Tense muscles, a racing heart, persistent feelings of worry and unease โ these are all common signs of anxiety, according to WebMD. And for many people, they’re an all-too-common part of life. Nearly one in three adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias (per American Psychiatric Association). Especially when left untreated, these conditions can often interfere with daily life and make it difficult to function confidently in work, school, and relationships.
There’s no shortage of factors that can trigger stress and anxiety, from personal financial hardship to global political issues. Thankfully, there’s also no shortage of tools and treatment options available to make anxiety symptoms easier to manage. When in doubt, talk to your doctor about long-term solutions such as medications and psychotherapy. But for a boost of anxiety relief on tough days, turn to these seven calming and comforting products.
Luna weighted blanket
Luna/Amazon
Weighted blankets are extra heavy blankets โ weighing between three pounds to more than 20 โ that can feel comforting when anxiety strikes. The weight can help to slow down the heart rate and breathing patterns and signal the brain to produce more of the calming hormone serotonin, WebMD explains.
The Luna weighted blanket ticks all the boxes for a good weighted blanket. It comes in a range of weights, is made from high-quality breathable cotton fabric, and is suitable for all seasons. You can also choose from different sizes to fit your mattress (or your sofa, if curling up on the couch is more your thing).ย
Luna’s most popular weighted blanket has received nearly 9,000 reviews on Amazon, averaging a 4.6-star rating, and it currently retails at $84.97.
Vitruvi Stone oil diffuser
Vitruvi/Amazon
Oil diffusers can make your home smell just like a spa โ and they may be similarly effective at relaxing your body. Though more research is needed, aromatherapy may help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety, while also managing physical symptoms like pain and digestive issues (per Healthline). Lavender, jasmine, and other essential oils have been identified as possible natural anxiety aids.
The Vitruvi Stone oil diffuser is our pick for an easy-to-use, beautifully designed diffuser. The minimalist look and ceramic material (available in eight soothing muted colors) add a touch of luxury to any room. The diffuser also offers an optional adjustable light to give off a nice glow when you’re ready to wind down. Amazon reviewers also love its consistent flow of oil and convenient timer settings.
From nearly 35 ratings so far, the Vitruvi Stone oil diffuser has earned an average of 4.7 stars. It’s a splurge compared to some of the other diffusers on the market, though, priced at $123.
Headspace app
Headspace
By now, most of us have heard about the benefits of meditation for stress and anxiety. However, meditation can be a little intimidating to the unacquainted. That’s where the Headspace app comes in. Dr. Suzanna Wong, a health expert and co-founder of Twin Waves Wellness Center, explained to Bustle, “There are other apps available, but for me, Headspace is the easiest and most user-friendly. It almost doesn’t feel like you are meditating at all.”
The app offers guided meditations, relaxing stories, mindfulness exercises, and uplifting videos, many of which are bite-sized and easy to fit into even the most hectic schedules. Headspace’s features can also have a significant impact on anxiety in as little as 10 days, according to a 2024 study published in Mindfulness.
Apple App Store reviewers rave about the app: From a whopping 912,000 ratings (and counting), Headspace has received an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. It’s free to download and comes with a seven-day trial period; after, pay $12.99 monthly or $69.99 annually.
No Worries guided journal
Bella Mente Press/Amazon
Journaling offers numerous mental health benefits and can make it easier to tackle anxious thoughts, according to WebMD. Putting pen to paper can stop rumination, help you regulate your emotions, and can broaden your perspective when facing stressors.
A journaling practice can be as quick as five minutes spent writing each day and can vary depending on personal preference and style (per Medical News Today). However, a guided journal can offer the structure needed to make journaling a mental health habit that sticks.ย
A great place to start is with the “No Worries” guided journal, which offers 12 weeks of journal pages, trigger tracking, self-care tips, and mental health check-ins. The page design and prompts are simple, not adding any additional overwhelm to your life. Amazon reviewers also note that it can be used alongside therapy sessions and is ideal for creating a grounding routine each day.
Since it was published in 2024, the “No Worries” journal has received an average rating of 4.5 stars (from over 2,500 ratings), and it’s priced at $9.95.
‘LectroFan Classic white noise machine
Adaptive Sound Technologies/Amazon
The connection between anxiety and sleep goes two ways. A lack of sleep can worsen anxiety, and anxiety can also make it hard to power off and get enough sleep at night (per Sleep Foundation).
If all the noise in your head is keeping you awake at night, try turning your attention to another type of noise instead with a sound machine. Listening to white or pink noise has been linked to deeper sleep, and some people who listen to these sounds fall asleep more quickly (per WebMD). Dr. Daniel Berlau, a researcher and professor at the Regis University School of Pharmacy, also toldย The New York Times that some people find that a blanket of sound soothes their anxiety symptoms.
To get the effect, try the ‘LectroFan Classic high-fidelity white noise machine. This sound machine offers 10 fan sounds and 10 ambient white noise sounds, with pitch variations to match your preferences. It isn’t loaded with unnecessary bells and whistles, making it easy to set up right out of the box.ย
Users on Amazon highly recommend this product, with nearly 28,000 ratings averaging 4.6 stars. It retails for $49.99.
Muse 2 headband
Muse/Amazon
If you want to boost your meditation practice and incorporate technology into your anxiety relief plan, the Muse 2 “brain-sensing” headband has you covered. Place the device around your head and it records brain activity while you listen to meditation sounds via the Muse mobile app. You also get real-time feedback based on your mind and body activity. If you fidget or your mind starts wandering, for example, the sounds will change, reminding you to take a deep breath and refocus. When you’re done meditating, check the app for a record of your stats.
Research, including one 2024 study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies, shows that Muse wearables can reduce stress and improve mindfulness. Reviewers on Amazon agree, and many note that Muse 2 helped them to feel more engaged with and excited about meditation.ย
With over 1,500 ratings, the product has earned an average of 4.2 stars, and it currently retails at $195.99.
Goli ashwagandha gummies
Goli Nutrition Inc./Amazon
According to Healthline, ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb that has been used for thousands of years and boasts numerous health benefits โ and it may help you respond to stress better. One 2024 study published in Medicine showed a correlation between ashwagandha and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, and a 2024 study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine indicated that people who took the herb reported significantly lower levels of stress.
Goli ashwagandha & vitamin D gummies make it easy to take ashwagandha every day. A serving of two gummies offers 300 milligrams of ashwagandha root extract, plus 125% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin D2. They come in a berry flavor and are safe for both vegan and gluten-free diets.
Goli ashwagandha gummies have earned a 4.5-star rating from over 37,000 Amazon reviews. One 60-count bottle is priced at $18.95.
