By Lexi Meola
Elm Staff Writer
The craziness that has accompanied this year, virtual learning, post-election anxiety, and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress levels to reach an all-time high for Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are plenty of coping mechanisms to help alleviate stress and anxiety,but there are also some new products that people can use to help them cope during this difficult time.
Products such as diffusers have grown in popularity amongst many people to help relieve stress. According to Refinery 29, recent reports from the Mayo Clinic conclude that “aromatherapy… [has] positive benefits such as relief from anxiety and improved sleep,” thus allowing people to take the pressure off that comes with daily life.
Diffusers are traditionally used with essential oils, which feature a variety of healing properties, such as lavender, which is typically used to help aid with sleep.
If you’re looking for ways to tackle your stress head-on, Nylon Magazine’s Erika Harwood has also reported on a new series by the jewelry brand J. Hannah, whose new Pivot Series incorporates “three anxiety rings that feature inner spinning bands to occupy the hands while they’re being worn.”
USA Today also lists 18 popular products to help with stress during social distancing.
“One small way you can help yourself decompress throughout the day is by using stress toys like these MindWare Sensory Genius Stress Balls,” they said.
Another popular item featured is the Tranquility Weighted Throw Blanket, which is relevant as “weighted blankets are becoming a popular way to reduce anxiety and snooze more soundly,” according to USA Today.
For those struggling to sleep during this difficult time, Refinery 29 recommends the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, where “the blend of sleep-friendly essential oils — including lavender, vetiver, and chamomile — is soothing to drift off to.”
Both Refinery 29 and USA Today recommended stress-reducing activities such as taking a bath with bath bombs or relaxing salts.
Some other activities include meditation, yoga, or something as simple as coloring, also help to reduce your stress and keep your mind at ease.
Another popular stress–reducing activity is getting plants to decorate your house. Simple succulents can help brighten the mood in your house, and lighting candles that have essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus can keep you calm.
Refinery 29 also recommended Aveda Comforting Tea, which helps calm nerves and helps you sleep, as it is both “caffeine and sugar free and there is no added flavoring.”
Another popular item that has gained attraction is the Himalayan Salt Lamp, which seeks to “improve air quality, help the body sleep, and boost our moods…said to be a champion of those with depression and seasonal affective disorder,” according to Refinery 29.
Whether you strive to catch up on some much-needed beauty sleep or want to separate yourself from the rest of the world for a little while, trying out these products can help you reach that relaxing, stress-free state of mind by the end of the semester.
Featured Photo caption: If you’re looking for products like diffusers, candles, or other additions to help you achieve that sense of Zen, here’s a list of recommendations to try out in time for the holiday break. Photo by Rebecca Kanaskie.