Verywell / Julie BangI spent several semesters teaching astress managementclass at Northeastern University. It was a popular class that many students elected to take because they felt stressed out and weren’t sure what to do about it.One of the things that always surprised students was how much cumulative stress they were under. It wasn’t just the huge exams or the job interviews that stressed them out.Daily life stressorsadded up over time, making them feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to manage challenges.While you can’t eliminate all the stressful circumstances you face, you can choose how you respond to stress. A key component in healthy stress management involves creating time for stress relief activities on a daily basis. From yoga classes to gardening, there are lots of things you can do to reduce your stress levels.While manystress relief strategiesare free of charge—laughing with a friend or walking in the park—there are also products that make stress relief convenient and easily accessible.Of course, you don’t want to just start buying everything that is marketed to cure stress.Having too much stuff can add to your stress. Overstuffed closets, cluttered desks, and overflowing storage bins aren’t conducive to good mental health.I happen to live on a sailboat which means I don’t have a lot of extra space. I’m selective about what products I use to reduce my stress. Here are 10 of my favorite things that spark relaxation, remind me to enjoy the moment, or help me calm my brain and my body.
Verywell / Julie Bang
I spent several semesters teaching astress managementclass at Northeastern University. It was a popular class that many students elected to take because they felt stressed out and weren’t sure what to do about it.
One of the things that always surprised students was how much cumulative stress they were under. It wasn’t just the huge exams or the job interviews that stressed them out.Daily life stressorsadded up over time, making them feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to manage challenges.
While you can’t eliminate all the stressful circumstances you face, you can choose how you respond to stress. A key component in healthy stress management involves creating time for stress relief activities on a daily basis. From yoga classes to gardening, there are lots of things you can do to reduce your stress levels.
While manystress relief strategiesare free of charge—laughing with a friend or walking in the park—there are also products that make stress relief convenient and easily accessible.
Of course, you don’t want to just start buying everything that is marketed to cure stress.
Having too much stuff can add to your stress. Overstuffed closets, cluttered desks, and overflowing storage bins aren’t conducive to good mental health.
I happen to live on a sailboat which means I don’t have a lot of extra space. I’m selective about what products I use to reduce my stress. Here are 10 of my favorite things that spark relaxation, remind me to enjoy the moment, or help me calm my brain and my body.
1
Muse S Gen 2 Headband
Muse
I’m not usually into tech products that are supposed to relieve stress. Between making sure they’re charged and addressing technical difficulties, I find they sometimes add more stress to my life.
But theMuse headbandis different. It’s something I can put on when I want to meditate and it gives me instant feedback.
The headband pairs with an app on your phone. You can select aguided meditationto listen to and the band uses biofeedback to give you information on your brain waves—essentially, you can see how calm you were during a meditation session as soon as you’re done. During the guided meditation, the sounds change based on your brain waves to help you get into the best meditative state possible.
The headband can also be used to help with sleep. I haven’t tried it at night yet as I’m one of those fortunate people who rarely hassleep issues.
2
Creatively Paint Kits
Creatively
I loveCreatively paint kits. They provide just the right balance of guidance on how to paint a masterpiece and the freedom to be creative. They offer a great break from my day-to-day life without requiring me to create something from scratch.
You can even watch an online tutorial about how to use specific techniques or how to paint the image you’re after.
I hadn’t painted since art class in high school but these kits make it really easy to create something I actually want to hang on the walls. And creating something beautiful on a blank canvas can be a great way torelieve stress.
You could always get together with friends and turn it into an activity everyone can do. Or, you might find painting solo is just the quiet recharge you need.
If you’re looking for a gift to give someone else who could use a bit of stress relief, consider buying them a three-month subscription. They’ll get a new project mailed to them each month.
3
Hydragun Massager
Hydragun
So I especially love theHydragunmassager. It actually feels really good on sore or tight muscles.
It’s powerful. It’s quiet. And the battery life lasts six hours. It comes in a carrying case with several attachments so it’s easy to store.
And it’s a great reminder to be more aware of how I’m feeling and how important it is to take care of myself.
4RENPHO Foot and Calf MassagerRENPHOI spend a lot of time sitting behind my laptop which makes theRENPHO foot and calf massagera great find.While I’m typing, I can massage the bottom of my feet. Although I’m usually squeamish about anything that might tickle my feet, this massager offers a lot of different options so I can find the right level of pressure and just the right amount of kneading to feel good.I use it on my calves sometimes too. This feels especially good when I put my feet up on an ottoman.And an extra side benefit is that I can set the timer on it. I set it for 30 minutes and during that time, I stay focused on my work while getting a foot massage. When the timer stops, I’m reminded to get up and take a break for a few minutes before diving back in.
4
RENPHO Foot and Calf MassagerRENPHOI spend a lot of time sitting behind my laptop which makes theRENPHO foot and calf massagera great find.While I’m typing, I can massage the bottom of my feet. Although I’m usually squeamish about anything that might tickle my feet, this massager offers a lot of different options so I can find the right level of pressure and just the right amount of kneading to feel good.I use it on my calves sometimes too. This feels especially good when I put my feet up on an ottoman.And an extra side benefit is that I can set the timer on it. I set it for 30 minutes and during that time, I stay focused on my work while getting a foot massage. When the timer stops, I’m reminded to get up and take a break for a few minutes before diving back in.
RENPHO Foot and Calf Massager
RENPHO
I spend a lot of time sitting behind my laptop which makes theRENPHO foot and calf massagera great find.
While I’m typing, I can massage the bottom of my feet. Although I’m usually squeamish about anything that might tickle my feet, this massager offers a lot of different options so I can find the right level of pressure and just the right amount of kneading to feel good.
I use it on my calves sometimes too. This feels especially good when I put my feet up on an ottoman.
And an extra side benefit is that I can set the timer on it. I set it for 30 minutes and during that time, I stay focused on my work while getting a foot massage. When the timer stops, I’m reminded to get up and take a break for a few minutes before diving back in.
5Verilux Floor LampVeriluxI like bright light. It wakes me up and helps me feel good. But, the sun in the Florida Keys gets hot when it streams through the windows so we keep the curtains closed on sunny days.That’s why I like theVerilux floor lamp. The light mimics sunlight and it lets me direct the light exactly where I need it.So whether I’m painting in the evening or I’m taking notes at my desk, I can shine a spotlight on what I’m doing. The light isn’t harsh on the eyes, however. Instead, it feels like it’s just the right intensity to help me feel good and avoid straining my eyes.
5
Verilux Floor LampVeriluxI like bright light. It wakes me up and helps me feel good. But, the sun in the Florida Keys gets hot when it streams through the windows so we keep the curtains closed on sunny days.That’s why I like theVerilux floor lamp. The light mimics sunlight and it lets me direct the light exactly where I need it.So whether I’m painting in the evening or I’m taking notes at my desk, I can shine a spotlight on what I’m doing. The light isn’t harsh on the eyes, however. Instead, it feels like it’s just the right intensity to help me feel good and avoid straining my eyes.
Verilux Floor Lamp
Verilux
I like bright light. It wakes me up and helps me feel good. But, the sun in the Florida Keys gets hot when it streams through the windows so we keep the curtains closed on sunny days.
That’s why I like theVerilux floor lamp. The light mimics sunlight and it lets me direct the light exactly where I need it.
So whether I’m painting in the evening or I’m taking notes at my desk, I can shine a spotlight on what I’m doing. The light isn’t harsh on the eyes, however. Instead, it feels like it’s just the right intensity to help me feel good and avoid straining my eyes.
6
Demdaco Blanket
Demdaco
South Florida doesn’t require too many blankets. But some days, the air conditioning gets me a little chilled while I work.
7Speks Desk ToysSpeksI’m not much for desk clutter because having too many things near me distracts me from my work. But these days, I spend a lot of time on Zoom calls, and staring at my screen can be stressful.Having a little something in my hands to play with makes those calls feel more fun. AndSpeksseems to have found a good combination of small toys that keep your hands busy without making a mess or creating too much noise.
7
Speks Desk ToysSpeksI’m not much for desk clutter because having too many things near me distracts me from my work. But these days, I spend a lot of time on Zoom calls, and staring at my screen can be stressful.Having a little something in my hands to play with makes those calls feel more fun. AndSpeksseems to have found a good combination of small toys that keep your hands busy without making a mess or creating too much noise.
Speks Desk Toys
Speks
I’m not much for desk clutter because having too many things near me distracts me from my work. But these days, I spend a lot of time on Zoom calls, and staring at my screen can be stressful.
Having a little something in my hands to play with makes those calls feel more fun. AndSpeksseems to have found a good combination of small toys that keep your hands busy without making a mess or creating too much noise.
8Allay LampAllayWhile I do find bright lights help me feel alert during the day, there are times when I also want some ambient light. That’s why I like theAllay lamp. It emits a green glow.There’s some science behind it. The website offers peer-reviewed studies that show the narrow band of green light calms the neurons in the brain. I find that it gives off just the right amount of light that I can read a book before bed without straining my eyes.The green glow has also been found to help with headaches. So if you get migraines or stress headaches, you might appreciate this lamp for those reasons too.
8
Allay LampAllayWhile I do find bright lights help me feel alert during the day, there are times when I also want some ambient light. That’s why I like theAllay lamp. It emits a green glow.There’s some science behind it. The website offers peer-reviewed studies that show the narrow band of green light calms the neurons in the brain. I find that it gives off just the right amount of light that I can read a book before bed without straining my eyes.The green glow has also been found to help with headaches. So if you get migraines or stress headaches, you might appreciate this lamp for those reasons too.
Allay Lamp
Allay
While I do find bright lights help me feel alert during the day, there are times when I also want some ambient light. That’s why I like theAllay lamp. It emits a green glow.
There’s some science behind it. The website offers peer-reviewed studies that show the narrow band of green light calms the neurons in the brain. I find that it gives off just the right amount of light that I can read a book before bed without straining my eyes.
The green glow has also been found to help with headaches. So if you get migraines or stress headaches, you might appreciate this lamp for those reasons too.
9Scribd SubscriptionScribdThere’s tons of research that showreading reduces stress. But sometimes, it’s stressful to pick out a good book!That’s why I loveScribd. It’s sort of like Netflix for books. A monthly subscription allows me to download as many e-books or audiobooks as I want. And they offer a huge selection of choices.While I do like to read physical books sometimes, e-books and audiobooks don’t take up any space. And I can listen to audiobooks while I’m working out or read e-books while I’m on a plane.
9
Scribd SubscriptionScribdThere’s tons of research that showreading reduces stress. But sometimes, it’s stressful to pick out a good book!That’s why I loveScribd. It’s sort of like Netflix for books. A monthly subscription allows me to download as many e-books or audiobooks as I want. And they offer a huge selection of choices.While I do like to read physical books sometimes, e-books and audiobooks don’t take up any space. And I can listen to audiobooks while I’m working out or read e-books while I’m on a plane.
Scribd Subscription
Scribd
There’s tons of research that showreading reduces stress. But sometimes, it’s stressful to pick out a good book!
That’s why I loveScribd. It’s sort of like Netflix for books. A monthly subscription allows me to download as many e-books or audiobooks as I want. And they offer a huge selection of choices.
While I do like to read physical books sometimes, e-books and audiobooks don’t take up any space. And I can listen to audiobooks while I’m working out or read e-books while I’m on a plane.
10Himalayan Pink Salt DiffuserPure Daily CareIt’s not a good idea to burn candles on a boat. So, we love to use diffusers in The Verywell Mind Podcast studio. And I especially love thisHimalayan pink salt diffuser.It has a convenient timer and it also has lights, which makes it look beautiful. We also love the wood look of the diffuser.We usually use lavender essential oils as there’s evidence thatlavender can reduce stress. Research aside, we can say this diffuser helps us feel good while we’re recording our show.
10
Himalayan Pink Salt DiffuserPure Daily CareIt’s not a good idea to burn candles on a boat. So, we love to use diffusers in The Verywell Mind Podcast studio. And I especially love thisHimalayan pink salt diffuser.It has a convenient timer and it also has lights, which makes it look beautiful. We also love the wood look of the diffuser.We usually use lavender essential oils as there’s evidence thatlavender can reduce stress. Research aside, we can say this diffuser helps us feel good while we’re recording our show.
Himalayan Pink Salt Diffuser
Pure Daily Care
It’s not a good idea to burn candles on a boat. So, we love to use diffusers in The Verywell Mind Podcast studio. And I especially love thisHimalayan pink salt diffuser.
It has a convenient timer and it also has lights, which makes it look beautiful. We also love the wood look of the diffuser.
We usually use lavender essential oils as there’s evidence thatlavender can reduce stress. Research aside, we can say this diffuser helps us feel good while we’re recording our show.
Keep in MindThe stress relief products that work for me might not necessarily work for you. But it’s important to experiment with products, strategies, and daily routines that help you manage stress so you can figure out what works best for you. If you’re struggling to manage your stress on your own, consider talking to a professional if you can. Therapists are well-versed in helping people discover the best ways to manage life’s inevitable stressors.
Keep in Mind
The stress relief products that work for me might not necessarily work for you. But it’s important to experiment with products, strategies, and daily routines that help you manage stress so you can figure out what works best for you. If you’re struggling to manage your stress on your own, consider talking to a professional if you can. Therapists are well-versed in helping people discover the best ways to manage life’s inevitable stressors.
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