8 Gifts That Help Stressed-Out People Relax Instantly

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Stress is a common side-effect of the modern hectic lifestyle we lead. Unfortunately, stress can lead to premature aging, heart attacks and depression. However, it doesn’t have to get the better of you.

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe bouts of stress, gift them any of the following 8 items to help them battle it.

1. Essential Oils

These oils are nature’s antidote against stress and come in various aromas. Although essential oils have been used to banish stress for thousands of years, they have become increasingly popular in recent years.

The best way to use these oils is to put a few drops on a cotton pad and place it in your pocket. Over the next few hours, the scent will envelop you, gradually calming and soothing you.

The oil can also be mixed in water and burnt in an essential oil diffuser. Such diffusers can be placed in a corner of your home, while the aroma is gradually released into the air. Alternatively, sprinkling a few drops on the bathroom floor can also do wonders. The hot shower water mixes with the oil and creates an aromatic steam around you to soothe your senses. Some of the most effective essential oils for getting rid of stress include:

> Lavender: A study found that when people inhale lavender, they feel relaxed. Lavender is the perfect antidote to counter modern stressful routines.

> Chamomile: Known to reduce anxiety and irritability, Chamomile is a great essential oil to battle stress. Studies have found that Chamomile contains antidepressant properties.

> Ylang-Ylang: Apart from calming you down, this oil gives you energy, thereby battling fatigue and anger, which lead to stress.

> Bergamot: Often used in perfumes, this essential oil contains calming properties and can help battle stress-induced insomnia, while also fighting depression.

> Jasmine: This oil helps reduce stress by creating a positive influence on the nervous system. The oil positively affects heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels and breathing patterns.

2. Sleep Mask

If you don’t get enough sleep, you can wake up in an agitated and stressful state, which can add to stress levels. Wearing a sleep mask will provide a suitably dark screen in front of your eyes to ensure you fall asleep and get a good night’s sleep. A mask which is infused with essential oils will help calm the wearer, while aiding sleep.

3. Body Pillow

A body pillow will surely make for a great gift for a stressed-out person. Hugging a body pillow is good for you and science has proof. When humans hug, we release the hormone Oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that is also known as the ‘cuddle hormone.’ Not only does hugging bring down the amount of the stress-hormone, Cortisol in your body, it also lowers your blood pressure, making you less anxious and more relaxed.

Hugging a large body pillow can help in reducing stress. Body pillows are popular among Japanese youth and are called Dakimakura in Japanese. A Dakimakura pillow cover has an anime character printed on the front and back. If the recipient of your gift is an anime fan, this will make for an amazing gift for them.

4. Foot Spa

A foot massage machine is easy to carry and store at home and will make a great gift to bring about stress-relief. In ancient Greece, foot baths, where feet were immersed in water, were used as a method of lowering blood pressure and getting rid of headaches. A foot-spa machine, which heats the water and vibrates to provide a foot massage will be a truly luxurious gifting option.

5. Under-Eye Gel Pads

They say that your eyes are the windows to your soul, and when you are stressed and tired, it shows around your eyes. Placing a pair of gel pads under your eyes will moisturize dry skin in the area, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Gel pads also impart a glow to the face and help tackle dark circles that may have formed overnight due to the lack of proper sleep.

6. Yoga

Gifting a voucher for a yoga class may just be the best gift for someone who is under a lot of stress. Yoga helps combat depression and stress, so doing Yoga can help motivate them to tackle stress and related issues. This can be a great gift for someone who has never tried Yoga before.

7. Tea

This can gifted be either in the form of tea bags, tea-maker or a tea set. Tea is known to battle stress and anxiety, especially the black variant. It is also great for oral health. A study by University College London (UCL) found that people who drink tea are able to de-stress faster than those who don’t. The study also found that blood platelet activation, which is linked to the risk of heart attack is lower in people who drink tea.

8. Adult Coloring Books

These books have gained popularity in recent years and there is a good reason for it. Dr. Stan Rodski, a neuropsychologist with his own line of coloring books says that when we color, it creates a relaxing effect, similar to that created by meditation. Coloring allows us to forget about our worries and focus on the task at hand. The repetitive behaviour associated with coloring, along with paying attention to patterns stabilizes the heart rate and calms the artist.

If you know someone who leads a stressful lifestyle, these gift items will be perfect for them to relax and enjoy life again. Stress can be tackled with mindful living, which involves taking control of our actions, avoiding stress-creating habits, and staying away from anything that causes strain. It is always better to do what it takes to rein in stressful situations than let them spin out of control. The above items should help mitigate stress in an effective manner.