Nora Roberts said, “Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard, or too sad when you’ve got a Christmas tree in the living room”. Undoubtedly, when the tree lights up, so do the faces of those that stand around it. I don’t know about you, but my favorite part are the gifts that sit underneath! Looking through the lens of mental health, what are some gifts to get your loved ones?
Dr. Lena Pearlman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Clinical Director at Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates, shared a few great gift ideas!
Lena’s Recommended Gifts:
Weighted Blanket
Weighted Blankets are beneficial for numerous reasons. They stimulate Serotonin, which is our mood stabilizer. Additionally, they can reduce stress and improve sleep.
Fidget Toys
Fidget Toys can be helpful for those with anxiety. Additionally, for those of us who have experienced feelings of restlessness, fidget toys can provide a very effective outlet for that.
Massage
Massages can lower anxiety and stress.
Bubble Bath
Following-up on the previous gift, Lena recommends a space to treat yourself. For example, taking a bubble bath or just doing something relaxing to take care of oneself.
Journal
Journaling is incredibly important for a plethora of reasons. Lena, in early 2020, came out with “Stay Here: Your Personal Journal To Staying Present, Mindful & Grateful Every Day”. This journal is a culmination of many aspects of the homework and process she has had with her patients in the therapeutic journey. Journaling can improve an individuals’ mood, as well as control symptoms.
Ticket To Sporting Event/Concert
Lena recommends giving a loved one a ticket to a sporting event or concert – attending an event that can bring excitement and joy. Especially, doing something that an individual doesn’t do too often.
Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil can alleviate stress, anxiety and promote sleep.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a St Louis mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice has a team of mental health therapists who provide therapy and counseling services to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates specializes in stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues and concerns. The practice can be reached by phone at: 314-942-1147, by email at: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com or on the web at: www.STLmentalhealth.com. The office is located at: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141. Follow Dr. Lena Pearlman on Twitter at https://twitter.com/drlenapearlman.
