The holidays are right around the corner, I can’t believe it. I love gift giving to some degree, but it does add more stress to my life. Mostly because I want to make sure the gifts I give are personal. So if you have any autoimmune warriors in your life or are one yourself and still have a wish list for gifts, here are some of my favorite gifts to give people who struggle with an autoimmune disease.
Gift #1: Joovv Red Light Therapy
The Joovv Red Light devices are fantastic for anyone dealing with inflammation and joint pain. Red light therapy has been around for years and is backed by many clinical studies that shows red light therapy’s positive effect on lowering reactive oxygen species (i.e.free radicals). Red light and infrared light also reduce inflammation by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines.
There are a lot of red light therapy devices out on the market. I like Joovv because of their variety of sizes and prices.
Gift #2 Bearaby weighted blanket
Many people with autoimmune diseases struggle with anxiety, stress and other mental health challenges. Weighted blankets are a great, non-pharmaceutical way to help those suffering from these issues. A recent systematic review found that weighted blankets helped reduce anxiety and improved sleep quality for those living with a psychiatric disorder.
The Bearaby weighted blanket is one of the top rated blankets in this space. They use organic materials and have a focus on sustainability.
Gift #3: Oura ring
If you know me well, you know that I can’t live without my oura ring. This device is a compact tracker for sleep, activity, stress, wellness and even your menstrual cycle. I’ve been wearing mine for just over 4 years and it’s been a game changer for me. First, sleep is so important when you live with an autoimmune disease. Using this ring motivates me to stay consistent with my sleep schedule and take a break when my body needs it, because sometimes I just can’t tell when I’m starting to feel run down or overwhelmed. Second, I love the heart rate variability measurement. It really helps me manage my stress levels. Lastly, the company is constantly finding ways to use your metrics for additional data interpretation. They are always rolling out new metrics, like the most recent one to predict if your body is starting to feel run down.
Gift #4: Compression gloves by IMAK
If you have a friend or family member with arthritis, these compression gloves are fantastic. These gloves support circulation to help keep the blood moving through your hands. Remember, your blood is the medium for nutrients to travel throughout your body. So having good circulation is super important. The pressure of the gloves also helps lower inflammation. These IMAK gloves are what I have and they are endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation. They are thin and lightweight so great for all climates and seasons.
Gift #5: Instant pot
Food is super important for anyone living with an autoimmune disease. Many of us also need quick and easy recipes because of the debilitating fatigue that comes with these diseases. That’s why a pressure cooker like this Instant Pot is a fantastic gift. You can batch cook meals fast with minimal cleanup. Plus, I love this Instant Pot because it has several functions built into one machine.
Gift #6: Blue light blocking glasses
My last gift on the list is blue light blocking glasses. Yes, the research isn’t fully convincing that they help with eye strain or sleep. However, I’ve been using these for a few years and I can tell the difference in my sleep quality. The reason why you want to avoid blue light is because it blocks the production of melatonin, a sleep hormone that helps you fall asleep. With so many of us on screens, especially right before bed, this blue light can really affect our sleep. Using blue light blocking glasses can protect the melatonin production so we fall asleep faster.
I love these glasses because they are not a big investment and the come in multiple colors.
I hope this list gives you a few ideas of what to get your autoimmune friends and family this holiday season. Better yet, gift it to yourself. If you need more advice on how to live gracefully with your autoimmune disease, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Also, if lowering inflammation is a goal for 2025, please contact me to schedule a free discovery call.
