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Maria Cassano

60 Genius Things You Didn't Know About That Make You Feel Way Less Anxious

Even though I’m a huge believer in therapy, I also have a toolbox of self-care strategies that keep me calm and regulated between sessions. Cue these genius things you didn’t know about that make you feel way less anxious. While they’re not a replacement for professional support, they can boost comfort, ease tension, offer peace of mind, and lighten the mental burden of adult life. However, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help.

A cervical traction block to boost comfort & mood

A 2024 study in NeuroRehabilitation showed that cervical traction (stretching the neck muscles to decompress the spine) can lessen depression and insomnia while improving people’s quality of life, and this cervical traction block is designed to offer relief in as short as 10-minute daily sessions. It’s made from dense foam with a rounded block for your neck and three optional raisers so you can adjust the height and intensity.

A massage tool that comes with how-tos from a physical therapist

This three-in-one massage tool has a rounded tip to stimulate acupressure points around the body, a thumb press for working out deep-tissue knots, and a curved gua sha edge to move lymph. Its metal construction is smooth and durable with an ergonomic shape so you can leverage your strength without straining your hand, and it comes with a digital reflexology chart and how-to videos from a physical therapist.

  • Available styles: 5

Security alarms that are so easy to install

Since they’re battery-powered with adhesive backing, these security alarms are extremely easy to install — no wires or drilling required. Stick them on windows and doors throughout your home, and they’ll automatically sound when the magnet separates from the base. Choose between a gentle chime and a 120-decibel alarm, and easily switch them off throughout the day.

A detector that reveals cameras, bugs & GPS trackers

Can’t shake the feeling that you’re being watched in an apartment, hotel, office, or Airbnb? This brilliant gadget uses radio waves to detect cameras, GPS trackers, bugs, and other forms of surveillance. It’s USB-C rechargeable with adjustable sensitivity settings and an infrared light to reveal camera lenses.

A contoured eye mask that blocks out all light

Light exposure doesn’t just disrupt your quality of sleep; science shows it also raises your risk of cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, this blackout eye mask uses 3D contoured eye cups and a gently weighted design to block out 100% of light, and it has a stretchy, adjustable band for a secure fit. “Completely blocks out the light,” confirmed one reviewer who said it’s “super comfortable” and “stays on all night.”

  • Available styles: 6

Cute dog or cat cards that help you manage anxiety

Using science-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, these Cats Against Anxiety cards offer quick, easy-to-follow exercises that are designed to help with anxiety. They’re wallet-sized for portability and come in a pack of 50 double-sided cards, each with an affirmation, a CBT technique, and an adorable photo of a cat. The brand also makes a Dogs Against Anxiety deck.

  • Available styles: 2

A bra wallet that’s a must for traveling

Keep your valuables hidden and as close as possible with this secret wallet clips around the band of your bra with its adjustable strap. It’s made from breathable, washable nylon, and it’s large enough to hold your passport, ID, credit card, key, cash, medication, or jewelry. One reviewer called it, “A must for traveling!”

A tantrum notepad to neutralize your anger

Even adults feel the urge to throw tantrums sometimes, and a study in Nature shows that writing your thoughts down on a piece of paper and throwing it away actually neutralizes your anger. This tantrum notepad is just what the researcher ordered. Identify your mood, its cause, and a solution with check-boxes and jot down any additional rants before tearing it off and tossing it in the trash. Each pad includes 50 sheets.

  • Available styles: 6

A security camera that screws into a lightbulb socket

You can screw this security camera into any standard lightbulb socket for wire-free installation. It uses dual-band WiFi to deliver footage straight to an app on your phone, plus it has full-color night vision to monitor dark environments, two-way talk so you can communicate with the person on the other end, human detection so you don’t get false alerts, real-time alarms to deter intruders, and the ability to rotate to reduce blind spots.

Adhesive seeds to stimulate pressure points in the ear

Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, ear seeds stimulate acupressure points on the outer ear to relieve pain, tension, and congestion in other parts of the body. These discreet ear seeds come in a pack of 600 with pre-attached adhesive stickers, which are “really great quality” and “last through showers and exercising,” according to one reviewer.

A trigger-point massager designed to relieve thumb strain

Designed to maximize pressure while minimizing strain, this massage tool is a total hand-saver. It’s ergonomically shaped with finger notches and a thumb groove, fitting comfortably in your palm so you can stimulate trigger points and work out tight knots on your own body or someone else’s.

A password book for safe, easy cybersecurity

Cybersecurity fatigue is a huge contributor to mental stress and burnout. This password book helps you record all of your sensitive login information in a safe, offline spot. Its alphabetical pages offer space to write up to 440 websites, usernames, passwords, hints, and relevant notes, all on spiral-bound paper that’s thick, smooth, and smudge-resistant.

  • Available sizes: Small — Medium
  • Available styles: 6

Adorable camera covers for all of your devices

Hackers or spyware could access your cameras without you knowing, but these universal webcam covers give you peace of mind on all of your devices — and they look adorable in the process. They come in slim and dot designs to cover cameras on phones, tablets and computers, and since they use nano-suction technology instead of a sticky adhesive, they’re easy to remove without residue when you need to join a video call or take a selfie.

  • Available styles: 7

A weighted lap blanket to help ease anxiety

According to research, weighted blankets can ease anxiety and improve sleep quality because they calm the nervous system with a gentle, swaddled feeling. This weighted lap blanket has a portable 7-pound weight and a smaller size, so you can use it on the couch, in the office, or on a long car ride. It’s filled with ceramic beads, covered in soft velour fabric, and stitched to prevent shifting.

  • Available styles: 5

A trigger-point cane to massage your own back

I got this trigger-point back massager for my boyfriend, who suffers from a perpetual knot in his shoulder. Its S-shaped design and six nodes help him apply pressure to hard-to-reach spots, so he can work out the knot in his shoulder and minimize pain even when I’m not around. It’s also lightweight and battery-free for convenient use.

  • Available styles: 5

Shower mists that hack your mood with aromatherapy

Smells send signals to our brain’s limbic system, which regulates emotion — and that’s why aromatherapy (especially with essential oils) has been studied to improve sleep, reduce stress, and boost mindfulness. These aromatherapy shower mists come in a pack of four different scents for relaxation, better sleep, improved breathing, and mental clarity. You can also get blends or individual bottles.

  • Available styles: 7

A silent yet satisfying way to fidget at a desk

Forget tapping your feet and clicking your pen. Wiggle Feet provides a satisfying yet silent outlet for your fidgeting needs, whether you’re in a classroom, an office, or a living room. This inflatable cushion lets you quietly bounce your knees under your desk or on the couch, and it comes with a hand pump and has a dual-textured surface to offer sensory stimulation when used with bare feet.

A portable lock that secures almost any front door

If you’re worried about someone else getting into your apartment, Vrbo, Airbnb, or dorm room, this portable lock gives you extra security and extra peace of mind. Compatible with almost any door that opens inwards, it’s packable and lightweight, yet has a sturdy steel plate that ensures the door can’t be opened from the outside — not even with a key.

  • Available styles: 3

A grounding stone with a built-in aromatherapy diffuser

Elegant, tactile, and multifunctional, this grounding stone is a great fidget accessory for teens and adults. In addition to its engaging activity that keeps your mind focused and your hands busy, it also comes with a scented blend that’s infused with essential oils. Swivel it open and place a few drops on the diffuser rock to enjoy soothing aromatherapy on the go. The brand makes five scents, each with a different fidget.

  • Available styles: 5

Privacy film that turns windows into 1-way mirrors

Keep an eye on your property without letting anyone see into your house. This tinted privacy film turns your windows into a one-way mirror: clear from the inside but reflective from the outside. It adheres with static cling for a non-damaging, residue-free installation, and it blocks up to 99% of UV rays to improve energy efficiency and protect your upholstery from fading.

  • Available styles: 8

A car tool that could save your life one day

This car safety tool might just save your life one day. Its three-in-one design includes a spike to break through a window, a flat hammer to apply blunt force, and a hidden blade to slice through a seatbelt. It has an average 4.7-star rating from over 4,600 reviewers, and one reviewer wrote: “These were recommended by another family member who used one to save someone.”

  • Available styles: 3

Exercises to help you reset your vagus nerve

The vagus nerve is a web of neural pathways that span your whole body, acting as an information highway for involuntary functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion. It’s also responsible for regulating your stress response. This Vagus Nerve deck contains 75 cards with exercises to help you hack your parasympathetic nervous system and reset your stress response.

A personal alarm that’s rechargeable & easy to activate

“I absolutely love this personal alarm,” said one reviewer who’s had a She’s Birdie keychain for three months now and never leaves the house without it. Just pull on the ring to activate a 130-decibel alarm and a flashing strobe light that deters attackers and draws attention to you when you’re shopping, traveling, walking your dog, or using public transportation. It’s also USB-rechargeable and easy to deactivate.

  • Available styles: 13

A cervical pillow that supports any sleep position

This cervical pillow has an ergonomic butterfly shape that’s designed to cradle your head, support your spine, and give you a spot to rest your arms, no matter what position you sleep in. “It has truly improved my sleep quality,” said one reviewer who used to wake up with shoulder pain, but no longer. “The design provides excellent support for both the neck and head, helping to maintain proper alignment throughout the night.”

  • Available styles: 2

A weighted cow plush you can freeze or microwave

This adorable cow plush is actually a weighted heating pad that helps to alleviate cramps, muscle pain, and headaches. It’s filled with clay beads that retain temperature from the freezer or microwave, and it contains dried lavender buds for relaxing aromatherapy.

Fidget toys that stretch up to 8 feet long

Pull, wrap, and squeeze these Monkey Noodle fidget toys, or stretch them up to 8 feet long. Their flexible design is satisfying to play with, yet totally silent so you don’t disturb anyone else. They’re also available in five-packs of glitter and glow-in-the-dark designs, plus they’re hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and BPA-free with no latex.

  • Available styles: 2

A highly rated bar to secure your sliding door

If you’re a burglar, sliding doors are notoriously easy to break in through, but this security bar makes the task significantly harder. Available in your choice of black or white, it’s made from thick stainless steel with rubber bumpers to keep the door propped closed despite force, and it’s adjustable from 17.7 to 50 inches to fit most sliding door frames. No wonder it has an average 4.7-star rating.

  • Available styles: 2

Solar-powered flood lights that sense movement

Outdoor lights increase visibility and expose hiding spots, making them an easy way to deter intruders. These motion-sensing flood lights automatically turn on when someone walks by. They’re also weather-resistant for all-season use, and they’re solar-powered with a wired panel that you can place up to several feet away to capture sunlight.

An emergency blanket to extinguish fires

Made from woven fiberglass and flame-retardant film, this emergency blanket puts out fires in seconds. It’s a great thing to keep in your kitchen cabinet, beside your fireplace, or in your camping pack, and it’s easier to use and less messy than a traditional extinguisher. One reviewer bought this for family members several months before their daughter had a stove fire: “It worked like a charm and saved them from kitchen damage.”

A workbook that uses lists to minimize worries

One study found that people who wrote out to-do lists before bed fell asleep faster than those who didn’t. When we get our responsibilities out of our heads and down on paper, we reduce mental clutter so we can focus on the task at hand. The No Worries Workbook contains 124 lists and activities to reduce anxiety and boost productivity. One reviewer called it the “best anxiety workbook ever.”

An aromatherapy pen that diffuses essential oils as you write

A journaling practice can help you manage anxiety and cope with difficult emotions — but this diffuser pen takes your journaling practice to the next level with the help of aromatherapy. Available in 16 different scents, each pen contains an essential blend designed to ground your body and mind while you write. It also has a fragrance-adjusting tab, a smooth-gliding ballpoint tip, and a grippy exterior that’s comfortable to hold.

  • Available styles: 16

Self-heating steam masks for dry, tired eyes

Enjoy a half hour of self-care wherever you are. When opened, these steam eye masks self-heat up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, producing a moist, soothing warmth that can ease headaches and hydrate tired eyes. They’re made from non-woven cotton that’s gentle on skin, and they’re scented with lavender for relaxing aromatherapy.

  • Available styles: 7

A gold-plated necklace that doubles as a worry stone

Historically, Ancient Greeks, Irish, Tibetans, and Native Americans used worry stones as a tactile stress-relief tool. Plated in 14K gold with a dainty chain and an oval pendant, this worry stone necklace looks more expensive than it is — and it doubles as a tension-relieving fidget toy when you’re on the go. Rub the smooth, concave pendant between your thumb and forefinger to ground yourself, calm your nerves, and center your focus.

A nighttime lotion that’s packed with magnesium

The body needs magnesium for over 300 functions, including blood pressure regulation, glucose control, nerve function, and muscle healing. It also contributes to quality sleep and relaxation — yet about half of adults are deficient. This nighttime lotion delivers magnesium topically through the skin to soothe joints, prevent muscle cramps, and encourage deep sleep. It also contains Arnica for pain relief and shea butter for non-greasy hydration.

Sleek, satisfying popper toys that feel like bubble wrap

Sleek and simple yet satisfying, these popper toys are like reusable bubble wrap. They’re made from food-grade silicone, so they’re safe and durable, and they come in three color combinations that are designed to blend into your decor instead of clashing with it. When you’ve pressed down all the bubbles on one side, flip it over and start again.

  • Available styles: 3

A hanging diversion safe that’s also fireproof

This hanging diversion safe protects your valuables in two ways: First, it hooks over a closet rod, so intruders easily overlook it. Second, it’s covered in four layers of fireproof materials that are heat-resistant up to 4,200 degrees Fahrenheit, so your items remain safe in case of a house fire. The large interior is roomy enough to store jewelry, cash, devices, and important documents, plus it has pockets for organization and a zipper for secure closure.

  • Available styles: 2

Activity dice for energy, focus, or calm

Increase your energy levels, calm your nervous system, or boost focus throughout the day with these sensory activity dice, which are color-coded depending on which state you want to achieve. Each dice has six exercises or practices to engage your brain and your body, and they’re made from soft, squishy foam that’s easy to transport in the included mesh bag.

A cervical pillow to help relieve neck pain

“Finally, I found a pillow that actually relieved my neck issues!” one reviewer raved. Made from high-resilience memory foam and molded into a contoured, teardrop shape, this cervical neck pillow is designed to align the spine for pain relief, supportive rest, and spinal decompression. It also has a soft case that you can remove and toss in the washing machine.

A discreet safe made from a reclaimed book

Hide your valuables in plain sight with this book safe, which effortlessly blends into your bookshelf and slips easily into your suitcase. Since it’s made from a reclaimed hardcover book, it looks real because it was real. Its hollowed-out compartment is also large enough to fit cash, jewelry, cards, and a passport.

Glow-in-the-dark tape that boosts safety & visibility

Use this glow-in-the-dark tape to boost safety and convenience around your home, or stick it on items that you can’t stop misplacing. Since it’s waterproof, ultra-sticky, and absorbs light in just 30 minutes for up to 10 hours of bright glow, it’s great for dark staircases, light switches, remote controls, keys, bicycles, sports equipment, and more.

A wearable blanket that looks like a stylish poncho

It feels like you’re wrapped in a plush, fleece throw blanket — but thanks to its plaid pattern, fold-down collar, and snap buttons, this wearable poncho looks like a stylish piece of clothing when you’re on a video call for work. It also stays on your shoulders while you go about your routine, and it’s machine-washable to keep it looking (and smelling) fresh.

  • Available sizes: Medium — Large
  • Available styles: 14

A wall plate with a built-in automatic night-light

This light-up wall plate has built-in LEDs with a motion sensor, so it automatically turns on when you walk by — and unlike plug-in night lights, it leaves both outlets free for other electronics. It also has a dusk-to-dawn sensor to save power during the day, and it’s “super easy to install,” according to one reviewer who said, “If you can change a lightbulb you can install this.”

  • Available styles: 4

Spiky finger rings that prevent picking & biting

I got these spiky finger rings for my boyfriend who has ADHD and wanted to stop biting his nails. The stainless steel design stimulates acupressure points up and down the finger when rolled over the skin, minimizing the urge to pick or bite. They’re also portable, quiet, and tactile, so my boyfriend stashes them in his car and at his desk.

A spare key case that looks like a real rock

If I ever forget my keys or lock them inside my house, I can rest easy knowing this spare key case is in my garden. It’s made from weather-resistant resin with a hollow interior that’s large enough for a standard house key — but it looks exactly like a real lock, so intruders will never know the difference.

  • Available styles: 2

A “pocket-sized miracle” for people who get nauseous

One reviewer who gets motion sickness in cars called these nausea-relief inhalers “a pocket-sized miracle” that’s “effective, incredibly fast-acting, portable,” and “discreet.” They’re also great for plane rides, boat trips, and morning sickness. The scent is derived from a blend of natural herbs that aim to minimize nausea, and the inhaler is compact, leak-resistant, and easy to sniff on the go.

Spy glasses that let you see what’s happening behind you

They look like a cool (albeit unsuspecting) pair of aviators, but these spy sunglasses actually have a reflective coating on the inside of the lens. That way, you can see what’s going on behind you without having to turn around. Some reviewers use them to boost safety and awareness while out in public, while others use them to improve visibility during hikes and horseback rides.

A privacy screen that looks dark from the side

Hate the feeling that someone’s peeking over your shoulder? This privacy screen comes in a dozen different sizes to fit most MacBooks and laptops. Its magnetic design snaps onto the screen without hassle, and its multi-layer filter looks crystal-clear from straight on, but appears dark when viewed from the side. It also minimizes glare and blue light.

  • Available styles: 12

An adjustable back stretcher that decompresses the spine

Studies show that crouching over our devices all day results in poor posture that could lead to musculoskeletal disorders. This lumbar stretcher is designed to decompress the spine in the opposite direction, relieving tension, improving flexibility, and creating space between the vertebrae. It has three adjustable intensity levels and an optional cushion, so you can use it on the floor or behind your back while you work or drive.

A grounding mat to access Earth’s healing benefits indoors

Earth has an electromagnetic field, and according to some, when you stand barefoot on the ground, you can neutralize free radicals, reducing inflammation in the body. Studies show that earthing mats reduce stress, promote healing, and improve sleep quality, and this earthing mat is a bestseller for a reason: It plugs into any grounded outlet to deliver those same benefits indoors, whether you’re watching TV, sitting at your computer, or unwinding after work.

  • Available styles: 6

Telescoping back scratchers that feel amazing

There’s a reason it feels so good when someone scratches your back: It’s a bonding activity that releases feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. These back scratchers help you scratch that itch on your own. They have a telescoping design that helps you reach elusive spots without strain, a cushioned handle for a comfortable grip, and a bear-claw head that feels amazing, according to reviewers.

A heated cape that soothes your neck, shoulders & back

This velvet heated cape has a torso-hugging design to administer soothing warmth to your neck, shoulders, upper back, and lumbar — all in a comfortable silhouette that moves with you throughout your routine. It has a tie around the waist for an adjustable fit, it’s filled with glass beads for gentle weight, and it has an on-wire controller so you can adjust the temperature and set automatic timers.

A mini coloring book for a mental health break anywhere

Because it encourages mindfulness, creativity, and screen-free relaxation, studies show that coloring can reduce anxiety and depression. This mini coloring book contains 50 pages of cute, stress-free illustrations that you can color whenever you need a mental health break anywhere. The pocket-sized design has lay-flat binding with bleed-resistant paper.

  • Available styles: 22

A bubbler timer wrapped in tactile silicone

Thanks to its bright colors that fall in liquid blobs, this desktop bubbler is so satisfying to watch when you need to anchor your thoughts. That said, it’s also coated in textured silicone for a tactile feel while fidgeting, or you can use it as an activity timer if you need help pacing tasks. It comes in two sizes and eight designs.

  • Available sizes: Medium — Large
  • Available styles: 8

Magnetic fidget rings that spin, roll & stack

Keep your fingers busy and your mind focused with these fidget rings. Each one contains eight strong magnets, so it attracts the others for handheld spinning, rolling, and stacking. They come in a set of three, and they’re compact and lightweight enough to fit in your pocket. You can also get them in five other designs, including rainbow and sensory silicone.

  • Available styles: 6

An automatic safety outlet for peace of mind

Always wondering whether or not you turned off your straightener, coffee machine, or space heater? This timed safety outlet automatically turns off in your choice of 10-, 20-, 30-, or 60-minute intervals, so you have peace of mind — even after you leave the house. It covers only one plug at a time and features an easy-to-use touch-control button with a hold setting.

A color-changing buddy for guided meditation practices

This cute accessory makes meditating a fun, visual experience for both kids and adults. Breathing Buddha is a rechargeable, wireless light that changes colors to guide you through mindful breathing exercises. It’s made from soft silicone that you can tap to adjust the brightness, and it comes in Buddha, pebble, and sloth designs, with or without built-in nature sounds to enhance your practice.

  • Available styles: 6

A heated, vibrating facial massager with light therapy

It vibrates. It heats up. It offers seven different colors of light therapy to address various types of skin concerns. No wonder this face and neck massager is a bestseller with hundreds of five-star ratings. “With consistency, it’s been making a real difference,” said one reviewer who loves “how much smoother and firmer” their skin feels.

  • Available styles: 7

Pure magnesium flakes for a relaxing bath

Studies show that bathing in magnesium-rich water can soothe inflammation and hydrates the skin, but it may also ease muscle tension and boost relaxation before bed. This magnesium bath soak contains 10 pounds of 100% pure magnesium chloride flakes without any added fragrance, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin or aggravate allergies.

A facial massager you can use warm or cold

Store this facial massager in the refrigerator to de-puff tired eyes and soothe headaches, or submerge it in warm water to administer relaxing heat that opens pores and boosts absorption of skin care products. Filled with temperature-retaining liquid and covered in a grippy silicone sleeve, its ring shape encourages lymphatic drainage for facial sculpting, but it’s still comfortable to hold and shatter-resistant for durability.

  • Available styles: 10

A sound machine & night-light for kids or adults

The SlumberPod SlumberCalm is a two-in-one sleep device that’s designed to soothe kids before bed with its color-changing night light and relaxing sounds — but that doesn’t stop adults from loving it, too: “It is so important to me to have a specific sleep environment,” wrote one reviewer who’s a neurodivergent adult. “I am OBSESSED.” It has a rechargeable battery with adjustable volume settings for its 14 white noise options, 12 nature sounds, and three lullabies.

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