For those of us who struggle with mental health disorders like anxiety, supportive friendship and understanding from the women around us is a life line. I know I am truly blessed to have such incredible women in my life who are always just one text, call or knock on the door away in times of crisis. In recent years, I have given and received various shop bought and handmade gifts which offer support and comfort during those particularly tricky times. Self care products to help relaxation, gifts to promote self-love and mindfulness and books for guidance (knowledge is power after all) and healthy mindset. Keep reading for 15 of my favourite gift ideas to give to loved ones with anxiety.
A wonderful thing about being a woman, is the empathy, bond and kindness we share with each other through friendship. Studies have shown we need female friendship to thrive, with evidence showing the support and friendship of other women even increases our chances of healing from illness. How incredible is that!?
A gift from a loved one is a gift for your happiness.
Richard Bach
For those of us who struggle with mental health disorders like anxiety, supportive friendship and understanding from the women around us is a life line. I know I am truly blessed to have such incredible women in my life who are always just one text, call or knock on the door away in times of crisis. In recent years, I have given and received various shop bought and handmade gifts which offer support and comfort during those particularly tricky times. Self care products to help relaxation, gifts to promote self-love and mindfulness and books for guidance (knowledge is power after all) and healthy mindset. Keep reading for 15 of my favourite gift ideas to give to loved ones with anxiety.
An Anxious Society
Mental health disorders such as anxiety have been affecting society for generations, but today we are suffering more than ever. In a recent survey, 1 in 6 people in the UK stated they had experienced some form of ‘neurotic health problem’ during the previous week, with the most common experienced being anxiety and depressive disorders. Statistics also showed that more than 1 in 10 of us (men and women) are likely to have a ‘disabling anxiety disorder’ at some stage in our lives. (Source: anxietyuk.org.uk)
To me, it’s unsurprising. These are incredibly difficult times to navigate. Society is developing at a rapid pace, societal norms are evolving and technology is changing the world as we know it. I recently heard someone say something along the lines of, “in todays society, people are focusing on achievements rather than fulfilment”. This really struct home for me. What we once deemed as hobbies are now becoming ‘side-hustles’. Even blogging, once a creative hobby, is now a career and main income stream for many.
So here are my favourite thoughtful gift ideas for friends with anxiety, which promote self-love and self-care whilst supporting a healthy mindset and environment. Whether for a birthday, celebration or “just because”, there are gifts for all budgets and occasions.
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15 Gift Ideas For Friends with Anxiety
Wellness planner
A wellness planner helps you to organise and focus on your wellbeing by setting out your body, mind and nutritional goals, planning how to achieve them and monitoring your progress.
Worry diary or journal
Perfect for people who worry a lot (like me!), particularly those who struggle to let go of those worries and find falling asleep is impacted by this worry. A plain note book or journal gives a dedicated space to unload all of the worries of the day, so the mind can release and relax before bed.
Journals can also be used in the morning to complete a ‘four pages’ exercise. This involves writing four pages of whatever pops into your head that morning, to cleanse your mind ready for a focussed day.
Framed quote
Sometimes words can speaker louder than actions. A motivational quote or meaningful words personal to the recipient can be a much needed reminder to lift someone out of a thought spiral. A personal favourite of mind is, “Change your thoughts and you’ll change your world”. It reminds me that my world may look scary right now, but I can help to change that by choosing to only feed and give power to my positive thoughts.
Have you checked out the Sistabliss Tribe prints? Visit my online store.
Scented candles
Scented candles relax the body and mind through multiple senses. Choose a natural wax, such as soy or bees wax, which has been infused with essential oils to produce beneficial scents. Personalise the scents for the recipients needs. For example, lavender relaxes, orange and lemon oils can ease tension and boost mood, and peppermint cleanses the mind and can ease/prevent headaches.
I particularly love Scentered’s aromatherapy products with scented candles to calm and destress.
Get ‘DIY’ and make your own natural scented candles with the super easy tutorial: How To Make Scented Candles
Crystals
My best friend recently introduced me to crystals, giving me the incredibly thoughtful gift of a Rose Quartz crystal to help me work through self love and emotional harmony. Other crystals associated with anxiety relief include Sodalite, Kyanite, Howlite and Shungite.
Yoga mat
If your friend is yet to try yoga, a mat is an excellent tool to welcome them into the healing world of controlled movement and breathing. In addition to the physical benefits of yoga, the practice can help to slow down the mind, disconnecting us from our worries and the complexities of life, and connecting us to our bodies and the present moment. My favourite mat is this Manduka Yoga Mat available on Amazon.
Activity together
Plan an activity for you to do together which you can both enjoy. Getting fresh air, a change of environment or something to dedicate focus to definitely helps me to clear my head!
Some ideas are going somewhere new for a long walk in the great outdoors, visit a nature reserve, a day at the beach, book a spa day, book a class to try a new skill or craft, book an exercise or yoga class, go sight seeing or go camping (or glamping!).
Bath salts
Studies have shown that a bath a day can be more beneficial than exercise for easing stress, anxiety and depression. So a gift of scented soothing bath salts might just encourage your friend to set some time aside each day to dedicate to relaxation.
Make your own! Read my super easy ‘how to’ guide: How To Make Relaxing Lavender Bath Salts
Incense
Whilst it is still up for debate whether the inhalation of incense has any health benefits, associating a smell with relaxation and de-stressing can help us to feel those emotions whenever we smell the same scents. Incense sticks and a holder makes a great gift, especially paired up with other items on this list (yoga mat, tea, candles or journal).
Soothing teas
A soothing cup of tea can feel like medicine! I particularly love peppermint tea for clearing a stuffy head, green tea for digestion and turmeric tea for inflammation. Camomile is well known as a pre-bedtime tea to aid sleep. Why not put together a box of different teas to pair with a cute mug!
SOS handbook
Grab a little notebook and fill it with handy resources to refer to in high-stress or anxious moments. Examples to add to your SOS Handbook are podcasts, books, websites, documentaries, blogs and positive social media accounts. You can also add messages of support, inspirational quotes, breathing and mindfulness exercises, and other relaxing activities to do during a tough day or moment.
Soothing temple balm
Temple balm is a mixture of natural oils/butters infused with essential oils to be massaged into the temples and across the forehead. Often scented with lavender, they can be applied before bed or when feeling stressed. The scent alone can help to trigger our ability to relax and slow down.
Make your own peppermint and lavender temple balm to also help sooth headaches: How To Make Temple Balm
Spa vouchers
Spending the day in a spa with my close friends is one of my favourite treats which leaves me feeling totally relaxed and reconnected with myself. The soothing music, calming atmosphere, and wellness facilities make for the ultimate de-stressing experience, away from the anxieties of everyday life.
Microwavable scented heat bag
Heated beanbags can be bought in a variety of shapes. I particularly like those scented with lavender which can hug my neck and shoulders. Not only is the heat and scent comforting, but they also ease the pain of tension headaches – something I suffer with a lot during anxious times.
I love mine from Amazing Health, bought from Amazon.
‘Breathe’ Box
And finally, what I like to call, a Breathe Box. A selection of the gifts above, carefully selected for your friends needs, combined in a ‘go to’ box in times of crisis to encourage them to take a moment and practice mindfulness and self care.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and my favourite gift ideas for friends with anxiety. Maybe even finding the perfect gift idea for your loved one – or yourself!
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