Holiday Gift Guide for Supporting Mental Health from Miami Therapist
This year we need to support our mental health, our relationships, now more than ever. Think about buying a “different” gift this year for those you love. Here is a gift guide for the holidays with a focus on supporting mental wellness. None of these have been gifted, nor do I receive anything from these companies.
Weighted blanket or Weighted blanket More research needs to be done on whether they help anxiety or insomnia, or other medical conditions- but many people have shared how they can help. I have one too and it does bring me a sense of calm when I use it; my husband on the other hand feels confined by them. It may depend on the person.
Gottman Cards : These card decks are developed by the Gottman Institute, the leader is couples and relationship research. I used the deck 52 questions before marriage in my own relationship - and even gifted it to my sister before she moved in with her partner. The 52 questions before baby looks good too! Use these to reconnect with your partner.
To Have and to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma A wonderful book for a mother-to-be about what it means to be a mother in today’s age. I have linked the book to order from a small, independent bookstore.
StoryWorth A great gift for an elder member of the family. Once a week, they email questions to the family member. They reply to the email with their story and response to that question and then at the end of the year, the stories get bound into a book. A great way to create connection with elder members of your family that you might not be seeing due to social distancing.
Candles- Frères Branchiaux Candle Co. is a home fragrance company based in the Washington, DC Metro area created and managed by 3 brothers, Collin (15), Ryan (12), and Austin Gill (10). In October 2017, the young Gill brothers wanted more allowance to purchase video games. Mama and Dad Gill told them that they had maxed out their toy allowance and to either “get a job or start a business” if they wanted more money. They decided to start a business. As well as earning money, they donate 10% of their profits to homeless shelters nationwide. Candle can be so uplifting for the spirit.
The Five Minute Journal- My husband used this every morning for a few months and he said it was a great way to start your day in the right mindset.
Light Therapy Lamp- exposure, or lack of, to sunlight can greatly impact our mood. Studies show that exposure to light therapy can improve mood and energy due to release of serotonin. When my husband lived in Chicago, he used light therapy every winter to support his mood.
Breast Pump Adapter- allowing you to pump while laying down. Sleep and rest is so crucial to our mental health- every new mom knows the impact sleep can have on us. I have heard great reviews about this. Just read the details carefully about what pumps they work with and what parts you need.
A Fiction Book to Escape- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry- Sometimes I don’t want to read a nonfiction book, I just went to delve into another world and let my mind rest. Reading fiction books is a huge part of my mental health care- I read before bed to calm my thoughts. My latest book I read and enjoyed is linked- I couldn’t put it down. I have linked the book to order from a small, independent bookstore.
Necklace Commemorating Memories- Sprout Design Lab is a female owned, small business that takes drawings (and handwriting) and turns them into necklaces through 3D printing. Recently they transformed handwriting from a lost loved one into a necklace. Part of the grieving process might be finding a way to hold on the memories of the ones we have lost. I love this idea.
Do you know of a Mom who is experiencing anxiety or other symptoms related to postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety? Contact The Heard Counseling at 305-998-2665 and we would love to answer any questions you have and help support the mother who needs help. Hope and help are always available and we would love to connect with you. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
