Small children are full of energy, and though it’s fun, it’s also exhausting. Sometimes you want to relax while engaging with your kids. If you’re interested, check out these five calming activities you can do with your kids.
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
Reading Corner
Choosing a book and reading with your child is relaxing and educational. Even if your child can’t read yet, you can introduce them to words, phrases, and books in general. Set time aside to read aloud to your kid.
If your child can read, you can block out 20 minutes of the day for “reading corner” time, as you both silently read different books at the same time. After 20 minutes, you all can come back and discuss the book your child read.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an ultra-calming activity that allows kids to relax while smelling some lovely scents. Place a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser and sit with your child as you two work on deep breathing exercises or yoga. If you’re new to aromatherapy and essential oils, you can follow these tips for buying and using essential oils.
Sensory Station
For young kids, sensory stations are a great way to play with different things while relaxing. The best part is that you can create the stations and play with your kids! For instance, you can fill a bin with shredded paper, uncooked rice, different types of fabric, or play dough to give your kid something to touch. As they explore different textures, you can play right beside them.
Drawing or Painting
Drawing and painting are two “never-fail” activities that kids of all ages can do! Grab some paper, crayons, paint, or colored pencils and work on a masterpiece. To elevate the experience, you can give your kid challenges, such as “draw our house” or “paint a picture of the sky,” to help them become more observant. Art is also a great form of self care and helps them to express their thoughts and feelings more clearly.
Walking
Walking is a fantastic exercise and a calming activity. You and your child can take a walk around the neighborhood or stroll through a park and enjoy the outdoors. You can even play a game of “I spy” to enhance the experience. For instance, you can say, “I spy something tall and green,” and your kid will say, “A tree!”
Kids are little energy balls that seem like they’re always on “go-mode.” However, there are activities you can do that calm yet engage your children! Hopefully, these five calming activities you can do with your kids gave you great ideas.
Author Bio
Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.
Self-care isn’t just splurging on new gadgets and outfits for a quick boost of serotonin. A little retail therapy definitely has its benefits, but self-care can also be enjoyed on a small budget because it’s about managing your well-being by tending to your needs.
It’s important to take time each week to reconnect with the present moment and yourself. This allows you to acknowledge your emotions, mental health, and physical wellness while improving your overall well-being with a little pampering.
There are thousands of ways to do this, from a weekly yoga class to browsing new releases at your favorite book store. Of course, you can pamper yourself without spending a fortune. Schedule weekly “you” time with these self-care ideas for a happier, healthier you.
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
Enjoy a Walk
Walking is an underrated form of exercise. Regular walks can improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your bones, and reduce your risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes. All without expensive equipment or a gym membership. It’s a good way to relax by yourself or enjoy with your friends, family, or pet.
Take In The Scenery
Forest bathing is a growing trend that taps into the proven health benefits of plants. All you need is to take a walk through the woods to enjoy the sights, smells, and positive energy of nature. This is a great way to enjoy self-care on a budget since Mother Nature is free!
Time in nature is hugely beneficial to your mental well-being and can improve your mindfulness practices. Even if you can’t hit the trails, you can benefit from indoor plants, gardens, or even images of green spaces.
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Dress to Impress
Wearing your favorite outfit, doing your hair, and trying a new makeup look can all help you look and feel your best. If you’re really looking for a mood boost, try incorporating some color theory into your wardrobe.
Yellow is sure to help you feel cheery, while red can give you the confidence you need to ace a job interview. It doesn’t cost a cent to dress up for yourself, though you can treat yourself to a new outfit or accessory every once in a while.
Jot In Your Journal
Journals are perfect tools for planning, processing, and creativity. Take time to journal each week and consider setting a writing goal for yourself.
You may want to improve your mindfulness, and gratitude journaling is a great way to do just that. If you’re trying to be more creative, choose a writing prompt each week or create interesting characters in your journal. No matter what you write, make sure it’s serving you and your needs.
Celebrate With a Spa Day
The classic self-care spa day lets you unwind and relax at home. Start with a soothing bath and enjoy some aromatherapy with essential oils, candles, or bath products. Then enjoy a rejuvenating facial, mani/pedi, or moment for meditation.
Whichever spa day activities you choose, schedule this time with your family so you can shut your phone off without stress. This is your time to enjoy a few hours to yourself without worrying about work, chores, and other distractions.
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Regardless of your self-care budget, choose a day each week where you can dedicate a couple of hours to your needs. Building self-care into a schedule will help you prioritize your wellness so you can be the best and brightest version of yourself.
Enjoy these additional self-care ideas and pamper yourself without guilt.
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Author Bio
Briana Marvell is a content creator from Austin with interests in personal finance and housing. When she’s not at her desk, you can find her hiking with her dog or enjoying a good book. Find her on LinkedIn & Twitter.
Aromatherapy and essential oils offer a ton of mental health benefits.
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that I only work with companies and individuals that I trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.
In this time of social distancing and quarantining, many people are feeling the negative effects of distance from their loved ones, routine and everyday life. The simple pleasures that we took for granted, like coffee with a friend, leisurely strolls around the grocery store or afternoon walks through public parks won’t be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. With all of these stressors (and more) constantly running through our minds, it’s no wonder that we need some additional at-home self-care solutions.
Especially for those that were already struggling with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, being constantly home-bound with nothing but your thoughts can lead to not-too-good feelings regarding yourself, your surroundings and your life. Though there isn’t an all-encompassing at-home remedy to stopping these negative thoughts in their tracks, there are several ways you can prioritize your mental and physical well-being while quarantining.
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One of these solutions lies in using essential oils around your home as aromatherapy.
Especially now, having a relaxing, cozy space you can truly decompress in is more important than it ever has been. These following five essential oils will help make your space, and your thoughts, much more comfortable to be around for long periods of time.
These oils can be used in a variety of ways:through diffusing, incorporating into baths or lotion, topical application with a carrier oil or inhaling the scent directly. The best way to use each of these oils is included with the description of the oils below!
Lavender
This is perhaps one of the most well-known essential oils, and for good reason. This earthy, herbaceous scent is a fan-favorite among aromatherapists for its abilities to combat the symptoms of mild depression, ward off insomnia and ease the grip of anxious feelings and thoughts.
To see how lavender can help you, try diffusing in your bedroom before going to sleep or applying topically with a carrier oil in the morning to pulse points, specifically wrists and behind the ears.
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Sandalwood
If meditation or self-reflection is included in your self-care routine, try diffusing sandalwood during your me-time. This warm, woody scent has shown in studies to increase both mental clarity and focus, making meditation easier while exposed to this scent. Sandalwood has also shown to have a calming effect on the limbic system, along with sedative and mood-calming properties that enhance quality of sleep.
If you’re experiencing a lack of energy or allover lethargy during quarantine, try incorporating a citrus scent like orange or grapefruit into your living and working space. Citrus scents like orange are known to have powerful energizing properties, with orange specifically being linked to increased feelings of happiness, energy levels and overall happier moods. A study even found the orange scent to lower cortisol levels, which leads to increased stress and anxiety.
For a much-needed burst of energy in the morning or during a mid-day slump, try diffusing in the morning and inhaling from the bottle during the day.
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Roman Chamomile
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you’ve been having trouble getting to and falling asleep, Roman Chamomile could help regulate your sleep schedule. In various studies, this herbaceous, floral scent has proved to help users get to sleep, and can even fight insomnia for better sleep.
To make going to bed a more pleasant experience, add some drops to your nightly shower and diffuse in the evenings to help get your body ready for sleep.
Jasmine
For those experiencing an overwhelming amount of emotions, jasmine essential oils have been shown to help with a variety of anxious and depressive symptoms. Not only has it proven to have a mildly sedative effect, it has been observed to have a calming effect on the brain, easing anxious thoughts, feelings and overwhelm—in fact, the scent can be “as calming as valium.” Jasmine has also been observed to stimulate the brain in certain cases, which can boost the mood and feelings of happiness.
Though there’s no way to tell when our lives will return to normal, it’s important to prioritize your physical, mental and emotional well-being during this time. This includes making yourself comfortable and feeling at-home during this stressful time—which aromatherapy and essential oils can help with. For more information on how essential oils can help with isolation anxieties, check out this visual on seven more oils and their benefits.
Emily Borst is a digital content creator who helps FragranceX create helpful and compelling stories worth sharing. Her background in digital marketing and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to eco to lifestyle. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, crafting, reading, and eating her way through Austin, Texas.
Anxiety is a common condition among moms and not just in the postpartum period.
It can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of anxiety, especially for new moms. Once you become responsible for another life, it’s natural to worry about everything. So how do you truly know when your worries are a normal part of motherhood, or when they’re a condition that requires further treatment? You can read about the specific types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms, but what it comes down to is whether or not your constant state of worry is disrupting your life.
If they are, then check out some of these natural methods for coping with anxiety from mental health advocate Brandon Christensen of Modern Therapy.
This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust. The information provided here is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice or treatment.
Everyone faces anxiety daily, but some of us live with more persistent symptoms. Anxiety is actually the most common mental health issue, reportedly affecting more than 18% of US adults. Natural remedies and lifestyle changes are a great way to remedy some of these symptoms, but they are never meant to replace or stop any treatments you are currently receiving. If you are already getting treatment, check with your doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist prior to implementing any changes.
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1. Exercise
Exercise helps anxiety by burning off anxious energy. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, there is evidence that physically active people have lower rates of anxiety and depression than those who are sedentary. The reason that exercise may improve mental health is because it helps the brain cope better with stress. The study actually showed that those who exercised regularly had a 25% less chance of developing depression or anxiety over the preceding five years.
2. Meditation
Meditation eases anxiety by slowing racing thoughts, which is a very common symptom. Once you are able to slow your thoughts down, you can manage your stress and other anxiety symptoms more effectively. Brain imaging has been used to show that meditation is associated with the activation of the anterior cingulate cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and anterior insula. These areas of the brain are involved with executive function and the control of worrying. When meditation activates these three regions, it shows a relief linked to anxiety.
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3. Journaling
Journaling is simply writing down your thoughts and feelings with the intent of understanding them more clearly. Keeping a journal allows you to reflect on the way certain situations make you feel, which can help you regain control of your emotions. Sometimes even just expressing your anxious feelings makes them more manageable. As you sit and reflect on how you are feeling, you are going to gain a lot of insight to yourself.
4. Time Management Strategies
Having too many commitments at once is a big cause of anxiety symptoms. Time commitments usually involve family, work, and health related activities. When you are able to manage your time effectively, you can focus on just one task at a time, while being sure to leave room for self-care. With online calendars, it is becoming even easier to plan your days and weeks out. This can help you avoid multitasking, which leads to anxiety symptoms.
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5. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils that are found in plants, which are used for their healing properties.Essential oils are great to smell, but can also be absorbed through the skin through massage or inhalation. It is widely used to reduce stress because certain scents, such as lavender, are known for their calming effects by reducing the heart rate in the short term. Behavioral psychologists will also tell you that if you associate a certain scent with being calm, you will naturally begin to feel those effects over time.
6. Herbal Teas
Chamomile tea is widely used as a natural remedy to decrease anxiety and treat insomnia. It is actually regarded as a mild tranquilizer or sleep inducer. The calming effects can be attributed to an antioxidant call apigenin, which is found in chamomile tea. There is direct effect on the brain, including reduced anxiety. Some people also find the process of making and drinking tea soothing.
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7. Time With Animals
Research confirms that pets can be beneficial to people with anxiety because they offer companionship, love, and support. Pets and therapy animals can help to alleviate stress and anxiety because they provide a sense of security and routine that provides emotional and social support. Pets are generally facilitators of getting to know people, friendship formation, and social support networks.
@running_in_triangles on Instagram
8. Talk Therapy
Research shows that talk therapy is usually the most effective way to treat anxiety disorders. Therapy will do more than just treat your symptoms, it will help you uncover the underlying causes of your worries and fears, help you learn to relax, look at situations differently, and develop coping skills. When you engage in talk therapy, you get the tools to overcome anxiety. If you are ready to work with a talk therapist who specializes in anxiety treatment, click here!
Author: Brandon Christensen
Brandon Christensen is a passionate business leader and mental health advocate who is on a mission to leave the world a better place than he found it. Brandon is the co-founder of Modern Therapy, a mental healthcare company that provides talk therapy services in person or online through messaging, phone, and video sessions. Brandon has been featured as a keynote speaker on mental health topics at colleges like NYU, Skidmore College, and Columbia University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ramapo College of New Jersey.
It’s natural to feel like hibernating when cold weather comes along, but it can also be a symptom of something more complex.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called SAD, Seasonal Depression or the Winter Blues, can affect anyone during the winter months (and rarely, even in the summer). It’s a type of depression that is triggered by the change of the seasons and everything that comes with it. The lack of daylight, time change, colder weather, and the increased amount of time spent indoors can all make a person feel depressed.
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and seek treatment for them. Whether you suffer from another type of depression already or this is the only time you experience depressive symptoms, don’t ignore it or brush it off as something minor. Putting up with it for a few months may be a good enough treatment for a while, but depression can be unpredictable. Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, and while it might sound extreme, seasonal affective disorder can fall into that category.
Here are seven different ways that you can treat seasonal affective disorder this winter.
*This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust. Furthermore, I am not a medical professional and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. I am simply a mother who has been there and lived to tell the tale.
1. Exposure to Light
The most common treatment for seasonal affective disorder is light therapy. Since winter is associated with a reduced amount of daylight, it’s believed that this alone can cause seasonal affective disorder in otherwise healthy people. It also explains why it’s more common in those who live farthest away from the equator.
Regular exposure to bright light is a great way to help ease the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. You can purchase one specifically designed for light therapy, but you don’t need really need a special light to reap the benefits of light therapy. You can simply keep more lights on in the house and switch to LED daylight bulbs instead.
And don’t underestimate the power of pure sunlight. While it’s true that too much sun can damage your skin, sun exposure has several benefits as well. Once daylight savings time ends, the hours of sunlight in the winter are limited. So make it a point to soak up as much of it as you can.
One symptom of seasonal affective disorder is a craving for carbohydrates and sugary, sweet foods which often results in weight gain. But choosing the right foods can actually help treat seasonal depression. Complex carbs such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables and beans will still satisfy the craving without the added sugar.
You should also try to eat several foods that contain tryptophan, which can increase serotonin levels. These include foods such as turkey, eggs, salmon, nuts and pineapple.
Coffee is something that many people, myself included, depend on to get us through each day. But too much caffeine can actually stop our bodies from producing enough serotonin. So while a cup a day is acceptable, try to avoid relying on it too much.
If you’re struggling to eat right, then consider adding an all-natural supplement into your daily routine. Making a simple change to your overall nutrition can work wonders for your mood and energy levels.
3. Aromatherapy
Photo by Drew L on Unsplash
The use of essential oils and aromatherapy is a popular one for treating depression including seasonal affective disorder. Our sense of smell has a powerful effect on our brains. By using the right combinations of scents, we can feel happier and healthier with very little effort.
You can find blends that make you feel energized, relaxed, and reduce tension and stress for a clearer mind. You can even splurge on an entire set of different scents so that you can choose a different one each day.
Aromatherapy can also help to treat symptoms of insomnia, which can reduce the production of serotonin. By incorporating essential oils into your everyday self-care routine, you can help keep symptoms of seasonal affective disorder under control.
4. Take A Vacation
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For many regular sufferers of seasonal affective disorder, a winter vacation is an annual tradition. Having something to look forward to in the winter can help to ease depressive symptoms. Make sure to choose a location closer to the equator, so that you’re guaranteed plenty of sunshine.
But you don’t have to go somewhere hot and sunny to help treat seasonal affective disorder.A spa vacation is another way to beat the winter blues. You can find a spa close to home and still experience a get-away. Relaxing at a spa and getting massaged and pampered can give you the boost you need to make it through the winter.
The only downside to a vacation is that it doesn’t last forever. The idea of coming back to the dreary winter after a vacation can cause seasonal affective disorder to hit an all time high. So make the most of your time away, take plenty of pictures and soak in enough sunshine to get you through to the spring.
5. Get Physical Indoors
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In the summer time, we’re almost always outdoors doing something. But in winter, it becomes much more of a chore and can even be dangerous to spend an extended period of time outside. This sudden drop in our activity levels and the lack of fresh air can contribute to seasonal affective disorder.
Put some extra effort into getting physical indoors. You can join a gym or sign up for fitness classes. Swim laps at a local indoor pool or simply walk around the mall. Try out a dance class or start taking yoga. There are several things that you can do indoors when the weather isn’t great outside, it just takes a little bit more effort.
Being more (or just as) physical during the winter months as you are in the summer can help eliminate that sudden mood drop when the seasons change. Plus, exercise is a great way to boost endorphin levels, which is an important mood booster!
6. Practice Hygge
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Hygge, pronounced ‘HOO-gah’ is a Danish way of life that’s recently become popular in Western culture. It basically refers to anything that makes you feel cozy and comfortable. It’s a simple concept that you’ve probably done before without even realizing. The Danish people have incorporated it into all aspects of their lifestyle and make it a priority, especially in the cooler months.
The nice thing about hygge is that there is no exact science to it. The main goal is to find things that make you feel comfortable, warm and happy and make them a priority in your life. Imagine sitting by a warm fire, cuddled up in a soft blanket with a hot cup of tea. That’s hygge. Or what about binge-watching Netflix and eating popcorn in your pajamas with your best friend? Also hygge.
Making time to practice hygge during the cold, winter months could drastically boost your mood and actually give you something to look forward to.
7. Speak to a Professional
Just like any other mental illness, seasonal affective disorder can have a big impact on your life. Just because it goes away for part of the year doesn’t mean that it’s not a problem. If you’re struggling hard, then consider speaking to a therapist or another health care professional.
Cognitive behavior therapy and anti-depressant medications are available specifically to treat seasonal affective disorder. You can find a therapist online to help you get through this winter and all the future ones.
It’s never too late to start seeking help for seasonal affective disorder. If you realize that this happens to you every year, then be proactive at the end of the summer and take steps to prepare for the grey months ahead.
Treating seasonal affective disorder can feel like we’re fighting our very nature. Like bears who sense the call to hibernate, we stock up on snacks, crawl into bed and dream of sleeping until the snow melts. But if we did that, we’d miss out on a lot of life. Don’t let seasonal affective disorder keep you from enjoying life, especially around the holidays.
Holidays can be exciting. But what about when they’re not?
For many people, the holidays can be stressful and offer more to dread than look forward to. Mothers suffering from a mood disorder can feel an added amount of pressure to make things special when they really don’t feel up to it and anxiety can worsen with all of the extra socializing. And anyone who has lost a loved one may miss them more than usual around the holidays.
Between the cold weather, long stretches of darkness and the financial strain of the holidays, it’s no wonder that up to 20% of people report suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
If someone you love is feeling down around the holidays, then consider one of these gifts from Etsy that are sure to boost anyone’s mood.
*This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust.
Light Therapy
Warm, soft lighting is a great mood booster. One thing that often makes us feel down during the winter is the lack of sunshine. Anything that simulates natural light will help to boost our mood naturally.
NewMoonBeginnings on Etsy
This lamp from NewMoonBeginnings is made from raw, natural Selenite, which is a crystal used for cleansing negative energy.
Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan salt lamps are also very popular for their healing benefits and soft lighting. They are great for cleansing and purifying the air in a room and can promote a better night’s sleep.
BreatheintheLight on Etsy
Candlelight is another great way to boost your mood and add that hygge home vibe through the winter months. This set of Christmas scented candles makes a great gift idea!
Inspirational Messages
Quotes and sayings that inspire us have a way of boosting our mood, both directly and subconsciously. Being surrounded by inspirational messages, whether it’s a framed print in our designated self care sanctuary, or worn on clothing and accessories, is a great way to remind someone of how strong they really are.
RaincityPrints on Etsy
RaincityPrints does some beautiful work on famous inspirational quotes including everything from Buddha to the Gilmore Girls. You can have it professionally printed in different sizes, or get it in a digital file and print it yourself (a great last-minute gift idea)!
StampinStitchin on Etsy
These gorgeous minimal cuff bracelets have a mantra engraved on them so not only will you look stylish, but you’ll have a little mood boost with you wherever you go.
TattooMoments on Etsy
Believe it or not, these are temporary tattoos! This collection from TattooMoments includes 14 tattoos that can last up to 7 days. This is a great way to show off a motivational message without the commitment of a permanent tattoo.
Download these 4 FREE 8 x 10 Inspirational Prints in the Running in Triangles Free Resource Library, available exclusively to subscribers of the Postpartum Depression Survival Guide. Click here to subscribe.
The Gift of Comfort
Perhaps it’s our natural instinct to want to hibernate come cold weather, but nothing makes us feel happier than being warm and cozy. Comfort gifts are a great mood booster, not only because they make us feel good, but also because receiving one is like getting permission to be lazy all day.
LittleMimis on Etsy
If you’re gonna give a blanket as a gift this year, then you have to go with a weighted blanket. There are so many benefits of a weighted blanket for someone suffering from depression, anxiety or insomnia. Even those without a mental health condition will still benefit from the comfort of a weighted blanket. It’s like being wrapped in a giant hug. This one from LittleMimis comes in different weights, colors and patterns and can even be custom embroidered.
WineALittleGifts on Etsy
These socks are a great way of telling your loved one to put their feet up and relax. Don’t worry if they’re not a wine drinker because WineALittleGifts sells over 100 different designs, so you’re sure to find the right pair!
LaAquarelle on Etsy
Sleep deprivation can have a negative effect on a person’s mood. Help your loved one get better night’s sleep with this sleep mask set from LaAquarelle. It comes in a choice of organic fabrics and includes a lavender sachet you can put under your pillow to help you sleep.
Meditation Tools
Meditation and mindfulness are great ways to improve your mood. Even for a beginner, the practice of meditation can be easily incorporated into anyone’s self-care routine. While actual “tools” aren’t a necessity for meditation, there are several gift ideas that can help to enhance the experience.
EssentialRays on Etsy
Aromatherapy is an excellent mood booster and supplement to meditation. The wide variety of aromatherapy jewelry has become more popular and makes your favorite essential oils portable and easy to utilize. Check out this Etsy shop for a huge selection of beautiful pieces including necklaces, lockets, bracelets and more!
SilentMindBowls on Etsy
Tibetan singing bowls have been used in meditation for thousands of years. The tone they produce is designed to help relax the mind and body and drown out background noise to aid in focus and concentration. These bowls from SilentMindBowls are not only a stunning art piece, but useful for meditation and relaxation as well.
AirLifeGreenery on Etsy
Indoor plants have so many incredible mood boosting benefits. Being surrounded by lush greenery indoors while everything lays dead and dormant outdoors is one way to keep spirits up during the winter. Choose a low maintenance option, such as this set of 12 air plants from AURAMORE. Air plants are a great way to incorporate greenery without needing to worry about pots and soil. Check out some of these air plant holders from Air Life Greenery.
Encourage Creativity
Being bored and cooped up inside the house during winter will put anyone in a bad mood. For the holidays this year, consider giving the gift of creativity. If your loved one already has a hobby, then you’re off to a good start. But here are a few suggestions if they’re looking for something new to keep their mind distracted and to help lift their mood.
KirstenBurkeDesign on Etsy
The art of calligraphy is so modern and popular right now. It’s also an art form that isn’t time-consuming, tedious or strenuous and offers a lot of different applications. With this beginner’s set from KirstenBurkeDesign, anyone can learn this fantastic skill, all while keeping busy to beat the winter blues.
DOODLELovelyNow on Etsy
Coloring and doodling offers a simple way to turn off the brain and soothe the mind. Using an array of bright colors can also work as a mood booster on the dark, grey days of December. This doodle journal from DOODLELovelyNow gives you space to write, doodle, color and more!
WoolCoutureCompany
There are so many different ways to encourage creativity. Crafting of any kind can make a person feel proud and accomplished, but it’s also a way to ban boredom during the winter months. On Etsy, you’ll be able to find so many different DIY crafting kits, such as this beginner weaving loom kit. Some other popular favorites include a macrame kit, a beaded embroidery kit and paint by number sets.
Give the Gift of Etsy
If you didn’t see something specific on this list that appealed to you, or if you just couldn’t decide, then consider giving an Etsy gift card instead. It can be printed or emailed to the recipient so it makes a great last-minute gift. And with thousands upon thousands of different things to choose from, it’s a gift that will definitely put a smile on someone’s face.
I know, firsthand, how difficult winter can be – no matter how much you love the holidays. The extreme high of celebrating with family and friends ends so abruptly, that it’s common for people to feel depressed shortly after the holidays are over. By giving a gift specifically to help boost their mood, you’re encouraging long-term happiness.
Holidays can be difficult to celebrate for a woman suffering from postpartum depression.
What should be a happy time spent making memories, instead reminds her of the pain and shortcomings she’s felt since becoming a mother. When shopping for a gift for a mother with postpartum depression, look for something that is considerate of her condition. Not all gifts are appropriate for a woman who feels guilty or unworthy of being a mother and can make her feel worse than she already does.
Here are some ideas for gifts for mothers with postpartum depression.
*This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust. Furthermore, I am not a medical professional and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. I am simply a mother who has been there and lived to tell the tale.
Personalized Jewelry
GracePersonalized on Etsy
Don’t just buy her a generic diamond necklace. Look for a piece that includes her children and family so that when she wears it, she will be reminded of who she’s fighting for in the first place.
A beautiful option is this fingerprint necklace from GracePersonalized on Etsy. Having a necklace that contains her child’s fingerprint, hand or footprints will remind her that she created an entire unique person. But the kids aren’t the only things keeping her going. I like this lovebirds necklace from MenuetDesigns on Etsy because it speaks volumes of how important a strong support system is. Sincerely Silver is another great site to find a unique, personalized piece that’s extra meaningful.
So instead of a bouquet of flowers, get her a houseplant or a DIY terrarium kit. Gardening or growing indoor plants is an excellent form of self-care as well and can become something that not only keeps her mind distracted, but brightens up her living area as well. If she doesn’t have a green-thumb, get her a book about gardening instead.
Bonding with baby can be tough for a mother with postpartum depression. Matching t-shirts, outfits or hats might seem cheesy, but it can make her feel more connected to baby and remind her of the special connection they share.
A Monthly Subscription Box
BumpBoxes
In the category of gifts for a mother with postpartum depression, monthly subscription boxes should be at the top the list! Chances are, she doesn’t want to go out and shop for herself. Even some of the basic necessities she needs become less of a priority for her. Having something delivered to her door is a wonderful surprise that she can look forward to each month.
Here are a few that I would recommend for a mother with postpartum depression:
Bump Boxes – If she’s expecting or just had a baby, then definitely sign her up for a Bump Box! They’re monthly boxes tailored for each trimester of pregnancy. You can also order a breastfeeding box, a new mommy to be box and a variety of newborn boxes.
Blume– Formerly known as Ellebox. This is the ultimate self-care subscription box! Mothers with postpartum depression can dread “that time of the month” especially because they haven’t had to deal with it during their pregnancy (and possibly longer if they were breastfeeding) so it becomes just one more thing they need to handle. The addition of the mood swings and cramping can become overbearing for someone who’s already suffering so much. Take the stress out of it with this monthly subscription box that includes organic pads and tampons, specially formulated cramp oil, acne and face washes and more!
Callia Flowers – A monthly bouquet of fresh cut flowers delivered to her doorstep is sure to brighten the day of any new mother. Callia’s bouquets are specifically designed to be long lasting and sourced with local flowers.
InstaCandy– who doesn’t love candy? Getting a box of candy delivered to your door every month is sure to brighten up the darkest of days.
Like the idea of a delivered box full of goodies but not ready to commit to a monthly subscription? Check out the Pampered Mommy Box! Their “Best of” Box is full of surprise goodies valued over $100!
A Customized Photo Book
Mixbook.com
Photos can have a lot of meaning for a woman with postpartum depression. Looking back at pictures of happier times can be an excellent way to relieve stress and help keep her connected to those memories. Creating a photo book filled with pictures of baby can also help to connect her to her child and reduce some of the guilt that often comes along with missing out on those first few months. A photo book is sure to be something she will cherish long after she has recovered from the darkness of postpartum depression.
You can create fully customized photo books and/or prints at Mixbook.com.
Self-Care Products
It goes without saying that self-care is SO important for moms to keep up good mental health. This category of gifts offers such a wide variety of choices, depending on what’s most important to the mother in your life. A robe, bath bombs, self care boxed sets, or a massage unit are all great gifts for her to use on a daily basis to make sure that she’s getting in regular self-care.
The best self-care gifts for a mother with postpartum depression are things that she can use regularly, don’t consume too much of her precious time, and can help her relax and take care of herself.
If you want to really want to give her the gift of self-care, then splurge on a spa day!Click here to purchase a Spa Finder Gift Card that she can use at thousands of different locations. It’s available to print or e-mail so it makes a great last-minute gift too!
Essential oils and aromatherapy can have a big impact on a mother with postpartum depression. This 12 pc essential oil gift set is a great way for a new mom to begin to incorporate essential oils into her life. Plus, a diffuser makes a great gift, with so many styles to choose from and makes it easy to enjoy the benefits all day long.
You know what mothers with postpartum depression REALLY want? A personal assistant…
The Amazon Echo smart speaker connects to “Alexa” a voice-based personal assistant. The best part is that Alexa will respond to anyone’s voice, as long as they call her by name. So older kids who ask a million questions a day or want to hear their favorite song over and over again – can now ask Alexa instead of Mom.
Alexa can also look things up online, tell jokes, keep notes, make lists and reminders, play music and make phone calls – all completely hands free! It’s one of the best gifts for a mother with postpartum depression who is suffering from a severe case of foggy brain!
Journaling Equipment
Indigo.ca
Writing about postpartum depression is one of the best therapies available. It’s a great way to get all those dark feelings out of the brain and onto paper. A journal is a great gift option for a mother who needs to express her feelings. Bullet journals are the latest trend right now. You can eve find printable bullet journal kits on Etsy to create a one of a kind personalized gift.
Coloring Books
Indigo.ca
There’s a huge difference between coloring with the kids, and coloring by yourself. I, myself, have recently jumped on the adult coloring book train, and it’s an incredible way to release stress and shut off the brain for a few moments.
There are adult coloring books everywhere these days so you’re sure to find one that suits the mom you’re shopping for. My favorite ones are the patterns or the inspirational quotes, but there are also ones with swears for the moms who really need to let it all out.
Remember: One of the best gifts for mothers with postpartum depression is your love, support and understanding…
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