Stress-Be-Gone: The Best Anxiety Relief Products Available
In today’s hectic world, anxiety affects more people than ever before. While some occasional stress is normal, excessive worry, panic, and tension can take both a mental and physical toll. Thankfully, there are many anxiety relief products available that provide relief through different sensations and activities known to calm the body and mind.
Essential Oils for Aromatherapy Essential oils derived from certain plants and flowers have been scientifically shown to decrease anxiety and stress. Inhaling calming scents impacts the limbic system of the brain which controls emotions, behavior, motivation and long-term memory. Diffusing soothing essential oils allows you to reap anxiety-reducing benefits throughout your home, office or car.
Top anti-anxiety oils:
Lavender, bergamot, clary sage, chamomile, sweet orange, rose, violet leaf and frankincense essential oils are all known for their anxiety-reducing properties. Diffuser jewelry and personal inhalers also let you experience aromatherapy on-the-go.
Weighted Blankets for Comfort Weighted blankets have become hugely popular over the last several years as an effective way to reduce anxiety. The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket helps lower cortisol levels and increase serotonin production in the body. This gives a comforting, secure feeling that lessens stress and relaxes both the mind and body.
How do weighted blankets work?
These specially designed blankets contain small glass or plastic beads stitched into compartments throughout the blanket. This gives the blanket more density and weight, usually between 10-30 pounds depending on the size. The deep pressure sensation increases oxytocin levels and calms the nervous system, resulting in lowered heart rate, muscle tension, and anxiety.
What to look for: Choose a blanket that is roughly 10-12% of your body weight. Heavier is not necessarily better. Get one with breathable fabric like cotton or bamboo to prevent overheating. Try a version with a removable cover for easy washing.
Fidget Toys for Distraction Fidget toys have become extremely popular as a tool for anxiety relief, especially for children and adults with ADHD, autism and sensory disorders. The toys allow restless hands and minds to channel nervous energy into spinning, clicking, squeezing, flipping or other sensory motions. This physical occupation helps calm the body and prevent the mind from racing or fixating.
Benefits of fidget toys:
Having a fidget toy discretely on hand helps manage anxiety in stressful meetings, social situations, school testing, and more. They provide distraction from negative thoughts and worry. Fidget cubes, infinity cubes, spinners, tangles and traditional stress balls are great portable options.
Light Therapy for Balance Many people feel increased anxiety during the shorter daylight hours of winter. Seasonal affective disorder that causes depression is well known, but fewer realize that lack of natural sunlight also exacerbates anxiety. Light therapy lamps mimic the mental boost of sunshine indoors by regulating your circadian rhythm.
How light therapy helps: Using a 10,000 lux light therapy lamp for 30 minutes each morning increases serotonin production and boosts mood while reducing feelings of stress. The full spectrum light improves sleep quality and energy levels as well. Desktop lamps are convenient, but there are also travel-size versions.
Herbal Tea for Relaxation Sipping on relaxing herbal teas can ease anxiety and promote tranquility from the inside out. Certain herbs like chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, valerian root and ashwagandha have natural sedative, soothing properties. Caffeine-free herbal blends are best for relaxation.
Benefits of herbal tea:
Keep a variety of formulations on hand and sip anxiety-busting herbal teas throughout the day as needed. The ritual of preparing tea also helps induce calm. Make sure to choose high-quality loose leaf or whole blend teas.
Meditation Cushions for Mindfulness A regular meditation practice works wonders for reducing anxiety and worrying thoughts. However, sitting still on a hard, uncomfortable surface can actually create pain, tension and distractions. This is why specialized meditation cushions are so helpful.
Finding the right cushion:
These cushions provide ideal ergonomic support for proper, relaxed posture during meditation. Cushions come in different shapes, heights and materials to accommodate your needs. Portable options can transform any location into a soothing meditation space.
Jewelry for Subtle Anxiety Relief Fiddling with meaningful jewelry is a timeless way to calm nerves and channel anxious energy. The smooth sensation of metal, stone or wood beads provides a centering tactile diversion for hands and mind. This subtle self-soothing behavior can be done discreetly wherever anxiety strikes.
Choosing minimalist jewelry:
Look for delicate, minimalist necklaces, bracelets and rings that can be worn daily. Aromatherapy, essential oil diffuser and crystal infused jewelry provide added anxiety-reducing properties. Let your favorite pieces be worry stones you can reach for anytime.
Conclusion
There are countless other anxiety relief products like aromatherapy oils, headphones, apps and more. Finding the options that best fit your needs makes all the difference in managing stress. An anti-anxiety toolkit of go-to items gives you the resources to relax anytime, anywhere anxiety creeps up. Don’t allow worry, panic and tension to control your life any longer.
