You can be the strongest, most independent person, but still be taken out and drained by an awful illness. It has the potential to derail your routine and make your daily life a serious struggle. On top of the physical pain and discomfort, there’s the mental battle. It’s only natural to be frustrated and annoyed by an illness that just won’t quit.
Luckily, not all hope is lost. You don’t have to face an illness alone. Loved ones make up a support system that’s meant to help out during tough times. That said, you should also offer help and support when someone from your inner circle is in need. If you find a friend or family member struggling through an illness, consider ways to cheer them up. Giving them the perfect gift is one way to drastically improve their mental and physical state. Here’s why:
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1. Improves Mood
When your loved one is coughing up a storm and flying through tissue boxes, it’s understandably not a fun time. The fatigue and frustration build as they continue to be sick, probably leaving them in a bad mood. However, when a gift arrives, they can’t help but smile. That’s the power of a get well gift.
For a few minutes, they’re not thinking about their headache. Instead, their attention is focused on opening the gift to see what’s inside. Then, that glee is met with further excitement when they see the presents’ contents are exactly what they need. It’s the right thing at the right time.
Even if they return to feeling sick again soon enough, your gift was a bright spot in their day. When they eventually feel better, they’ll remember your thoughtfulness fondly. And that can make all the difference in bringing you closer together.
2. Provides Comfort
If your loved one is down and out with an illness, they’re likely uncomfortable. Their symptoms may be overwhelming and exhausting. The little energy they have is spent trying anything and everything to get comfortable. Luckily, the right get-well-soon gift can provide much-needed comfort.
You can approach this type of gift in a few ways. If you’re short on time, opt for a pre-made gift box. These feature everything your loved one could need while they recover. The other option is to create your own collection of comfort-filled items. Throw a blanket, soup, crackers, and your favorite book into a gift box to share with the recipient.
No matter how you provide the gift of comfort to your loved one, they’ll be appreciative. The effort to try and make their experience feeling bad a little less miserable is sweet. Hopefully, the added comfort will make them feel good and new soon.
3. Relieves Stress
Acts of service and giving gifts are two love languages for a reason. They’re a couple of the main ways people show they care about one another. So, if you’re looking for a way to put your affection on display, lean into giving practical gifts and helping people with tasks.
Remember that gifts can come in all shapes, forms, and sizes. If your friend or loved one is under the weather, they may need help more than anything. Offer to pick up their groceries or refill their medicine. Take their dog for a walk or play with their kids outside so they can nap.
Taking something off their plate frees their mind to focus on healing. They likely feel bad about not being at 100%. But your effort to show up and help relieve stress is a mental weight lifted off of their shoulders. That can be a truly healing and transformative gift to give.
4. Shows Investment
Buying a gift for someone requires time and effort. You’re not typically picking something up for someone else on a daily basis. Therefore, the energy and money put toward giving a get-well-soon gift prove your level of investment in your relationship.
Casual acquaintances or surface-level friends aren’t likely to go out of their way for each other. But dear friends, serious romantic relationships, and close family members will. So, think through small ways you can give the gift of support to loved ones when they’re unwell. A call may brighten their day, and a thoughtful card, medicine, or their favorite food can go a long way, too. It’s just about finding the right gesture to show how much you care.
That’s not to say your loved ones are evaluating you based on your perceived investment. However, when they have a clear example of you going out of your way to make them a priority, it’s hard to overlook. And that can be more meaningful than any gift.
5. Serves as a Distraction
Sometimes an illness is all-consuming with only brief moments of relief. However, with the right thoughtful gift, your loved one may be enthralled enough that they forget they were sick at all. It just takes a bit of planning on your part.
If your goal is to distract, look no further than gifting an activity. Of course, you’ll want to ensure it’s something they can do from the comfort of their bed or couch. A coloring book with an array of colored pencils or a short novel should fit the bill.
Paired with some snacks, a sweet card, and a delicious but hydrating beverage, they’ll be all set. With their new gift, your loved one can sit back, relax, and enjoy some downtime while they fight their illness. They may even have a new hobby or a favorite read when they’re well again.
Feeling Better Already
In addition to the over-the-counter meds and days in bed, your gesture will help make your loved one feel better. They’ll know they’re loved and you’re firmly in their corner when the going gets tough. Who knows, they may even enjoy the time off from their routine after all.
