It’s mid-January, and the winter season has arrived. What image does that statement evoke? Do you notice a gentle snowfall falling against the painted twilight sky? Did people wrap up in bulky knit sweaters and wool stocking caps? Hot cocoa in mugs in front of a gently crackling fire?
Or are there 10,000 tissues on the floor in front of you with a half-eaten bowl of chicken noodle soup by the bed (that you can’t taste because—ugh—sinuses)?
As beautiful as the winter months are, they are also known as cold and flu season. Even while the common cold usually just has to run its course, it’s always wonderful to get a little pampering. Especially when the thought of running to the store for another bottle of cough medicine aches.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a kind of depression, can be exacerbated by the dark days of winter. It can imply battling mood changes, loss of energy and motivation, excessive napping, and other unpleasant symptoms. People suffering from SAD may find it difficult to get inspired to do anything or visit anyone.
Why not provide a small amount to aid in the healing process? Here are a few examples of Think. Make. Share Managing Editor Tobe Reed’s favourite ways to cheer up friends and family who are sick or need to brighten their day.
WELLNESS GIFT BASKET MADE AT HOME
FOR HEALTH
- Grass tea
- Lemon\sHoney
- Lozenges for the throat
- Tissues for headache and sinus relief
- Cubes of chicken bouillon
FOR TESTING
- Hand cream and scented soap (all that hand washing is hard on the skin!)
- Nail polish bottle
- Warm socks or cosy slippers
- scented candle (for when they can smell again)
FOR MIND HEALTH
- Current television and film favourites
- Downloadable list of favourite books (or, even better, an actual book!)
- A colouring book for adults and markers or pencils
- Cards for playing
- Chocolates that are dark (for the healing properties, obviously)
- And I still haven’t discovered a better way to show someone I care than with a card.
I used Hallmark tissue paper and thread to tie the entire presentation together. Attaching two brilliantly coloured tassels to the basket itself adds that extra touch and they may be recycled as a bookmark, lamp or knob ornament, or whatever you like.
