If you feel stressed all the time, you’re not alone. According to a Gallup poll, 79% of Americans feel stress sometimes or frequently during the day. Although a small amount of pressure or tension is normal and may actually motivate you, long-term stress can negatively affect your health and can lead to problems such as headaches, insomnia, anxiety, or depression. Try the following nine items to reduce stress.
1. Himalayan Salt Lamp
Made from large salt rock crystals, Himalayan salt lamps tend to be pink, white, or red. At this time, there is no research that supports the claim that salt lamps can emit negative ions and purify the air. However, they create a warm glow that many people find calming and stress reducing.
2. Adult Coloring Book
From swirling mandalas to blooming gardens, adult coloring books can help you relax. Creating art or simply coloring with markers can decrease anxiety and help you focus. In addition, no one will judge you for coloring outside the lines as an adult.
3. Weighted Blanket
A weighted blanket, filled with either poly-pellets or glass beads, can range from five to 25 pounds. The heavy blanket creates deep touch pressure stimulation, which can reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. You may want to start with the lightest version of a weighted blanket to get used to it.
4. Foam Roller
Athletes frequently use foam rollers, but you don’t have to train for a marathon to benefit from one. Foam rollers allow you to self-massage sore muscles or trigger points, which stress can cause. They can help you relax and feel better.
5. Aromatherapy Candle
The soft glow of a single candle can help you focus and reduce stress, and using an aromatherapy one can have other benefits. Try a lavender candle to decrease anxiety, nervousness, or stress. Light a peppermint candle to clear your head and relieve stress.
6. Yoga Mat
Multiple studies found that yoga could relieve stress and anxiety. Consider getting your own yoga mat, so you can practice at home without adding the extra stress of going to a gym. Look for an eco-friendly mat made without polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
7. Passionflower Tea
Passionflower tea has a calming effect and may help you decrease stress or insomnia. It may also help with anxiety, pain, and muscle spasms. In general, it’s considered safe for most people to take, but check with your doctor before making passionflower tea a nightly ritual.
8. Stress Ball
Stress balls often look like tiny toys for adults and range from rubber smiling faces to squishy ice cream cones. However, squeezing them when you’re tense can help reduce stress and anxiety. One study found that using a stress call could reduce pain during medical procedures.
9. Microwavable Neck Pillow
Credit: Benoît Prieur – CC-BY-SA
A microwavable neck pillow combines heat with softness to help you relax and forget about stress. It can feel soothing and calming after a long day of hassles. Heated neck pillows can also reduce pain and help you sleep better.
Whether you prefer to test out a new set of markers in a coloring book or squeeze a cupcake-shaped stress ball, these items can help you relax. Consider trying one of them the next time you feel overwhelmed.
