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.

1 of 20
Woman relaxed and happy
Image by Michelle Nash

The Best Stress Relief Products for the Mind

The Best Meditation App: Insight Timer

It might not have the name recognition of Headspace or the celebrities of Calm, but Insight Timer offers a huge library of completely free content, as well as a community feel to remind you that you’re not alone.

Insight Timer App (Free)

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)

2 of 20
Camille Styles closing eyes in a happy meditative state
Image by Michelle Nash

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

Just Roll With It

With just the right texture, density, and durability, this highly-rated roller is a favorite of athletes and folks who just want to massage away the tension.

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller for Exercise, $34.99

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

Feel the Weight

Experiencing the stress-relieving joys of a weighted blanket doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Made with thick, woven loops of organic cotton (perfect for hot sleepers), the Cotton Napper is a bestseller for a reason.

Bearaby Cotton Napper, $249

Superior Spikes

With three levels of acupressure intensity and the durability to withstand everyday use, the Shakti mat helps promote healthy circulation, relaxation, and—of course—stress relief.

Shakti Premium Acupressure Mat Original, $79

Acupressure On-The-Go

For a more on-the-go version of acupressure (the noninvasive technique that utilizes pressure points to relieve aches and pains), consider a set of spiky, sensory rings.

12 Packs Spiky Sensory Finger Rings, $5.99

Melt Your Cares Away

In addition to making the best CBD gummies in the game, Lord Jones offers a top-notch body balm that melts alongside your stress.

Lord Jones High CBD Formula Heavy Duty Chill Balm, $55

3 of 20
Woman with arms raised toward the sky in a relaxed state

The Best All-Around Stress Relief Products

Diffuse the Tension

Don’t let its small size fool you—this ultrasonic-equipped, Swiss-engineered device is a powerful diffuser.

Stadler Form Jasmine Essential Oil, $60

Cool Capsules

The Ayurvedic herb can help the body adapt to environmental and physical stress.

Organic India Ashwagandha Herbal Supplement, $20

Pop It

Don’t dismiss fidget toys as just a craze—the tactile objects offer practical benefits. This particular pop fidget toy does its job without being too much of a visual distraction for others.

Push Pop Bubble Fidget Sensory Toy, $6

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

Take a Hike

The hardest part of hiking is finding just the right trial. AllTrails uses crowsourcing to point you in the right direction, so you can walk off the stress without any fuss.

AllTrails App (Free)

Tripling Down

What do you get when you pair stress balls with motivational phrases and aromatherapy? Arguably the feel-good toy of the year.

MindPanda Empowering Gel Stress Ball Bundle, $19

Share this Post

Author

Caitlin Clark Instagram