Tuesday 24 November 2015

Self Care for Christmas and Giveaway

As wonderfully festive as Christmas is, it can also be really difficult for a lot of people. There's the pressure to be and feel happy. The expectation that everyone has someone to spend it with. The difficulties that often come with having people to spend it with. It's totally normal for your mental health to take a real knock come this time of year.

This Christmas, encourage self care when it comes to buying gifts. Whether it's a treat, a mindfulness trend, or a way of nourishing your body, there are many present ideas that can boost your mental health.
And stay tuned for my self care giveaway at the bottom of the post.

Here's my gift suggestions for yourself or someone you know who needs a little pick-me-up;

Gratitude Journal
Source
The simplicity of writing down why you should be grateful can be so rewarding. In 2014 I kept a Gratitude Journal where I would try to find something, no matter how big or small, to be thankful for at the end of every day. It didn't matter how bad my day was, I was to find something. Looking back through makes me laugh, and appreciate the small joys of being alive.

Hot Water Bottle
Not just for Christmas, a hot bottle provides relief from the cold, stomach aches, period pains, headaches. They're warm and cosy, and you can win your own exclusive hot water bottle in my giveaway at the end of this post.

Sad Ghost Club
The Sad Ghost Club have a huge range of selection for those who are feeling down, whether it's comics, t-shirts, badges or posters. All products feature a range of affirmations that can inspire and help anyone to feel less alone.

Colouring Book
Source
Colouring for mindfulness has been all the rage this month. Encourage someone to take it up with any of the books from the huge ranges of selection in book stores. My favourite store, The Book Depository has loads of offer for reasonable prices!

Hot chocolate in a mug
There's not much more comforting than a warm mug of chocolate and milk. Buy a festive mug and gift it alongside your favourite brand of hot chocolate.

Bathing Gift Set
Don't underestimate the power of a good soak! Whether it's from The Body Shop, Lush or Boots, gift someone the power of relaxation.

Hot water bottle Giveaway with Alflorex

Alflorex has created an exclusive winter giveaway of a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind hot water bottle and a three month supply of Alflorex PrecisionBiotic® food supplements for one of my readers this winter. Each hot water bottle cover has a unique design and is made from super soft lambs wool sourced from traditional Irish woolen mills.
To enter the giveaway (ROI only) fill out the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

59 comments:

  1. The gratitude journal is such a great idea! It'd be fun to read through your entities the following year too. Lovely giveaway - the hot water bottle looks great for the winter! x

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  2. I want to try an adult coloring book it is meant to be good for de-stressing and I know I definitely need that. Hot chocolate is good too.

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    1. Oh I think you'd love it! I have a collection of the atm x

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  3. I want me a hot water bottle big time, the weather has become so cold I am shaking to my bones. Lovely giveaway you have.

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    1. Thanks Miranda! I know the weather is Baltic! x

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  4. Ooh looks lovely! Entered :)

    The gratitude journal and colouring in are both my favourite self care ways, and I think it would benefit so many other stressed out people if they only would give it a go.

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    1. I've tried both and think they're great! Love relaxing with my colouring book and hope to take up a Gratitude Journal again next year x

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  5. Great ideas :) especially the gratitude journal

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    1. Thank you Lynn. I'm going to keep one again for 2016 x

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  6. There's something really lovely about getting into a warm bed! Love the other ideas too, especially the journal - this maybe something I give ago next year xx

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    1. It's a lovely way to find the good in every day! I really enjoyed keeping one last year x

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  7. I love that gratitude journal. I do something similar, write a weekly post listing all the things I have loved that week. x

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    1. That is a great idea Aby! It's important to remember the good x

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  8. Allow yourself alcohol free nights and on a night out make sure to have water as well as alcohol

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    1. Good idea Sinead! Good luck with the giveaway x

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  9. The journal is such a good idea, something to read back over the year. I'm a fan of adult colouring books, they really help me zone out and relax

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    1. I love them too Leighanne! Have a lovely Alice in Wonderland one that's my current favourite x

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  10. I love the gratitude journal, and the colouring book. I actually have one myself which I really want to start using. I think it will be good to keep my mind rested and de stress but I am so busy at the moment I haven't had a spare moment. xx

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    1. It's a really lovely way to chill out! I adore my colouring books x

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  11. Be more organised, everything in moderation, staying hydrated, get enough sleep, not getting involved in others dramas. Add a few drops of milk thistle daily to water to detox my liver. Go out for a long walk every day with my dogs.Taking a long hot bath. Enjoy family time with family and friends, laugh and make memories.

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    1. They sound like lovely acts of self care Grainne! x

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  12. I swear by Alflorex..they are the best probiotic. Also love the idea of the Gratitude Journal, will definitely be picking one up!

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    1. Glad to hear it Jen :) I find the journal so uplifting to read back over x

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  13. These are great ideas! I love your gratitude journal idea. Self care during Christmas is really important.

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  14. I will dream big, love without expectations, and rest, rest, rest each day so I can enjoy the moments with my family :)

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    1. Oh that's so beautiful Mary, thanks for sharing !

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  15. Great article! I've had a tough month mentally but I've been trying to stay positive :) Writing down reasons to be grateful definitely helps!

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    1. You're in need of some self care for sure Sarah! Look after yourself x

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  16. I've only just come across your blog now and it's fantastic. Some wonderful advice. Loving the sad ghost club too, thanks for mentioning it :)

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    1. They are completely adorable, I love their products! Just waiting for my order to come in now. Thanks x

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  17. This is such a great list of suggestions for self care. The gratitude journal is a fab idea, and adult colouring books are so calming and relaxing! x

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  18. These are all such awesome ideas. A gratitude journal is a must for everyone I think!

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    1. I agree Shaylee! So important to remember why we should feel thankful

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  19. I love these ideas! Hot water bottles always remind me of my granny and staying with her as a child, they're a total comfort thing for me.

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    1. Aw that's so lovely Cliona! Your granny must have had a cold house :P

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  20. Eat better & exercise more. Fantastic prize!

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  21. Loved reading this, and you are right nothing as comforting as drinking a cup of hot chocolate!

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  22. The gratitude diary is a great idea

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    1. I've loved keeping one Louise, it's so rewarding x

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  23. i will use mindfulness for self care at Christmas

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  24. I'm going to go for lots of nice walks while listening to xmas carols! (weather permitting of course!) xx

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    1. Sounds lovely! Hope the stormy weather doesn't affect your plans x

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  25. I see a lot of distressing with the adult colouring book but I admit I never tried it.

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  26. I destress with exercise ~ some power walks or swims are great and I go on my own and work it all out in my head and leave it behind me. Feel so much better afterwards

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    1. Good for you! I definitely need to exercise more as it has so many benefits x

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  27. really want a colouring book now... :/ love the water bottle :)

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  28. I am the designated driver for the christmas

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  29. Yes self care is important all year round.

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  30. I used to keep a gratitude journal, but then I let life get the best of me and got too busy. I think it's time to start this up again. Thanks for the inspiration. Love your blog!

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