This has been one of the most stressful weeks on record. Even as I type this, I’m still a bit nauseous, waiting for the polls to close. Raines and I spent a couple of hours today working the phone banks — it was a good way to direct some of my nervous energy. And I was pretty proud of my little guy. He started out really nervous, but did the whole training, practiced a few calls with me, and then, from time to time (when he could actually get someone on the phone) I heard him ask, in his serious 12-year-old voice, if they needed any help getting to the polls, or if they had voted already?
Democracy at work. It’s a beautiful, precious thing.
I have no words of wisdom or insight — I’ll be spending the rest of the night biting my nails and stress-eating peanut m&ms — but should you need a distraction, or if you (or someone you love) could use a little pampering, I’ve thrown together a few self-care gift ideas that I personally would love to use, like…um….NOW.
And before I forget — a few of you were asking about gift guides. We have a bunch coming out over the next few weeks, but we did just publish our little holiday gift ideas hub (now updated for 2022!). It’s like a page full of happiness, so that’s fun.
Hang in there, Gang.
Self-Care Ideas: Gifts That Relax, Refresh & Recharge
Whether I’m in the mood to bathe my way to bliss, shower that stress down the drain, drink it, smell it, work it all out…or crawl back into bed (wink, wink)…I’ve found a little something that will — hopefully — get me back into fighting shape. Change takes time — and I’m in it for the long haul.
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1/ Modernist x Gravity Weighted Robe
Ever since Scotti covered Gravity Blanket’s weighted blankets, I’ve been totally intrigued. And the thought of coming out of the shower (or bath) and slipping on a weighted robe? OMG…heaven. (The only problem is that it’s unisex sizing, so Mike — and the boys — would 100% steal it from me.)
2/ Jade Mask
Continuing with the weighted theme (WHY does this sound so good??)…I’m also totally into this cooling jade mask. Remove makeup, slather on a thick cream and then lie down…adding the heavy jade mask right out of the fridge. Good grief.
3/ Aromatherapy Diffuser
Everyone has waxed poetic about this aromatherapy diffuser. I love the idea of keeping one in the bedroom.
4/ Overnight Hydrating Face Mask
I’m very big into overnight masks, and the reviews on this one are nuts: over a thousand 5-star reviews. Whoa. Here’s hoping it can replace sleep. #snort
5/ Deep Conditioning Hair Repair Mask
A non-greasy hair mask that is especially good at de-frizzing split ends? Yes, please. (A Black-owned business, too.)
6/ Lavender Essential Oil
If you only get one oil for your diffuser, Lavender is perfect for de-stressing. Of course, there’s also a set of multiple oils to try.
7/ Mug & Electric Warmer
I’m sick of cold coffee — SICK OF IT — and I object to using to-go mugs at home. So I’m really into this one — perfect for slow, lazy weekend mornings.
8/ Shower Steamers
Like a bath bomb, but for the shower.
9/ Bath Soak
For major de-stressing (and to soothe aching muscles)….CBD. This one also has coconut for extra moisture.
10/ Humans, by Brandon Stanton
The @humansofny channel is my favorite thing on Instagram, and Brandon’s book, Humans, gives us a little glimpse of the human experience all over the world. The Washington Post called it “one of the most influential art projects of the decade” and said that it “reminds us what it means to be human”. Connection, perspective, and empathy…all good things (and grounding, too).
11/ Cozy Cotton Socks
These socks, from Black-owned business Brother Vellies, have been described as the perfect house socks. They come in a ton of great colors, but proceeds from the lavender ones fund their mask-making and food distribution in Kenya.
12/ Foaming Bath With Lavender
After copious amounts of research…this bubble bath makes the best bubbles, without irritating your skin. Time for a tubful.
13/ Head Massager
AHHHH…I want this RIGHT NOW. Shivers, just thinking about how good it would feel.
14/ Vegan Candle
This clean-burning soy candle is from Forage Candle Company, and they also make candles for book nerds: The Shire, Mad Tea Party, Avonlea, Winterfell, Lallybroch were just a few of the other options. SWOON.
15/ Workout Dumbbells
I like to sweat out my stress, and I’ve been trying to find a set of weights that weren’t — quite frankly — hot pink. SIGH. This set from Target has every weight you’d need, in honestly chic colors.
16/ Vibrator
Well this is another way to burn out some stress. Might actually be the most effective. 😉
ps. It’s called ‘the fireman’.
17/ Vegan Body Treatment
This is massage oil. A perfect way to kick off some de-stressing activities.
18/ Birkenstock Shearling Slides
These are my favorite things for my feet right now. Supportive, comfy and just warm enough (without overheating). Means that I can pace comfortably on my hardwood floors for HOURS. Which is, quite frankly, what I’m about to go back to doing….
Hang in there, Gang.
xo,
S
Oh hey, Pinners, this one’s for you:
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You’re not imagining the appeal of the robe/mask – my understanding is very basic, but my 2 Occupational Therapist sisters tell me that weighted things provide proprioceptive deep pressure – basically sensory input around body position awareness and movement. So the weighted feeling can be soothing if there’s a lot of other sensory input or stimulation (if you google proprioception and deep pressure a lot of info around autism comes up), OR if you’re stressed out by, you know, THINGS AND LIFE. I say embrace it! Climb under a heavy blanket, and maybe go get a hug – that provides deep pressure too! 🙂