We’re a generation of stress heads, and it’s no joke!
With work-life balance in complete chaos, a cost of living crisis on our hands, readjusting to life post-pandemic, and a world where we’re constantly ‘online’. So it’s no wonder that we’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
What the stress stats say
Did you know that in the UK alone, there were over 822,000 cases of work-related stress, depression and anxiety in 2020-2021 and that they accounted for 50% of all work-related ill-health cases?
Here are some of our top stress-busting swag ideas that could really help support your employees, clients and new prospects! And not a chewed branded pen in sight!
1. Fidget spinner
One very common sign of stress is fidgeting. Nervous energy and idle hands can make for an uncomfortable mix, so, just like all the cool kids have these days, fidget spinners make for a great way of bringing calm and providing busy minds with something to do! Especially if they struggle to sit still!
2. Heated eye mask
Late nights and too many hours spent staring at a screen can cause headaches and sore eyes. Help soothe their tired eyes with a heated (or cooling) branded eye mask. Perfect for travel, too, so plenty of brand exposure!
3. Mindful colouring book and pencils
It’s amazing how something so simple has the power to install peace and calm. Chances are, it’s been a while since your employers or clients have had a chance to sit and colour in —so why not gift them exactly that? You could even have branded messages or positive affirmations for them to bring to life!
4. Night-time tea
With as many as 16 million adults struggling to sleep, why not gift them something that will help promote a good night’s sleep? Encourage them to ditch the bedtime caffeine or late-night glass of wine, and pack them off with a nighttime tea. Ingredients such as lavender and camomile have a natural sedative effect and work as part of a bedtime routine that promotes good sleep hygiene!
5. Pulse point roller
Essential oils stimulate the smell receptors in your brain (olfactory system) that evokes emotion and send messages to your nervous system. A pulse point roller, applied to the wrists and temples, is a brilliant stress-reliever and invites a much-needed moment of calm!
6. Positive affirmations
How about a branded deck of cards with positive affirmations? So, when they’re sitting at their desk, feeling a little overwhelmed, they can reach for the cards and pull out something meaningful, inspiring or comforting.
7. Dark chocolate snacks
Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, which protect the body against stress and support our immune systems. It’s also packed with iron and magnesium, which help boost energy. Plus, dark chocolate treats are a guaranteed mood-lifter!
8. Yoga mat
The health benefits of yoga seem endless, and whether you’re looking at ways to support employee wellbeing or you want to encourage your clients to take some time for themselves, why not gift them a branded yoga mat? There is plenty of branding opportunity with many colours to choose from and ones that come in their own bags!
So, whilst we can’t fix the world’s problems, we can offer swag solutions that help to ease and reduce stress! Plus, it is a great way of showing that, as a business, you advocate for better wellbeing.
And, whilst we’re talking about all-things stress, it’s important to look out for signs that someone in your workplace is struggling. Stress can present itself in many ways, from low energy and digestive issues to headaches and panic attacks. If you notice a staff member or colleague struggling, head to Mind.org for more information.
