15 meaningful Christmas gift ideas to boost your employees' wellbeing
With the holidays just around the corner, Manah Wellness is here to help you find gifts for the people who are part of your work family. Whether your employee is experiencing stress or anxiety or you just want to show them you’re thinking of their mental health, there’s something for everyone on this list.
1. Weighted blankets - Certain types of blankets are shown to reduce anxiety as the weight of the blanket applies pressure to the body as human contact would (like a hug or a cuddle), which can help one’s body relax. It has also improved sleep, by making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.” –Gabrielle Schreyer-Hoffman, PhD
2. Art supplies - Artistic expression is a beautiful way for those of all ages to express feelings while reducing stress and anxiety. Craft stores are great places to purchase specific art supplies for friends and family.
3. Mental health books - Books are always a great gift! Mental health books recommended by licensed mental health professionals are bound to help anyone in your life understand and tackle whatever mental health issues they may be dealing with.
4. Personal fitness equipment - Exercise helps boost productivity and relieve stress. This may include a resistance band, power twister arm, yoga mats, jump rope, etc., This would encourage employees to take up an activity. Researchers found that the participants felt more content, more awake and calmer after being physically active than after inactivity.
5. Baking classes - By baking with friends and family, you can reduce stress, boost your mood, improve social connections, increase mindfulness, build confidence, provide a sense of purpose, and spark creativity.
6. Office punching bag - A punching bag would be a great stress reliever for those days when client meetings don’t go as planned or they need to vent when targets are not met.
7. Infuser bottle - By infusing tasty flavors, many people tend to drink more water. Infusion can thus be a way to make water more appealing. Infuser bottles will help avoid dehydration, reduce sugar intake and in turn help reduce sweet cravings that occur when employees are stressed.
8. Yoga classes - In yoga, the movements are slow and controlled, they still elevate your heart rate, make the muscles work hard, and stimulate the release of brain chemicals. As a result, yoga can make you happier.
9. An ergonomic chair - Correct posture will be guaranteed while using the right chair. Headaches and migraines can be caused by stress and strain on the spine. Consistent headaches and migraines can make it difficult for employees to perform at full capacity and over time that psychological impact can alter personality and cause workplace fatigue.
10. A healthy meal delivery service - Work life causes people to juggle between their chores, family life and other commitments constantly. This sometimes results in meals being skipped or frequently eating out. Providing employees with nutritious meals that they can rely on every day, can help them think clearly and feel more alert. It can also improve concentration and attention span.
11. Gratitude journal - People who practice gratitude feel less negative emotions such as depression, frustration, resentment, and envy, and they experience more happiness. Improved self-esteem: Gratitude has been shown to reduce comparing yourself to others, leading to improved self-esteem.
12. Mindfulness coloring book with colored pencils - Coloring can help you be more mindful. Mindfulness is the ability to focus and stay in the moment. Recent studies have also shown mindful colouring to reduce anxiety and depression, so can be a helpful tool in managing unhelpful thoughts and feelings.
13. Therapy dough - A dough that you can punch and squeeze your frustrations when things get heated in your life. You can also shape it and get creative just like children do with play dough. It can be calming and a source of stress relief.
14. Family board games - Your employees will spend time with their families and loved ones this Christmas. Playing board games with loved ones leads to bouts of laughter that stimulate endorphins. The simple act of having fun can help boost serotonin and relieve symptoms of anxiety.
15. Help your team with a holiday service - The holiday season is busy with employees travelling, visiting family, and dealing with tight end-of-the-year deadlines. Instead of letting all this stress your team out, why not give them a helping hand by providing a service that they can use? Not only will it help them save time, but it will also help them plan their schedules better and reduce the mental load of tasks involved during the holidays.
Receiving a thoughtful gesture from someone else can act as an affirmation of one's worth and help them feel seen and valued. Studies suggest that when we give generously, our brains experience pleasure similar to that which comes from eating good food or receiving money.
Therefore, it is clear that gift-giving is not only beneficial for the recipient but also for the giver in terms of emotional well-being. Not only does it make us happier, but it also builds stronger relationships between people by creating meaningful moments that are remembered long after the present has been opened. Use these 15 gift ideas to create a lovely holiday gift package for your employees!