Health and wellness blogger Remi Ishizuka (you may know her as @rrayyme on Insta) is the motivating-yet-approachable BFF we all need in our lives.She’s got tons of actually doable tips for becoming more mindful, exercising regularly (and loving it), and cooking like a certified adult, which makes her someone we’d love to have on speed dial, especially during the holidays.

Speaking of the holidays, Ishizuka is a pro at fitting in her stress management and overall wellness routines, despite the craziness of the season. Her advice? “Prioritize yourself, and don’t feel guilty about it,” she says. For her, that involves making both daily exercise and self-care non-negotiables.

“Working out should feel like the most enjoyable part of your day,” Ishizuka says. “Be open to trying new things until you find one that feels like play. At the end of the day, consistency is reached when you are enjoying the movement.”

It’s no surprise that Ishizuka has amazing holiday gift ideas for people who are trying to prioritize their own well-being. Here, her top five wellness-y gifts to give (and get!) this season.

1. The DB Method

“The DB Method is compact, effective, and, more importantly, fun,” Ishizuka says. “It totally has changed the game for me. If you’re new to squatting, it’s a dummy-proof method because you don’t have to worry about form.”

The DB Method Machine’s patented technology helps improve your squat form by shifting your bodyweight into your glutes, toning your booty without putting undue pressure on your knees or lower back. “It’s low-impact, and even just 10 minutes a day makes a difference,” Ishizuka says.

Post-workout, the Machine folds up for easy storage (perfect for the dorm- or apartment-dwellers in your life). “I love how compact it is and how I can easily move it into the living room and squat while watching TV,” Ishizuka says.

2. Our Place The Always Pan

Know someone who loves to cook? What about someone who *wants* to love to cook, but just needs a bit of a nudge? Both camps will appreciate the Insta-famous Always Pan. It’s an all-in-one fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. Phew, what a resume. “It’s the only pan I use! ” Ishizuka says. Peep her “Healthy Eats” highlight on Instagram, and you’ll immediately know why we trust her cooking tips.

3. Bandier gift card for a new workout set

Sometimes, putting on a cute new workout outfit is exactly what you need to head to the gym—or do your fave at-home workout. “It’s motivating to feel confident,” Ishizuka says. We all feel our best in something different, so instead of ordering the actual clothes for your loved one, give them a gift card so they can shop for themselves. Know their favorite store? You’re all set. If not, opt for a retailer like ” data-vars-ga-product-id=”a9097406-e23b-4156-903f-1dba5d061bf3″ data-vars-ga-product-price=”0.00″ data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand=”” data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category=”” data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id=”” data-affiliate-network=”” data-affiliate=”true”>Bandier that carries a variety of brands.

4. Everlywell Women’s Health Test

​​For the person who’s curious about the inner workings of their body (and loves to see a number or stat), this at-home kit measures hormone levels like cortisol (which when elevated can indicate high stress levels), free T3 (which fluctuates when individuals have an under- or overactive thyroid), and more. Use it to get a read on your hormones, and whether they could be the culprit behind why you’re not feeling your best.

5. Relax & Sleep Well meditation app subscription

We could all use a little help relaxing and managing stress, Ishizuka says. (Um, understatement of the century!). And science backs that up—84 percent of Americans reported feeling emotions associated with stress earlier this year, according to the American Psychological Association. A subscription to a meditation app is a gift that keeps on giving. Ishizuka is a fan of Relax & Sleep Well. “It not only helps me fall asleep without racing thoughts, but truly relaxes and grounds me at the end of the day,” she says.

“After meditating consistently for about a year, I’ve found myself more focused during the day, and able to stay calmer when things get stressful.” The app is free to download, but comes with limited meditation options—gifting an Apple or Google Play gift card they can use to make all the in-app purchases they need will maximize that sweet, sweet relaxation.

Source: Read Full Article