The holidays are upon us, and while it’s a time for festive cheer and indulgence, it’s also the perfect opportunity to reflect on our wellbeing and invest in a healthier, happier future.
At Functional Nexus, we believe that true health is a holistic journey. That’s why we’ve curated a list of our favourite tools and resources to support you on your path to optimal wellness. Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift for a health-conscious loved one, we’ve got something for everyone!
One of our simple and favourite tools that you can wear all day or when you go for a walk is a weighted vest. From a functional health perspective, a weighted vest is a fantastic tool for enhancing overall wellbeing.
- Increased Bone Density: Wearing a weighted vest provides resistance that stimulates bone growth and strength, combating age-related bone loss and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Improved Strength and Endurance: The added weight challenges your muscles, leading to increased strength and endurance over time. This can translate to better performance in daily activities and workouts.
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Wearing a weighted vest during exercise can increase cardiovascular demand, leading to improved heart health and increased calorie expenditure.
- Better Posture: The vest encourages you to maintain an upright posture, strengthening your core and back muscles. This can alleviate back pain and improve overall body alignment.
- Hormonal Benefits: Weight-bearing exercise, like walking with a weighted vest, can stimulate the production of beneficial hormones like testosterone and growth hormone, which play a role in muscle growth, bone health, and overall vitality.
Think of a weighted vest as a simple yet effective way to “level up” your daily activities and enhance your body’s natural functions. It’s a great tool for those looking to improve their overall fitness and long-term health.
Weighted Vest HERE
Physical Aids:
- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): This incredible device provides real-time insights into your blood sugar levels, helping you make informed choices about your diet and lifestyle. It’s like having a personal health detective on your arm! HERE
- Body Composition Scales: Go beyond just weight with these smart scales. They provide valuable data on body fat percentage, muscle mass, and more, allowing you to track your progress accurately. HERE
- Kaatsu Bands: Experience the benefits of blood flow restriction training with these innovative bands. They can help you build strength and endurance with lighter weights, making them perfect for all fitness levels. HERE
- Grip Strength Dynamometer: A simple yet powerful tool to assess your overall strength and vitality. Improving grip strength has been linked to better health outcomes and longevity. HERE
- Shakti Mat: Embrace the ancient practice of acupressure with this therapeutic mat. It can help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. A perfect way to unwind after a long day. HERE
- Infrared Light Therapy: Experience the healing power of light with this innovative therapy. Red light therapy can help reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and boost energy levels. HERE
Body & Lifestyle:
- Our Place Pans: Upgrade your kitchen with these beautiful and versatile pans. They’re non-toxic, easy to clean, and perfect for creating healthy and delicious meals. Cooking at home is a cornerstone of wellness! HERE
- Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Protect your eyes and sleep quality with these stylish glasses. Filtering out blue light from screens can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve sleep. HERE
- Essential Oils: Harness the power of aromatherapy with high-quality essential oils. From lavender for relaxation to peppermint for focus, there’s an oil to support every mood and need.
- Non-Toxic Beauty: Treat your skin to the goodness of natural and organic skincare. We love brands like Evolve, Faith in Nature, Green People, UpCircle, Face Theory, Weleda, and Sensate. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to radiant skin!
- Organic Bedding: Create a sanctuary for restful sleep with organic bedding. Choose from luxurious linen sheets, cozy wool bedding, or the incredible comfort of Piglet in Bed. HERE
- Grounding Sheets: Reconnect with the earth’s energy with these conductive sheets. Grounding can help reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and promote a sense of calm. HERE
- Oura Ring: Track your sleep, activity, and recovery with this stylish and discreet ring. Gain valuable insights into your body’s rhythms and optimise your daily routine. HERE
- Fermented Foods: Support your gut health with delicious and nourishing fermented foods from Tibico Health. A healthy gut is the foundation of overall wellness. HERE
Nourishing Your Body:
- Organic Food Delivery: Make healthy eating effortless with organic food delivery services like Abel & Cole and Riverford. Enjoy fresh, seasonal produce delivered right to your doorstep.
Books:
In functional medicine, we believe that food is medicine. Cooking from scratch empowers you to take control of your health, especially your gut health. By choosing whole, unprocessed ingredients, you nourish your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. This approach supports a diverse and balanced gut microbiome, which is crucial for optimal digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing.
Cooking from scratch also allows you to avoid harmful additives, preservatives, and hidden sugars that can disrupt gut health and contribute to chronic inflammation. It’s a delicious and empowering way to get and keep well!
We hope this gift guide inspires you to prioritise your wellbeing and share the gift of health with your loved ones.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Functional Nexus
