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5 original gifts for your loved one who needs to relax
Christmas is fast approaching, and having original gift ideas is becoming more and more difficult. Although it is a holiday season, the end of the year can be a very stressful time.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of 5 original gifts that combine relaxation and brains!
For a well-deserved moment of rest:
– A concert of classical music… to stimulate his brain
What could be better than to close your eyes and let yourself be carried away by the music?
Not only is the link between emotion and music undeniable, but studies in neuroscience (1) prove it: classical music, especially with complex chords, stimulates neural connections related to memory, emotions, learning, etc.
For a few hours, indulge in the magic of a symphony orchestra to cut yourself off from reality while working your neurons towards a well-deserved relaxation.
Price: from 20€ to 250€ per place
Symphony Orchestra
– Immerse yourself in your thoughts… in a sensory isolation cabin
The concept? Let yourself… float.
In a cabin filled with water, with a subdued atmosphere, completely cut off from noise and external stimuli, sensory isolation allows you to refocus solely and completely on yourself.
Your body relaxes, your mind evaporates, and your brain produces theta waves (2) (very low frequency brain waves, linked to deep meditation), which promote a great inner calm.
At the end of the session, you will immediately feel more relaxed.
Price: about 70€ per session
Floating sensory isolation
For a long-lasting wellness solution:
– Training to relax over the long term… through neuroscience!
There is a solution used by neuroscientists in hospitals and clinics since the 1960s to treat disorders such as depression, anxiety, migraines, OCD,…: neurofeedback.
What is neurofeedback? What is it? It is a non-invasive and painless technique that measures brain activity in real time using EEG electrodes placed on the skull. The measured data are then transcribed via an algorithm and sent back to the user as sensory feedback.
In short, it is therefore possible to listen, see, or touch your brain activity, and thus learn to modulate it! (3)
A solution for neurofeedback training at home: melomind™️, the anti stress headset
The melomind™️ stress headset , thanks to its EEG electrodes and companion program, allows everyone to improve their mental health twice a week for 15 minutes from their sofa.
The little something extra? It is usable by each family member, by purchasing a personal license available for life for only 19.99€.
Better sleep, better mood and better stress management guaranteed! (3)
Price: 349€ instead of 399€ for the headset and lifetime program
Click here to enjoy -50€
melomind™️, the anti-stress headset
– Sharing by… adopting a pet
Pet therapy is effective in relieving anxiety in children and adults.
Many studies have shown that the relationship between humans and animals is extremely beneficial, both in the short and long term.
Not only does the act of stroking a warm and gentle animal release oxytocin (a hormone of love, social connection and trust) into the brain (4), but the prolonged contact and unique bond formed between the owner and the pet creates a sense of belonging and sharing, allowing better management of emotions and responsibilities.
Be careful, however! The adoption of an animal must be a thoughtful act and involve significant responsibilities. The well-being of the companion is to be considered to the same degree as that of the owner.
Adopt an animal
A little help every day
– Create your cocoon with an essential oil diffuser
Smell a pleasant scent, and improve your mental state at the same time?
This is what essential oils allow, which, by their great variety, make it possible to adapt their virtues to your moods.
Need to calm down? The essential oil of Ylang-Ylang and lemon verbena have an inhibitory effect on hyperadrenal activity.
Need to stimulate yourself? The essential oil of Pines and Fir allows, thanks to their mimetic effect of cortisone, to invigorate during a loss of tone.
Too lethargic? The essential oil of Thyme and Savory are hypertensive and hyperthermising, which gives natural toning and gives a boost of energy. (5)
Be careful however: the use of essential oils may be contraindicated in some patients and too high a dosage may be dangerous.
Price: from 25€ to 200€
Essential oil diffuser
Sources
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618809/
(2) (en) The Deep Self, Gateways Books & Tapes, 2006 (1st ed. 1977) (ISBN 978-0-671-22552-0 and978-0-89556-116-9, LCCN 76057951).
(en) The Center of the Cyclone, Marion Boyars Publishers, 2001 (1st ed. 1972) (ISBN 978-1-84230-004-6)
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Dupee, M., & Werthner, P. (2011). Managing the Stress Response: The Use of Biofeedback and Neurofeedback with Olympic Athletes. Biofeedback, 39(3), 92-94. https://doi.org/10.5298/1081-5937-39.3.02
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(4) https://thriveglobal.com/stories/spending-time-with-adorable-animals-and-happiness/
(5) Feedback and expert opinions; Perrey F. (1999-2000) – Teaching document DU phytotherapy course Aromatherapy Pharmacognosie, Paris Nord, Unité d’enseignement et de recherche Léonard de Vinci, p 24 (properties of sesquiterpenic lactones).
By Florence Vuong
