The week went by pretty quickly since I ended up working some overtime hours at my job. I’ve been a bit stressed this week, but luckily I’m off Friday yay! But I thought it’d be a good time to talk about some of my must have self care products for stress relief. These new finds have helped so much with stress, and I wanted to share them with you! 💕
A few products are oldies but goodies (candles, journals, etc.), but many of them are brand new! For example, one of my closest friends recommended that I try out Bath and Body Works’ Aromatherapy products. Thank goodness she did, because their line has become my newest go-to for skincare!
10 Products for Stress Relief
Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Line
1. Love (Rose Vanilla) Body Wash
Let’s start off with Bath and Body Works’ Aromatherapy Love (rose and vanilla scented) body wash. According their website, “rose oil inspires connection and self-confidence, [while] vanilla absolute calms the mind to encourage relaxation.”
I immediately fell in love with the sweet scent. It reminded me of a beautiful spring morning or walking through a garden filled with blooming flowers!
On the back of the bottle, it recommends that you breathe deeply for best results. I followed the instructions, and noticed my muscles relaxed a bit after a hot shower. Even after a full day at work, I could still smell the faint scent of rose oil!
2. Love (Rose Vanilla) Body Lotion
I’ve mentioned before that I don’t like to wear lotion sometimes because it feels too sticky. Unlike a lot of other lotions, Bath and Body Works’ Aromatherapy body cream is super light and smooth. Plus, the line’s formula in general is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It contains shea butter, vitamin E, and essential oils!
3. Stress Relief (Eucalyptus and Spearmint) Body Scrub
This body scrub has been so helpful for me when it comes to anxiety! After a long day of work, I’ll hop in the shower, light a candle, play some calming music, and relax! The texture is quite creamy, and its scent gives off a stronger, earthier feel than the “love” variety. I find that the eucalyptus essential oils are especially soothing.
If I close my eyes, I’ll imagine vacationing at a cabin in the woods. I can hear the peaceful sounds of crickets chirping, as I’m reading a book next to the fireplace. LOL! Okay Nunzia, enough with the descriptions. Anyways, the stress relief scrub is a current must-have. Even Alejandro uses and enjoys it!
Self Care Books
4. The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.
Aron’s book has been a real eye opener for me so far! Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been considered overly sensitive. Honestly, I used to see this trait as one of my biggest weaknesses. After reading The Highly Sensitive Person, I felt a lot more confident about my sensitivity.
In her book, Dr. Aron states that an HSP is someone who “has a sensitive nervous system” and is more aware of changes in their environment.
She strives to break societal stereotypes through case studies and detailed research. Dr. Aron includes these details in order to help “HSPs use and view these aspects of their personality as strengths rather than weaknesses.”
I find that she does an amazing job of remaining objective, despite being an HSP herself.
Overall, the book is extremely insightful and cathartic to read. In the first chapter, she even includes a quiz that can help determine if you’re highly sensitive. Fun fact, I got a 22/23! Aron also has a self-test on her website if you’re interested in learning more about the book!
5. The Anxiety Journal by Corinne Sweet
As someone who has struggled with anxiety for years, Sweet’s The Anxiety Journal is a great find!
I love how small and portable this book is, and have been reading it during longer car rides. In the book, Sweet discusses common symptoms of anxiety and outlines tips to help you feel calm again. During each break in the book, she lists inspirational quotes about stress and anxiety!
Sweet’s book has such a stunning layout, with pretty designs like a night sky. The information is easy to digest, especially because she includes simple anxiety reducing exercises including five minute de-stress exercises. I also really like that her book offers interactive sections where you can write down your thoughts.
Comfy Essentials
6. Fuzzy Knit Sweater
Everyone needs a comfy sweater in their closet. Personally, my stress levels seem to go down when I wear cozy clothes. This is true when I’m at work, out and about, or hanging out on a lazy Sunday. Even after parties, I’ve always been the type of person who has to change into their pajamas within five minutes of being home!
A couple of weeks ago, I bought this fuzzy knit sweater. The material is super soft! Plus, it’s warm and perfect for a chilly fall day. I usually pair it with jeans and boots. If I’m just chilling out at home though, I’ll throw on some leggings and slippers — so cozy!
7. Over-the-Knee Socks
Usually, I’m not a huge fan of over-the-knee socks because they feel too restrictive and uncomfortable. I thought these socks were so cute though and was actually planning on incorporating them with dressier outfits. When I tried them on, they ended up being extra comfy and fit well! They kept me warm, and were a wonderful accessory for a relaxing day at home.
A Few Extra Goodies
8. Colorful Hardcover Journal
Keeping myself organized has also helped a lot with stress. I bought a hardcover journal from Target recently, where I keep all of my blog ideas. Sometimes, I’ll write down my thoughts or reflect on the day. It’s been a nice addition to my agenda, which I use to schedule any blog posts, errands, etc.
9. Pumpkin Cupcake Candle
Before writing this post, I lit my new Pumpkin Cupcake candle from Bath and Body works. What can I say, y’all? I’ve built up a mini-collection at this point LOL! The sweet scent of vanilla, pumpkin spice, and cupcakes lifts my mood and creates such a peaceful setting in the room. Are there any candles that you’d recommend? I’m always looking to add to my collection — future apologies to my bank account!
10. Take a Moment and Color Calm by Emma Hill
Coloring books are probably my favorite products for stress relief. Take a Moment and Color Calm is amazing! Alejandro and I visited Barnes and Noble after work the other night, and I spotted it on one of the shelves! The cover’s soft pastel colors intrigued me, along with the photos of nature and accompanying affirmations. Of course, I just had to buy new colored pencils too!
I don’t know why, but my finished page reminds me so much of Dragon Tales. Maybe it’s the design?
If you struggle with anxiety or stress in general, I’d definitely recommend buying an adult coloring book. It’s a great way to take your mind off daily stressors. Also, it’s fun!
I hope that you enjoyed this post, lovelies! Have a wonderful rest of your weekend! x
What are some of your go-to self care products for stress relief? Have you bought anything recently that you’re really loving at the moment?
The self care books look so helpful I desperately need to buy some! I wish we had bath and body works over here because the aromatherapy line looks amazing! xx
Both of the books are super helpful! I especially find that Aron’s book has helped me a lot! I’ve always been a sensitive person, and reading it has just been cathartic. The Anxiety Journal is great for traveling, because it’s so small and portable! I know that B&BW products are on Amazon, but I’m not sure how shipping would work out, unfortunately. 😞 Hopefully they start opening stores in more countries soon! Their aromatherapy line is such a great concept, love that they have a stress relief variety! 💗x
Those two books you mention sound interesting! Will check out that quiz for sure! Comfy clothes are the best, I always get into my pyjamas when I get home from work 🙂 Colouring is so calming, it’s strange but it’s a good distraction because you focus on the colours and the picture rather than your thoughts x
They are both such great reads! I really love Aron’s writing style and the quiz was helpful. I’m glad she has it on her website as well!
I’m totally the same way, and on weekends, sometimes I’ll just stay in my pj’s all day if I can 😂 Oh yeah, coloring is definitely such a nice distraction from daily stressors….plus, it’s fun! 💛They had so many options at Barnes and Noble too, I was sitting there for like 30 min trying to figure out which coloring book I wanted to buy lol!! x
You feel less guilty about staying in pjs if the weather is bad too 😛
What do you use to colour with, pens or pencils?
True!! Plus those are usually the nicest days too, just hanging out at home in your pjs!! Perfect time to just watch Netflix or read a book lol!
I usually use colored pencils. Barnes and Nobles had a sale on their colored pencils and it came with like 30 pencils! I was so excited hehe! Which do you prefer, colored pencils or pens?
I have some fineliner pens I like to use and to stop the colour bleeding through I’ll put some blank paper underneath 🙂
This post came at the perfect time for me. I’ve had a similar situation where I’ve been having a lot more work demands and less days off, by the time my one day off every week or two rolls around I’m an anxious ball of nerves 🙁
I recently picked up something from the B&BW aromatherapy line too! I got the stress relief eucalyptus hand soap and it smells so relaxing and calming! I will for sure be picking up more from that line.
I have the pumpkin cupcake soap and it smells amazing, I bet the candle is just as good!
That anxiety journal sounds interesting, I will have to look out for it.
Adult colouring books are so stressful for me, I find I get so worked up about making my drawing perfect!
Aww, I’m so glad that the post was helpful! 💗That’s exactly what I’ve been going through too, Cleia! This week, I’m working extra hours as well and I can’t wait until Sunday comes around. I’ll prob be taking a day off a couple of Saturdays from now for my mom’s birthday, so that should be nice! I hope that you’ll be able to get at least another day or two off soon. Everyone needs a break sometimes, and time to just breathe and relax!
The line is seriously sooo amazing! I didn’t know they had hand soap too, I’ll have to check it out the next time I visit B&BW! I absolutely love stress relief’s scent too. I want to try out their “happiness” and “sleep” varieties as well! Also, pumpkin cupcake does smell so nice, it’s just so festive and perfect for fall! 🍂💛
The Anxiety Journal a really great book! I’ve seen it at a few book stores, and finally picked it up at Barnes and Noble. They also have it on Amazon too! 😊
Lol!! My boyfriend is the exact same way! He was watching me color, and noticed stuff out of the lines 😂For some reason, coloring always relaxes me. I’m usually just distracted by the pretty colors….annnnd I got way too excited about my new colored pencils 😂
Thanks so much for reading, hon! Hope you’re having a good Monday!! x
I just have to get through this next little stretch, I finally get two consecutive days off next week so that will be nice. I hope you catch a break too and get to spend some time with your family!
I’ll check my local bookstore first, if not then it’s good to know that it’s on amazon.
I think colouring is relaxing to most people, I know lots of people who love those books! I’m just weird lol
Thanks Nunzia! Have a great rest of your week xx