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Feeling stressed? Our favorite ways to calm down arrive ASAP with Prime
From essential oils to heated neck massagers, we've rounded up a treasure trove of de-stressing doo-dads.
Feeling out of sorts? Debbie Downer here, with a reality check: It's a seriously stressful time of year. We've changed the clocks back, the election is this week, the holidays are looming, report cards are coming out — there are a lot of things at play that are making us particularly anxious. While we can't all afford to whisk ourselves away to a distant island beach at the drop of a hat, we can afford to treat ourselves to a little pick-me-up.
Amazon is awash with goodies that'll guide you through the cold winter months with ease and help you navigate this crazy time with not so much as a sip of wine (ok, perhaps a few swigs but maybe not the whole bottle). Send one of these treats to a friend in need perhaps? (Yup, that means all of them.)
No worries (staying on theme) — all of these items are affordable and will arrive by tomorrow (talk about instant gratification), with Amazon Prime. So don't despair! You can capture that feeling of calm, lasso that serenity and sink into inner peace with just a few clicks. See below for life's little joys that'll conveniently arrive on your doorstep (in case you're hiding beneath your covers in your PJs).
Self-care is key this time of year. Sometimes all it takes is a nice, hot shower. With a little help from these calming shower bombs, you don't even have to run the bath (which let's face it, is too time consuming). When you need to unwind, particularly before bedtime, enjoy some soothing hydrotherapy scented with calming lavender, for a deep, restful sleep.
The days are naturally growing shorter and daylight saving's time doesn't help matters. A light therapy lamp can ease the pain, and this one is an amazing price. With four settings, you can start with natural daylight at 3000K (kelvin indicates the warmth or temperature of the light) and go up from there for even brighter, whiter light. Portable and a snap to use.
The first thing people will tell you if you're feeling stressed, panicked or anxious: breathe. We often forget to breathe, and taking some mindful, deep breaths can be very good for our mental and physical health. Some of us may need a little guidance, and this adorable Buddha-shaped light will set your journey. It changes color, queuing you to inhale and exhale in a meditative way that will help calm your nerves and your mind. If the Buddha doesn't float your boat, a more sophisticated cairn of pebbles may strike you and can be yours for the same reasonable price. Either way, this little guy may be your new best friend.
Designed for mindfulness and meditation, the No. 1 bestselling Buddha Board allows you to create with nothing but water, and then watch it disappear. You'll escape with the simplicity of this zen gem, your negative thoughts as fleeting as your picture.
Most of us tense up, particularly in our shoulders, when stressed. Drop those shoulders from your ears and lay back with this heating pad designed specifically for those troublesome areas. It snaps around your neck so it won't slip off.
Crystals and stones have been known to have healing properties, channeling everything from love to prosperity. Anti-anxiety beads can't hurt right now. This stretchy bracelet also makes a good fidget, while serving as a lovely piece of jewelry born from nature. It's a great gift for someone who's feeling the pressure, letting them know you're thinking of them.
Need a balance boost? Or how about a sense of calm right before that big meeting? Struggling to settle down before bed? This set has you covered. Filled with nothing but the good stuff: 100% essential oils. Stash in your pocket or purse for instant accessibility. Roll on your pulse points and inhale.
There's something to be said for positive affirmations. It's a form of cognitive behavioral therapy: if you repeat these mantras in your mind, they will become true. If your therapist isn't on hand, these kitties will do, letting you know it will all be okay.
Right before bed or on a break for a cat nap, refresh your eyes and calm your senses with a quick, self-heating eye mask, infused with a lavender aroma. Perfect for travel, these convenient packs can be taken anywhere. Simple and soothing, they're sure to beat counting sheep.
Looking for something less fleeting? Just as simple, with nothing needed but water, you'll dip your brush and reveal intense color, which magically appears on the black and white page. Recreate art from master's works, like Degas and Van Gogh, in vibrant watercolor. Enjoy some culture while you escape the day, with my go-to de-stressor.
Sometimes you just need to grab hold of something and squeeeeeeeze. Fidgets have become ridiculously popular over the years and this one is adorable, as well as functional. The Calma Llama will allow you to take out all of your frustrations on it, rather than the innocent lady behind you in the supermarket whose cart is just a hair too close.
Packed with soothing Gaba, L-Theanine and Lemon Balm, these Goodbye Stress gummies tackle what our daily vitamin doesn't. The strawberry lemon flavor makes them yummy and easy to consume, while the ingredients help calm your soul. Chew two and chill.
When nothing but a massage will do, give in to the feeling. Massage therapy can be expensive and you have to make an appointment. Why not relieve that pain and tension at home with this amazingly priced neck and shoulder gizmo, replete with heating and shiatsu-style "finger-like" massage nodules? Trust me: You won't regret it.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
