I’ve been getting flooded with “holiday gift guides.” The gift guides many people consider festive and fun, oftentimes things people don’t really need. This holiday season, I’ve made the decision to do no surprises (okay fine, maybe a few) for my friends and family - I want to only put money into what they need. So I ask, straight up. I want to give gifts people already know they want - OR a gift that I know will be resourceful. For me, that means something that aids in overall mental wellbeing and adds value to a life.
As I’ve been analyzing my budget and gift ideas, I made a master list of items that I know my people will appreciate. My hope is that by looking through my list, you will be inspired to take a similar approach when giving gifts this season. I do everything through Amazon Prime because I can’t do holiday shopping trampling over hundreds of people. You will never find me out on Black Friday. Nope, NO THANKS. I was in my sherpa onesie cozied up in bed (my happy place) and going down a rabbit hole binge watching YouTube series and videos that have no relevance to my life whatsoever - ha.
It’s fun to be able to share my list with you guys this year. I feel a special bond with my readers and I know how engaging you all are. So I hope you get a little something out of this! Happy Holidays, Outsiders. I’m with you.
Time Blocking Cube. Okay, bare with me - this could be a game changer in your life or someone you know. Oftentimes, those of us with anxiety, depression and certain disorders get “stuck.” Shoot, even people with none of the above get stuck at times! This time blocking cube can be used for everything from helping nudge you to move on from one task to another, to even just getting out of the shower or bed! I know so many people who rely on this as an aid to help them with their internal clocks and a push of motivation over time.
The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work and Confidence with Everyday Courage Book. This book has been on my radar for quite some time. I know people who have used this to completely transform their lives. Mel Robbins the famed, Tony Robbins-esque author, created this rule when she couldn’t get out of bed to make herself apply for jobs years ago. She practiced this learned countdown, and now incorporates it into her everyday decisions and life. AND IT WORKS. I’ve tried it again and again. I’ve even spoken about it on the Mentally Misunderstood YouTube channel. This book could completely transform your life or the person you know who has a difficult time making decisions. Sometimes, I ask the person who is with me to hurry and make A decision because I just…can’t seem to at times. But this book and rule has truly helped me make the smallest to even the biggest decisions in my life. I just do it. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. TRY IT!
Motivational, Affordable Jewelry. One of the ways that I use to help encourage myself is through wearing jewelry that is chic but has meaning. I love a good mantra saying something that resonates with something I believe in or that I can glance at to give me extra strength. It’s also one of my favorite gifts to give because you can wear the pieces every single day and they really mean something, especially when gifted. This bracelet gives me all the feels. I can’t wait to see the look on my friends’ faces when they beam wearing these. Also, These are great gifts for parents to consider giving their kids who are going through a rough time. this shows them that while you may not understand what they are going through, you are making the effort and extending a warm hand.
Noise Cancelling Headphones. If you are someone who has anxiety (who doesn’t?) or you recharge by being alone with zero noise like myself - I recommend asking for, investing in, or gifting a pair of noise cancelling headphones to someone you think could use these. Honestly, I just can’t with people the majority of the time in public places. Flights, shopping, coffee shops, basically anywhere besides my bed I wear a pair. At first it sounds scary because you think you’ll only hear your own scary thoughts - but you guys, everything slows down and becomes quiet and clear when I wear these. My chaotic internal world with too much outside stimulation suddenly becomes a place I can breathe again.
The Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace. There are countless designs and options available for aromatherapy jewelry. The truth is, I was looking into car diffusers and then I thought - why not take it a step further, and have my oils with me if I need them at any given moment? If you are an oils person, share the beauty of this bliss with someone this year!
Interactive Hope journal. The one thing that keeps me going is hope. I can’t describe the feeling i get when I feel hopeless. It’s not often, because I try to catch myself immediately. If I don’t, I envision this blank page, black hole of a future and eternity and I lose my you know what. I HAVE TO HAVE something to always pursue and look forward to. My brain has a difficult time keeping these small hopes alive and in order, so I get ahead of my own mind and I write them down! I highly suggest an interactive journal of hope like the below. All we have in this life is hope combined with faith, and we need to make sure we always implement this in our lives to give us reason to get up each day.
Acupressure Mat. Yep - here we go again! If you have been a reader for a while, you’ve heard me talk time again about my acupressure mat. Every single person who lays on mine immediately pulls out their phone and orders one from Amazon on the spot. And never have I ever heard anyone regret the purchase or return! This HAS to be on my list as a recommendation for you guys! Feel free to read my detailed explanation here of why I believe in this mat so much for my personal mental health.
Nayoya Back and Neck Pain Relief Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
