17 things to help with self-care and relaxation at home – USA TODAY
Posted: June 7, 2020 at 2:49 pm
17 soothing products for self-care at home(Photo: Amazon/Da Bomb)
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These are stressful, uncertain times live in, as the world grapples with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and thousands of Americans protest police brutality after thedeath of George Floyd. With everything going on in the world, the nonstop coverage and seemingly endless stream of negative news can be overwhelmingand, as a result, it's easy to feel more stressed or more emotional than usual.
In moments like these, it's important to stay informed on the latest updates and to continue having meaningful discussions about what's going on. However, it's also important to look after your own mental (and physical) health. That's why self-care is such a hot topic these days. It's not about ignoring the news and current events, but rather finding ways to cope unwind when you need it.
Here at Reviewed, we're devoted to helping you find the best things for every aspect of your lifeincluding self-care. We've rounded up 17 of the best products for self-care and relaxation below, including the popular Gravity weighted blanket and an inspiring journal from Michelle Obama. These are products that our own staff have personally tested and loved or that have hundreds of five-star reviews onlineand that will help you take care of yourself during this difficult time.
Choose 15, 20, or 25 pounds for the Gravity Blanket.(Photo: Gravity)
2020 is the year of the weighted blanket. Not too heavy, not too light, the Gravity Blanket (which is the best weighted blanket we've tested) provides just the right amount of pressure that some say helps you fall asleep or calm your anxiety. Plus, ithas a super soft velvety cover that's perfect for snuggling up.
Get the Gravity Blanket from Gravity for $189
Let the First Lady guide your journaling.(Photo: Amazon)
No matter who you are, where you live, or what you believe in, we all have a lot of thoughts on our mind right now and we're all experiencing a lot of emotions. One way to process those feelings is by writing them out in a journal like this one, which is based on Michelle Obama's best-selling book, Becoming. The journal is filled with prompts and inspiring quotes to help you put pen (and emotions) to paper.
GetBecoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice from Amazon for $9.99
Skin care = self care.(Photo: Dr. Jart/PTR)
Showing yourself a little TLC can start with showing your skin a little TLC. Enter this pumpkin face mask, which multiple Reviewed staff members swear by and say it leaves your skin feeling fresh and glowy (plus, it smells like fresh-baked pumpkin pie!). Another great optionthat's also more budget-friendlyis a Dr. Jart sheet mask. The brand has a cult following for its masks that do everything from hydrate to brighten to soothe.
Stop, drop, and roll (out your mat).(Photo: Lululemon)
As a yoga teacher, I might be a little biased but there is nothing that helps my mental health as much as spending some time on my mat, breathing and flowing. And speaking of yoga mats, here at Reviewed, we recommend the Lululemon Reversible Mat. I own this mat myself and love that it has a non-stick surface (so you won't slip around) and enough padding to keep you comfortablewhile you're in down dog.
Get the Reversible Mat from Lululemon for $68
It hurts so good.(Photo: Theragun)
There's a reason people can't stop talking about (or buying) the Theragun. The battery-powered handheld massager claims to relieve muscle pain and sorenessand our staff can confirm it does just that. When we tested out the Theragun, we liked how powerful it is and how it can get to even the hardest-to-reach spots.
Get the Theragun Elite from Theragun for $399
Headspace can help you channel your inner zen.(Photo: Headspace)
Meditating may seem intimidating but it doesn't have to be thanks to Headspace, an app that thousands of people are obsessed with. Ithas a whole library of guided meditations, relaxing sounds, and daily bedtime exercises that you can access directly from your phoneand all you need is 10 minutes. Our experts even dubbed it the best meditation app of 2020.
Download the Headspace app for your iPhone
Choose from scents like lavender, lotus flower, and white orchid.(Photo: Da Bomb)
No list of self-care ideas would be complete without taking a bubble bath. And for that, you'll need one of these top-rated bath bombs. With a 4.5-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviewers, these glittery bombs come in a bevy of delicious (and relaxing scents) and, according to happy shoppers, last longer than other bath bombs. Perfect for a long, luxurious soak after a stressful day.
Get Da Bomb Bath Bomb from Amazon for $4.99
You can feel the benefits in as little as 5 minutes.(Photo: ProSource)
One of my personal favorite ways to decompress when I'm feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, is by lying on this acupressure mat (which has over 7,300 positive reviews on Amazon, too!). I love that the needles instantly relax my muscles and that when I stand up, I feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Get the Prosource Fit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set from Amazon for $19.99
You and your skin will feel so much better.(Photo: Roselyn Boutique)
For a quick burst of self-care in the evenings, one of our Reviewed writers 10/10 recommends a face roller like this one from Amazon, which has over 4,300 rave reviews. While she uses it on her face (specifically her jaw, where we all tend to hold tension) for five minutes each night, other users say they've rolled other areas of their body that tighten up when stressed or need a little boost of circulation.
Get the Roselyn Boutique Jade Roller from Amazon for $19.95
So comfy, so relaxing.(Photo: Moon Pod)
If kicking back on the couch just isn't cutting it when it comes to your stress levels, you might want to try a Moon Pod instead. The uniquely-shaped beanbag chair claims to mimicthe sensation of anxiety-reducing flotation therapyand our home editor, who tested it out for herself, says it does just that. She also likes that it's the perfect balance of supportive yet soft and that it helps her destress
Get the Moon Pod for $299
Choose from 30 different sounds.(Photo: Reviewed/Jess Rose Photography)
While you shouldn't ignore your feelings or ignore whatever is going in the world, sometimes you just need to press pause and tune everything out for a few moments. That's where a sound machine like this one comes in. It's our experts' favorite because it's loud enough to drown out any outside noise and has a wide variety of soothing white noise and nature sounds to choose from.
Get theSound + Sleep by Adaptive Sound from Amazon for $71.21
Don't knock this quirky massager until you try it.(Photo: Body Back)
I bought this massager as a gift for my then-boyfriend a few years agoand ended up buying one for myself after we broke up because I had become hooked! It's so easy to use (simply move it up and down gently over your head) and it feels absolutely amazing (like the scalp massage you get whenever you go to the salon). I use it every single night after work and it relaxes me in just a few seconds.
Get theBody Back Scalp Massager from Amazon for $6.49
This unisex robe has a traditional design and high-quality materials.(Photo: Parachute)
There's something about wrapping yourself up in a warm, luxuriously plush bath robe that instantly makes you feel better. One of the most popular robes right now is this one from Parachute, which is made from soft Turkish cotton. Our writer who owns it herself says it delivers on both comfort and quality, so it will last for years to come.
Get the Classic Bath Robe from Parachute for $99
You can adjust the height and heat for maximum comfort.(Photo: Amazon)
Sticking your feet in this massager does more than just soothe your tired toesit also gives you a few moments of much-needed "you time," which is important when you're stressed out or feeling anxious. With over 3,700 reviews, the massager is praised for how well it gets rid of any pent-uptension and the fact that it has a heat setting for even more relief.
Get theNekteck Foot Massager from Amazon for $65.99
Essential oil diffusers are safer than candles but still fill your home with smells that make you happy.(Photo: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar)
If you're a believer in the powers of aromatherapy, an essential oil diffuser is a must-have. Of all the ones we've tried, we like the InnoGear the best because it has such a large capacity that it can run for up to 11 hours straight and it's easy to switch out the scents of your choosing (like lavender or eucalyptus for calming).
Get the InnoGear Upgraded 150ml Diffuser from Amazon for $15.99
Like a foam roller but smaller and more targeted.(Photo: Pro-Tec)
If working out is your form of self-care, then you know that taking care of your body is important to keep it functioning (and to keep you feeling good). Plus, dealing with an injury or not being able to go out for your daily run certainly won't help your mental health so recovery is key. One of our staff members uses this massage ball daily to relieve stress and tension in his body (and mind) and it has a 4.7-star rating for how well it increases flexibility and massages your muscles and deep tissues, too.
Get thePro-Tec Athletics Orb from Amazon for $13
For when you aren't sure what you need.(Photo: Uncommon Goods)
You know you need something to feel better but you aren't sure what. Yoga? Journaling? A bubble bath? If you aren't sure where to start with your own self-care, this "bucket list" can help. The deck contains 100 cards broken into three categories (life, love, and laughter) with ideas for all different mood boosters and mental health aids, from unplugging from social media for a day to volunteering to doing a random act of kindness.
Get the Self-Care Bucket List from Uncommon Goods for $50
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17 things to help with self-care and relaxation at home - USA TODAY
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