The Gift of Wellness: What’s on My Wish List This Year
As most of you know, I’m a health nut. And as usual I’m looking for the gift of wellness this year. For the most part, I enjoy eating nutritious food, working out regularly, and living an overall healthy lifestyle. And this year for Christmas, I have my eye on 5 items that are sure to make me feel better about both my physical and mental well-being. All of these gifts involve some sort of wellness product – whether it be one that helps with posture or allergies or just provides entertainment in the form of audiobooks!
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Gifts of Wellness and Health
A lot of people wonder what to get their health nut friends for Christmas- or anyone that you know is trying to get their healthy habits on track. It’s hard because they may have everything (or you don’t want to give them the standard box of chocolates or cookies)! If you’re like me, then you’re looking for gifts that are both thoughtful and practical. That’s why I’m sharing my wish list to give you some ideas! 😉
(Ready to get on track with your habits in the New Year? Start with a year end review!)
The Posture Trainer
This gift (the Upright GO 2 Posture Trainer) is actually something that I’ve been wanting for a few years now- but I didn’t like that you had to stick it to your upper back with adhesive. Now they offer a “necklace” to hold it in place. Posture has always been a struggle for me (too many years of swimming!) and I’m always trying to improve it! While I can’t do much about my bone structure, I can help prevent slouching by wearing this posture pro device at work or while traveling/driving. It helps train (or for me- simply remind me and build awareness) me to sit up straight and adjust my posture, especially since I spent a lot of time at a computer these days, this is so important.
I’ve used a similar product in the past that I loved when I kept getting a sore neck from working in the clinic as a physical therapist and doing paperwork at a computer (I know- ironic). But I managed to break it within 6 months when I ran it through the washer. Maybe Santa will surprise me with one 🙂
(Did you know upper body exercise can help your posture too? Check out our upper body exercise post for more details!)
The Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test
Ever since I was little, my skin has been a problem- and in the past 5 years I’ve realized it was mostly diet related. Eating certain foods would trigger terrible eczema (and acne later as a teenager). These reactions are related to “food sensitivities” and they can be disruptive to your day-to-day life – both physically and emotionally. Other food sensitivities symptoms include general inflammation, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and other vague symptoms related to your health. Knowing what foods you are sensitive to can be a game changer in eating a diet that gives you energy, clear skin, and more.
I’ll admit I cheated and already bought the Everlywell Test for myself as an early Christmas gift because they had a Black Friday deal I couldn’t resist 🙂 Plus, I’ve felt a bit out of balance this year after pregnancy and breastfeeding so I felt it was time to finally get some answers (I’ll keep you posted!)
Related read: 10 Simple Healthy Food Alternatives
Online Fitness: Barre Classes
This is another gift that I already bought myself! As many of you know, I love fitness and health. And one habit I’ve started in the past year or so to keep me motivated was taking Barre classes online. I love mixing up my workout classes to keep myself challenged (and not bored). I am seriously obsessed with my Beachbody Barre Blend classes right now (I don’t have any fancy gear- just a chair and some soup cans!). They’re super hard and empowering- plus I feel my entire body getting stronger everyday.
Barre or any type of online class can be a game changer for keeping you motivated with home workouts. My Barre classes are only 30 minutes per day (3-4 times per week) and they’re more than enough between chasing kids and daily walks to the park.
Related read: How to Optimize Your Home Workout Program
Audiobooks
I am all for reading a good old book. I like to read (obviously) but sometimes you need an alternative way of getting in the information! Especially when your hands are full with two kiddos and you don’t have a spare moment to sit and read quietly (I’m sure many of you can relate). This makes audiobooks (or podcasts) perfect for learning on-the-go.
This year, my goal is to listen to at least one book per month -which seems doable with all the time I spend rocking my baby to sleep each night 🙂 All I need to do is remember to bring my wireless headphones near me (easier said than done these days).
You can try Audible for free for 30 days here!
Related read: The Health Benefits of Good Reading Habits
Cozy Socks
What’s the only thing better than a good pair of socks? An even better pair that is super cozy, soft, and warm! I love buying fun novelty pairs but my favorites are always fuzzy ones. They’re perfect for curling up in bed or snuggling on the couch with your favorite blanket. This might not be a direct gift of wellness, but they truly are a trigger for my mental health (aka relaxation). What type of gifts encourage you to destress? A warm blanket, bath bomb, glass of wine, sweatshirt? Whatever it is- ask for your favorite this holiday season 😉
Related read: Self-care Night Ideas
The Gift of Health This Season Made Easy:
Finding the perfect gift for your health conscious friends and family doesn’t have to be difficult. Hopefully I’ve made it easier to shop for you 🙂 Push the easy button with my wish list and gift guide 😉 If these wellness gift ideas don’t fit, get creative and think about how you can help boost their health experience (think essential oils, natural beauty products, subscriptions, books, activities, etc.).
Enjoy the holiday season and stay healthy!
