Gifts for Mental Health - Stouffville
The last few years have been especially hard on people’s mental health. So we thought we’d put together some gift ideas for your friends or family who are struggling with their mental health. Here are some ways you can purchase meaningful gifts for them this season.
Coffee Dates
A gift card and a plan to meet up for coffee are a way to give the gift of comfort and social connection. This can help decrease isolation and provide meaningful conversations during a busy time. Red Bulb and Main Street Bakehouse are two amazing coffee shops in Stouffville, and they both offer gift cards.
Red Bulb
https://redbulb.ca/espressobar/gift-cards/
Main Street Bakehouse
https://www.mainstreetbakehouse.com/
Massage
The benefits of massage therapy extend well beyond healing injuries and decreasing muscle tension. Research shows that a one-hour massage can decrease cortisol levels and release serotonin. It can reduce symptoms of depression and help manage anxiety.¹, ² There are many wonderful massage therapists in town, but here are some of our favourite spots:
Alison Ayres, RMT
Fusion Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre
Renew Integrative Health
https://renewintegrativehealth.com/
Health on Main
There are many vitamins and minerals that contribute to mental wellness. Consider purchasing a gift card from the health store, “Health on Main” for your loved one to stock up on supplements to support their well-being.
Yoga
Yoga is well known for its mental health benefits. Research shows that it can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD.³ “Kind Yoga By Heart” is a local yoga studio operating out of a picturesque greenhouse nestled amidst beautiful farmer’s fields. This would be a wonderful way to support someone’s mental health. Consider purchasing a class or membership for your friends or family.
Kind Yoga By Heart
Salt Therapy
Salt therapy has been used in Europe for the last two centuries. Salt therapy takes place in “salt rooms” or “salt caves” and has been shown to improve respiratory conditions, skin conditions and improve the immune system. It also can help manage symptoms of stress.⁴ Did you know that we have a salt cave right in Stouffville? It’s located at “Nature’s Gifts & Organic Spa” on Main street.
Nature’s gift and spa
https://www.naturesgiftsandorganicspa.com/salt-cave
Stouffville’s Elite Fitness Club
The team at “Urban Strength” aims to improve people’s quality of life through hard work and community. Mental health is at the heart of their motivation for helping support their community. Exercise, especially in a community setting has been proven over and over again to improve mental health. “Urban Strength” offers class packs and memberships. This would be a great gift for your partner, to begin this journey together.
Urban Strength
Farm to Table
Learn more about where your food comes from! Having a connection to your food and the land it’s grown on can hugely impact your mental health. A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is a program you sign up for at the beginning of the season and you receive a weekly delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables, with different produce each week. You eat nourishing food, learn about the farm it comes from and interact with the wonderful people growing the food. “Willo’Wind Farm” is located in Zephyr, and delivers to York Region. They offer gift cards for purchase (any amount) at the link below:
Willow Wind
https://willowind.square.site/
Float Therapy
“Freed from the constant stress of gravity and external stimulation, the float tank allows you to completely relax your body and mind while floating in 800 lbs of Epsom salt. This reduced sensory environment has been researched by neuroscientists for its overwhelmingly positive effects on stress, anxiety, and pain. There is nothing like the complete stillness of floating!” This message is shared by Float Valley, a Float Therapy centre in Markham, a wonderful place to experience float therapy for the first time.
Float Valley
We are a team of 6 therapists, and we’re here to support you and your family. Should you or your loved ones struggle with your mental health over the holidays, feel free to reach out and book in for a consultation. Your mental health matters ❤️
Email: laurenwallis.psychotherapy@gmail.com
Resources
1. “Massage Therapy for Psychiatric Disorders”
https://focus.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.focus.20170043
2. “Can Massage Relieve Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress.”
3. “Yoga for Mental Disorders”
https://europepmc.org/article/med/29858642
4. “Salt Caves as Simulation of Natural Environment and Significance of Halotherapy”
https://ruj.uj.edu.pl/xmlui/handle/item/133177
