As you celebrate the holidays and put together your gift list, this is a friendly reminder that gifts that make a difference don’t always have to be big or flashy. Consider these treasures that have been known to promote better mental health and wellness.
Books. Also known as bibliotherapy, reading can reduce loneliness and foster connection, lower blood pressure, and encourage self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Learn more about all the mental health benefits here.
Acts of Service. Consider giving the gift of volunteering in your community. Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.
Paints, brushes, and canvases. Drawing, music and writing can elevate your mood. Here are some easy ways to welcome art into your life – no talent required.
Journals. When you have a problem and you’re stressed, keeping a journal can help you identify what’s causing that stress or anxiety. Journals come in all shapes and sizes and can be beautifully bound or plain and simple.
Self-care packages. Curate a box filled with special items that comfort, heal, and relax. An assortment of teas, bath gels, moisturizing lotions. Learn how to make a self-care box.
As always, if you or a loved one need to talk to someone, call our support line at 844-YOU-OKAY. A trained counselor is waiting for your call. The call is free and confidential.
