In today’s “always-on” climate, stress is an extremely common phenomenon. Work, family, hobbies, finances and more tend to pile up and weigh on us, and we all have a friend who could use a little more relaxation and self-care once in a while.

Unfortunately, chronic stress can have disastrous effects on our day-to-day lives. Stress can disrupt our sleep schedules, influence bad habits, cause feelings of anxiety and depression and even lead to long-term health problems like fatigue, high blood pressure, obesity, hair loss, sexual dysfunction and gastrointestinal problems.

If you have a friend who is experiencing high stress, the upcoming holiday season is the perfect time to help them out and show them you care through supplements and other stress-relieving, self-care methods.

Stress-relieving supplements are much more than pills

One of the best ways you can help a stressed-out friend shed some of their anxiety is through supplements. Natural supplements may not be the first thing you think of when considering gift ideas, but they’re actually a fantastic option.

Your stressed friend may not have had the time to research and purchase their own stress-relief options, but you do. In fact, your friend may not have thought about stress-relief supplements at all! By taking time to do the research yourself, you can alleviate these problems for them by gifting them supplements for the holidays.

Additionally, gifting stress-relief supplements to friends helps them know that you care about their health and wellbeing. Supplements are different from other, more material gift options. They’re gifts of peace of mind, of better sleep, of easier daily living, of self-care and of better long-term health. By giving this type of gift to a friend, you’re able to tell them, “I understand what you’re experiencing, and I want to help.” That kind of gift and sentiment can go a long way in a friendship!

Types of stress-relief supplements

There are lots of supplements for stress relief on the market, so picking the right one for your friend might be challenging. During your research, look for an anxiety and stress supplement made of natural ingredients that are known for their relaxation properties.

Do research on the brand you purchase from, looking for things like positive reviews, proof of ingredients and established trust. Don’t buy from a brand you are unsure of. If you have a brand you know and trust from your own use, that would be a great choice, since your personal recommendation can help your friend feel more comfortable.

Many supplements designed for stress relief will include a blend of adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are plants known for bringing the body back into chemical balance, helping to relieve pain, improve energy and reduce stress.

You can purchase adaptogens for your friend on their own, as well as in formulated blends. Some major ones to look for include Ashwagandha, Holy Basil and Rhodiola.

Other ways to help your friends de-stress this holiday season

While stress-relieving supplements can help your friend’s body fight stress internally, there are a ton of other ways you can give your friend the gift of stress relief. Consider pairing some of these ideas with stress-relief supplements for the ultimate “stress less” holiday gift basket.

• Massage gift certificate: Stress is notorious for causing tight muscles, particularly in the neck and back. A gift certificate to a local massage parlor can allow your friend to unplug and spend an hour focused on their relaxation and letting go of built-up tension.
• Yoga classes for two: Yoga has had proven benefits for anxiety and stress reduction. Make yoga a fun activity you and your friend do together by signing you both up for a local weekly yoga class, so you both can shed some stress while enjoying each other’s company (another stress reliever!).
• Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, have been shown to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm when diffused or diluted and applied topically. A diffuser and a small selection of stress-relieving essential oils could make a wonderful gift set for the home or office.
• Cozy blanket and pillow: Sometimes, all you need to relieve stress at the end of a long day is to curl up under a soft blanket, rest against a fluffy pillow and relax. Gifting your friend a new blanket and pillow can make them excited to head home every day and get a few cozy minutes for themselves.

The holidays are the time to spread love and cheer and let your friends and family know you care about them. So, what better way to do that than to give gifts of health and happiness? By pairing stress-relief supplements with another relaxing gift idea, you’ll show a friend you care and help improve their mental and physical wellbeing.