After nearly three years of pandemic life, you may find yourself in the middle of an existential crisis. The good news is, you’re definitely not the only one; there are lot of us in the same boat with you. It might be a painful, confusing and life-changing time for you, but here’s the good news. You’re going to be a stronger, wiser version of yourself once you emerge from your cocoon.
Real talk: I’m going through my own healing journey right now after struggling with PTSD, anxiety and panic attacks for a while. Some days I feel like I can do anything; other days I feel like the weight of the world will crush me. Having had only myself to turn to for comfort, healing and answers to my questions at times, I’ve come across what works for me and what really doesn’t.
Everyone’s brain works a bit differently, but in my experience, these are the things that really worked for me. When you’re experiencing a panic attack, depression, aggression or over-stimulation, you need something to satisfy each part of you: your brain, your heart and your body. Each of the items below can be used to soothe, problem solve or focus these individual aspects of your being so you can take control of your mental state.
The power of change is within your reach, you just have to learn how to ride the waves. I genuinely hope these items help you relax and heal so you can live your best life to its fullest!
This essential oil diffuser has mist that looks like flames
Diffusers are the new candle! You can diffuse whatever scent you find most relaxing without having to worry about unattended flames. I use mine overnight with lavender to calm me down after high-stress days.
This guided journal can help you cope with anxiety
For $20, you can get the therapy you need in the moment. This journal helps you work through your thoughts and feelings like a therapist would. It lets you write out your worries, teaches you to look for the evidence behind your intrusive thoughts and helps you evaluate the moment from a calmer perspective. I can tell you from experience: this is exactly the process my therapist showed me to work through my own anxiety, so it’s definitely legit.
Take control of your environment with this zen garden
Something about being able to move the sand around however you like gives you that sense of calm and control you’ve been wanting. Feeling the sand run through your hands and hearing the crunch of the rake on the sand will help ground you in this moment.
Use this breathing necklace to dispel panic attacks
When you have your first panic attack, it’s super scary. If you begin having them regularly, it’s even more terrifying and exhausting. If you’re struggling with chronic panic attacks or PTSD, try this breathing necklace. I know it sounds like a gimmick, but it can actually help regulate your breathing and make you feel more in control when the world feels like it’s spinning away from you.
Cleanse your space with this sage candle
This is another favorite of mine; I dole these out to the overworked women in my life like candy. They work great in lieu of smudge sticks for cleansing negative energy or spirits from your home. They have a gentle, yet poignant scent that will help you focus during meditation.
Use this portable easel to paint and unwind
Painting can be really soothing, especially water coloring. If you can, I recommend taking this outdoors and trying to capture the mood of the surrounding area. It will help ground you in the moment and work through any emotions you might be experiencing.
A soothing Himalayan salt night light
I have one of these and I love it. The lamp creates such a lovely, rosy glow; it’s instantly relaxing. The salt also emits negative ions when heated, acting like an ionizer to purify the air. The light comes with a dimmer, so you can adjust the brightness to your preference.
I Felt Revived After One Soak In These Dead Sea Bath Salts
Over 2,000 customers have given these bath and foot salt soaks 5 stars! They are made with 100% magnesium chloride flakes from the Dead Sea, which is an even stronger alternative to Epsom salt. I love that these are unscented, but they also come in rosemary mint, eucalyptus, and lavender scents in case you wanna change it up. Treat yourself to this spa experience at home, you’ve earned it.
Reset your body clock with this circadian therapy lamp
Seasonal depression folks, I got you. Turn this light on during those long winter months to get some sunny relief.
Massage away the stress with this muscle roller
There’s nothing like a massage to release all the day’s tension from your body. If you want some quick relief before bed, loosen up your muscles with this roller. Trust me, you’ll sleep even better.
This foot soak will work wonders on your skin
If you’re on your feet all day, this one is definitely for you. It will relieve the ache in your joints and give you a reason to do blissful nothing for a while.
Banish migraines with this heated head wrap
When life is just too much, stuff yourself inside of this cozy head wrap and forget about it. Nobody can deprive you of your self care, other than yourself.
Block annoying lights with this lavender scented sleep mask
Living with roommates is an inevitability for most young people, especially in the city. If you find unpredictable housemates or lighting bothersome, you might want to invest in this sleep mask. A good night’s sleep will leave you feeling refreshed in the morning, so you can start your day with a calm state of mind.
A safer candle lighter for your bedside
No need to worry about keeping this lighter too close to pillows or heaters – it’s electric and flameless! A spark is all you need to light your favorite candle wick.
Create your own meditation space with this cushion
I can tell you from experience, sometimes working from home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It sucks living your whole life out of a room or two. It’s important to create a go-to space for your meditation time, so you can leave stressors behind and focus on yourself.
This Tibetan singing bowl will help you meditate
Many people use these singing bowls as a meditation tool. I love the sound they make. The natural, ongoing tone always helps me center myself and focus on what I want to address.
Treat yourself with this 24K gold eye mask
A little spa day never hurt anyone! Actually, home spa days can be a really great form of self care. If you’ve never tried it, now’s time!
Relax and soak with this bath pillow
One interesting thing I’ve learned on my own healing journey is that immersing yourself in water can be so transforming. When I feel anxious, a shower, bath or swim can be really emotionally cleansing. Especially in the hot water, I feel all my worries just melt away.
Soothe back pain with this gel pack
If you’re physically uncomfortable, it can be hard to relax. Next time your back pain is keeping you up at night, try this gel pack.
This jade roller may change your whole perspective on skincare
If you’re feeling self conscious about your skin, why not treat it to some self-love? Use this jade roller to massage in your favorite serum; you’ll see and feel an immediate difference. Getting some fresh circulation in your face may be just what you need to help you feel better about your beautiful self.
Reduce stress through stretching and exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to combat stress and anxiety. I recently learned that the natural high you get after a work out is actually a boost of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine released by your body. As my therapist tells me, the best way to get rid of stress quickly is to exercise!
Snuggle with this full body pillow
You can use it as a sleeping pillow, enjoy some extra pelvic support or just hold it. Either way, it’ll help you feel snug and safe.
Noise sensitive people will love this white noise machine
I am one of these people. It only takes a small disruption in the current background noise to wake me up or make me jolt out of bed. If you feel triggered by every little noise in your neighborhood, definitely get one of these. It’ll drown out everything except the sounds in your room (or the dude revving his motorbike at 2 AM).
Herbal tea for tough times
In movies, people are always comforting each other with a cup of tea after they’ve gone through something harrowing. You may find it helps sooth you too, especially after a high-tension day or a difficult loss.
An aromatherapy pillow for rough nights
Lavender is known for its calming properties and soothing, herby smell. This is a great find for teddy bear lovers, anxious sleepers and anyone who needs a hug. Bonus: Because you can heat the scented flax seed in the microwave, you can use this for post-surgery recovery and period cramps.
Transform the energy of your home with crystals
Story time: My best friend is really into crystals and she got me into them in 2020. I find them to be useful for channeling a certain vibe, focusing my mind or grounding myself. For the skeptics, I will say this: whether or not you believe in the power of the stone itself doesn’t matter, it’s what you bring to it. If you find performing meditations with crystals helps you bring the emotional reality you want into being, then they do work.
Go into a quiet zone after overstimulating days
If white noise is too much and sensory deprivation tanks are too disembodying, try these noise cancelling headphones. You can keep all of your sensation without loud, bothersome sounds to trigger you.
Sleep easy with these chews
With Theanine, Melatonin and Chamomile on board, you’ll knock right out before you can start counting sheep!
Heal your inner child with a fun bubble bath!
I don’t know about you, but bubble baths always remind me of my childhood. Take a fun trip down memory lane, back to simpler times, with this foaming bath soap. This time, bring a glass of wine instead of a toy submarine.
Rescue Remedy for panic attacks and emergencies
My mom loves homeopathic remedies and she takes this with her everywhere she goes. The friend who introduced this one to her claimed it stopped an elderly man from having a heart attack during a stressful situation. Personally, I believe in the power of plants (just look at cannabis, Ginseng or coffee beans) and I keep this vial in my purse for unexpected circumstances.
Motivational magnets to keep you on track with your goals
It helps to have mantras, especially when life tests you. Keep these on your fridge or by your desk to encourage self-positivity, hope and motivation.
Multivitamins will give you a vitality boost
Part of feeling good all around comes from taking care of your body. If you’re not eating, sleeping or exercising enough, it takes a toll on your mental well-being overtime. Give yourself an extra vitality boost with these daily multivitamins.
An addictive, squishy fidget toy
These pop it toys are the new hotness in the fidget toy world. I’ve been seeing them for a few years now, but I only just tried one this year. I really liked it! It’s squishy, it makes a satisfying snapping sound and you can attach it to your purse/keys for easy access. I like to take mine with me for car rides because other drivers stress me out.
Dig deep for answers with this genetic testing kit
Not all mental health issues are circumstantial; many are genetic. If you’re unsure of your parentage or you’re ready to uncover the hidden family baggage, this kit will make it easy for you to find the answers you need to start your healing journey.
Sort through complicated emotions with the help of an emotions wheel
This emotions wheel comes on a pillow case, so you can cry into your favorite throw pillow while you work through your feelings.
A beautiful way to burn incense
Incense can be as soothing as a scented candle, usually at half the cost. Get that tarot card reading shop vibe at home. Plus, you can get all kinds of cute, artsy holders for the sticks – like this one!
Get back to basics with this coloring book
When I color before bed, I sleep so soundly. There’s something about being away from screens and doing something so simple that creates a nice quiet in my brain.
When you can’t go to nature, bring the nature to you
Sometimes medical, financial or geographic circumstances prevent us from getting out into nature. If you’re finding it impossible to get out and breath fresh air, walk among the trees or feel the sand under your feet, add a few of these artificial plants to your space. They may be made of silk or plastic, but seeing that greenery daily is going to do you worlds of good in ways you may not even be aware of.