Feeling down or know a friend who has been? 8 self care gifts for a guaranteed pick me up

If you've read our piece on the best essential oils for stress, then you'll know that they're great way to calm your nervous system. 

We're big fans of the Neom Wellbeing Pod - Health Editor Ally Head is a fan and reckons it would make a great gift. It also comes with a bottle of the Complete Bliss Essential Oil Blend - simply add it to the tank of water and the pod will release a fine mist, filling your chosen room with the calming scent.

A 2022 study found that mindfulness can help reduce your levels of stress. Meditation is a great way to help achieve mindfulness, so why not treat a loved one to a meditation cushion to help them be more comfortable during their favourite yoga poses?

Again, our Health Editor Ally Head is a big fan of this as a self care gift - while she normally prefers fiction to self care books, this one is pretty game-changing when it comes to reframing negative thoughts and cultivating healthy habits. 

This would make a great gift for anyone who's been feeling a little blue - as the name suggests, it's all about how small habits can lead to big changes, and also includes stories of how people have changed their lives following the author's handy tips and tricks. 

Research has proven that baths can actually improve our stress levels, which is why we reckon treating yourself (or a loved one) to some luxurious bath salts is a no brainer.

We're a fan of these from Mirror Water, a soothing blend of Himalayan rock salt, magnesium salt and Epsom salt. You'll be feeling relaxed in no time.

Keen to try some mindful movement or know someone who might benefit from time on the mat? Lululemon yoga mats are some of the best you can buy - soft to the touch, sweat-wicking, and guaranteed to brighten your day. 

For more recommendations, check out our edit of the best yoga mats.

You need only visit the MC UK desks to see we're all fans of wellness planners - great for when things get a little too much and writing down your thoughts, feelings and to-do lists might come in handy.

This pretty design by Papier has sections to help you write down what you're grateful for, your goals and habits such as sleep and water intake.

Looking to boost your endorphins with a workout? Do it in style with these Bala ankle and wrist weights. Not only do they look great, but they help take your workout up a notch by adding extra weight.

Sometimes self-care can be as simple as treating yourself to a new hand wash, helping make even the small moments that bit more luxurious. We love this "Calm" handwash from M&S, infused with relaxing essential oils. Once you're done, you can also buy a refill pouch to help reduce your waste.