Yahoo Lifestyle5 Expert-Approved Anxiety Relief Products to Help Cope and Stay Calm During Hard Times
- 1/6
5 Expert-Approved Anxiety Relief Products to Help Cope and Stay Calm During Hard Times
There are so many safe spaces to discuss anxiety, and they all are well needed. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that over 6.8 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, and 15 million others have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. As more people indulge in self-care practices to improve their overall well-being, many search for anxiety relief products to help cope with their struggles.
According to neuropsychologist and Comprehend The Mind director, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, anxiety is the feeling of fear, worry, and dread that can sometimes come as a normal stress reaction." Anxiety often results in nervousness, increased heart rate, sweating, feelings of danger, faintness, chest pain, rapid breathing, and insomnia. Dr. Hafeez suggests talking to a professional therapist or a loved one to help "reduce emotional distress" and provide "an unbiased opinion" as one solution to help relieve anxiety. She also suggests discovering what triggers your anxiety to "develop coping mechanisms to manage your anxiety," avoid situations that make you anxious, and prepare yourself when faced with your triggers. Dr. Hafeez credits exercise as another helpful tool because it releases endorphins that trigger positive feelings throughout the body.
Professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, stresses the importance of social connection to help manage anxiety. "Social connection is vital to emotional and physical well-being," she tells Seventeen. "It impacts our level of happiness, the risk for heart disease, susceptibility to viruses, and even our longevity. Social connection is thought to be a fundamental human need," she says. Eventbrite recognized the importance of social connection and its impact on anxiety and launched its Social Connection Project to help promote social connection and mental well-being among Gen Z. The Multi-phase project is backed by celebs like Marsai Martin and Lady Gaga and provides a curated collection of free events to help encourage social connections among the youth.
Managing anxiety looks different for everyone. L-theanine and magnesium are two dietary supplements that can aid in reducing anxiety. Dr. Hafeez does note that while supplements are helpful, they may not be safe when used with prescription medication, so check with your doctor before introducing any supplements into your routine. She also confirmed that having pets can also lessen anxiety. According to Dr. Hafeez, petting a dog or cat can be proven to lower blood pressure. Along with the informative tips by Dr. Hafeez and Dr. Holt-Lunstad, there are more tangible ways to relieve your anxiety. If you're looking for new methods to manage or cope with your stress, read ahead for expert-recommended anxiety relief products that help keep you calm.
Our Top Picks
Retailers/Design by Yoora Kim - 2/6
1) Acupressure Mat
ShaktiMat
amazon.com
$89.00
Dr. Hafeez suggests acupressure mats as the "sensation from the mats can be a good physical distraction from mental stress as the body and brain focus on the physical sensations, even though they're temporary. Acupressure mats can also improve circulation, unknot tight muscles, and improve sleep.
Customer Review: "This thing right here made me question my entire life up to the moment I first laid down on it. I basically died, went to heaven and came back. I’d recommend not being in the same room as someone who is going to try to make you laugh while you’re on the mat, it just hurts even more."
amazon.com - 3/6
2) Put Your Worries Here: A Creative Journal for Teens with Anxiety
Instant Help
amazon.com
$15.75
According to Dr. Hafeez, journaling is a scientifically proven way to reduce anxiety. She advises users to write down what they feel when and why when anxiety comes along. It can help uncover the root of stressors or triggers. She also suggests sharing your journal findings with your therapist.
Customer Review: "I got this for my 13yo son for Christmas. I was nervous he would hate it and toss it aside. 2 days later, he came to me and explained he knows 2 of his friends that could also use this book and asked me to get more. I did right away."
amazon.com - 4/6
3) Weighted Blanket 15 pounds
ZonLi
amazon.com
$52.99
For those who have anxiety before bed, Dr. Hafeez suggests weighted blankets because they're proven to be effective for combating insomnia through the soothing pressure they provide that feels like a huge body hug.
Customer Review: "This blanket is very soothing! It's very relaxing at the end of the day. I feel like my energy is becoming calmed and contained when I am stressed out."
amazon.com - 5/6
4) Knot Pillows
Bearby
bearaby.com
$29.00
Derived from plant-based Melofoam, the Hugget is a stress-relieving knot pillow that allows you to squash stress away and hugs away tension. The palm-sized Hugget can be squeezed to relieve stress, while the medium option is good for cuddling, and the largest size is great for nighttime hugs.
Customer Review: "Love the size. Easy enough to snuggle with and travel with."
Retailer - 6/6
5) HappyLight
Verilux
amazon.com
$69.99
Things can get a little dark as fall turns into winter each year. Light therapy helps combat seasonal anxiety and depression (SAD). According to Dr. Hafeez, SAD lights "can be used throughout the day whenever you need an energy boost."
Customer Review: "Ordered this light for my son who has depression. It came within two days. His initial response was, "wow". It has really helped him already."
amazon.com
