For Bath Lovers
Dreem Distillery Limited-Edition CBD Body & Bath Set, £45

Dreem Distillery are not only masters in relaxation but their products support the body’s parasympathetic nervous system by harnessing the potent power of plants and botanicals, chosen for their efficacy to create the best formulations. This luxury bath gift set includes a mini Among the Stars Body Oil (30ml) and mini Into the Deep Bath Oil (30ml) promoting total body relaxation. The brand believes in giving ourselves daily practices that help us to disconnect from the stresses of life in order to promote wellbeing, healing and longevity. If you know someone who has a penchant for baths – then this is the perfect gift!

For The Sleep Obsessed
Dreem Distillery Limited Edition Sleep Ritual Gift Set, £70

When life is busy, sleep becomes ever more important. For those who love sleep or for those that are in desperate need of more of it – this gift set is ideal. Featuring mini Night Drops (10ml) and mini Bed Balm (15ml), this travel-ready duo is designed to calm the mind and soothe the body. The high-grade cbd helps send even the most highly-strung into the most peaceful of slumbers. Plus, there is a free breathwork video series with every purchase.

For The Wellness Traveller
Dreem Distillery Jet Set Kit, £145

Perfectly presented in a luxury blue towelling wash bag, each Jet Set Kit includes travel-sized luxury body oils that all promote wellbeing and relaxation: Among the Stars body oil (30ml), Into the Deep luxury bath oil (30ml), Night Drops natural sleep aid (10ml) and Bed Balm muscle relaxing balm (15ml). So that wherever you are, prioritising your self-care is at the heart of your adventures.

H&H Stocking Filler Edit:

Night Drops Gift Set (10ml Night Drops + Christmas Pyramid), £60

Moonlit Night Cream (Luxury Illuminating Sleep Mask with CBD, £40)

Bed Balm (Luxury Muscle Relaxing Balm with CBD), £75

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For the fitness pal

Varley E-Gift Card

Give the gift of style and performance with a Varley E-Gift Card. Perfect for activewear enthusiasts, Varley blends fashion-forward designs with premium functionality. Whether for workouts or everyday wear, your loved one can choose from versatile pieces they’ll adore.

For the clean beauty lover

pai E-Gift Card

Treat someone special to radiant, healthy skin with a Pai E-Gift Card. Renowned for gentle, organic skincare, Pai is perfect for those with sensitive or reactive skin. Let them explore luxurious, clean beauty products tailored to their needs.

For the travel enthusiast

Mr & Mrs Smith E-Gift Card

Fuel wanderlust with the gift of exploration! This e-gift card opens doors to bespoke escapes, offering the perfect retreats for the avid traveller. A passport to luxury awaits, ensuring unforgettable experiences and memories to last a lifetime.

For the music lover

Royal Opera House Gift Certificate

Ignite the senses with the gift of music and drama. The Royal Opera House Gift Certificate grants access to world-class performances, enchanting the recipient with the magic of live music and theatrical brilliance. An exquisite treat for the discerning music aficionado.

For the reformer obsessive

Heartcore Gift Card

Ideal for reformer enthusiasts, this card unlocks access to dynamic classes, fostering strength, flexibility, and well-being. Give the gift of a healthier, more invigorated lifestyle for the mindful fitness seeker.

For the nail art queen

Townhouse Gift Card

Pamper nails to perfection with the Townhouse Gift Card. Tailored for the nail art connoisseur, it offers a luxurious escape into the world of exquisite manicures and pedicures. Elevate self-care routines and let creativity flourish with this thoughtful gesture.

For the foodie

Mindful Chef Subscription

Satisfy culinary cravings with the Mindful Chef Subscription. This gift delivers wholesome, delicious ingredients straight to the doorstep, inspiring foodies to create nutritious meals. A flavorful journey awaits, making every cooking experience a delightful adventure.

For those that need some R&R

Retreat East Voucher

Escape the hustle and bustle with the Retreat East Voucher. This tranquil getaway promises serenity and relaxation, allowing recipients to unwind in luxurious surroundings. Give the gift of rejuvenation, providing a well-deserved break from the stresses of everyday life.

For the botanical lover

Bloom & Wild Flower Subscription

Bring the beauty of nature indoors with the Bloom & Wild Flower Subscription. This thoughtful gift delivers fresh blooms regularly, transforming spaces into vibrant havens. Perfect for those who appreciate the elegance and fragrance of handpicked, seasonal flowers.

For the budding chef

Daylesford Cookery School Voucher

Ignite culinary passion with the Daylesford Cookery School Voucher. This hands-on experience immerses aspiring chefs in the art of cooking, offering expert guidance and gourmet inspiration. Unleash creativity in the kitchen with this gift of culinary mastery.

For the new mum

Ruuby App Voucher

Shower new mothers with the gift of self-care through the Ruuby App Voucher. This on-demand beauty service brings pampering directly to their doorstep, ensuring a moment of relaxation amidst the demands of motherhood. A thoughtful and rejuvenating gift for the deserving new mum.

For the beauty addict

Beauty Pie Gift Membership

Indulge beauty lovers with the Beauty Pie Gift Membership. This exclusive pass grants access to high-quality skincare and makeup at members-only prices. Elevate beauty routines with premium products, making every day a glamorous and radiant affair.

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The festive season can be a stressful time for us all, but no less so than in midlife. With elderly relatives, teenagers and young adults all under one roof, there is a multi-generational collision and it is often down to us midlifers to manage the maelstrom as well as putting on a spread and making sure everyone is having a good time.  So whether it’s just for Christmas lunch over a few hours, or for a few festive days, I have some top tips on how to stay sane and have some fun this Christmas season.

Generation Harmony

Our teens, or Gen Z as they are also known, are the digital natives, they live their lives online and are monosyllabic in real life, whereas our parents, the grandparents, are very much from the analogue generation and certainly in our house at the moment, never the twain shall meet. It is incredibly stressful trying to keep the conversation going and ensuring everyone is happy -I can feel my stress levels going up just writing this.

As a result, I decided to get some professional advice about how we can plan ahead and keep things calm this Christmas. 

Manage expectations in advance

Trish Halpin, one-half of the Postcards from Midlife podcast team said the following:

“Manage your expectations about who you are spending the day with. Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean that Great Aunt Ethel isn’t going to complain about the turkey if this is what she always does.  If there are specific behaviours or issues that you are worried about, you can create the right emotional space by having a kind but firm word before the day. For example, if your daughter is struggling with friends or is self-conscious about her appearance or weight, ask older guests not to bring it up on the day. And agree with the kids in advance that they will play at least one board game, or whatever you have in mind, with the older relatives”

Jo Glynn Smith, professional transformation coach and also parent to teens says “I find that nothing brings the generations together like old fashioned games – charades is a great one but also the humble board game or even an old fashioned movie”.  I cannot agree more here – I find games that are quick and keep the momentum going (not Monopoly) can keep teens’ interest going and grandparents awake! I have ordered this magnetic chess game from Amazon as a new game this year! 

Keep it simple

Trish says: “Stick to the same routine for Christmas day – same recipes, same timings because you’ll know what you are doing and everyone knows what to expect. Children in particular like traditions and routines, my twins are 20 and we still open our stockings all together in bed on Christmas morning. I’ve been cooking the same recipes from a Christmas issue of Red magazine, back when I first started editing it in 2000, and it’s a winner every year!”

Jo agrees: “Respect is key at this time of year respect one another, no matter who that is, this is a time for togetherness” She recommends having a team talk before the holidays outlining to the teens that this is a time to be present, to enjoy each other’s company and relax and go on walks.  

Ask for help – make sure you allocate jobs, so you don’t have to do everything and start feeling resentful and keep a couple of days free after Boxing Day with no social commitments at all to reset that social battery.

Looking after you and what to do if it all gets a bit much:

It’s your Christmas too and it is important for you to rest, relax and recharge.  Many of us are running businesses and working, and this is our time to enjoy too but as Jodie Cariss, therapist and Co-Founder at Self Space says “ ‘tis the season to sometimes forget to prioritise everyday mental maintenance. With everything going on it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, we recognise our anxiety rising and our natural instinct can sometimes be to try to be everything, to everyone”.    

Here are her tips for the festive season:

1. The gift of self-care – don’t feel obliged to say yes to every dinner or Christmas party and instead surround yourself with the people who truly fill up your cup. Give yourself the permission to protect your time and make the most of the rare windows to slow right down for daily practices like meditation; big, deep belly breaths; stretching or getting outside in nature. Make sure your diary is peppered with want-tos and joyful things as well as the have-tos!  
2. Name it to tame it – get specific about what’s causing you anxiety in advance of the Christmas period. By naming the things that are stressing us out, and pinpointing them exactly, we are able to bring the executive part (prefrontal cortex) of our brains back online and reduce anxiety caused by a build-up of vague stressors. Say it out loud, to yourself or to someone you love or write it down. “I am [insert feeling] about [insert thing that is bothering you]”. It sounds almost too simple to be effective but try it. 
3. Come back to the moment – Periods of stressful situations can cause us to obsess about the future, but your anchor is the moment, you can return to it to find peace, simply by remembering to be here in the present. This prevents you from getting too lost in anxious thoughts. 
4. Write it out – we’re not going to journal our problems away. But you can set your sights on what you can control and prepare for the festive season so make a list of what’s a priority (you, kids, family, rest, connection, food) or make a list of what you don’t want and ways to make sure you can avoid it happening. 

Remember to breathe!

Breathwork can be a helpful tool to stay calm and grounded when things get hectic and the bonus is it can be done anywhere – the downstairs loo, garden shed, wherever you feel the need. Sarah Hyde, breathwork coach recommends box breathing where you inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four and pause again for four and repeat for 4-6 cycles.  This slows the heart rate and calms the nervous system which will enable you to step away, and regroup before returning to the fray. She also recommends the 4-7-8 breathing before bed, lying on your back, inhale through your nose for a count of 4, hold for 7 and exhale for 8 and repeat 4 times, this prolonged exhale activates the body’s relaxation response helping stress to dissipate and the mind to unwind… 

Product recommendations to aid relaxation this Christmas:

Acupips is a pioneering range of products designed to reduce stress, anxiety and a host of other ailments through the ancient practice of auricular therapy, and they have a specific range of ear seed kits developed for menopause!  These clever seeds come in various finishes to match your earrings – gold, silver, rose gold and even crystal with clear instructions on how to place them and where for your needs.

Self Space have developed some clever conversation prompts cards have been designed to help with meaningful chats between family and friends. A proper conversation can be restorative and often the first step can open up a new level of connection. 

And Begin skincare – the perfect balance of efficacy and luxury – take a bit of time for yourself at the end of a hectic day of hosting with their Balm-to-Oil-Cleanser that will melt the day away leaving skin soft and supple.
Sink into a relaxing bath – if all else fails, a relaxing bath with salts works every time – Westlab have added a Relaxing Bath Salt to their already brilliant range.

The post Your Midlife Mental Health Guide to a Stress-Free Christmas appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

At the heart of the brand is their myLED Mask — set to be the ultimate Christmas gift for 2024. This state-of-the-art device harnesses the power of advanced light therapy to deliver visible, transformative results from the comfort of your own home. But the myBlend experience doesn’t stop there – you can now also drop into the first myBlend Salon at the iconic Hershesons Fitzrovia. Here, readers can immerse themselves in the full myBlend experience, trying out their unique, high-tech treatments that deliver immediate, noticeable results. From LED facials to bespoke skincare consultations, it’s a haven for those seeking radiant, rejuvenated skin (the perfect antidote to Christmas partying!).

The Beauty + Wellness Editor’s Pick of myBlend’s Top 5 Products to Give This Year

Revitalizing Cream, £210 

Instantly a cult classic, this high-performance anti-ageing treatment that reduces all signs of ageing in 4 weeks. Rich in targeted active ingredients such as fermented turmeric and marine prebiome, this is one-of-a-kind cream plumps and protects against oxidative stress as well as strengthening the skin’s own natural defences. Use at both day and nighttime to reveal the full potential this cream has to offer.

myLED Mask, £1100 

This LED mask really is the creme de la creme of LED masks – suffice to say that women found that in just 1 month their skin appeared a staggering 3 years younger in a clinical study. Need we say more. But as well as skin visibly being more firm and youthful, the myLEDmask also improves the wellbeing of its users by helping them to relax and destress twice as fast as they normally would. It’s built for all skin tones and comes with a 2 year warranty.

Skin Renewal Peel, £120

Dream of getting that post-facial peel glow at home that you can get from professional salons? Now you really can. myBlend’s Skin Renewal Peel gives you an instant glow by effectively exfoliating and renewing the skin for that new skin, chemical-peel effect. You’ll notice instantly improved skin tone complexion, tightened pores and reduced pigmentation and scar visibility.

Glow Fluid, £65

Moisturising, enriched with anti-ageing peptides and naturally highlights the skin, making it appear youthful and glowy, this Glow Fluid (or Fluide Lumiere as it’s known at myBlend) not only looks after the skin and help bolster the skin’s microbiota, but it will also make you look totally gorgeous due to its pink and white interface pearls. Making it the ultimate combination for post-Christmas fatigued skin that needs an instant pick-me-up.

Glow Nutri Supplement, £70

Great skin starts within, which is why myBlend also launched a potent supplement to help improve the skin’s wellbeing from the inside out. Their Glow Nutri Supplement makes the ideal stocking filler for those that like a 360 approach to their skincare. Packed with effective, results-driven nutrients, this supplement also contains something called Prebiotic Inulin which is extracted from chicory and contributes to the balance of the skin’s microbiota helping to boost its resilience and fight against oxidative stress.

Book in for a treatment at Hershesons Fitzrovia to discover the brand for yourself. Or visit my-blend.com for more information.

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Drawing on his expertise in holistic health, O’Shaughnessy addresses holiday stress and shares actionable strategies to help you stay grounded, embrace imperfection, and find genuine joy this Christmas. Whether it’s learning to say “no” or creating meaningful connections, these tips will empower you to focus on what truly matters this festive season.

1. Christmas Overwhelm. Over the festive season, schedules can become packed with parties, family gatherings, and numerous commitments, leading to feelings of overwhelm and feeling like we’re barely catching our breath. It’s tempting to say ‘yes’ to every invitation, but this can lead to burnout before the season even hits its stride. Try this instead: set some boundaries with your calendar, and don’t hesitate to decline plans that feel more stressful than joyful. Carve out time for self-care activities, like a quiet walk or reading a book. Focus on enjoying quality moments rather than quantity, ensuring you’re not overstretched, and helping us to stay grounded and let us genuinely enjoy the moments we choose to be part of.

2. Festive Loneliness. On the other side of the equation, the holiday season can amplify feelings of loneliness, especially for those far from loved ones. Acknowledge your feelings and consider reaching out to friends or family via phone or video calls to connect. Joining local community events or volunteering can also help build connections and provide a sense of belonging and purpose. If possible, create new traditions with people you care about or engage in group activities that interest you. Remember, you’re not alone, and community support can make a difference.

3. Family Issues. Family dynamics can become particularly strained during the holidays. Before diving in, consider setting a few boundaries for yourself. Be clear on what you’re comfortable with and communicate it openly if needed. Sometimes, lighter activities—like a game or a shared hobby—can help ease any tension and bring a bit of laughter to the day. It may also help to have a safe space during gatherings where you can step back and collect your thoughts if tensions rise. Remember, it’s possible to enjoy the season while keeping your well-being at the forefront.

4. The Inability to Slow Down. The frantic pace of the season can leave you feeling frazzled and unable to enjoy the moment. Combat this feeling by incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Set aside brief moments each day to pause, breathe, and reflect on what you’re grateful for. Consider creating a “slow down” ritual, such as sipping tea by a fire or taking evening strolls through decorated neighbourhoods. Learning to appreciate simple pleasures can restore peace and joy to your holiday experience.

5. Overindulgence in Food and Drink. The abundance of festive treats can lead to feelings of guilt or a lack of control. Shift your mindset by practicing moderation rather than depriving yourself of things; it’s okay to enjoy Christmas foods. Incorporating healthier snacks and meals into your days can create balance. It’s also beneficial to focus on socialising rather than just the food, as connecting with others can be fulfilling in its own right. Also, it’s Christmas; it happens once a year, and sometimes it’s nice to just relax and eat what you like; don’t overthink it. Prioritise self-compassion and don’t judge yourself for indulging—remember it’s part of what makes Christmas lovely. 

6. Anxieties about Spending Too Much Money. Let’s face it, we all tend to spend more at Christmas. Financial stress can cloud the holiday spirit, leading to anxiety about overspending. To avoid this, set a realistic budget for gifts, food, and activities well in advance. Consider discussing expectations with family members to establish guidelines for gift-giving that align with your budget. Focus on thoughtful gestures over expensive gifts, like handmade crafts or quality time spent together. Remember that the true spirit of Christmas doesn’t hinge on how much you spend, but rather on the love and joy shared with those around you.

7. Managing Expectations. During Christmas, we often feel pressured to create perfect experiences. Recognise that it’s okay if things don’t go as planned, and allow flexibility in your festive expectations. Set realistic goals for yourself and your gatherings, focusing on connection rather than perfection. Share your feelings with loved ones to lessen the burden of expectations, creating an environment of openness and understanding. Embracing imperfections can lead to genuine moments of joy—and laughter!

8. Coping with Christmas Grief. For many, the holidays can trigger feelings of grief for those who are missing. Honour your feelings and acknowledge the loss, allowing yourself to grieve while also celebrating the memories. Incorporate traditions that help you remember your loved ones, like lighting a candle or sharing stories, to help feel connected despite the loss. Surround yourself with supportive friends or family, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to have a mix of joy and sadness this season; both are part of what makes the memories of our loved ones feel real.

9. Avoiding Comparisons. Social media has a way of making us feel like everyone else is having a picture-perfect Christmas, and it can stir up feelings of inadequacy. Be mindful of how your consumption of social media affects your mood, and consider taking breaks from it. Focus instead on your unique experiences and what brings you happiness during this time. Remind yourself that social media often depicts a curated version of reality, not the whole picture. Embrace gratitude for your own journey, and celebrate the simple joys of your season without comparison.

10. Seeking Support. If the holidays are bringing up difficult emotions, remember that reaching out can make a real difference. Talk to friends, family, or even professionals who can provide encouragement and advice. You can explore local support groups or online communities that understand holiday-related challenges.Sometimes, just having an open conversation can ease the weight of loneliness and help you feel seen. Remember, you’re not alone; seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.

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