After years of interviewing dermatologists and all manner of beauty experts, I’m fully convinced: stress is right up there with the sun as one of the biggest factors in aging skin. But it goes deeper than just causing lines and dullness—the effects of increased stress can cause anxiety, a weakened immune system, and put you at higher risk of heart disease.
A quick walk outside or a few moments of breathwork exercises might be all you need to ease anxiety, but let’s face it, the past couple of years has put even the chillest of pills to the test. Thankfully, we live in a golden era of self-care, where wellness and mental health is finally top of mind. That can also make curating a collection of the best stress relief products no easy feat—but I’m up for the challenge.
So what can you buy to calm anxiety? A quick Google search proves overwhelming (and, ironically, could cause more stress), so focusing on ratings, reviews, personal experience, and—when applicable—scientific research, I zeroed in on the very best stress relief products to soothe the body and mind.
Ahead, you’ll find free gems and wellness splurges to help keep stress at bay. There are options if you’re short on time or when you’re down to spend the entire day in a restorative, meditative state. But no matter what kind of relief you’re looking for, we hope you can treat yourself to some smooth mental sailing this week.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
The Best Stress Relief Products for the Mind
Colorful Relief
With the ability to relax the fear center of the brain, coloring can be an almost meditative process. Consider starting with this classic from Johanna Brasford, the illustration queen responsible for kicking off the adult coloring craze.
Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book, $9.99
A Fresh Perspective
Tarot can seem a little metaphysical for some, but when used with an open mind, it can be a complement to therapy and even offer a fresh perspective.
Created by Kerry Ward, a tarot columnist for Cosmopolitan, The Good Karma is perfect for beginners. Featuring warm, diverse illustrations, even the “scary cards” feel inspiring.
The Good Karma Tarot: A Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Cards, $18.95
The Best Breathwork App: Breathwrk
This beautiful little (free) app offers a variety of science-backed exercises for waking up, falling asleep, or simply calming anxiety.
Breathwrk App (Free)
The Best Stress Relief Products for the Body
Massage It Out
This particular type of me-time is a well-known stress reducer. The upgraded version of LELO’s popular toy is completely waterproof, extra soft, and just chic enough to sit discreetly in your home.
LELO SONA 2 Sonic Waves Massager, $99
Keep It Cool
The at-home cryo trend is stronger than ever, resulting in an incredible array of products with icy benefits. This unique gel from luxurious Barcelona brand Natura Bissé offers an intense, spa-like cooling effect.
Natura Bissé Diamond Well-Living The Cryo-Gel, $60
The Best All-Around Stress Relief Products
Paint It Out
Painting is a fun way to soothe stress, but you can’t exactly carry an easel with you at all times. The Buddha Board allows you to live in the moment—wherever you are.
The Original Buddha Board Art Set, $37.82
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