Mindfulness has garnered a lot of attention and interest over the years, whether it’s meditation apps, journals, and other products aimed at helping people feel present in the here and now.
Mindfulness is the ability humans have to ground themselves in the present moment and be able to feel regulated despite what may be going on around them. Mindfulness can be helpful for everyone, but many people with depression, trauma histories, and other mental health concerns tend to find a lot of benefit from slowing down and finding peace in the present.
The great thing about mindfulness is you can make it what you need in the moment. You can practice mindfulness while you are lying in bed, sitting at your work desk, while sitting in traffic, and any other situations where you need a gentle reminder to come back to the present, especially when anxiety peaks or your mind starts to wonder about the past or future. This is where mindfulness gifts can serve as a great option this holiday season.
The Modern Intimacy team are advocates for incorporating mindfulness into self care practices and put together a list of mindfulness and meditation gifts that might help you get started. Check out our gift ideas below.
Modern Intimacy Recommends: Mindfulness Gifts
Meditation Cushion
“Utilizing a meditation cushion can change your practice immensely. Not many individuals have the hip flexibility to sit comfortably (or at all) for extended periods of time, but most meditation experts recommend sitting rather than lying, to remain alert. A cushion allows room for your knees to fall towards the floor so you can sit more upright. It also provides a sacred tool for your practice, something you can cherish and connect with/build energy around every day. Choose one that suits your personality!” – Heather “Lulu” Mazzei, ASW
Everyday Journal
“This journal is a great way to prioritize your emotional wellness with daily prompts for 365 days to keep you consistent. Using the guided prompts you will engage yourself in self-love, reflection, and growth.” – Imani Reynolds, AMFT
Sensual Self: Prompts and Practices for Getting in Touch with Your Body: A Guided Journal
“Sex educator, Ev’Yan Whitney, created the sensual self as a guided journal to allow individuals time to reflect and rediscover their sexuality. This journal will help you carve out time to be mindful of your inner thoughts on intimate topics.”– Brooke Brownlee, LPCC
The Universe Has Your Back
“These affirmation cards are a great way to begin your day, yoga practice, or meditation practice.” – Rachel Overvoll, Somatic Sex Coach
Do One Thing That Makes You Happy Everyday Journal
“A yearlong daily journal with prompts to fill out and to cultivate thinking how you can include daily mindfulness into your routine, and increase engagement with things, activities, and places you find happiness.” – Hunter English, Clinical Extern
The Swear Word Coloring Book
“Getting into the zone of coloring can have meditative effects which is great if meditation isn’t for you or you’re looking to change up your routine a little. This version contains swear words which can be a cathartic experience for many, or you can find one without any words at all!”– Jessie Ripes, Digital Media Coordinator
Marble Essential Oil Diffuser
“For me, mindfulness works best when I have a cozy space to meditate or just decompress from the day. Essential oil diffusers are great because just a few drops of your favorite essential oil scent can help create a calming environment to relax and unwind.” – Kayla Tricaso, Office Manager & Patient Intake Specialist
What are the Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness?
Practicing mindfulness can be helpful for many as most people struggle from time to time with feeling in the present moment, sitting with their uncomfortable feelings, or experiencing anxiety about the past or future. Mindfulness aids in grounding you in the present which can come with helpful mental and physical health benefits.
Reduced rumination of negative thoughts
Mindfulness is a great way to put a stop, or at least a pause, on any negative thoughts that are permeating your mind. Ruminations can feel distracting, debilitating and cause both mental and physical health challenges. Through mindfulness, you can learn how to pump the breaks on those pervasive thoughts, slow down, and center your mind to the here and now.
Stress management
Mindfulness has shown promising results in helping people manage their stress and anxiety levels. Stress and anxiety can rev up the nervous system which creates feelings of discomfort or even panic. Mindfulness is regulating emotions so it can bring you from a place of high stress to a more regulated state, also often referred to as your optimal Window of Tolerance.
Improve Ability to Focus
If you struggle with staying on task and lose focus quickly, mindfulness can be a great tool to lean on. When you lose focus, your mind drifts away from the present moment and mindfulness is one way to put your mind back on track. Utilizing mindfulness when you are doing tasks that are particularly hard to focus on can be a great way to keep yourself focused and centered so you can successfully complete the task at hand.
Relationship satisfaction
Mindfulness is often thought of as an individual practice, but mindfulness can have benefits beyond your individual internal experience. Mindfulness can come in handy when it comes to relationships as well. For instance, during conflict, emotions can become intense and reactionary, but through mindfulness, you are more likely to be able to regulate your emotions so you can have a calm and grounded conversation with your partner, without losing your cool.
Mindfulness Is What You Make It
Mindfulness does not need to be a big production with products and mindfulness gifts, though it can help enhance your practice. The wonderful thing about mindfulness is you can make it whatever works best for your lifestyle, needs, time limitations, and environment.
If you can set aside just a few minutes for yourself to center and ground yourself in the moment, that is practicing mindfulness. If you want to expand your practice and spend hours practicing mindfulness, that’s fine too. There is no one right way to practice mindfulness so you can cater the practice to what works best for you.
We hope you enjoy these gifts for enhancing mindfulness. Modern Intimacy wishes you and your loved ones a very happy and peaceful holidays.
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