GIFTS THAT PROMOTE WELL-BEING: A HEALTH CONSCIOUS HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE FOR 2023

I enjoy partaking in enlightening conversations about ways to improve one’s health and wellness.  God knows we need all the help we can get considering the world we live in today.

From using essential oils, to developing healthier eating habits, to incorporating (even just a little) exercise 4-5 days per week, to taking better care of one’s emotional well-being….count me in on these kinds of discussions.

After all, if we do not consider the protection of our own healthy state of being, no one else is going to do it for us, right?  Right!

Speaking of better self-care (and that of your loved ones), I’ve curated a glorious list of products that I use to assist my body and mind in staying in the best health possible.

Some of these items I use daily, while some of them I only use occasionally.  Either way, I feel some sort of relief knowing that the use of these products helps to strengthen me against the constant barrage of stressors that invade our lives every day.

Check out the list below.  Hopefully you’ll stumble upon thoughtful Christmas presents for the well-being of your loved ones and yourself!

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AROMATHERAPY DIFFUSER

Aromatherapy diffusers help to provide a soothing environment with the calming scents of essential oils.  This stylish and sleek diffuser from Starwest Botanicals plays double duty as a diffuser and humidifier.  It is the perfect antidote to counteract the skin-drying effects of the air inside your home during the winter months!

Here is a tip on how to turn your bedroom into a soothing and peaceful oasis with your diffuser/humidifier:  Place the diffuser on your nightstand next to your bed or on your dresser.  After adding your water and 2-3 drops of your essential oil to the well inside, turn the lid until it locks in place.  Then close the door to your bedroom and allow the mist of the diffuser to fill your bedroom with a cocoon of the healing and delightful scent of your choice of essential oil.  Best of all, you can enjoy creating this spa-like atmosphere all year ’round!

Depending on the type of essential oil you choose to diffuse into your space, they can provide a myriad of health benefits such as stress and anxiety reduction, assist with mental clarity, and deodorizing your space. (1)  Many essential oils also possess antibacterial properties, which can purify the air and support respiratory health.  Diffusers are a convenient and natural way to enjoy the holistic benefits of essential oils, making them a popular choice for enhancing overall well-being in the office and on the home front.

Check with your medical professional to determine if diffusing essential oils into your space is right for you.

FILTERED SHOWER HEAD

There are many reasons why I like having a shower head with a filter inside.  For starters, these filters help remove some of the impurities that end up in our municipal water supply, such as heavy metals and chlorine (2).

Remember, whatever we apply to our skin is quickly absorbed into our blood stream.  So, when I shower in filtered water, I feel better knowing that my exposure to some of the potentially harmful substances has been greatly reduced.  But WOW!  This darling filtered shower head from H201 Shift literally turns your shower into a wellspring of luxe and aromatic wellness!

You start off by purchasing their filtered shower head ‘kit’, which includes the hand-held shower head, water filter (of course!), and 6 ‘scent capsules’, which resemble vitamins…which is so appropriate because the capsules contain a blend of vitamin C and other skin-nurturing ingredients that pamper you from head-to-toe.  They have 4 signature scents from which to choose:  Ginger and Bergamot, Tea Tree and Lavender, Patchouli and Rose, and Basil and Grass.  Talk about taking your spa-at-home experience to whole different level!  Yes, please!

As an added benefit, your skin and hair usually feel softer because the filtered water rinses cleaner, leaving no harsh residue behind.

INFRARED BLANKETS AND SAUNAS

Infrared saunas help to induce profuse sweating from the body  When you sweat, it encourages healthy blood circulation, which can help to fight against the buildup of plaque in your arteries. (3)  You may even be able to sweat out small amounts of heavy metals and BPA (from plastic containers) through your pores as well. (4) Deep sweating via the use of infrared saunas may also lead to clearer skin with regular use. (5)

If you would like to have the therapeutic benefits of sweating with the use of infrared saunas in the comfort of your own home, Sun Home Saunas is a great brand to try.  They have a range of infrared saunas that seat from one to three people.  However, if you are just starting out your infrared journey as a more budget-conscious consumer, try their infrared blanket instead.  Sun Home Saunas also manufacture ice baths.  So, they have you covered on both ends of the spectrum with recovery tools after a rigorous workout.

Now, here is a safe-usage tip that I always employ when I use my infrared sauna.  To ensure that I don’t become dehydrated, I always drink a full, 16-ounce glass of water before I enter my infrared sauna.

I also take a glass jar full of water (with a top on it) into my sauna and take several generous sips as I sit and sweat.  For me it’s such a relaxing way to relieve stress in the body.  The reason I use a glass container vs. a plastic container is because when plastic heats up, it releases a substance called BPA into the food or beverage that the plastic container is holding.  BPAs are hazardous to our health, so we do not want BPAs entering our drinking water or food.

It’s also important to note that while there are potential benefits associated with the use of infrared blankets and saunas, individual responses may vary by person.  You should always consult with your healthcare professional before using infrared products or any other health devices and substances, natural or conventional.  Finally, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe and effective use.

AIR PURIFIER

In case you weren’t aware, sometimes the air inside your home can be as much as 2-5 times more polluted than the air outdoors, according to the EPA!  That’s a staggering statistic!  These pollutants are hiding in some of the products that we innocently bring into our homes such as the varnish and formaldehyde in our wooden furniture, pesticides, conventional (vs. plant-based) cleaning products, and vehicle exhaust, depending how close you live to a major busy road. (6)

However, there is a bright light at the end of this tunnel.  Air purifiers can mitigate the risk of indoor air contaminants by maintaining clean indoor air.  The Jafanda H13 True HEPA air purifiers are highly effective at removing approximately 99.97% of pet dander, dust, mold spores, smoke, and other airborne pollutants from the air inside your homes.  Jafanda has a range of sizes of air purifies as well, from desktop to floor-model units that clean up to 4575 square feet of space!

Air purifiers can reduce the risk of respiratory irritation that may be caused by indoor air pollutants.(7)  This is especially beneficial for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.  It simply feels better knowing that the air you and your family breathe is overall cleaner and healthier for you.

SELF-CARE SUBSCRIPTION BOXES

In the midst of our day-to-day activities and responsibilities, it is so easy to neglect our own well-being.  If we neglect ourselves long enough, it can easily lead to feelings of burnout and some sort of resentment. 

This is why it is so important that we take the time to inject a bit of self-care into our lives.  A great way to do this is by occasionally treating ourselves to a fun subscription box. 

Subscribing to self-care subscriptions boxes can be a phenomenal way to prioritize your well-being and enjoy regular doses of self-nurturing treats. 

These boxes often contain a curated selection of items such as skincare products, gourmet treats, or wellness books, tailored to your preferences and needs.  They encourage self-care by providing a monthly or quarterly reminder to take a break and pamper yourself. 

Self-pampering is essential for reducing stress, enhancing mental health, and fostering a sense of self-worth. 

The element of surprise in each box can also make self-care feel like a fanciful gift to yourself and lead to a healthier, happier life.

MATTRESS TOPPER

Ask any physician and they will tell you that getting ample sleep is paramount to maintaining good health.  You know how it feels when you do not get enough rest at night…foggy thinking, lack of proper focus when performing tasks, irritability, etc.

Did you know that your mattress could also be the culprit if you are not consistently getting a good night’s sleep?  I came to that conclusion a while back and decided to add a memory foam mattress topper to my existing mattress, and it has made such a wonderful improvement in the quality of sleep that I now enjoy.

Layla Sleep makes glorious memory foam mattresses and mattress toppers that coddle you and usher you off to a quality night’s rest.  You can find them under the ‘Accessories’ category on their website.  They are so aesthetically appealing that you almost do not want to cover them up.  However, when you do cover them, do so with their super soft and modish bamboo sheets which come available in 3 soothing colors.  These products are all the makings of a foundation for deep sleep.

Overall, sleeping on a memory foam mattress topper can significantly enhance your sleep experience and well-being.  They conform to your body’s shape and provide good back support and motion isolation.  When you sleep well, your mood and energy levels are good, too.

GORGEOUS FLOWERING TEA

If you are a tea aficionado like me, you are going to absolutely LOVE this next gift suggestion!  Sipping on a cup of soothing, warm herbal tea is by far one of my favorite ways to relax and get some herbal, plant-based goodness into my body….especially at the end of a hectic day.  Of course, I enjoy my tea time experience even more when I sip from a posh and elegant tea cup that was brewed in an equally elegant tea pot.

Feast your eyes on the stunning tea ware from Teabloom!  They feature a wide array of gorgeous glass tea pots, glass tea carafes. glass tea brewers, glass tea pitchers, glass tea cups, tea taster glasses, tea infusers, on-the-go insulated glass tea tumblers, tea warmers you use in conjunction with tea light candles, and of course, a myriad of  decadent tea blends, including their beautifully crafted, flowering tea pearls (flowering tea)!

It is quite entertaining to me to watch the unfurling of the intricately woven tea pearls!  However, flowering tea bulbs is not only a delightful gesture, but also a healthy choice.  Aside from their visual appeal, these teas often offer a range of health benefits, such as antioxidants and potential stress reduction properties, depending on the tea blend.

In addition to being an aesthetically pleasing gift, flowering tea sets can encourage recipients to take time off for self-care and relaxation, promoting overall well-being while indulging in a flavorful, aromatic tea experience.

WEIGHTED BLANKETS

This next, highly recommended relaxation gift is often likened to enveloping a newborn baby in a swaddling blanket to recreate the same sense of security they experienced while in their mother’s womb.  This unique gift is a weighted blanket.  It is reported that the comforting embrace of a weighted blanked can help soothe anxious thoughts, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall mental well-being. (8)

I adore the beautiful, crochet-knit-type design of the weighted blankets from Let’s Cuddle.  Their style relaxes my senses just looking at them.  Their color profiles are equally soothing as well in hues such as Sand, Ash, Fog and Snow.  In addition, the Let’s Cuddle blankets are revered as breathable, eliminating the feeling of suffocation as with some weighted blankets.  They’re also machine washable (no added expense of dry cleaning!) and evenly distributes its weight across your body.  They come in increasing weights increments of 10, 15, and 20 pound blankets.  

For some people, using a weighted blanket can be an effective strategy to reduce anxiety. That is because weighted blankets provide gentle, even pressure across the body, creating a sensation known as deep touch pressure.  This pressure has been found to stimulate the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, while reducing cortisol levels.  This creates a sense of calm and relaxation.

DARK CHOCOLATE

Dark chocolate is beloved worldwide as a go-to indulgence, and it’s no wonder why.  It’s a delicious and decadent treat!

Dark chocolate, with its rich and intense flavor, is not only a delectable treat, but also offers a range of health benefits. (9)

It is a potent source of antioxidants and flavonoids, which can help protect cells from damage and support overall health.

It is also reported that the taste of chocolate can enhance one’s mood and cognitive function by stimulating the release of positive endorphins and improving blood flow to the brain.

Dark chocolate’s bittersweet indulgence can promote both physical and emotional well-being, I personally have to be cognizant to only consume moderate amounts to prevent the intake of too many calories in one sitting!

SLEEP MASKS

There is nothing like a good night’s sleep to properly prepare you with the fortitude to take on the next day’s long list of activities.

One of the items that I find useful to help me achieve a proper night’s rest is to sleep with a sleep mask covering my eyes.

Using a sleep mask is a simple yet effective way to improve the quality of your sleep.  These masks create complete darkness, blocking out light that can disrupt your sleep cycle.

By ensuring a dark sleeping environment, your body can produce melatonin.  Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep more effectively.(10)

Sleep masks also serve as a signal to your brain that it’s time to rest, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy more restful, uninterrupted sleep.

And, as you know, when you rest better and sleep well at night, you enhance your daily productivity and well-being.

GOOD HEALTH IS SIMPLY GOOD FOR EVERYONE!

These are presents that will bring both happiness and long-term well-being during this festive season.  

By sharing the gift of better health through these self-care items, you can express your concern for the health and wellness of your loved ones, making the gesture meaningful for years to come.  

While you’re in the spirit of giving, give yourself the gift of better health by treating yourself to a few of these items as well. 

You deserve good health, too!  After all, if you do not take good care of yourself, no one else is going to do it for you. 

Stay safe and healthy, friends!