Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. It has been found to have great benefits on our health and well-being by helping us to enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better. It’s no surprise then that mindfulness has become an increasingly popular practice, even becoming as mainstream as Yoga and Pilates!
As a result, more mindfulness gifts such as journals and candles are starting to hit the shelves, making mindfulness more accessible than ever. These can make the perfect gift for yourself if you are looking to practice more self-care, or for a loved one to show you care about their health and well-being. Don’t worry if you are not sure where to start as we have rounded up some of the best mindfulness gifts to enjoy this Christmas, just in time for a new you, in the New Year!
Journaling has been found to be a great stress management tool. It allows you to take the time to organise your thoughts, which we often forget to do in our busy lives. This is a great chance to note down anything that you may be worried about so that you can set out a plan of action on how to tackle it. As a result, you might be able turn those negative thoughts into positive ones to help improve your overall well-being.
There are so many different types of journals that make for excellent Christmas gifts. Some mindfulness journals contain prompts such as, ‘note down three things that made you happy today’, to help you get started on your mindfulness journey – perfect for beginners! Others are for specific practices like a gratitude journal where you take the time to reflect on the good things in life, or a planner in which you plan the steps to take on your path to happiness. Whatever goals you want to achieve, there is the perfect journal for you!
If you want to learn more about mindfulness then books on the topic are a great place to start. They can teach you about what mindfulness means, and how to get started, as well as the health benefits from practicing mindfulness.
There are also different genres to dive into, from self-help books, to more practical applications and books on meditation, so you can choose the right practice for the right person. But, if you are not quite sure on where to start then have no fear! There is a list of the best mindfulness books of 2021 for you to choose from. I’m sure anyone would be thankful to receive one of these in their stocking this year!
Mindful eating is the process of paying full attention to your food in order to help savour the moment and be fully immersed in the eating experience. This helps to readjust people’s relationships with food, and can also help to unlearn unhealthy eating habits. The New Year especially is a time when many people turn to fad diets that never really last, however mindful eating could help you make the changes you want to your diet, but in a more meaningful way by connecting the body to the mind.
So instead of buying a cookbook this Christmas, why not get them something they may not have heard of before? A mindful eating book could be a great gift that could change the way you, or the lucky recipient, enjoy food forever!
Candles are a go to Christmas present, but a mindfulness candle could make it extra special. Candles can help to improve our well-being by helping us to relax and unwind, but a mindfulness candle can be even more therapeutic. For example, the candle could become symbolic of your anxieties. Once the flame is blown out, your anxieties are extinguished with it. There are also candles targeted at serenity, meditation, escapism and energy healing, so you can find the one that is right for you.
The scents can be powerful too. Lavender candles can help to alleviate stress and headaches, whereas lemon scented candles can be energizing and uplifting to help boost your mood. Or you could go with a festive scent and buy a cinnamon candle which can relieve mental fatigue and increase mental alertness, whilst filling the home with the smell of Christmas.
Mindfulness cards are the ultimate stocking filler. They are a deck of cards that can include a positive message to help motivate you for the day ahead, or a simple mindfulness exercise for you to try. This is a great way to remind yourself to practice mindfulness everyday. In our busy lives it can be hard to carve out time for ourselves, but it is important to do so. These cards can help you have a little more ‘me’ time, as well as help to spread a bit of positivity!
There we have it! 5 mindfulness gifts that can make the perfect present this Christmas. Whether you are looking to buy the ultimate Christmas gift for a loved one, or want to treat yourself to a little self-care, these are a great option! After all, what is more important than looking after your health and well-being?
For even more festive inspiration, check out our article on Vegan Christmas Cooking Tips to make Christmas lunch even more special (if that’s even possible?!).