You’ve put away the holiday decor, and are finally ready to tackle the new year! But the problem is… you’re stressed to the max and just plain exhausted! The holidays are fun but can beat down even the jolliest of ladies!
Come January, sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is the gift of some good ole fashioned R&R to relieve stress.
Sis; you need to take some time for some self care, take a beat and give your mind, body, and soul the rest it needs.
While there are many different strategies for dealing with stress, sometimes it can be helpful to have some handy ‘tools in your toolbox’ to help you relax and recharge.
With that in mind, here are 11 stress relief gift ideas that you can pick up for yourself this January – or any time of the year!
- 1. Aromatherapy essential oils and diffusers
- 2. Weighted blanket for stress relief
- 3. Yoga mat and accessories to relieve stress
- 4. Massage gun
- 5. Heating pad
- 6. Adult coloring books & puzzles
- 7. Journal
- 8. A plant or a herb garden kit
- 9. Update Your Workout Wardrobe
- 10. Exercise equipment
- 11. Spa Gift Card
- Ultimate Stress Relief Gift
- The Wrap – Best Stress Relief Gifts
- PIN FOR LATER
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1. Aromatherapy essential oils and diffusers
Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for stress relief, and essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are particularly effective at promoting relaxation and calm.
Plus, essential oils are a great alternative to scented candles which can affect many migraine sufferers or cause headaches in many individuals!
I got an oil diffuser for my birthday, and we use it almost every day! As I mentioned, lavender oil is great for calming, but lemon and grapefruit are also some of my favorite relaxing scents! The crisp, clean smell is refreshing yet not overwhelming to my migraine brain.
You can use an aromatherapy diffuser to disperse the oils into the air or apply them directly to your skin (diluted in a carrier oil). It’s a great gift for you – or anyone!
2. Weighted blanket for stress relief
If you haven’t tried a weighted blanket yet, you’re in for a treat of deep relaxation! I can’t live without mine now, I need it every night to fall asleep with my silky sleep mask. It’s so cozy and relaxing…
Weighted blankets are gaining popularity as a way to reduce anxiety and help give you a good night’s sleep. The weight of the blanket provides a sense of comfort and security, which can be particularly helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just have trouble winding down from high stress levels!
This blanket is both cozy, while not being too hot for those worried about hot flashes 😉
3. Yoga mat and accessories to relieve stress
Obviously, starting a yoga practice can be a great way to reduce stress and improve inner peace and overall well-being. And splurging on a high-quality yoga mat, along with other accessories like blocks and straps, can make it easier and more enjoyable to keep up your stress-relieving yoga into your routine!
I just got this yoga towel as a thoughtful gift at Christmas – it’s perfect for hot yoga sweat sessions!
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4. Massage gun
A massage gun can be a great way to relax and de-stress, especially since it’s not always practical or possible to get to your favorite massage therapist.
Massage guns have come down in price and continue to increase in popularity – and with good reason! They provide similar benefits to a spa massage right in the comfort of your own home.
We got the Theragun Elite with all the bells and whistles – it’s perfect for all muscle groups and you can concentrate specifically on tight muscles. I literally use it on my headas a scalp massage! (Don’t worry, there are many different massage modes!)
You can snag the Theragun Mini for your aching muscles right now for a fraction of the price!
5. Heating pad
A good heating pad can be a simple and effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Whether you’re using it to ease muscle tension or simply to create a sense of calm, a heating pad can be a useful tool for stress relief.
We all hold a lot of stress through our entire body, probably more than we realize!
I know that whether my muscles are sore from migraine or workouts – or stress and anxiety, I always have my heating pad on hand to ease my body! Here’s my favorite neck and back pad –
6. Adult coloring books & puzzles
Before you shake your head at this idea, hear me out! Adult coloring books are getting crazy popular as a fun and relaxing activity that can help you unwind and de-stress.
There are many adult coloring books available with intricate designs and patterns that are specifically designed for relaxation. I thought it was a little odd at first too, but there’s something about coloring that brings back the calm of childhood and fun of being free.
According to Mayo Clinic, there have been many health benefits associated with coloring. Studies have shown that coloring for at least 20 minutes can be a way to relieve anxiety and your lower your heart rate
In the studies, coloring more intricate designs like mandalas was more effective than coloring in a plaid pattern or blank page.
Here’s an example!
Like coloring, puzzles can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity that helps to take your mind off of stress. There are many adult puzzles available with more challenging designs and larger piece counts. Or, the more traditional puzzle games such as sudoku or word finds…
Go big and try a thousand-piece puzzle (unless that stresses you out, in which case that would totally defeat the purpose!) But with a puzzle, you can enjoy some alone time or quality time with your loved ones – both of which can decrease stress. It’s a great pick me up!
Plus, you can get pretty much any design that suits your fancy! Like this NYC Skyline …
7. Journal
Keeping a journal can be a great way to process and release any stress or negative emotions you’re feeling. And the best part, you can start journaling easily with just pen and paper. Stress relief is literally at your fingertips!
You can also look for journals with prompts or exercises to help you explore and express your thoughts and feelings even further.
I think this one looks hilarious – and really friggin good too! I’ve been journaling consistently for about a year, and it’s seriously changed my life!
8. A plant or a herb garden kit
Maybe you don’t have a green thumb, but hear me out!! Not only can plants and herbs add a touch of beauty to your home, but they can also have a significant calming effect.
Studies have shown that spending time around plants and herbs can help to reduce stress and anxiety. This may be due in part to the soothing colors and textures of the plants, as well as the calming scents of herbs like lavender and chamomile.
A herb garden kit, in particular, can be a great way to grow your own herbs for use in aromatherapy or healthy (anti-inflammatory) cooking. And this kit is a great way to get started!
9. Update Your Workout Wardrobe
It goes without saying that exercise has numerous stress-relievingstress-reliving benefits… what better way to get yourself to hit the gym or go for a walk than investing in some really good (and cute!) workout clothes!?
These are the BEST workout leggings on the market – yes, they are a little pricey, but totally worth it and they last forever. Lululemon base pace high-rise crop is where it’s at, ya’ll! I have them in several colors. I love ‘em so much!
10. Exercise equipment
Speaking of working out and all the proven stress-busting benefits, having your own equipment at home can make it easier to incorporate physical activity into your routine. (Especially if you don’t feel up to hitting the gym with the crowds.
You could splurge on items like a treadmill, stationary bike (Peloton, or
But snagging some weights, bands, and kettlebells can go a long way for your home workout routine.
I love to walk out the front door and run, but find something that works for you! Then make it easy and repeatable with gear on hand!
I have these bands and kettlebells in our workout room – they’re lifesavers for when I need a quick workout during stressful or busy days.
11. Spa Gift Card
A spa gift card can be a great way to treat yourself to some much-needed relaxation. Plus, it forces you to take a TIME OUT for yourself away from the chaos and crazy. Even a quick mani-pedi or relaxing massage can go a long way in bringing some much needed zen to your life! (Talk about instant relaxation!)
Ultimate Stress Relief Gift
The very best gift you can give yourself for stress relief is time and space to rest, recharge, and step away. Stress is a common part of life, and finding ways to manage it is important for overall well-being. For some reason, we don’t find time or energy to take care of ourselves.
The Wrap – Best Stress Relief Gifts
Overall, these are just a few ideas for stress-relief gifts that you can consider for yourself (or a loved one) in January or any time of the year. Remember also to consider self-care strategies like getting enough restful sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when needed to help manage stress.
Out of the eleven stress relief gifts featured in this post, which one is your favorite? Did we miss any of your go-to stress relievers? Let me know in the comments below!
XO
