What type of stress relief will work for me?

In the same way every individual has unique triggers for their stress, the best method for stress relief varies from person to person. When in doubt, try products and methodologies with scientific backing. You can also try various stress relief products and techniques to determine which approach is best for you. In the end, you may find that different techniques work at different times. For instance, on some days, you may feel peace simply listening to music while an aromatherapy diffuser is running, while on other days, you could prefer something more hands-on and crafty.

Should I talk to a therapist?

Speaking with a therapist is an excellent idea, especially if you often feel stressed. Chronic stress impacts overall well-being, including your physical health, relationships, and quality of life. Not only can a therapist help you work through chronic stress, but they can help you identify personal triggers to better avoid stress in the first place. A therapist can also address issues outside of stress so you can live a more peaceful and content life. Both online therapy and in-therapy options are available, as are sliding scale and low-cost therapy options.

The Best Stress Relief Products of 2022, According to Our Editors

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Stressful times are upon us, and all that worrying can wreak serious havoc on our minds and bodies if we don't find a way to manage it. While we actually benefit from occasional stress because it can propel us forward and helps us meet deadlines and other obligations, the same can't be said of chronic stress.

This type of prolonged stress can suppress the immune system, affect our memory and judgment abilities, cause digestive problems, negatively impact our cardiovascular health, and more.

It's therefore crucial that each of us find ways to manage our stress and reduce our negative response to stressors in our daily life—whether that be with meditation, aromatherapy, a good book, or a long bath.

Here are the best stress relief products that our editors use to find a moment of peace in all the chaos.

Our Top Picks

Natural Vitality Calm Gummies, Raspberry Lemon at Amazon

The Mandala Coloring Book at Amazon

Papier Constellation Notebook at Papier.com

Peloton Bike at Onepeloton.com

Tranquility Temperature Balancing Blanket at Walmart

Galison Jigsaw Puzzles at Galison.com

Bloomscape Indoor Plants at Bloomscape.com

Monq Essential Oil Pens at Monq.com

Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution at Walmart

Speks 2.5mm Magnet Balls at Getspeks.com

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for

Natural Vitality Calm Gummies, Raspberry Lemon

Amazon

"These gummies taste great and may be a perfect pre-bedtime anxiety antidote, as some evidence shows that magnesium supplementation may have a beneficial effect on anxiety. "—Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Editor, Verywell Fit, Family, and Mind

Amazon

"Coloring has been found to reduce anxiety. Coloring Mandalas, in particular, has been found to decrease stress, reduce symptoms of PTSD, and improve mood. They have a meditative effect that can be really good for your psychological health."—Amy Morin, Editor-in-Chief, Verywell Mind

Courtesy of Papier

"With my to-do list never-ending these days, I have found that making lists of what needs to get done today, what I would like to get done, and long-term things to do helps calm my mind. I find that physically writing a to-do list and checking off the boxes is much more gratifying than using an app (plus, it allows for less screen time).

I'm loving these personalized books from Papier—you can choose lined, plain, or bulleted paper for whatever list writing needs you have. Plus, they have tons of eye-catching designs that brighten up my desk."—Dwyer Frame, Senior Editorial Director, Commerce

4.8

"A few months ago, my husband and I invested in a Peloton bike and I can confirm it's worth every penny. The ride is smooth, the instructors are amazing, the classes are challenging, and the community is truly supportive.

It's been just as beneficial to my mental health as it has been to my physical health. I feel more confident to face life's challenges and less alone thanks to the endless inspiration from instructors and members alike."—Emily Rose, Senior Editorial Director, Verywell Fit, Family, and Mind

Tranquility Temperature Balancing Weighted Blanket

Courtesy of Walmart

"Using a weighted blanket after a particularly long, stressful day makes me feel secure and cozy and calms me down before bed. Throwing on a weighted blanket while relaxing for an hour to recharge is basically a spa-like treatment. Bonus: my sons love it too, and I frequently find them snuggled up with it on the couch or bed."—Latifah Miles, Parenting Commerce Editor

Courtesy of Galison

"Ever since I was a little kid, I've loved doing puzzles and would beg my older siblings to do them with me. They liked it because it usually kept me quiet and sitting still! With more time at home this year, I've stepped up my puzzle game with some new purchases and some swaps with friends and family.

I have really enjoyed these Galison puzzles especially the colorful rainbow series and the beautiful NYC cityscapes. Puzzles still help me quiet my mind and stay present—even if it's in a challenging moment of finding the perfect piece."—Emily Rose, Senior Editorial Director, Verywell Fit, Family, and Mind

Courtesy of Bloomscape

"Up until last year, I never thought I had a green thumb. I would kill every plant that came under my care. But this year I actually paid attention to what my plants needed (sometimes less love—and water—is a good thing) and now I'm proud to say I have an apartment of plants that are thriving.

It sounds silly, but when the world feels out of control, being able to take care of something, keep it alive, and watch it transform has been a really powerful and stress-relieving activity for me."—Emily Rose, Senior Editorial Director, Verywell Fit, Family, and Mind

Courtesy of MONQ

"When I'm able to carve out some time from my busy schedule to just sit and relax, The MONQ Essential Oil Pen allows me to enjoy the present moment and employ aromatherapy to calm any racing thoughts or worries. It's safe for adults and is a two-second inhale break that I need sometimes.

Plus, I love that you can choose from a variety of essential oil combinations depending on what you want to get out of the experience and what helps you relax the most."—Latifah Miles, Parenting Commerce Editor

Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution - fragrance free

Courtesy of Walmart

“A favorite way of mine to de-stress at the end of a long, cold day is to take a bath using Epsom salts. The salts are helpful in relieving soreness from a new workout or a long day of walking and flushing out toxins. It's also fun to experiment with adding a few drops of essential oils to the tub.”—Tori Zhou, Commerce Producer

Courtesy of Speks.

"I'm a fan of Speks Magnetic Balls. It's a desk toy that lets you build and create things. It's fun and it can keep your hands busy when you're on longer Zoom calls! The sets come in various colors, so you can mix and match as you wish."—Amy Morin, Editor-in-Chief, Verywell Mind

4.5

Amazon

"I can't recall the exact time this shifted (probably around the time I also started shutting my phone off in the evenings), but now reading before bedtime is a must-do. I've found that my quality of sleep is so much better than when I don't read. And even when my husband passes out within five seconds of laying down, my Kindle keeps me company in the dark before I finally nod off too."—Emily Rose, Senior Editorial Director, Verywell Fit, Family, and Mind

Aura Cacia Essential Oils Roll On, Chill Pill

Courtesy of Thrive Market

"Aura Cacia's Chill Pill Essential Oil is my secret weapon for stress relief and relaxation at bedtime. I keep the relaxing herbal blend on my bedside table and use it before unwinding with a book. It's easy to apply and less mess than typical essential oil droppers. I simply roll it onto my wrists, rub my wrists gently together, and take a few deep breaths.

The lavender scent is instantly calming, and I find that I drift off to sleep quickly and stay asleep longer after using it."—Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Editor, Verywell Fit, Family, and Mind

What to Look for in Stress Relief Products

Easy to Use

The last thing you want is to feel frustrated using a product that’s meant to help you feel calm. We recommend prioritizing stress relief products that are simple, reliable, and enjoyable. Even if a stress relief product is a bit more complex—like the Peloton Bike or Amazon Kindle Paperwhite mentioned above—learning how to use it should ideally be intuitive and straightforward.

Proven Benefits

The quickest way to find calm among the chaos is to use items or techniques with scientifically proven benefits. For example, research says that spending time with plants can reduce stress, and creative outlets can help us focus and feel calm. Science also tells us that many different types of exercise and movement, including walking, can decrease stress and improve our mood.

Good for All Ages

When introducing stress relief products into your home, consider how your entire family might be able to enjoy them. For instance, plants can be appreciated by everyone at all hours, and a stack of coloring books or a collection of jigsaw puzzles can be an excellent family activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of stress relief will work for me?

In the same way every individual has unique triggers for their stress, the best method for stress relief varies from person to person. When in doubt, try products and methodologies with scientific backing. You can also try various stress relief products and techniques to determine which approach is best for you.
In the end, you may find that different techniques work at different times. For instance, on some days, you may feel peace simply listening to music while an aromatherapy diffuser is running, while on other days, you could prefer something more hands-on and crafty.
Should I talk to a therapist?

Speaking with a therapist is an excellent idea, especially if you often feel stressed. Chronic stress impacts overall well-being, including your physical health, relationships, and quality of life.
Not only can a therapist help you work through chronic stress, but they can help you identify personal triggers to better avoid stress in the first place. A therapist can also address issues outside of stress so you can live a more peaceful and content life. Both online therapy and in-therapy options are available, as are sliding scale and low-cost therapy options.