Tis the season for all the deals, shopping, and gift guides galore. This year I thought I'd pull together a round-up of 6 thoughtful gift ideas for someone who leads a high-stress life or is struggling with anxiety.
1. Candle
Who doesn't love a beautiful, high quality candle? Aromatherapy can have an incredibly calming and relaxing effect on the body mind. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping
Make sure it has clean ingredients. if a candle is cheap, brightly colored, and has a strong scent it's probably not clean. (Unfortunately this is most of the candles sold at big box stores).
Look for 100% soy wax, bees wax, or coconut wax and a 100% cotton wick
Check the ingredients. If you see the word "Fragrance" that's not a good sign. Instead look for something that's made with 100% pure essential oils.
The best scents for anxiety reduction are lavender, sandalwood, clary sage, and ylang ylang. Lemon and rose are also great mood boosters.
Recommended: The Serene candle from Slow Made has lavender, chamomile, and white sage and was made with meditators in mind. Slow Made is a sustainably minded company. All shipments are carbon neutral and for every order, a tree is planted.
2. Self Development Books
Here are a few of my top picks:
The Four Agreements - An incredible read for the anxious overthinker
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success - Grab this for your workaholic friend who can't slow down.
Altered Traits - For the analyst who is forever learning
The Body Keeps The Score - For the person who is on a healing journey (trauma specific).
3. Adult Coloring Book
Adult coloring books are an incredible tool to help refocus your attention during times of stress, worry, or looping thoughts. Here are some great options.
Out of your mind - This one has uplifting journal prompts that serve as a positive distraction for anxious minds.
Hand Lettering for Self Care - Perfect for the creative perfectionist in your life.
Mandala Coloring Magic - A durable and beautiful option for the detail-oriented type
4. Online Fitness Membership
Commune Yoga - Pre-pandemic I practiced at Commune's gorgeous studio in Seattle. When everything shut down, they went virtual and have continued to build out their platform ever since.
You can expect a wonderful variety of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement that caters to all bodies and all levels. 7 new classes are added weekly to their ever-expanding library of classes. The platform is laid out so well and the classes are from a crew of good people who really know their stuff.
Annual memberships available.
5. Weighted Blanket
You know how babies love to be swaddled and cuddled? Well, so do adults. Weighted blankets create a cocoon of comfort that emulates the sensation of a warm hug.
They can help with insomnia, ADHD, sensory disorders, stress, and anxiety. Look for one that is about 8-12% of your body weight.
Weighted blankets can be pretty spendy but Luna has a variety of options that are high quality and affordable.
6. The Motherhood Bundle Hypnosis Audios
Inspired by my own pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience, these hypnosis audios are designed to help stressed or anxious mama's feel calm, confident, and capable throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Choose from 4 bundles
The pregnancy Bundle
The Birth & Beyond Bundle
The Thriving Mama Bundle
The Full Motherhood Bundle
Hi, I'm Ellen - spiritual hypnotist and transformation specialist...
I believe that inner work is life's most important work, but it shouldn't take a lifetime. I help people overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma by putting them in touch with their most powerful tool, their subconscious mind.
Visit www.ellenhaines.com to learn more.
Ready to embark on your own personal journey of self-discovery and healing?