Cheapism / Target / Amazon
There are so many things causing stress in our world today — work, family, money, politics – that it can be challenging to sort out what can actually reduce your daily worries. While these products can't fix everything that's stressing you out, making a small investment in these items may put you in a much better mood.
$11 from Amazon
If you haven't heard of singing bowls, here's the deal: They emit a clear, soothing sound and have been a part of Buddhist monks' healing and meditation practices for centuries. More recently they've become popular for meditation and yoga.
$14 from Target
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Who doesn't love a good bubble bath? When it comes with calming ingredients like lavender and chamomile, it's even better.
$8 from Amazon
If coloring pictures of animals, mushrooms, and patterns sounds like child's play, that's because it is — and it may be to your benefit to recall how peaceful kids are when they're coloring.
$10 from Walmart
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Fidget spinners may not be trendy anymore, but chances are we still need them during boring meetings and long phone calls. Magnetic fidget toys that come in elegant designs are even better.
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$18 on Amazon
Do not minimize the cleansing, stress-relieving benefit of knocking the stuffing out of something (preferably not a person). Besides, boxing is great exercise, so you'll also get a jolt of endorphins.
$10 from Amazon
You can warm this mask up or stick it in the fridge, but either way you can put it on your face, lie down, and pretend you're in a spa. It might take care of puffiness and migraines, too.
$28 and up from Amazon
There are tons of weighted blankets at a variety of price points. The one thing they all have in common? The weight of the blanket squashes anxiety at bedtime and reminds some users of a great, big hug.
$6 from Amazon
These are ultra moisturizing, but bath bombs in general are a fun distraction — fizzing after hitting the water, then dissolving into a soothing, feel-good bath. Even better, they're never a big investment.
$20 from Amazon
Stash Tea has a collection of herbal teas perfect for bedtime — and you can pick from six varieties ranging from three types of chamomile to peppermint and ginger. Licorice may be a hard pass for some, but it's worth a try.
$24 from Amazon
While lying on a nubby mat may sound more painful than relaxing, don't assume this won't hit all the right spots. There's still debate about what acupressure can do for you, but studies have suggested it does release endorphins.
$14 from Target
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Though you can drive yourself crazy trying to pick a scent (Pro tip: Get one that says "calm" on the label), it's always fun picking out a candle. It's even better getting it home and lighting it.
$10 from Amazon
While this is a candidate for being an item that gets thrown in a drawer and forgotten about, once you use it you might be sold on its soothing properties.
$10 from Amazon
Ashwagandha helps to reduce stress and maintain healthy cortisol levels. And in pill form, it's as easy as taking it with a swig of water.
$15 from Amazon
While you can get yoga mats at various thicknesses (and price points), if you're just beginning any mat will do. You also have your choice of colors.
$40 from Amazon
While foot massagers can get expensive, one that's budget priced could do the trick. We like this shiatsu foot massager that's perfect for both feet and calves.
$16 from Amazon
According to a 2005 study, writing down three things a day that you're grateful for resulted in an increase in happiness and decrease in depression for six months. Go ahead, grab a pen!
$4 from Target
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Maybe it's just upgrading your shower experience, or maybe its the lavender scent, but a shower steamer could drastically improve your mood. Consider buying them in bulk.
$20 from Amazon
Whether it's the warm compress or just the silk cover, this is one soothing eye mask. Not only does it bat away stress, it gets rid of under-eye puffiness, too.
$40 from Amazon
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A shiatsu massager does most of the things a real massage therapist would do. It's heated and kneads those tight spots along your neck and back. You're likely to get tired of it before it turns off.
$10 from Walmart
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If you don't get too frustrated (bypass the solid color puzzles), spending a rainy afternoon or evening plugging away at a jigsaw puzzle can be surprisingly relaxing.
$22 from Amazon
A reminder to "pause and reset," the Buddha figurine fades, changes color, and lights up in time to your breathing. Not only is it cute, it makes sure you're breathing for optimal relaxation.
$15 from Target
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Watching herbs grow isn't an intense activity, but it can be calming. Grow three organic seeds and you can also season your food with mint, basil, or cilantro.
$24 from Amazon
Slippers are good, but ones you can warm up in the microwave are even better. A pair of snuggly slippers are a perfect choice to walk you right into bed and an evening of sweet dreams.
$10 from Amazon
Taking a shower can relax you, but using a massaging shower head can also work out any kinks and soreness you might have in your neck and back. For just a few bucks, you can get relief every time you bathe.
$5 from Target
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Whether it's plain epsom salt or lavender, the salts' properties will help keep you calm. It boosts magnesium levels (most of us are deficient), soothes muscles, and relieves aches.
$5 from Amazon
Not only do incense smell great, watching it burn can be relaxing, too. While incense burners can be surprisingly complex, even a simple one helps make for a calming environment.
$8 from Amazon
Some people bake bread, others make cake. If you relax by baking layers of sweet dough, grabbing some of the tools you need is a good start.
$14 from Amazon
While it doesn't do more than pump scent into the air, don't discredit how calming a diffuser can be — especially if you add the right scent.
$10 from Amazon
While playing with little rocks may not sound like a great way to spend time, magnetic rocks are not only shockingly fun, but stick together effortlessly. There's also something to be said for the satisfying click they make when they connect.
$13 from Amazon
Sure, they look silly, but every time you see your feet, you probably smile. And if that doesn't relieve some stress, I don't know what will.
$19 and up from Target
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It's hard to be stressed out when you're asleep, and a good dose of melatonin should do the trick. If it comes in a fun gummy form, all the better.
$9 from Amazon
While it's sometimes sold as "bruise gel," arnica is also good at soothing pain and soreness. It may not be fancy, but feeling better will definitely make it easier to feel calm.
$17 from Amazon
Whether you prefer white noise, brown noise, green noise, or pink noise (or something else entirely), these different background sounds both drown out traffic and other nuisances and help you fall asleep.
$10 from Amazon
While essential oils are perfect for your diffuser, they're also good for candle making, aromatherapy, and even personal fragrance. Try a few and you're sure to like one (or more).