Sarah’s surgery
Dr Sarah on wellbeing gifts that will give a boost
While Christmas is often a time of indulgence, there’s no reason why presents can’t offer health and wellness benefits. I love putting together the perfect Christmas stockings for all the family – but why not indulge in a little TLC for yourself, too? Here are some great ideas for presents that have a healthy purpose.
Handy helpers
Fighting germs is now a routine part of life and HANDIBAC offers a twist on the new normal. Its refillable, pocket-sized sanitising sprays contain 70% alcohol (enough to kill 99.9% of germs on hands and surfaces), plus aloe vera, vitamin E and glycerine, and provide at least 200 sprays. For each one sold, the brand donates another to NHS staff and other health workers. Available in six colours and three uplifting scents.
From £10 for a 3-in-1 Kit; handibac.com
SOOTHE SORE HANDS
The new plant-based Baylis & Harding Goodness range is dermatologically approved. With organic extracts and essential oils, the hand cream comes in two gorgeous scents; Rose & Geranium and Lemongrass & Ginger.
£3; next.co.uk
Snooze away
Putting a Kiss Air Sleepy Head reed diffuser in your bedroom will help you get a good night’s sleep. Its fragrance of calming chamomile, relaxing lavender and sweet vanilla will help you unwind ready for the land of nod, and will scent the room for up to three months.
£15; kiss-air.com
Calm waters
Balancing a hectic work and family life can be tiring at this time of year. Add Drift Off to your bath to unwind for bed. This blend of mineral-rich Epsom & Dead Sea salts is infused with calming lavender, mandarin and vetiver essential oils for the perfect end to a long day. From £12 for 100g; verdantalchemy. co.uk
Essential Oils
Wind down with Tisserand Aromatherapy The Little Box of De-stress – three rollerballs applied to pulse points to help you breathe, feel calm and relax.
Mind Clear contains peppermint, soothing lavender and uplifting lemon to relieve pressure and sharpen the mind.
Inner Harmony provides frankincense and geranium to bring a sense of balance and contentment.
Total De-stress is infused with sweet orange, geranium and warming nutmeg to help you feel calm and relaxed.
£13.45; tisserand.com
Flower power
Flower essences are used for their calming benefits. Strength and Support is designed to help lift winter blues with a combination of 10 essences, including wild garlic, bluebell, pine, gorse, evening primrose and rock rose. Select either organic vodka or cider vinegar as a base. £10; saskiasfloweressences.com
Make a statement
Self-affirmations have been shown to decrease stress and encourage an optimistic mindset. Affirmation Culture Wellness Candles are made from a blend of coconut wax and natural oils, and each includes an affirmation card. The Call For Calm candle has vanilla, cherry and almond notes that will leave you feeling calm and cosy.
£32; affirmation cultureshop.com
Choc appeal
Don’t feel bad for indulging in chocolate – as long as it’s dark, for heart health benefits. Good stocking fillers include: 70% Dark Chocolate Batons (£7; hotelchocolat.co.uk); Montezuma’s Absolute Black range, which is made from 100% cocoa (from £2.59; montezumas.co.uk) or PLAYIN CHOC Organic Peruvian Cacao Dark Chocolate (£2.95; playinchoc.com).
Hot flushes? No sweat
If menopausal symptoms are making your nights restless, try the new Mela Eucalyptus bedding range. The cool-to-the-touch eucalyptus fabric is more breathable than cotton, allowing air to circulate for comfort with built-in cool. Eucalyptus also repels dust mites and mould, to give a hypoallergenic product that helps keep stuffiness at bay for a restful sleep. The range includes a weighted blanket, bedding set, duvet and eye mask. From £29.99 for an eye mask; melacomfort.co.uk
Smooth operators
I use a silk pillowcase and find it is luxuriously soft and kind to my skin and hair – they make great Christmas presents and are available in a range of colours. It also helps to wear a silk eye mask to block out light so your sleep is less disturbed. From £25.99; thisissilk.com