8 Stress-Relieving Items to Help You Renew, Replenish and Restore in the New Year

Forget the stress ball – unless that’s your thing. It’s officially 2018, and with all the resolutions you probably won’t come close to keeping – try, try, try again – maybe the one worth considering is stress management. This one’s universal. Stress binds us all. You live through it every day: in your car, in the grocery store line, at work, at home. And, if we’re not careful, it can consume our minds and bodies and adversely affect our health.

“(If) you have your house paid off and you don’t have any bills and you’re sitting in the house chilling, then you’re stress-free. But that’s not everybody’s reality,” says Lisa Johnson, a Detroit-based licensed massage therapist and yoga instructor.

While you’re not going to eliminate all the stress from your life, you can learn to manage it. We picked Johnson’s tranquil mind and compiled some great items to make your new year as chill as possible.

 

AURA CACIA ESSENTIAL OIL DISCOVERY KIT
This sampler pack serves as an intro to all-important essential oils, which are extracted from plants. A naturally high-concentrated dose is thought to have therapeutic properties (lavender and tea tree are popular examples). They’re commonly diluted and rubbed onto the skin. $24.99 at auracacia.com.

BED BUDDY BODY WRAP
Just warm it up and go. If you’ve got a microwave, you can toss this in after brewing some soothing tea. It’ll help ease the tension from your shoulders, knees and back. $15.40 at Home Depot.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINALS ORGANIC CHAMOMILE WITH LAVENDER TEA

Tea is probably the simplest solution for de-stressing. Heat some water, dunk a bag, sit back and enjoy the calming properties of chamomile. This box of 16 packets notes it “settles your nervous system and relaxes your digestive system, especially good when stressed or tense” – and everything’s organic. $5.29 at traditionalmedicinals.com.

CRYSTAL DECOR HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP
This item looks like a strange alien egg. But get past the odd visual and you might find that a Himalayan salt lamp has a personal place – and space – in your life. The lamp provides a natural source of light. “It removes negative energy,” Johnson says. “I keep one in my house.” $16.99 on Amazon.

ARTNATURALS AROMATHERAPY ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER

Sometimes you just want to go hands-free when getting your essential oils on. A good diffuser takes all the hassle out of getting those calming benefits by creating an instantly aromatic environment. $19.95 on Amazon.

BREATHE2RELAX APP

Learning how to breathe is essential to feeling better. “Before we even started moving, we had to breathe,” Johnson says. “You can’t even think or move, or make any good decisions if your brain is on 1,000. It’s just not possible. And you then make mistakes and you make bad decisions. So, you have to find stillness throughout your day – every single day.” This app will help you move that breath in the right direction. Free at the App Store or Google Play.

TREE OF LIFE CAR AIR FRESHENER AROMATHERAPY ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER
Going mobile was never so Zen. Maybe you’re in a traffic jam. Possibly some idiot cut you off. Breath deep. Clip this small air freshener to your car’s heater vent, inhale and relax. Comes with a locket and 12 different felt pads to absorb your favorite essential oils.  $10.99 on Amazon.

AYAZEN EYE PILLOW WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

One of the keys to managing stress, Johnson says, is rest. If you’re not getting enough, you’re probably going to be inviting additional stress – not to mention a partially functioning immune system. This eye pillow is lavender scented and completely blocks out light, so you can sleep soundly. $13.95 on Amazon.

Lisa Johnson, a licensed massage therapist and yoga instructor in Detroit, can help you further de-stress. To schedule an appointment, find a class or learn more, visit lisahillaryj.com.