In a study of teen athletes, those who had regular massage therapy sessions experienced significant decreases in levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Since there are many types of massage, make sure you purchase a gift certificate for one that focuses on relaxation and stress relief (rather than, say, deep-tissue massage). One study found that people who engaged in expressive writing, which focuses on writing about your deepest thoughts and feelings related to emotional events, showed immediate and significant decreases in scores of depression. These benefits were still present four weeks later, suggesting that the beneficial impact may be lasting. Lavender, in particular, has been lauded for its feel-good effects.A gift of high-quality essential oils and an attractive diffuser could make a gift that’s both lovely to look at and relaxing to use. There are lots of guided meditations to choose from. Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Shine offer gift subscriptions. So, consider giving the gift of meditation to a loved one.
