopping cart and give them the gift of less stress. 

Give them something they didn’t realize they needed. Make their life a little easier during these challenging times. Give the gift of less stress this holiday season because we all need it now more than ever.

Holiday Gifts For Stress Relief 

1. The Weighted Blanket:

Weighted blankets can be beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and much more. Weighted blankets provide gentle pressure to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. Instead, the blanket helps your body release calming hormones such as oxytocin, melatonin, and serotonin. 

When combined, these chemicals relax the body and reduce stress. The gentle pressure of the weighted blanket provides a sense of security, slows your heart rate, and can even lower your blood pressure. All this from a blanket! People are raving about weighted blankets as they’re quickly becoming a staple item to sleep better and reduce stress.

The All Season Weighted Blanket. Including a bamboo cooling side for sweaty sleepers

Customer Review: “It is very comforting and helps me sleep better. It does make getting up harder.”

Custom Cotton Mosaic Weighted Blanket to Match Their Style with 12 different patterns

Customer Review: “It is very comforting and helps me sleep better. It does make getting up harder.”

2. Humorous Epsom Bath Salt, Christmas Gift, Bitch Relax

A little humor goes a long way when stress is high. Bath salts can help relax muscles and soothe achy joints. After a long day of pushing the body to its limit, bath salts can feel very rewarding. Taking a bath to relax is underrated. Throw your favorite feel-good movie on your computer or phone, play some soothing songs, or just enjoy the peace and quiet.

Gift yourself some bath salts or your loved ones to melt your stress away. These particular bath salts have the added benefit of being funny. In other words, bitch relax (love it!).

3. Bedphones Sleep Headphones

Headphones so comfortable you can wear them to bed. These headphones are ultra-small and covered in soft foam, Bedphones’ patented on-ear design lies flat on your pillow. Fall asleep comfortably to your favorite soothing music, podcast, or block out the snoring of your loud partner with a relaxing white noise app. 

Customers Review:

“I have searched for and tried many different wireless earbuds and nothing was comfortable, as I am a side sleeper. I am so thrilled to have Bedphones now and am sleeping soundly and comfortably through the night. The sound is great and I cant tell that I have anything on due to the comfort. I pair these with the calm app and sleep like a baby. These are so worth the money and I highly recommend!”

“Since receiving my bed phones and loading the perfect sleep music to my phone I’ve enjoyed the BEST sleep. My husband snores, and while the bed phones do not completely drown the noise out, it seems to just blend into the music. I am no longer being abruptly jerked out of sleep due to the noise coming from the other side of our bed. Thank you, Moonbow, for a product that has made it possible for me to have a good night’s sleep and which may have saved my husband’s life!”

Poor Reviews: 

“After about a year the battery life deteriorated. Works only about 7 hours – not a full night’s sleep.”

“I am concerned they may come off too easily”

4. Linen and Pillow Spray

These have been my favorite go-to for years to help me power down and sleep like a baby. Once you spray your pillow with soothing scents it triggers your mind and body to relax. 

Marpac Yogasleep | Premium Aromatherapy Linen and Pillow Spray Natural Essential Oil Blend for Sleep and Relaxation

Pillow Potion- Lavender Mist

Spritz on pillows & bed linens for a deep feeling of relaxation & a comforting, peaceful night’s sleep. This spray included essential oils which help naturally help you fall asleep.

Customer Review: WOW! My bedroom is a spa. To say this smells phenomenal is an understatement. The scent isn’t to heavy or intense and it doesn’t leave any residue on my sheets and silk pillowcase. It lasts a long time and really makes my whole bedroom smell so nice.

Pillow Spray/mist, Sleepy Head 100% Natural with Lavender, Frankincense and Chamomile 

Calming lavender has been blended with soothing chamomile and frankincense- a powerful combination to de-stress and unwind.

Customer Review: Could not be happier. Smells amazing and just about to order another one – the bigger size! I have fallen in love. Thank you so much! Super fast delivery too, packaged beautifully. Very very happy.

5. Give Em’ All the Self-Care They Need with a Self-care Gift Box

These gift boxes included essential self-care and pampering items sure to relax even the biggest worrier. Show them they are loved with items such as body oil, candles, french green clay face mask, bath salts, lip products, sweet treats, bath bombs, hair masks, hand & feet masks, jewelry, fragrances, serums, facial wipes, sprays, essential oils, body scrubs, and more.

Natural Spa Box Self Care Kit Gift 

Customer Review: “Beautiful gift set bought for a friend’s birthday since we couldn’t see her during quarantine. She loved every product and appreciated the at home spa day.”

Self Care Christmas Mystery Box 

Customer Review: “Purchased 2 Regular-sized Christmas Mystery boxes. And I definitely enjoyed opening them. Enjoyed the variety and can’t wait to gift them for Christmas to loved ones. I’m sure they’ll love it!”

Mental Health Self Care Package for Her – Self Care Box For Women Stress Relief Gift 

Customer Review: “I purchased the mental health self-care box for our daycare provider and couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out! The turn around time was excellent, the box is super cute and the items are quality. I will definitely be ordering again!”

6. Sound Machine

Holiday gifts are extra special when they improve someones life. Give the gift of sound for a night of better sleep and relaxation. White noise promotes relaxation before sleep by providing a constant, soothing sound. Stop your thoughts from circling in your head and allow your mind and body to relax.

Sound machines are also helpful for those who have a snoring partner or a noisy neighborhood. Help your loved one hit the pillow with confidence knowing their sound machine will gently drift them off to sleep with no distractions.

DUET WHITE NOISE MACHINE WITH NIGHT LIGHT AND WIRELESS SPEAKER

Featuring 30 sound options including white noise, pink noise, brown noise, fan sounds, nature sounds, and 8 lullaby tracks. Stream your favorite sleep soundtrack, podcast, or music from your smartphone directly to the Duet speaker wirelessly.

Dohm Classic Sound Machine

Customer Review: A peaceful sleep at last Review by Sherri R. on 18 Jul 2020review stating A peaceful sleep at last. This is the 2nd Dohm I have purchased. My boyfriend fell in love with mine, so I bought him one for his birthday. So much better than those other sleep noise machines. Really blocks out noise…”

GO™ TRAVEL SOUND MACHINE The Yogasleep GO provides great sleep anywhere with features designed for travelers. 

Customer Review: “The size of this machine is perfect for traveling. There are a number of sound selections to choose from but we prefer the standard sound. Its got a great volume and holds a good charge, even worked for a weekend camping trip”

7. Himalayan Salt Rock Lamp

A Himalayan salt rock lamp acts as natural sources of light and provides a relaxing amber glow. They provide some incredible benefits, such as helping allergies, breathing, reduce stress, and can help you sleep.

It’s the perfect gift for anyone who needs more tranquility and good vibes in their life!

Holiday Gifts To Reduce Stress

Holiday gifts that help reduce stress will let your loved ones know you understand their challenges. They will feel taken care of, appreciated, and loved. Don’t just give a gift to, well, give a gift. Give holiday gifts that are a game-changer for those you love. Give a gift that keeps on giving this holiday season!

Gift recap:

More Holiday Posts:

• The Holiday Gift Giving Guide To Help You Stress Less
• How To Enjoy The Holidays Without Alcohol
• Food and Holiday Stress

“It’s not a luxury to actually cultivate mindfulness. It’s becoming an absolute necessity.”
– Jon Kabat-Zinn

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The world needs mindfulness now more than ever. If you are unsure what exactly mindfulness is read here.

In its simplest terms, Mindfulness is the psychological process of purposely bringing one’s attention to what is occurring in the present moment without judgment.

Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment.

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Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis, in everything you do, can significantly help reduce stress.

In this online program, StreetSmart Wisdom: Mindfulness In The Digital Age, Jon Kabat-Zinn, scientist, author, and Founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Steve Stein, Publisher at BetterListen/WisdomFeed, discuss the ever-growing importance of mindful living in the 21st century.

Topics Discussed

Cultivating Mindfulness In The Digital Age

Mindful Parenting

The Science of Mindfulness: Telomeres, Stress, Meditation, and Longevity

Mindfulness and the Pull of Digital Distraction 

What does it even mean to “Do the Right Thing”

A Ten Minute Mindfulness Practice

Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, is internationally known for his work as a scientist, writer, and mindfulness meditation teacher. He aims to bring mindfulness practices into the mainstream of medicine and society.

He is professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he was founding executive director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine. Jon Kabat-Zinn is the former director of its world-renowned Stress Reduction Clinic. 

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Currently, most people are home more often than not due to the coronavirus. Many people are wondering how to improve themselves and find happiness and peace.

Practicing mindfulness offers an escape from thinking about the past and the future and helps you learn to focus on the present with laser focus.

If your mind and body are not connected to the present moment, stress occurs due to this disconnection.

We could all use a little more peace in our lives right now.

Equally important, is learning a new skill that will be used for the rest of your life. To be more mindful helps you appreciate the power of simply being you. There are less questions, less “what if’s” or “what could have been,” no judgment.

Tell me, what have you done today to improve your life and overall sense of being?

If you’re ready to learn how to stress less, parent more mindfully, focus less on technology and more: Use hero30 for 30% off Jon Kabat Zinn!

Let me know your experience with this program in the comments section below.

Enjoy!

photo source: pixels.com

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” –Thich Nhat Hanh

Chances are you’ve heard the term mindfulness tossed around.

Maybe you’ve heard it on a show or perhaps someone you know has described themselves as “being mindful.” Some might primarily think of it as a state of mind; others, as a practice. Regardless, millennials really need this in their everyday lives.

Mindfulness is based on the tenets of Buddhism and Eastern philosophy. Buddha used the technique to attain nirvana (i.e., an idyllic place in which there is no suffering).

Mindfulness is certainly not a new concept. The way people are embracing this lifestyle has made its way into all walks of life. According to a recent article in Time magazine, The Mindful Revolution, there are now thousands of certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructors in more than 30 countries. Millennials can benefit because it is simply a way to relax by noticing your breathing, thoughts, and surroundings.

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a psychological state where the focus is on awareness of the present; while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations rather than judging those thoughts and feelings.

The crux of this way of thinking is to avoid thinking about the past or the future, but rather, to live in the “now.”

Here’s a classic example of the mind when it is not mindful or aware of the present moment:

“Have you ever stopped at a red light while driving and suddenly had the awareness that you were driving, with no recollection of your drive up to that point?”

Chances are you got to where you were going with no recollection because your mind was thinking about 10 other things.

What am I going to eat for dinner? Was my coworker annoyed with me today? I need new clothes. I hope I remember to pay my credit card bill.

How Do You Become Mindful?

Mindfulness can be practiced at any time, anywhere, while doing anything.

Intentional paying attention to the moment without judging it or holding on to it is all that is needed.

Often, when people are trying to be more present their mind may wander. So, they toss out the whole idea and convince themselves they cannot be mindful.

The good news is, you will think about things other than the present moment dozens of times during a mindfulness practice, that’s okay. 

The trick is to stay calm, take deep breathes and remind yourself that this is normal.

Then, continue practicing while being patient and, most of all, nonjudgmental with yourself. We could all benefit from doing things mindfully, don’t you think?

Goals of Mindfulness Practice

Reduce Suffering

Decrease Tension and Stress

Regulate Emotional Response

Increase Happiness

Increase Distress Tolerance

Mindfulness means you are practicing being more present in your life. You are even being more present in the lives of those you love. When you are being mindful there is less room for stress because your living for right now.

To be mindful is to be aware of yourself being alive – to be fully present to yourself and life happening within and around you.

To be mindful is to awaken from the sleep of your obsessive thinking in your head, to the wakefulness of the sensations in your body.

Practice being mindful at least once a day for ten minutes and eventually it will become easier to block out stressful, unhelpful thoughts. Get on board with the mindful revolution millennials; you won’t be sorry.

A 15 Minute Mindfulness Practice

This is a Jon-Kabat Zinn inspired Mindfulness Meditation by Vicki Panagotacos. As you listen you learn to value the transient nature of life and realize that you can tolerate anything for the moment. This video offers you the ability to refocus your thoughts.
source

More Resources

• Mindfulness Exercise Cards
• Mindfulness Journal Printable’s
• Help others be more mindful: Mindfulness Gift Box
• Color your way to mindfulness: Mindful Coloring
• Learn Mindfulness From One Of The Best: Jon Kabat-Zinn

How do you practice mindfulness? Tell me all about the mindfulness techniques you like most in the comments below.

A balanced life takes into account the body and the mind. Both are equally essential to lessening stress.

If you decide to go on a hike but then spend the rest of your day fighting ruminating about something that angered you yesterday and eating fast food, you will likely feel sluggish and angry.

The effects of that exercise are now canceled out.

A balanced life means not canceling out good behaviors for ones that we know may cause us discomfort.

Here are five tips on how to live a balanced life:

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1. Healthy Eating

Ever wonder why you just ate the #5, with a super-sized order of fries, at your go-to fast food spot and woke up passed out on the couch three hours later?

 Your diet choices can make your stress levels go up or down. Certain foods provide comfort and actually increase levels of hormones in the body that naturally fight stress.

But, poor nutrition can weaken your immune system, leading to other problems, including increased stress levels because you’re making your body sick with toxins.

When we choose to eat unhealthy food often it can lead to weight gain, lethargy and result in guilt or shame.  

The solution: Look, I’m not saying to never treat your self to, say Taco Bell (ahhh, I love you T-bell), but making sure you stick to foods such as protein (especially fish), vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains for the majority of your diet can ensure a healthier mind and faster moving body. If you are someone who feels you don’t have time to eat healthily, consider keeping healthy snacks or meal supplement options around at all times to avoid the temptation of running out and grabbing fast food.

2. Exercise

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that in the United States over 30% of adults aged 20 years and older are obese and over 70% qualify as overweight.

There are many reasons for this such as inactivity, poor genes, socioeconomic status etc.

Being extremely overweight or obese is a risk factor for several negative health consequences. These risk factors include, but are not limited to, an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, sleep apnea, colon cancer, breast cancer and even infertility.

Can’t find a convenient or affordable way to get exercise into your routine? youtube.com has an endless stream of free exercise videos for all including yoga, pilates, light stretching, cardio workouts etc.

The solution: Simply put, diet and exercise.  Many studies suggest that just 30 minutes of activity that raises your heart rate per day will help your mood.

You can decide if this will be deliberate exercise such as going to the gym, for a run, or breaking a sweat by having a dance party with your kids.

Little changes matter, such as using the stairs at work instead of the escalator. Small changes can make a big difference here for a healthy brain and body.

3. Relaxation

Do you ever find that you’re driving and you suddenly get somewhere but can’t remember driving there? It’s a scary feeling and one resulting from a preoccupied mind.

Thinking about too many thoughts at once clutters our minds which renders us less effective.

Relaxing is more than going to sleep or sitting in front of the tv. Relaxation is a process that diminishes the effects of stress on your mind and body.

Relaxation techniques can help you cope with everyday stress. Everyone relaxes differently. Relaxation techniques involve focusing your attention on one thing at a time or being mindful.

Being mindful is to intentionally focus on the present, rather than thinking about the past or future.

How do you relax?

The solution: There are so many relaxation techniques, to name a few: yoga, walking, surrounding yourself in natural beauty such as the beach or a State Park, take a bath, listen to relaxing music, get a massage, avoid confrontation, and surrounding yourself with calming people in your life. These are just some suggestions.

4. Work on maintaining a “glass is half full” attitude

If you see the glass as half empty, you’re likely to feel resentful, helpless and angry. Seeing negative things that happen in life as “just my luck,” or “this is just the hand I was dealt,” causes you to miss opportunities to enjoy the little things in life and they will pass you by every day.

The solution: On the other hand, when you see your glass half full, you open the door to feeling grateful, not sweating the small stuff and enjoying life’s little pleasures like a walk in the park on your lunch break. 

You cannot stop unpleasant things from happening, but you can choose how to deal with any situation. 

This comes with deliberate practice with focusing on your thought patterns and engaging in stress reducing activities.

5. Eliminate Clutter

Clutter can cause you to feel out of control. It takes time and money to build clutter and just as much time and money to de-clutter.

Coming home to a mess causes the feeling of mental disorganization. It can minds into a state of panic and chaos.

When one is organized, on the other hand, you tend to feel more mental clarity and better focus. Dig your way out with these tips.

The solution: Separate your items into a keep, toss, sell or donate pile. If you haven’t used it within the past year, toss it or donate it!

Take the items you would like to keep and put them away in storage bins that you ideally categorize and label, in a closet or in a drawer.

Every time you take something out try your best to put it away that day. It’s easy to come home and toss something on the floor, but that’s how the clutter mounts and affects you feel flustered.

If you need more help getting organized check out this book: Click Here    

The Take Home Message

A balanced life focuses on decreasing your stress level for the health of both your body and mind. One cannot be the center of attention over the other and lead to a stress-free individual.

Modifying these stress causing behaviors and utilizing these solutions can feel more difficult than simply allowing yourself to maintain unhelpful behaviors.

It requires a bit of work on your part but in the end, it will lead to much less stress and a well-balanced life.