This post was originally published in January 2021 and has been updated.
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From balancing work and a full-time social calendar to managing your kids’ schedules and finding time for yourself, adulting can feel overwhelming. That’s why we rounded up stress-relief products that’ll help you shake off burnout and unwind throughout the day. We’ve got guided journals, CBD gummies, and phone apps that’ll help you press pause on the stress. And remember: A little bit of relief can go a long way.
A coloring book if you’re looking to get out some pent-up frustration…
Time to color it out. PSA: This book contains swear words. And just the right amount of insults to help you release whatever negativity is bubbling inside. Yes — sometimes yelling at the top of your lungs helps, but have you ever tried intense coloring? Pick up some markers and get to it. ($9.69, Amazon)
Biodegradable essential oil towelettes…
These aromatherapy wipes are individually wrapped, so you can throw them in your bag and take them on the go. They’re free of synthetic ingredients and smell like lavender and eucalyptus. Use them on your hands, body or face — they’ll come in handy if you need a quick clean or to cool yourself off. Plus, they’re great to have on hand for those moments when you’re in your feels and need a little bit of R and R. Deep breaths… ($10, Aerie)
Wearable wrist and ankle weights you can use on your AM strolls…
Or for your at-home yoga class. Because exercise gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy. All you have to do is wrap the Bala Bangles around your wrists or ankles and voilá, you can be on your merry way. They’ll add a comfortable one-pound resistance to any movement you love. You can even wear ‘em around the house to turn chores into a workout. Talk about killing two birds with one stone. ($55, Ban.do)
A pillow spray that’ll make bedtime feel extra special…
Because your nighttime routine should feel like a ritual. This spritz contains an essential oil blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, cedarwood, and lemon. Spray it all over your sheets to help tell your senses that it’s time to wind down. So relaxing. ($18, QVC)
A set of multipurpose wellness patches to help with common ailments…
Like low energy, insomnia, and anxiety, courtesy of The Good Patch. This set includes three types of plant-based patches that adhere to your inner wrist to make yourself feel good. There are four patches that promote relaxation, four that help with winding down at bedtime, and four patches for extra energy. Each one has 15mg of hemp extract and can be worn for up to 12 hours. We especially love to wear them for that time of the month. Stick and go. ($40/12 pack, The Good Patch)
An app that’s all about helping you get through tough times…
The goal is to support your mental health so you can create and enjoy a happier you. With tons of resources (articles and guided sessions), you’ll be able to identify not-so-great habits and explore better ones. From movement goals to strategies for better focus, the app has science-backed meditation, mindfulness tools, sleep tips, and so much more. ($5.83+/month, Headspace)
A journal that puts gratitude in the center…
So you can spend time celebrating the good things in your life. It’s structured to help you rework your frame of mind to focus on the positive — whether that’s gratitude for your health, home, family or otherwise. Prompts help you acknowledge the teensy things that make you smile day to day. As a little added bonus, you’ll get a set of pens that match the book. ($24, Alleyoop)
A heat therapy acupuncture pillow…
Whether you are prone to aches and pains or just want some R and R, this organic cotton pillow will do the trick. It has plastic stimulators on the outside that can address stomach, leg, back, and neck pain. Just fill the internal water bottle it comes with and use it where needed. ($40, Uncommon Goods)
An updated take on facial roller…
This one is made of stainless steel so it’ll stay cold to the touch and won’t spread trapped bacteria. Leave it in the fridge to keep it extra cold. It’ll soothe your skin, help with headaches, and wake you up in the AM. ($35, Standard Dose)
A delicious, energy-boosting bev that isn’t coffee…
You don’t have to break up with your barista. But don’t be surprised if you start leaning less Team Cup o’ Joe, and more Team Cup o’ Joy with this chocolatey-chai blend. It combines only the good stuff to help you re-energize, refocus, and harness your body’s natural energy. We’re talking turmeric, cacao, cinnamon, and adaptogenic mushrooms. Plus juuuust the right amount of caffeine. For a pick-me-up that keeps you up — sans jitters or afternoon crashes. (Prices vary, MUD\WTR)*
A self-care master plan that’ll help you reign in the happiness...
Whether it's spending free time with the people who matter most or pursuing your favorite hobbies, this book helps you plan out things that spark joy. You’ll be able to note the experiences that promote positive self-care, so later on when you’re feeling down, you’ll have a concise list of how to turn things around. Plus, there are lots of self-reflection prompts, so you can easily track your mood and when you tend to have a lot of feelings. ($12, Free Period Press)
An ultra-soothing essential oil blend that’ll help stimulate your vagus nerve…
ICYMI: The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body responsible for visceral and somatic sensations. On days when you feel extra stressed, stimulating it can feel like a reset. Just rub a pump of this uplifting oil between your hands and take a deep breath. Then massage it on your neck and behind your ears. Little pockets of you time for the win. ($48, Nordstrom)
A half-gallon, time-marker water bottle so you can fuel up…
Because a hydrated body = one that’s well-suited to get sh*t done. This BPA-free option will help you remember to drink enough throughout the day. It has a strap and leak-proof lid with a locking feature, so it’s a breeze to carry from room to room. The wide-mouth opening makes cleaning it and adding ice cubes super easy. Plus, its size means you won’t have to constantly refill it. ($23.99+, Amazon)
A habit-tracking calendar that makes achieving your goals easier…
Maybe you wanna stop using your phone after 9 pm. Or drink less caffeine. Whatever your goal is, this calendar will help you stay aware of your daily, weekly, and monthly habits. It’s broken down into different categories like sleep, movement, finances, and organization. So you can stay on top of things and set yourself up for success. ($19.99, Free Period Press)
Mini candles that’ll burn for 20 minutes so you can unplug…
Think of ’em as an easy way to dedicate a bit of time to yourself and step away from your phone, other people, work — literally whatever it is that hogs your attention. As the candle burns, do something that centers you: workout, read, stretch, or meditate. Once the candle burns out, you can step back into your daily responsibilities with a much clearer mind. ($24+, 20MinuteCandles via Etsy)
A themed deck of cards to help you navigate your feelings…
Fifty guided mindfulness cards = 50 ways to spark growth, emotional awareness, and interesting conversations. The deck has five categories (each with 10 cards with prompts), among them: fear, joy, sadness, anger, and a wild card section with additional emotions. Whether you use them during a wine night with the girls or on your own as a morning mindfulness exercise, the opportunities for growth are endless. Plus, they’re so colorful and eye-catching that you’ll wanna keep them out on display. ($19.95, Ban.do)
An essential oil diffuser that’ll make your home smell so much better…
From peppermint to lavender, your scent of choice can add some calm to the room. This diffuser has two mist modes, timer settings, and can run up to 10 hours. To transform your bedroom, we rec running the diffuser 30 minutes before bed. And for some ultimate relaxation, try adding in these oil blends. ($24.99, Amazon)
A weekly notepad that’ll take the stress out of meal planning…
Don’t play the mental guessing game. Now you can sit down on a Sunday to map out the week ahead. The best part? It has a tear-away grocery list to help streamline your shopping trip. TBH, the most important part of meal prep is organization. So starting with a visual plan is the first step to success. ($11.95, Amazon)
A eucalyptus and lavender bundle to bring spa vibes to your shower…
Once things get steamy, the scent of eucalyptus and lavender will fill your bathroom. The bundle comes with a stainless steel hook and is available in three sizes. Your daily shower will end up feeling way more luxurious and refreshing. Can you say soothing? ($11.20+, GreeneryBackdrop via Etsy)
A foot bath so you can give yourself a massage and pedicure…
If you don’t wanna head to the salon, bring the salon to you. This bath heats your water, produces bubbles, and has different rollers to massage your feet against. Since it’s electric, it’ll actually maintain water temps as you scrub away dead skin and paint your toes. We highly suggest lighting some candles and playing ocean sounds to complete the scene. Just close your eyes and it’ll feel like a professional spa. ($50.38+, Amazon)
A trio of relaxation foot soaks that’ll melt away stress…
And dry skin. Maybe you wanna banish some funky smells or maybe you’re looking to seriously treat some cracked heels. Whatever your goal is, these soaks will enhance your relaxation time. The calming scents of vanilla, grapefruit, and lemongrass will help you unwind. Each one is crafted with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help relieve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. ($63, Naturally London)
A self-care subscription box aimed at exploring mental health…
Each box comes with four to six carefully curated items (including educational books) to help you better understand how you’re coping. Shipments are monthly and address topics such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression. ($44.99+/month, The Mental Wealth Box via Cratejoy)
CBD gummies for some extra chill...
Molly J. handcrafts small-batch CBD gummies with natural fruit flavors. They have zero THC, so they’re non-psychoactive. The Big Box includes all their flavors, including their blackberry rose sleep formula (which also contains melatonin for sleep). PS: You can select your dosage before checking out. Plus, it'll make the ultimate stress-relief gift if you’ve got presents on your mind. ($99+, Molly J.)
A workout program that meets you where you are…
Or where your phone is. Because isn’t that basically the same thing? Future connects you with a personal trainer that’ll create a custom fitness plan based on your schedule and experience level. So you can reach all your future (get it?) goals. Your trainer will program your workouts weekly and check in via text. Oh, and the best part? Skimm’rs get their first month for just $19. ($149/month, Future)*
A cozy meditation cushion…
So you won’t get a backache while practicing. It’s sturdy and gives you the perfect little space to dedicate some time to yourself. The chenille microfiber cover easily slips off and you can wash it when it starts looking a tad dirty. It’s even filled with amethyst and clear quartz crystals for extra good vibes. Plus, you can also use it as a stretching cushion if you’re aiming to limber up. ($85, Food52)
*This denotes a sponsored section.
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