5 self-care hamper essentials
Key points about self-care hampers
- Self-care hampers are a great gift idea
- A book, magazine or self-care diary make good additions to self-care hampers
- Fill self-care hampers with small items like candles, gift vouchers or tea
We’ve all had to adapt to uncertainty and new ways of living over these past few years. Some of us may have developed stronger resilience skills during this time, while others may have focused on growing with gratitude or positive language activities.
And despite the differences in approach, these are all examples of self-care activities.
We’ve all got a friend or family member who might benefit from a little extra self-care, especially at this time of year when they might be feeling stress from:
- holiday chaos
- moving house
- figuring out how to cope with a job loss.
One way to show them that you care is to send a self-care hamper.
Here are five fresh ideas for self-care gifts to include in a DIY self-care hamper that your friends and family are sure to love.
1. Herbal tea
Drinking herbal tea is one self-care practice that your stressed-out friend may like to try. Add a pretty mug packed full of a delicious herbal tea blend to the self-care hamper.
If that friend is a new mother, research suggests that lavender and chamomile herbal tea may help improve sleep quality and mental wellbeing.
We’ve suggested herbal teas because they tend to be caffeine-free. While small doses of caffeine may help your friend feel refreshed and more productive, large doses may make them feel more stressed.
2. A good book or magazine
Reading an inspiring book or a positive magazine (they do exist!) is another way to practise self-care.
If you’re not sure what your friend might enjoy reading, pop down to your local library. The librarians will be happy to share their advice on the best books they’ve read this year.
3. Add a self-care diary to the hamper
Journaling is another activity that people may find helpful as part of a self-care routine. One research study found that people who journaled about the positive aspects of their lives and themselves may have experienced increased mental wellbeing as a result.
You can even get specific self-care diaries now that include prompts, exercises and tips for building a self-care practice. These are a great addition to a self-care hamper.
4. Fitness class gift voucher
An essential aspect of self-care is looking after our physical health and mental health. The good news is that exercise is beneficial for both.
Encourage your friend to look after themselves with exercise by adding a voucher for a group fitness class to the self-care hamper. There are so many fun options out there. Check out the Australian Government’s Girls Make Your Move campaign for some inspo.
5. A beautiful candle
Some people incorporate meditation into their self-care routines because it has been linked with reduced stress and improved mental wellbeing when practised regularly.
Some meditation practices involve looking at an object such as a candle flame or a tree to focus your attention, rather than focusing on your thoughts. So, why not buy your friend a beautiful candle for their self-care hamper that they can use as motivation for their meditation.
Give the gift of self-care
Show your friends and family how much they mean to you by giving them a self-care hamper. Or you could really up the ante on self-care and give yourself a gift box too.
After all, as RuPaul says, “If you don't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”
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Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board February 2022.