Life
21 Products That Make Life Easier For People That Are Seriously Stressed Out
As much as I'd love to tell you that I'm awesome when it comes to going with the flow, that would be a blatant lie. Change totally stresses me out. However, it's also inevitable, so I use a combination of borderline-fanatical organizational skills and products for stress relief when things start shifting under me. That way, I can keep a handle on my tension levels even when I'm in unfamiliar territory.
That said, I didn't always set aside time for self-care. All throughout high school and college, I would just barrel through the stress, with the assumption that if I "wasted" time on relaxation or organization, I'd get even less done. I know now that couldn't be farther from the truth. It also couldn't be worse for your health.
Research is now learning that when you have high levels of cortisol (also known as the stress hormone), it can affect everything from your digestion and sleep schedule to your memory and heart rate. Some even say that stress can alter your gene expression and damage parts of the brain. This happens when you're in a constant state of fight or flight, and you never take the time to switch to parasympathetic mode to rejuvenate. If you find yourself constantly stressed, but don't know where to turn, check out these brilliant products that I use to keep myself relaxed, calm, and stress-free no matter what's going on.
2. This Balm To Soothe Away Your Stress (And Headaches)
Wild Thera Stress Relief Balm, $14, Amazon
Wild Thera stress relief balm is made with only ingredients from nature, like olive oil, chamomile, lavender, and oatstraw. It's got an uplifting scent and a smooth consistency that can easily be rubbed on temples or pressure points, and people say it even helps with headaches. "Bought this for an aunt for Christmas," says one reviewer. "She told me awhile later that she definitely did feel calmer after wearing it for awhile."
3. This Massaging Brush For Stimulating Your Scalp In The Shower
Hair Massage Brush, $12, Amazon
Waterproof and sturdy, the hair massage brush stimulates follicles, improves circulation, and gives you a relaxing head massage in the shower or out. It's battery operated for wire-free use, and its specifically designed shape makes it comfortable to grip.
4. This Spikey Mat For Stress Relief, Back Pain, And Meditation
Acupressure Mat, $30, Amazon
With over 7000 plastic spikes, this acupressure mat stimulates pressure points all over your neck and back, releasing tension, relaxing muscles, and (according to reviewers) creating a meditative state. It comes with a flat mat and a rounded neck pillow, and reviewers are saying things like, "Love this! After a hard day at work, I lay on this for 20 minutes and all of the stress goes away."
5. This Essential Oil Roller For Tension Relief On The Go
Tranquility Essential Oil Blend, $10, Amazon
The Tranquility essential oil blend has six pure essential oils in a fractionated coconut oil base, so you can spread it on your skin right from the convenient roller. It's great when you need some tension relief on the go, and reviewers say it smells nice and is easy to carry with them.
6. This Heated Handheld Massager With Three Interchangeable Heads
Naipo Handheld Percussion Massager, $35, Amazon
With interchageable nodes and a heating function, the Naipo Handheld Percussion massager lets you target any sore spot on your body and soothe it with ease. It's also super powerful, lightweight, and reviewers say, "This thing is amazing! It really works."
7. This Genius Journal That Helps You Overcome Procrastination Stress
The Mastery Journal, $39, Amazon
Using something called the Pomodoro Technique (a popular and effective time-management technique based on timed periods of work and relaxation), the The Mastery Journal helps you overcome procrastination, focus like never before, and stick to your plans with discipline. Reviewers say that if procrastination is your biggest stresser, this is the "best journal [they've] used so far!" It also comes with a free audiobook and PDF version.
8. This Natural Candle Made Specifically To Calm Your Nerves
Chateau de Lumiere Stress Relief Lavender Candle, $19, Amazon
I'm a huge believer in aromatherapy, and this Chateau de Lumiere stress relief candle is made with real lavender essential oil and natural soy. It's also got a cotton wick that burns evenly for up to 35 hours, filling your space with a soothing scent, and it's not overpowering or headache-inducing like other candles.
9. This Phone Grip Ring That Doubles As A Fidget Spinner
Fidget Spinner Ring Stand, $13, Amazon
This fidget spinner ring stand is a genius two-in-one tool to help your day go a little more smoothly. It’s got a strong adhesive that sticks to your phones and tablets, creating both a 360-degree grip and a stand for your devices. (It also removes without any sticky residue.) Then the round part works as a balanced spinner that rotates up to 30 times to reduce your stress levels, help you concentrate, and give you a convenient way to fidget.
10. This Genius Sleep Mask Blocks Out The Light While Playing Your Favorite Relaxing Sounds
AGPtEK Sleep Headphones Eye Mask, $25, Amazon
Block out the light and noise simultaneously with this AGPtEK sleep eye mask. Not only does it comfortably cover your with its breathable and cushioned mask, but it’s got built-in headphones that give you high-definition sound quality while you’re sleeping or relaxing. The cord is braided, so it won’t kink, twist, or break if you move around in your sleep, and reviewers say, “The material that goes over the eyes is soft and not super heavy so it doesn’t feel like there is anything on your eyes. The head set part gets very loud and my husband could barely hear what i was listening to.”
11. These Cute Little Peas In A Pod For You To Fidget With
SnowCinda Fidget Toys, $8, Amazon
Adorable and tons of fun, these SnowCinda fidget toys can help you to relax, relieve stress, and pay attention to the activity at hand. They come in a set of three peas in a pod, and people say they're quiet, high quality, and super addictive.
12. This Light That's Like A Mini Tropical Vacation
Verilux HappyLight, $38, Amazon
If you could do with a little bit of sunlight, but you're stuck inside all day, the Verilux HappyLight is the answer. It delivers 5,000 lux of UV-filtered light that's meant to mimic the sun, so it supposedly improves your mood, balances your body's natural rhythms, and alleviates seasonal blues. It's also tiny and portable, so you can even bring it to work with you. "I love this light. It makes me feel way better when it's grim and dark and wintery," says one reviewer. "It's very bright, and just what I was looking for."
13. This Amber Bulb That Helps Your Body Produce Melatonin At Night
SCS Sleep Ready Amber Bulb, $23, Amazon
Hack your circadian clock with this SCS Sleep Ready amber bulb. It provides a soft orange glow that won’t block melatonin release at night. That means you can read and prepare for bed while your body naturally winds down, because this bulb is free of the blue wavelengths that typically keep you up at night. Reviewers say it results in a more restful sleep and a much easier morning.
14. These Natural Bath Bombs Made With Real Essential Oils
Calily Bath Bombs, $17, Amazon
Relax like you’re at the spa with these Calily bath bombs. Each one is made with real essential oils for effective aromatherapy, and from energizing to stress relief bombs, they’re all different to suit your needs that day. Best of all, ingredients like grapefruit oils, kaolin clay, Epsom salts, and shae butter help to nourish your skin, soothe your muscles, and ease your mind.
15. These Essential Oil Necklaces You Can Personalize With Colors And Scents
Aromatherapy Necklaces (2 Pack), $20, Amazon
These aromatherapy necklaces come with two gorgeous designs and 12 refillable colored pads, so you can add relaxation and a pop of color to any outfit. Dab the felt pad with your favorite essential oils and carry around the scent with you all day. They're also made from stainless steel, so they're durable and won't corrode with the oils.
16. Keep Your Spine Supported While You’re Driving Or Working At Your Desk
Cushina Orthopedic Seat Cushion, $26, Amazon
It’s hard to stay stress-free during work when your body is uncomfortable. The Cushina orthopedic seat cushion is specifically designed to align your spine, promote great posture, and reduce pain while sitting. It’s made from durable memory foam with a curved shape and a cut-out for your tailbone, and you can use it at your desk, in the car, or even at sporting events or concerts. “I sit on this cushion 6 out of my 11+ duty hours,” says a full-time truck driver, “and have ZERO discomfort from the poorly designed semi seat.”
17. This Compact And USB Rechargeable Sound Machine
Marpac Rohm White Noise Sound Machine, $29, Amazon
Whether they’re blocking out distractions at work or getting a better night’s sleep, the Marpac Rohm sound machine has reviewers raving. It provides a consistent sound environment for sleep, privacy, or concentration using bright white noise, deep white noise, or gentle surf, and it’s USB rechargeable and compact for your convenience.
18. These Bath Soaks With Petals, Salts, And Oils
Amaki Skincare Flowers And Salts Bath Soak (2 Pack), $19, Amazon
Made with a mix of epsom salts, dead sea salts, flowers, and real essential oils, this Amaki Skincare flowers and salts bath soak pampers your skin, mind, and body all at once. The epsom salt helps to relieve stress and sore muscles while the soothing aromatherapy calms your thoughts, and the flower petals are loaded with nutrients for a clear, calm complexion.
19. Make Time For Self-Care With These Korean Sheet Masks
Dermal Korea Collagen Facial Mask Sheets, $8, Amazon
Make some time for self-care with these Dermal Korean collagen facial masks. They come in a pack of 16, all of which are loaded with collagen and Vitamin E to promote moisture and elasticity. Reviewers love all the different options (like bee venom to tone, milk to reduce acne, or rose to soothe inflammation), and they’ve got cut-outs that fit your face, a fresh scent, and are sensitive-skin friendly.
20. This Finger Stretcher That Improves Hand Strength And Reduces Stress
MAXSOINS Finger Stretcher, $10, Amazon
Whether you’re a musician, athlete, have arthritis, or just need something to fidget with, this MAXSOINS finger stretcher is made from stretchy silicone that fits hands of all sizes. Each color offers a different level of resistance, and they’re awesome for working out the fingers, wrist, and forearm. They’re also durable enough to be used with hot or cold therapy.
21. This Folding Mini Bike That Fits Right Under Your Desk
Platinum Fitness Folding Pedal Exerciser, $54, Amazon
If you feel restless after a full day at your desk, the Platinum Fitness pedal exerciser is an awesome way to get out some excess stress while you’re answering e-mails. It’s like the bottom half of a bike that’s compact enough to fit right under your feet, and it’s got an LCD that displays time, revolutions, and calories. It’s even got straps to keep your feet in place. Then when you’re done, fold it up and take it home.
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