Give the Gift of Health and Wellness
By Kathy Ferguson, RN, Parish Nurse
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8
Have you ever struggled with what to give someone as a Christmas gift? It could be a “Secret Santa” recipient at work, a grandchild, a grown son or daughter, a niece or nephew, your parents, or just about anyone. This year consider giving the gift of health and wellness. In this month’s article, I will share some things that may improve the health of those in your life. In this article, I have provided the names of some specific books and specific businesses in Rochester. Rest assured, I don’t have a financial connection with any of these authors or businesses.
Books:
Traveling Light by Max Lucado
With the Twenty-third Psalm as a guide, Max Lucado walks us through a helpful inventory of our burdens and how to release ourselves from them.
Healthy Healing: A Guide to Working Out Grief Using the Power of Exercise and Endorphins by Michelle Steinke-Baumgard
This book addresses the physical, mental, and emotional effects of grief. It offers a plan that empowers individuals to work through loss by using the power of exercise and rediscovering happiness by strengthening body, mind, and spirit through fitness.
Prayers for Hope and Healing: Seeking God’s Strength as You Face Health Challenges by Sarah Forgrave
You don’t have to face a health challenge alone. Even with the worst emotional and physical pain, God is with us.
Holy Yoga: Exercise for the Christian Body and Soul by Brooke Boon
This book combines the author’s passion for Christianity with her commitment to health. It provides an introduction to yoga as a physical and spiritual discipline that strengthens the body and the soul. The author uses scriptural references to help reinforce the idea that by taking care of our bodies we can also take care of our faith.
Eating the Bible: Over 50 Delicious Recipes to Feed Your Body and Nourish Your Soul by Rena Rossner
The author was inspired by a Bible lesson at a church service in which Esau sells his birthright to his brother Jacob for a bowl of red lentil soup. She decided to see whether she could incorporate the Bible into a meal each week. Includes recipes such as “Garden of Eden Salad” and “Honey Coriander Manna Bread”.
It Will be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change (Little Seed & Little Fox) by Lysa TerKeurst
This book will help kids discover it really will be okay because we have a God who is good and kind and always with us.
Activities/Exercise:
Climbing
Give a gift certificate to a climbing gym or better yet, take your child or grandchild with you to a rock climbing facility. Many have classes and camps for all ages. In Rochester, check out ROCA Climbing and Fitness.
Yoga
Yoga classes are available at various locations in the Rochester area for all ages. Consider a gift certificate for a beginner class (or an advanced class, depending on the individual’s level).
Health clubs
How about a gift certificate for an individual or family to a local health and fitness facility? There are many facilities in Rochester to choose from including the Rochester Athletic Club and the YMCA.
State Parks
Another great family gift is a Minnesota State Park permit. It is a bargain! For only $35 you can visit any of Minnesota’s 75 state parks and recreation areas for one full year. Minnesota’s state parks offer a variety of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and much more.
Skiing
How about a family day pass to a skiing hill in southern Minnesota? What? They don’t have skis? Throw in a ski rental package or skiing lesson. It’s not all downhill. Consider cross-country skiing.
Snowshoeing
Sure, you can buy them snowshoes. What if they don’t like snowshoeing once they try it? You can rent snowshoes in Rochester at both Quarry Hill Nature Center and Oxbow Park. Take your loved one out for a day of snowshoeing—no strings attached.
Take a hike/walk
You know that friend who is hard to buy for? Make your own gift certificate for one walk a week or one hike a month with you.
Trainer
Is your significant other always complaining about how they aren’t able to stick with a diet or exercise plan? Think about hiring a trainer for a consultation for both of you.
Weights
Do you have a person in your life who participates in strength training? Find out if they need some weights or other accessories to complete their collection.
Self-care:
Massage
There is nothing like a massage to soothe sore muscles or relax you. Think about getting a gift certificate for a 30, 60, or 90-minute massage.
Spa Day
In addition to massages, spa days are known for facials, manicures, pedicures, body wraps, and hair care. Gift certificates are available for many different package deals.
Foam roller
A foam roller helps release tense, sore muscles. It’s easy to use in the comfort of your own home and most come with instructions. No instructions? Check online for foam roller guides or videos.
Food:
Eating at home
Make a gift certificate for a loved one, entitling them to one healthy meal a month provided by you. The best part…you can join them.
Cookbook
There are a lot of healthy eating cookbooks out there. Check out the collection at a local bookstore or online.
Instant Pot (or similar product)
The Instant Pot seems to be a trend right now in fast and healthy cooking.
Food delivery
Do you have a busy family on your list? In Rochester, Hy-Vee offers online food ordering with curbside pick-up or delivery. Give a Hy-Vee gift card and instructions about this service to someone on your list.
Healthy eating gift card
The Peoples Food Co-op and Trader Joes, for example, have a great selection of healthy and organic products to choose from. Pick up a gift card in whatever amount you’d like. There are restaurants in Rochester who have healthy choices and gluten-free options on their menus: Tonic, Twigs, Nupa, Chester’s, and others.
This is just a sampling of different healthy gift options. But do you want to know what the best gift you can give is? It is YOU! Give of your time to enrich the lives of others and enrich yours while you’re at it. Give your time or bounty to charitable organizations or to those in need. Take an ornament from a “Giving Tree” and donate the item requested. Bring a gift to gift collections for those in need. Ring a bell for the Salvation Army. Giving of you is healthy for your body, mind, and soul.
Merry Christmas! May the Lord bless you during the Advent season.