The gift of health and vitality truly IS the best gift. Taking care of your mental, physical and spiritual well-being helps you be the best version of yourself. It also recharges you so you can bring your full and best energy to the people and the work you love.
With that in mind, I’ve put this gift guide together in the hopes it will inspire you, and even the most busy woman in your life, to take a step forward to support and boost her health and vitality. Whether you’re shopping for your daughter, your staff, your boss or your bestie, there’s a self-care gift here for them (and hey, maybe you’ll find a few things you want for yourself, too!).
For Book Lovers:
There are so many great benefits to reading. Reading improves memory, reduces stress, builds self-esteem, and allows an individual to develop or improve skills. Here are two books on my wish list:
From Strength to Strength: Finding Strength, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life, by Arthur C, Brooks
"From Strength to Strength" by Arthur C. Brooks is a transformative guide navigating the second half of life with purpose and fulfillment. Brooks draws on his personal experiences and research, offering insights on how individuals can find success, happiness, and a profound sense of purpose as they embrace the opportunities of later life.
13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do, by Amy Morin
The author reveals that healthy, mentally tough women don’t insist on perfection; they don’t compare themselves to other people; they don’t see vulnerability as a weakness; they don’t let self-doubt stop them from reaching their goals. Wise, grounded, and essential, 13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do can help every woman flourish—and ultimately improve our society as well.
Meal Solutions for Busy Professionals:
“To be healthy, you have to cook. To cook, you need the products and passion that inspire good food experiences.” ~ Sylvie Rochette, Epicure Founder and CEO
My good friend, Sharon Smith-Carter, introduced me to Epicure products during COVID-19. This is a Canadian company that focuses on economical and healthy meal solutions with simple ingredients. Check out their gift guide for ideas for you, and your loved ones and even as a donation for those in need.
A few noteworthy solutions:
A Merry Month of Meals - 24 quick, affordable, and easy meals that can be customized to suit every taste, plus two festive desserts. Regulary $119.95 now $95.96!
Epic Box - Refresh your dinner routine with the Epic Box, our monthly subscription kit packed with the ingredients to make healthy and delicious 20-minute meals for less than $4 per serving. $39.95
For Fitness Newbies to Fitness Fanatics:
Whether you're new to fitness or are an experienced exerciser, here are two fitness gift categories that inspire health and vitality.
1. Jump with Kelsi
Kelsi a Certified Group Fitness Instructor specializing in Jump Rope. She creates unique and fun workout programs to teach the skill of Jump Rope and help you achieve your health and wellness goals!
Drop-In Classes
New 6-week sessions for both Beginner & Experienced Jumpers start in January. Check out her website for more information.
Local readers - Trial a Jump Class for Free which will include a beaded Jump Rope!
Send Kelsi an email at jumpwithkelsi@gmail.com or send a message via Instagram. Just mention "Vitality" while booking.
Not local? No problem. In 2024 Kelsi will incorporate a virtual component to her schedule by the way of online classes/subscription. In doing so, those who are unable, or even uncomfortable attending a physical class can still benefit from the exercise and socialization her classes offer. No more missing out in fear or the intimidation that sometimes accompanies group fitness classes - or your busy schedule. 🙌🏻
Kelsi's Jump Studio is located upstairs at Couchiching CrossFit located at 525 West Street South Unit #6
2. Home Gym Equipment
Whether you’re just starting out or have been dabbling in strength training for a while, it doesn’t take much to create a well-equipped home gym.
Here are some of my favourites that we recommend for the Vitality Workout Subscription.
Dumbbells
For most women, a 10, 20 and 30-pound dumbbell will do. You can find a variety of sizes and price points on Amazon.
My favourites are the hex dumbbells with rubber handles.
I also like the adjustable kettlebells for squats and deadlifts.
Resistance bands
The bands we recommend are continuous loops, around ¼ of an inch (6mm) thick and anywhere from half an inch (13mm) to over 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.
The ones we use most often will be the half-inch wide and 1.25-inch wide versions. Our favourite bands are these from Resistance Band Training:
but you can also find lots of similar options on Amazon, Rogue Fitness, Perform Better, Elite FTS or other online stores.
Your bands are most useful when you’ve got something to anchor them to. One of the easiest ways to do that is with a doorway anchor, which allows you to securely attach one end of the band to a door frame at any height.
You can find a variety of different anchors online at places like Amazon.
For those who need help staying on track:
GET MORE DONE. FEEL BETTER. - Most people struggle to keep up with the demands of modern life, leaving them feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and robbed of their passion. Panda Planner VIA is a scientifically designed, strengths-based daily planner that will empower you to take back control, reclaim your happiness and flourish in every way.
Use the code PANDAFAM for 10% off a Panda Planner on Amazon.
For the Spiritually Curious:
The Spiritually Curious Collective offers a transformative journey into self-discovery and personal growth. Our community offers deep conversations that go beyond the norm, along with exclusive educational content. Members will also enjoy monthly Zoom discussions to dive deeper into our topics.
Join Melanie Rimkay, yogi extraordinaire, as she leads this recurring membership. $45 + HST
Rise and Shine - Beat the Winter Blues
I’ve talked about the power of sleep to optimize your health and vitality (you can read about it here). If it’s hard for you to wake up in the morning, or if you find it harder as the days grow darker in the fall and winter, a sunrise alarm may be the perfect gift to help your loved one feel less groggy. People are biologically wired to wake up as the sun rises, and wake-up-light alarm clocks are designed to simulate that effect, starting with a dim light that builds up to the brilliance of a bright spring day over about 30 minutes. (However, if you have trouble getting out of bed, a dedicated wake-up alarm clock probably remains best.)
You can find a variety of sunrise alarm clocks on Amazon to help you with a calm and gradual wake-up.
To Help You Tap into Your Own Power to Boost Your Health and Vitality - The Gift of Coaching
Need some help taking control of your health and vitality? Why not dip your toes into Coaching with the Kickstart Coaching Package? You’ll have your own personal coach (me!) to help you set and follow through on your goals.
🎁 Limited Special: $125 - 5 sessions of coaching for less than the price of one. 🎁
It doesn’t have to cost a lot of time or resources to boost your health and vitality. Very often it just takes something to inspire you and help you follow through when things get challenging.
What other gifts have helped inspire you and supported you to follow through on your goals?
With love and vitality,
Anita 🧡