Giving a specialized gift (it doesn't have to be expensive, it's all in the thought!) shows that you care about them, understand what they're going through, and want to help make it just a little bit easier. When you have anxiety and/or depression, one of the hardest things to do can be to take care of yourself, so why not give them a basket of self-care, all ready to use? And what is better than things made with lavender! Lavender has tons of health benefits, ranging from easing migraines, improving brain function and mental health, to treating acne, alleviating menstrual cramps (who doesn't have a worse day when that sets in?), and most of all -- improving sleep and relaxation. When you have anxiety it is really hard to shut off your brain and body enough to get to sleep, not to mention staying that way for a longer period of time. My trick is to listen to an audiobook (I have three that I switch between -- after listening to The Hobbit five times in a row it's time for a change) and let that lull me to sleep, and put it back on when I wake up at 2am, 4.30am, 5am . . . this way I focus on a story I know well, and keep my circling thoughts at bay. Since insomnia is difficult enough to deal with on its own, I like to take additional steps to ensure I get as much sleep as possible. Which is where the idea for this list came from! So what are you waiting for? Brighten someone's day or make one for yourself! This is perfect for a pampering evening as well! :) 1. Yogi honey lavender stress-relief teaYogi is my favorite (aka the only acceptable) tea brand and settling down with a cup of this puts you right to sleep. I swear, my eyelids start to droop almost immediately. 2. Ayazen lavender eye pillowEye pillows are fantastic at the end of a yoga class, after a workout, or to make your nap feel extra luxurious. Put it in the microwave to relieve headaches and stomach cramps, or in the freezer to relieve puffy eyes, migraines, and sore muscles. 3. Aveeno lavender & chamomile body lotionYour skin dries out so quickly after a shower, so make sure to moisturize it immediately after. This will keep your skin healthy and smooth. 4. Feel Good organic lavender flowersInsert lavender in your day but putting them in cupcakes, lemonade, or make cute little sachets to store in drawers for a fresh scent in your clothes. Excellent gift idea! Or you just get a lavender plant and dry your own in the over or a dehydrator. 5. Positive Essence lavender linen & room sprayDid you know that lavender acts as a bug repellent? Save your skin from itchy bumps with this lavender spray, and keep one in your bathroom or car as well to make use of its antibacterial qualities. 6. Healing Solutions lavender essential oilHaving a bedtime routine actually helps your body to calm down, so make it a habit to put a few drops of lavender oil in your oil diffuser when you're settling in for the night. Now that will fill your senses and help you drift off peacefully before you know it. 7. Epsoak lavender epsom saltWhat's better than treating yourself to a nice bath after your workout to soothe muscle pain? The epsom salt will decrease recovery time and reduce inflammation and, well, you know all the benefits from lavender by now. :) 8. Mind Over Lather natural yoga mat cleaning sprayYour yoga mat collects a lot of bacteria, so make sure it's fresh and good-smelling with this natural lavender & mint cleaning spray. You can also use it in stinky shoes and dog beds! Read more about my 5 yoga & meditation essentials here! I hope you found something you like! Self-care is so important, whether you're struggling with anxiety or not, so make sure you and your loved ones are covered for those mentally rainy days! Related articles
18 Comments
6/21/2018 10:40:36 am
This all looks so wonderful and relaxing. It's really important to take time to relax and remember we can't let the anxiety get to us. Great post.
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Erika
6/21/2018 01:16:39 pm
Thank you! I really like to have lavender products, just the act of turning on my oil diffuser relaxes me cause I know I'm taking care of myself. :)
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Erika
6/21/2018 01:17:18 pm
Thank you, I'm so glad you like it! :)
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Erika
6/21/2018 01:20:12 pm
I know, right? And the Yogi teas are so good. My favorites are Throat Comfort and Detox, they taste amazing. :D
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Erika
6/21/2018 01:21:47 pm
Last night I sprayed some on my stuffed moose (I hug it when I sleep, cause I'm an adult...) and it smelled soo good haha. It was like sleeping in lavender heaven.
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Erika
6/21/2018 01:24:17 pm
I know, it's the best! I love a lavender bubble bath with a book and a cup of tea. :) (And I guess a lavender cupcake ;) )
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Erika
6/21/2018 06:25:59 pm
I like how you have your own lavender library already! I remember being surprised when I learned about using lavender for baking, I just never thought about it. But it's such a fun way to add it to your day :)
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Erika
6/22/2018 07:29:24 am
You're very welcome! It's really tough dealing with mental health issues, so I think we need all the resources we can get. Especially natural ones with no side effects :)
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6/23/2018 11:46:06 am
Forget gifting someone else, I'm going to gift myself with these! I've been suffering from anxiety for the past few months. Excited to give some of these a try!
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Erika
6/23/2018 12:00:01 pm
Awesome idea! I'm sorry that you've been going through this, but the only thing we can do is learn how to deal with it, right? :) It's great to have an actual basket to take out when you're having a tough day, just the action alone will calm you cause you know how relaxed you'll be!
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6/24/2018 02:34:49 pm
Great ideas! I pinned this post to my anxiety and depression board.
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Hi, I'm Erika!I know what it's like living with anxiety and depression, but living and living are very different things. I believe in practical tips and methods, and I will use them to help you be the brave, daring, darling individual you are. Categories
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