Gift-giving is one of the top languages of love according to best-selling author of The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman.
Do you agree? Well, science may not be able to verify this, but it can tell us other things about the act of giving to others…
In an article for Psychology Today, experts suggest that buying gifts can lead to a greater sense of happiness and may even enhance social relations.
Also, according to research published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, gifting someone with an experiential purchase (like tickets to see a concert, rather than something that’s material), may have an even greater effect. This is due to “anticipatory consumption” – where it’s been found that looking forward to something can bring about happiness that’s more enduring.
Wellbeing inspired gifts
Certainly, after the year that’s been, giving a gift of wellness, whether it’s something tangible or an experiential treat, is sure to be well received. Whilst the choice is yours, depending on your budget and your relationship with the recipient, here are some gift ideas with associated health benefits.
- A massage voucher – Bring on the pampering, according to The Mayo Clinic, “massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being” and has many benefits, including “reducing stress, pain and muscles tension.” Studies have also shown it to assist in treating conditions such as anxiety, digestive and sleep disorders.
- New pillows – ‘Sleep tight and don’t let the bed-bugs bite’ – believe it or not, better sleep may be something you can buy.The National Sleep Foundation advises that one should replace pillows ever year or two. This is because after some time, they lose their support which may result in neck pain and poorer sleep quality; and because they “absorb body oil, dead skin cells, and hair,” which can “create the perfect environment for dust mites (common allergens).”
- A digital gym membership – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers physical activity to be a key driver in helping one to reclaim their wellbeing. These days, one need not venture out to a physical studio or fitness centre to experience the benefits of having a personal trainer. Although there are many free online exercise apps, the advantage of a digital gym membership is that one can participate in live sessions and be personally guided by professional fitness instructors.
- Lifesaving gifts – A blood pressure monitor might seem like an odd choice for a gift but can be very useful for monitoring health vitals. According to the CDC, approximately one in five adults do not know that they have hypertension, which are leading causes of heart disease and stroke. The Mayo Clinic states that monitoring blood pressure at home can help with early diagnosis and encourage a stronger sense of responsibility for one’s own health. Other life saving gifts might include a first aid kit, a thermometer or personal protection equipment. A set of colourful personalised face masks, for example.
- Sponsor a course – Perhaps there’s someone in your family who you know would love to do a course in nutrition, yoga, positive psychology or mindfulness. Let them choose something that they can use to inspire others to enjoy better wellbeing.
The special thing about a gift is that it reflects who you are. Think about it, giving someone a gift of wellness, is choosing and affirming it for yourself too.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [online] https://www.cdc.gov/.
Gilovich. T. (2014) A wonderful life: experiential consumption and the pursuit of happiness. Available at Science Direct [online]
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S105774081400093X/.
Kumar. A. et al (2014) Waiting for Merlot: Anticipatory Consumption of Experiential and Material Purchases. Available at Sage Journals [online] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797614546556/.
Mayo Clinic. Get the most out of home blood pressure monitoring. Available [online]
https://www.mayoclinic.org/.
Mehta. V. (2019) The Psychology of gift giving: 3 lessons. Available at Psychology Today [online] https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/head-games/201911/the-psychology-gift-giving-3-lessons/.
Money-side-up (2019) The Positive Psychology of How You Can Buy Happiness. Available [online] https://money-side-up.com/.
National Sleep Foundation. When should you replace your pillow? https://www.sleep.org/replace-pillow/.