Four Self-Care Products To Battle Chaos And Stress
By: Michelle Richards
Self-care. At a time when the world feels heavy - when a lot of people are struggling to manage burnout and stress - we are all looking for ways to take better care of ourselves: mind, body, and soul. Many people think of self-care as a day at the spa or a shopping spree, (and it can be those things if that’s what brings you joy). However, self-care doesn’t have to be a big elaborate gesture; it can be the simple things we do to take care of ourselves. It can be a few deep breaths and some water in between meetings, a phone call to a loved one, or a walk on your lunch break. Here are a few simple products to help you focus a little more on your well-being.
At H3R we like to keep it simple, but we also like things that help us grow, make us feel good, and can help us take care of ourselves. After all, if we aren’t taking care of ourselves we are no good to our families, our employers, or to ourselves. Here are four products that help us do that.
Shower Steamers
You have heard of bath bombs - the little fizzy balls of delicious smelling goodness that you can put in your bath to help you relax after a long day - now, you can have the same thing in your shower. These are available in different scents and are a great way to have a mini-spa experience while you shower to start your day. If you don’t love the idea of a shower steamer, find a favorite scented product and keep it in your purse or at your desk to smell when you feel stressed or anxious. Studies show that positive moods and emotions are elicited via scent inhalation, which can then benefit our mental, hormonal, nervous, and immune system health. Fun fact: a few of these fragrances that are known to enhance well-being include apples, cinnamon, fresh-cut grass, lavender, jasmine, vanilla, and peppermint. (Air-Scent, 2019)
Weighted Blanket
If you haven’t tried a weighted blanket, you may be missing out; i’s like a hug that will put you to sleep and hug you all night long. Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that weigh between 5 and 30 pounds. The pressure from the extra weight mimics a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation or pressure therapy. Deep pressure stimulation uses pressure to relax the nervous system. It models the experience of being held or hugged. Using a weighted blanket can provide such benefits as relieving the perception of pain, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving sleep quality, (Healthline, 2021)
52 Essential Coping Skills for Stress Management
Developed by a Harvard-trained educator, neuroscientist, and executive coach, these cards help you navigate anxiety, anger, disappointment, low self-esteem, and other stressors. Keep them in your car or your purse for reminders when you need them.
Daily Gratitude Journal for Women
This beautiful journal for women is an affirmation, gratitude, and self-reflection journal all wrapped up in one. It includes insightful prompts to help break negative thought patterns, set goals, organize your thoughts, and focus on the most important aspects of life. □
About the Writer
Michelle Richards lives in Wilmington, Delaware with her husband and two daughters. When she isn’t writing for H3R, Michelle works as a Care Counselor with Cerebral. She believes that access to quality, affordable Mental Health services is essential and wants to help to break the stigma of asking for support. Michelle loves the beach, reading, writing, true crime, exercising outside, watching movies with her daughters, and date nights with her husband.
Article Credits
Cover Photo: Taryn Elliott
Photo One: Roberto Nickson
Product One: Shower Steamers
Product Two Photo: Priscilla Du Preez
Product Two: Weighted Blanket
Product Three: 52 Essential Coping Skills for Stress Management
Product Four: Daily Gratitude Journal for Women
Journaling Photos: Prophsee
