Giving Gifts in Isolation

Gifts in Isolation- The last couple of years have been very unique, and very uniquely difficult. Every single person I know has been in isolation multiple times, and it’s definitely taking its toll, even among us introverts; there’s something different about being forced to isolate versus choosing to isolate, at least for me. And in my experience, one way to make such a situation a little bit more bearable is to give a gift.

Actively choosing to think about others, especially during times of suffering, is not the easiest, but believe it or not, it’s actually one of the most beneficial things you could do. Research shows that social connection and meaningful relationships, including the act of giving to others,

improve our mental and even physical health and activate the reward/pleasure systems in our brains,

which makes us feel good. Beyond just helping us to cope with stress, giving and tending to others can promote your satisfaction with life and give you a sense of purpose, and it can help foster a better perspective on your own situation. Clearly, during rough periods of life, escaping a self-focused outlook and preoccupation with ourselves and our problems to turn our attention outward can make all the difference.

Flowers are a wonderful gift to give (and to receive!) There’s a reason the giving of flowers and the prevalence of them among some of the most important events in our lives - weddings, and funerals are such an important traditions. Flowers connect us with emotion, with other people. They’re appropriate for every occasion and every age. Science has proven that flowers boost mood and improve spirits, and some can even promote a restful night’s sleep. What better way to reduce your stress than by helping someone else reduce theirs? The flowers have become so easy to purchase and send, you don’t have to do any of it in person,

which makes them the perfect isolated present.