What Does Anxiety Feel Like
Like you cant breathe even though theres nothing outwardly wrong with you.
Like your insides are crumbling inward and churning themselves over and over again in your stomach until you have to puke.
Anxiety is the dread of having to do absolutely anything at all and not being able to and then hating yourself for not being able to.
Anxiety is persistent nail biting, skin pinching, overeating, cant sit still, but cant do anything productive because youre too wound up in your own head.
Anxiety is being unable to eat even though youre hungry.
Anxiety is an invisible, exhausting mental disease.
Here are some gift ideas that may really help de-stress your loved ones struggling to calm down.
Aromatherapy Bracelet With Oils $
Aromatherapy is a popular way to soothe anxiety, and this brilliant bracelet allows you to take it wherever you go. Its stylish but neutral enough to fit anyones personal style or taste. Made of lightweight and rust-resistant stainless steel, it also comes with a set of 4 essential oils to get the user started if they dont already have some. Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, and Sweet Orange promote relaxation and are believed to greatly reduce stress.
Social Anxiety Therapy Coloring Books
When we think of coloring books, we all think of elementary school kids with crayons and coloring was an expected activity. Today, psychologists now agree that coloring is a form of mental therapy and more.
We all are aware of the wonderful health benefits of meditation. Coloring books can also relieve stress and anxiety similarly to the way meditation does.
Since coloring is considered an in-the-moment-activity, it helps with keeping teens with being present. In turn, the mental health benefits are received in the way of reducing negative thoughts and anxiety-created stress.
There are many therapy coloring books on the market. For me, I prefer the coloring books which feature mandela designs as I find these designs are more relaxing when coloring.
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Final Thoughts & The Best Gift Of Them All
Finding the best gifts for people with anxiety can be a challenge. But I hope that this collection of unique gifts to relieve anxiety helps you out. Weve covered gifts ranging from Koosh stress balls, mermaid pillows, essential oils infused mini-diffuser, coloring books to the ever-popular weighted blanket.
Any one of these presents are unique ideas that are guaranteed to put a smile on your loved one or friends face! Find the products that speak or resonate with you when thinking of the people in your life as best gifts for anxiety.
As mentioned at the start of this article, perhaps one of the best gifts for someone with anxiety is simply yourself! Trust me, if you make it clear to your friend or loved one that youre just a call or a text away, this is a gift they will cherish.
The Running Theme For What To Gift People With Depression Or Anxiety
As you can tell from the above list, our friend, a lot of the suggestions for what you can “gift” someone with depression or anxiety aren’t materialistic in nature, but centre around being kind, supportive and spending time with them. Since so many people with depression or anxiety feel misunderstood, alone and isolated, this makes a lot of sense – so, if you aren’t sure what to gift a loved one who’s battling these issues, then we recommend that you start with that
All our love,
Recommended Reading: How Can I Get Help With Depression
A Yoga Mat Classes Or App Subscription
If your intended recipient prefers more active relaxation, yoga could be a good option. A yoga mat, gift certificate for classes, or a subscription to an app could help them stretch their stress out.
For those with anxiety, passive leisure activities often arent as helpful as active ones that keep their minds and bodies engaged, Kratz told Mashable. The combination of gentle exercise with a focus on positive thoughts can help ground your loved one and calm their nerves.
There are a variety of options, but she recommends a subscription to the app DownDog, which provides customised yoga sessions depending upon your preferences. Pannel also suggests virtual yoga classes, which can simultaneously mitigate pandemic-induced social isolation.
Yoga uses self soothing techniques like , breathing exercises, visualization and relaxation to improve anxiety, said Pannel. Anxiety not only affects us mentally but it does physically as well. It can cause tension in muscles and cause muscle pain. Yoga uses stretching and lengthening to help these tense muscles.
A Memory Foam Mattress Topper
These things are fantastic! A memory foam topper would be wonderful for a person who has depression so that they can be super comfortable when they are trying to fall asleep. I mentioned this before, but insomnia and trouble sleeping can be a symptom of depression.
Anything that could help them fall asleep faster or at least be more comfortable while theyre laying in bed would make a great gift.
Read Also: Blood Test For Depression Medicine
+ Thoughtful Gifts For People With Depression
What do you give to someone who is feeling down and depressed?
If youre thinking of buying a loved one or friend with depression a gift make sure its personal to their current situation.
People who are suffering from depression have a tough time doing basic daily tasks, such as getting dressed or washing their hair.
Others may put on a brave face and seem to function normally even though they are experiencing long-term depression.
Whether youre looking for a gift for someone who has seasonal depression or someone with longer-term depression, there are a few things to keep in mind
Salt Lamps For Anxiety
Exactly what is a salt lamp you may be asking? Himalayan salt lamps are actually crystals carved from amber-colored rock salt. Then they are hollowed out to fit a lightbulb inside. When lit, they display a reddish-pink, warm glow.
There is the collective belief that positive ions in the air increase anxiety, crankiness, etc. On the other hand, they say that negative ions ease stress, anxiety, and depression. In essence, salt lamps provide calmness and improves overall well-being.
Read Also: How Long Have I Been Depressed
Pura D’or Perfect 10 Essential Oil Wood Box Set
Courtesy of Amazon
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Can be used for aromatherapy diffusion or massage
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Rated USDA 100% Organic
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Some scents may be overwhelming
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Packaging is cheap and prone to breakage
Essential oils are an easy way to infuse a little calm into your loved ones worldand according to integrative mental health expert Roseann Capanna-Hodge, EdD, LPC, they dont just smell good.
Essential oils are quite effective in supporting mood, anxiety, and a variety of health issues that impact mental health, she explains, noting that some studies have shown specific oils, such as citrus oils, bergamot, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender, to have positive effects on stress, anxiety, and relaxation.
This highly rated set from PURA DOR features 100 percent organic 10mL pure aromatherapy essential oils in 10 amazing aromastea tree, lemon, lavender, sweet orange, rosemary, lemongrass, frankincense, peppermint, eucalyptus, and cedarwoodthat can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from dabbing on the skin to using in a diffuser. They also come neatly packaged in a little wood box, making them a perfect gift.
Paint By Number Or Painting Kits
I received a paint by number kit once and although I was skeptical, I have to say it was not just fun and relaxing but very gratifying to see the end result. I really got into it! I kinda think it could also fall into the category of those paint and wine nights that we used to do pre-COVID, with our friends remember those days? Anyway, makes it a very COVID-appropriate gift. I gave you a few options below and just so you know todays paint by numbers is not what yesterdays paint by numbers was from our 80s and 90s childhoods. Click below and be amazed!
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Relaxation Aromatherapy Candles $
Candles create a soothing atmosphere, and this set of six comes in an assortment of scents that promote feelings of calm. Non-toxic materials such as natural soybean wax and a lead-free wick make them safe and ideal for homes with pets or children. Though small and portable, each one burns for about 20-25 hours. Packaged in an attractive modern box, they arrive ready for gifting. Theyre perfect for creating a relaxing environment around a bath, on the dinner table, or just while winding down after the day.
An Oil Diffuser And Essential Oils
Fresh air and sunshine can help calm troubled emotions, but of course they arent always accessible. Aromatherapy can help relax your loved one in such cases, and a pretty oil diffuser with some essential oils can brighten up those days stuck indoors.
Smell is the most nostalgic of all our senses because fragrance takes a direct route to the limbic brain, where emotional memories are processed, Serani told Mashable.
She suggests that scents such as cinnamon, lavender, lemon and vanilla are helpful for people dealing with anxiety. If you dont think your gift recipient will use an oil diffuser, these scents can also be distributed via scented stuffed animals, candles, and linen sprays.
Keep in mind that essential oils can be harmful to pets and infants, so an oil diffuser may not be the best idea for friends with furry roommates. But if the only other animals they live with are older humans, then feel free to oil them up.
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A Spa Experience And Massage
Considered a luxury by most, this one is a perfect gift for practically anyone in our fast-paced, stressed out world. Time in a spa plus a massage can be especially beneficial for people with anxiety, as the calming, quiet environment helps puts the ANS in rest mode. Everything in a spa is specifically designed for comfort and relaxation, from the lighting, to the sounds, to the decor.
A massage will lessen the tension in muscles caused by anxiety, said Pannel. When oils such as lavender oil are used in the massage, it only enhances the relaxation because it triggers the brain to send signals of relaxation. And just in general, spas are all about self care. Self care is a vital part of being mentally healthy. We have to take the time to engage in self care for a healthy body and mind.
Kratz noted that going to a spa may not be practical right now, particularly for people who live in areas where the coronavirus pandemic remains out of control. Instead, you could look into in-home spa tools such as a foot spa, a handheld massage tool, or face masks .
Self Therapy Cards For Anxiety Relief
Affordable therapy in a box!
Like the sound of Talkspace therapy but want something a little more affordable?
Wrap up these Therapy cards and give someone a little self-help kit whenever they need it.
In the box there are a mix of 115 question, action and meditation cards:
Question cards get them to reflect on different aspects of their life and identify what might be triggering their anxiety.
Action cards give them tasks to do to encourage positive changes in their life.
Meditation cards will help them live more mindfully and find ways to deal with daily stress.
Those looking for self-care tools loved this box of cards, with one person describing them as a therapist in your pocket!.
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Sierra Modern Home Smart Essential Oil Diffuser
Amazon
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400 mL water tank for 12 hours of mist
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Attractive, modern design
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Compatible with Alexa and Google Home for WiFi use
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May have occasional tech difficulties
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App setup can be complicated
A WiFi-connected smart diffuser like this sleek and sexy one from Sierra Modern Home is the perfect gift for your anxious loved one who appreciates the intoxicating aroma filling a room, but doesnt need the added worry of forgetting to blow out a candle. It can be filled with a variety of stress-relieving scents and controlled via an app on their gadget , so they can choose when and how much of a scent they want injected into their space. Plus, it makes us feel calmer just to look at it, with its fluid shape and black wood grain finish.
Breathe Like A Bear: 30 Mindful Moments For Kids To Feel Calm And Focused Anytime Anywhere
Help kids with anxiety relax wherever they are
If youre shopping for a young person with anxiety, then help them Breathe Like a Bear!
More than 5 million children, aged between 3 and 17 years old, are living with anxiety.
Musician and founder of Rockin Yoga School Programs, Kira Willey, wanted to find ways kids could relax whether at home, in the car or at school.
In her beautifully illustrated book, you get 30 simple movements and breathing practices that can help little ones understand and manage their emotions.
Parents who purchased the book felt it really helped their children cope with anxiety. They loved the variety of exercises and how easy it was for their child to understand.
Relax and unwind on over 6,000 acupressure spikes
A great affordable alternative to the Aku Mat, is The Shakti Mat.
Made from organic cotton and using natural dyes, it has over 6,000 acupressure points.
At 29 inches long it can cover most peoples whole back and neck so you get great coverage.
The mat offers your loved one space to kick back and relax at the end of a stressful day, while following a guided meditation or listening to an audiobook.
Plus you can feel at ease with your purchase knowing that Shakti pay their employees in India a living wage, and give 10% of their profits to charities that support vulnerable people in the region.
Salon or spa treatment? They can choose!
You can choose the amount that you want to spend and the voucher never expires.
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Gift Card For Body & Mind Relaxing Massage
Probably the best gift for someone with depression as a good massage for 30-60 minutes can do wonders not only for body muscles but also for mental health. According to a study, a deep massage helps in increased endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine and decreases cortisol levels which is overall a good combination for reducing stress.
Advice: While you purchase the gift card, consult the expert, and go for the one which releases mental stressand focuses on relaxation.
A Meditation App Subscription
Meditation is useful in helping people manage anxiety, as it encourages them to be present in the moment rather than getting caught up in past or future worries. A subscription to a meditation app can help guide your giftee in how to incorporate mindfulness into their daily life.
There are many meditation apps that teach users how to practice it, though Torres recommends the ever popular Headspace. A Headspace subscription will provide your loved one with guided meditations, sounds to encourage restful sleep, and mindfulness exercises designed for specific activities such as cooking or eating.
Practicing mindfulness through meditation and other exercises is an important part of anxiety management, Torres told Mashable. Much of our anxiety can be attributed to replaying events from the past, or worrying about things in the future. When we are connected to the present, we get to experience the joy of living in the moment being able to observe and recognise what is right in front of us. This also allows us to focus on gratitude for our blessings, instead of our mind staying focused on our perceived deficits, shortcomings, etc.
In the end, your main consideration should be whether your loved one will enjoy and get good use out of your gift. And whatever you choose, theyll no doubt appreciate the thought and effort.
Also Check: Treatments For Depression Other Than Medication
Room Color Changing Led Lights
If your child likes to create their own space or room, theyll love these color changing LED lights. These LED color-changing lights are instant mood lifters for anyone combatting pain, anxiety, or depression.
This LED strip helps in anxiety relief, relaxes the mood and body, and helps the tiny brains unwind, so they sleep well and are ready to take on the next day.
Concert Tickets Or Another Event That Interests Them
Focusing on experiences versus trinkets is the way to go. Schedule a concert or a social event if you know that theyd love to get out more and if that helps them keep their spirits and mental health uplifted. Allison Chawla, Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist & certified life coach
BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.
Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp
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Scribble Journal Activity Cards
A simple way to check in with yourself!
Sometimes you just need to ask yourself, how are you?
Gift someone this pack of Scribble Journal Activity Cards, and they can check on their own mental health while having a little fun along the way!
This set of 20 cards feature thought-provoking questions around anxiety, confidence and a range of other emotions.
On the back of the card there are then artistic steps you need to follow, such as Draw yourself as a tree.
Each exercise is designed to help you assess your own mental state, while encouraging you to develop a positive mindset and express gratitude.