Daylight Saving Time: The best products to help you relax
We consulted experts on how to acclimate to the changing season, as well as their recommendations for products to help you destress.
Weighted blankets might help you fall asleep quicker by creating the sensation of a warm hug. "Being hugged is a very powerful stimulus," Irina Zhdanova, MD, CEO of ClockCoach, previously told NBC News BETTER. She also noted weighted blankets make it harder for you to move around and disturb yourself while you sleep. "When you're hugged, you feel more secure." Bearaby sells weighted blankets made of sustainable materials like organic knit and they're available in various colors. The Cotton Napper comes in three weights and eight shades, ranging from Cozy Corn to Goodnight Grape.
Rosenthal and the other experts we consulted meditation is helpful in dealing with SAD and stress. “Be careful not to go for bad stress relievers like drugs, alcohol and overeating,” he said. Instead, try Muse 2, a Bluetooth-enabled smart gadget that senses your breathing and heart rates, brain activity and movement to help guide you through meditation routines.
Diana Concannon, a licensed psychologist and dean of the California School of Forensic Studies at Alliant International University recently started shooting darts as a way to destress. “I find that focusing on my target and the repetitive movement of the throw is extremely relaxing and strangely joyful,” she said. Concannon noted she found it particularly effective in “helping to manage stress” while watching the presidential debates. This particular set of steel-tipped darts also includes a scoreboard, chalk and mountain hardware for your dartboard.
Spritz this spray onto your pillow or all over your bedroom and enjoy the light-yet-inviting fragrance of lavender, vetivert and chamomile. It has a 4.4-star average rating and nearly 5,500 reviews on Amazon. This Works also makes a nap spray — a nightly must-have for me — however, this Deep Sleep version Sleep is more potent and can help you feel more relaxed and hopefully fall asleep quicker.
Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, previously called silk a “lightweight, breathable and non-irritating” material in our guide to bedding beneficial for your skin and hair. Slip makes an ultra-popular option that is highly-rated on Amazon and Sephora. “There's no need to invest in a full set of silk sheets,” said Robinson, president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology. “The rest of your body won't benefit the way your hair and face will.”
Shopping previously named the Eight Sleep Pod the best smart mattress for hot sleepers. It boasts four layers of memory foam and sensor trackers to monitor your breathing and heart rates. The Eight Sleep Pod also has cooling and heating capabilities — dipping as cold as 55 degrees Fahrenheit and heating up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Amazon’s no. 1 bestselling eye mask has a 4.7-star average from more than 22,300 reviews. It is ergonomically-designed, light-blocking, available in four colors and made from memory foam for comfort. You can also keep it sanitary by handwashing the mask with cool water in your kitchen or bathroom sink.
With an increased time spent indoors, consider focus on improving your indoor air quality with a Dyson purifier that offers heating and cooling capabilities. It utilizes a HEPA filtration system to remove at least 99.97 percent of particles in the air. Shopping previously reported that true HEPA filters are tested and approved by the nonprofit Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology. This model has a 4.6-star average rating from 360 ratings on Amazon.
For days you run essential errands or just feel compelled to go on a socially-distant walk, you should continue to follow CDC guidelines and sport a face mask. “It is extra-important to wear your mask when you're out and about because when it's dark, you can find yourself up close against people without realizing it in ways that are not safe,” said Rosenthal. “In other words, it's not as easy to avoid people and it is safer if everybody is wearing masks.” If you’re shopping for a new face mask with fast, two-day shipping consider this washable option from Case-Mate, which is currently in stock on Amazon, and other retailers. It boasts a 4.2-star average rating from nearly 18,000 Amazon reviews and is available in multipacks and individually.
Stefanie Simmons, MD, also shared a few actionable steps you can do to help you destress at home when you're feeling overwhelmed.
Practice self-care. Sleep, nutrition and physical health are more important than ever. "Just as we push our bodies and our minds daily — whether we are at a computer for long hours or standing for the entire shift at a grocery store — we must take care of them," said Simmons, who also recommended going for a brief walk and stretching.
Take A Deep Breath. "Sometimes you can be doing everything right: eating well, drinking water and sleeping 7-8 hours, but still feel stressed and overwhelmed," she said. When this happens, Simmons advised taking a quick break and focus on your breathing. "A mental break can give us the perspective and the time we need to get back into our day on the right track."
Connect with family and friends. Utilize your smartphone or iPad to connect virtually with your loved ones, or send a handwritten letter.
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