Let’s face it — watching a friend or family member struggle with their anxiety is tough. When someone’s worry meter is off the charts, it often interferes with their ability to live a normal, happy life. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to help, from recognizing the signs of their anxiety to encouraging them to see a mental health provider.
Another way to show your love and support? Giving them a thoughtful gift that promotes rest and relaxation. After all, nothing is better than the gift of stress relief. Keep reading for 10 calming gift ideas that will help your loved one rejuvenate their mind, body and soul.
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1. Weighted Blanket
We’ve all had restless nights where, despite feeling utterly exhausted, we just can’t seem to fall asleep. If your friend’s anxiety causes them to toss and turn at night, help them achieve a better night’s rest by gifting them a premium weighted blanket. These ultra-calming blankets are designed to simulate the feeling of being hugged, increasing the production of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (aka, the cuddle hormone).
2. Therapy Dough
Anyone who has ever played with Play-Doh as an adult knows that it can be a surprisingly relaxing activity. The repetitive act of kneading dough makes us feel more grounded, easing our stress and giving us a sense of satisfaction. So, why not give your loved one some soothing therapy dough to help them find peace? These fidget-friendly doughs often contain relaxing aromas — like eucalyptus and lavender — to help relieve stress.
3. Roll-On Essential Oils
Speaking of relaxing aromas, has your anxious friend tried aromatherapy? While it might sound dubious, there is some evidence to suggest that certain aromas can improve our health and well-being. For instance, one study found that participants who were exposed to the scent of peppermint experienced a reduction in pain and anxiety. If your friend is an essential oil newbie, consider gifting them a pack of roll-on essential oils that provide stress-relief on the go.
4. Herbal Tea Sampler + Positive Mantra Mug
Herbal tea is a great way to calm down before bedtime and introduce a little more Zen into your daily routine. If the anxious person in your life isn’t a big tea drinker, help them find a new favorite with an herbal tea sampler. Specifically, look for a tea sampler with chamomile, mint, lavender, rose and other tea varieties that are known for promoting rest and relaxation. If you really want to spread some “positivi-tea” into your friend’s life, pair your tea sampler with a personalized mug with a photo or a positive mantra.
5. Anxiety Journal
Journaling for anxiety relief can be beneficial for several reasons. When your mind is racing, getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper can help declutter your mind, making it easier to sleep. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can also help hold you accountable to your hopes and dreams. For best results, seek out a journal or notebook that will lift your loved one’s spirits. Whether it’s an eye-catching design or a pretty color, your loved one is more likely to write in a notebook that makes them happy whenever they look at it.
6. A “Sweet Dreams” Care Package
If your loved one is having trouble sleeping at night, consider sending them a care package designed to help them wind down before bed. In your care package, include items such as melatonin, soy candles, lavender pillow spray and other bedtime essentials that promote rest and relaxation. Don’t forget to include a sleep mask! For maximum stress relief, choose a weighted eye mask that uses the power of deep touch pressure stimulation.
7. DIY Hot/Cold Pack
Looking for a homemade gift idea for someone with anxiety? If you have basic sewing skills, make a hot/cold pack filled with flax seed or dry rice. These nifty packs can be warmed in the microwave or chilled in the freezer, providing instant stress relief through heat or cold therapy. Hot/cold packs also come in handy for soothing headaches, muscle tension and other physical symptoms of anxiety.
8. Crystal Geode Air Plant
Ever notice how plant parents seem to be more relaxed than everyone else? Turns out, plants can have a positive impact on our health and well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, surrounding yourself with indoor plants can make you feel less stressed and more comfortable in your home or at the office. Why not add some tranquility to your friend’s room with a crystal geode air plant? Attached to a beautiful geode crystal, these hardy little plants are insanely easy to care for and are sure to brighten up any space.
9. Positive Affirmation Cards
Empower your anxious friend with a pack of positive affirmation cards that they can use on a daily basis. Often used in cognitive behavioral therapy, positive affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself every day to help challenge negative thoughts. The idea is that by repeating these phrases daily, you’ll eventually start to feel calmer and happier in the long-term.
10. Jigsaw Puzzle
During the height of the pandemic, jigsaw puzzles practically flew off the shelves as people looked for ways to alleviate their stay-at-home anxiety and boredom. Not only are jigsaw puzzles good for the brain, they’re also a meditative activity that can help us keep our minds focused on the present. If you’re thinking about buying a jigsaw puzzle for your friend, be sure to choose one that isn’t too difficult.
No matter what type of anxiety your loved one is struggling with, these gifts can go a long way in helping them feel more calm and restful. Even if your gift doesn’t eliminate their anxiety, your anxious friend is sure to appreciate the gesture. Simply knowing that they have your unwavering love and support is a stress-reliever in itself!
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