70 Weird, Clever Things For People Who Are Anxious AF That Are Actually Life-Changing

Intrigued by the idea of forest bathing but don’t have one nearby? Give this forest bathing light bulb a try instead. It uses a unique spectrum of light that mimics the sunlight filtered through a forest canopy to help create a calming, nature-inspired vibe anywhere it’s installed. While it may not have all the benefits an actual forest might provide, it might still offer some positive effects. One reviewer wrote, “Popped it in a lamp, and my daughter (also a migraine-sufferer) and I both seemed to just relax. The green tone of the light almost immediately faded from notice, and we were left with the feeling of peace of the sun streaming through the leaves on a forest floor.”

Fidget toys are a great way to occupy hands and help calm a busy mind, and these scent-infused grounding stones are no exception. They come with a chamomile and lavender essential oil that you add directly into each stones’ inner compartment. Each stone comes with two satisfying textures to touch and fidget with to your heart’s content.

Another great tool is this hardcover journal, 52 Lists for Calm, which helps you cultivate peace through the soothing activity of making lists. The journal includes 52 prompts that help you focus on compassion and acceptance, along with related exercises for affirmations, meditation, releasing, etc. The journal is divided into four themes: be present, look back, move forward, and peace.

If you’re looking for ways to usher in a sense of calm before you hit the sack, this sound machine aims to help. It’s made with a sleek, faux-wood shell and features both white, brown, and pink noise as well as a host of nature sounds ranging from campfire crackles to pounding rainstorms. Better yet, it doubles as a night-light, too.

These textured sensory stickers are designed to help you stay calm and focused throughout the day. Each one features a different grounding tool—like a finger maze or breathing cue—and you can stick them on your phone, laptop, or water bottle. They’re residue-free, reusable, and subtle enough to use in public without feeling weird about it.

Utilize this rocking foot rest under your desk chair (or any other seat, for that matter) to alleviate leg pressure, improve posture, and lessen the fatigue associated with sitting for extended periods of time. It has a rocking design for use at various angles, and the rolling massage bars in the middle help to soothe sore muscles.

Quality rest can be helpful for anyone — anxious or not — and this cervical pillow is designed to help you get it. The unique contours aim to gently cradle your head, while keeping your spine in alignment to help prevent strain and discomfort. It works for back and side sleepers alike, and even has armrests on each side.

Push and pull the 11 strings into this intricate silicone activity board — it’s entertaining (there are many, many ways to engage with it for plenty of entertainment) and can help calm your body. All of the components come in a carrying bag for use anywhere.

• Available colors: 3

Available in five different style, this set of four fidget spinner rings is a discreet way to keep your hands busy — and they look cool too. Available in a wide range of sizes, the outer layer of each ring spins 360 degrees, giving you something to focus on whenever you need it. Plus, they just look cool.

• Available sizes: 5 — 14
• Available styles: 5

Though it looks a little intimidating at first, this two-piece acupressure mat set is actually designed to help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. Available in 15 colors, it’s made of cotton and foam, complete with thousands of acupressure points that stimulate circulation. One reviewer wrote, “It is extremely uncomfortable for the first few minutes, but then it creates a deep sense of relaxation both physically and mentally. I honestly don’t think I could live without one at this point.”

• Available colors: 15

Whenever you need a break from the hustle and bustle of your day, snuggle up with this faux fur throw blanket for instant comfort and softness. Available in three sizes and 24 different colors, the reversible blanket is super plush — measuring at 1.5 inch thick — and its shaggy texture on one side is just as good as the soft fleece on the other.

• Available sizes: 3
• Available colors: 24

If you respond well to acupuncture, you may want to give these ear seeds a try. Made from a tiny plant seed affixed to an adhesive bandage, they aim to stimulate acupressure points on the ear and help reduce anxiety. And since you get hundreds of seeds per order, they’re budget friendly, too.

Some people find that connecting with their breath can be helpful, and this breathing necklace helps you do just that. It allows you to partake in deliberate, controlled breathing exercises to calm the mind, and you can wear it around your neck to have on hand whenever you need it.

• Available finishes: 5

For a homeopathic pick-me-up on the go, these stress-relief lozenges are a tasty treat that may have calming properties. Flavored with elderflower and orange, these pastilles come in a handy tin you can easily toss in your bag on the go. Better yet, they’ve earned an impressive 11,000 five-star reviews, too.

If you hold stress in your neck or shoulders, this neck traction block may prove a helpful ally. It’s designed to gently stretch your muscles and help restore posture (helpful if you’re hunched over a computer all day). It’s height adjustable and the brand recommends using it for 10 minutes a day.

This roll-on combines peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus oils for an instant calming effect you can feel. Just pump a little onto your fingers, breathe in, and massage it into your neck or temples. It’s easy to use on the go—like a pocket-sized reset button for your nervous system.

Infused with organic lavender essential oil, this pillow mist can help you get more restful sleep. Simply spritz it directly onto your pillow or sheets (hold the bottle about six inches away as you do so), and enjoy the fragrance as you head to bed.

Treat yourself to a soothing experience at the end of the day with these steaming eye masks. These self-heating masks activate when you open the pouch and release moist heat to provide a relaxing feeling and soothe tired, dry eyes. Besides this unscented option, they come in cedarwood, lavender, green tea, and jasmine fragrances.

• Available scents: 5

One reviewer wrote of this magnesium spray: “I sprayed the bottom of my feet, and I tell you what — I [...] had a restful sleep, didn't feel so anxious throughout the day, and my mood overall improved,” and another wrote, “The magnesium helps relax my muscles and calms my mind, leading to a more restful night.” Sourced from an ancient seabed, this magnesium chloride is packaged in a spray bottle for easy application. It’s fragrance free and you can apply it to the areas you think you need it most.

Worrying can be a natural part of life, but if it’s become too stressful, this guided journal may prove an ally. It has space for daily journaling, along with helpful exercises for reframing your thoughts and fears, habit trackers to help you prioritize self care, and emotional support cheat sheets that help you focus on what you love and value. One reviewer wrote, “This journal has helped me process my emotions - good or bad, overwhelming or not - at the end of each day. It is so intentional about reframing and examining your day and really focusing on what you went through and turning it back to gratitude. I’ve bought this for friends and recommend it constantly!”

Chromotherapy theorizes that certain colors may influence your mood and outlook. If you’ve never given it a try, these tinted glasses make it easy. These blue-colored glasses just might help you relax more, according to the brand, and they’re also available in other shades, like pink to help cultivate feelings of joy and yellow, which is designed to help you have a more energetic outlook. One reviewer wrote, “I normally don't believe in things like, this but after having them a couple days they really do help to calm me down and relax me I may be investing in more of these glasses in the future thanks for a great product.”

If you find loud environments to be stressful, these Loop earplugs can help you tune out the noise, so you can create a more peaceful environment for yourself. And, while they reduce the level of sound, they still allow you to hear conversation, so you can continue to engage. They come with four ear tip sizes and look stylish to boot.

• Available colors: 4

If you find that heat brings you comfort, give these rechargeable hand warmers a try. The double-sided square heats up in under two minutes and stays at that temperature for three to four hours on a full charge. Available in multiple designs, it’s pocket-sized and lightweight. One reviewer wrote, “The square handwarmer [...] feels nice in your hand, it’s soothing like a stress reliever.”

• Available styles: 5

A good night’s rest can be helpful for anyone — anxious or not — and you can fall asleep to your favorite soothing sounds with these sleep headphones. They’re made of a soft foam material with built-in Bluetooth headphones and have handy eye contours to comfortably block out light. On a full charge, they deliver up to 10 hours of play time, which should be more than enough to get you drifting off to sleep.

• Available colors: 13

Great for promoting a sensory distraction, these tactile strips have a rough texture that some people find super satisfying to touch. Available in a dozen design options, they can be applied to phones, computers, desks, or other surfaces without any residue or damage. One Amazon reviewer wrote, “love feeling these on the back of my phone or kindle when in deep stress or even on my switch, it seems to zone me out of whatever I’m stressing over at the time which is nice.”

• Available styles: 12

Enjoy some extra peace of mind knowing you can tune in to your home’s front stoop, regardless of where you are, with this light bulb security camera. It screws into any standard light bulb socket and connects automatically to a mobile app via Bluetooth. Enjoy clear views, even in low-light settings, thanks to night vision.

Even if you don’t have an emotional support animal, you can pretend like you do with this card deck. Each of the 64 cards includes a cute drawing of a pet, along with positive affirmations and guidance for ways to find mindfulness throughout the day. It’s a simple but incredibly popular tool, having earned an impressive 4.8-star overall rating after 2,500 reviews.

Experience the benefits of essential oils anywhere, any time with this essential oil diffuser bracelet. Made of stainless steel, the necklace comes with 24 reusable essential oil pads in different colors that let you match the scents to your mood — just add a few drops, insert the pad, and close it.

A weighted blanket feels like a calming hug, and this lap-sized option can be used wherever and whenever you need it. It’s filled with 3 pounds of glass beads and features a whimsical, leaf-like design that makes for a fun decor touch when you’re not using it. And thanks to the velvet microfiber exterior, it’s so soft and and cozy, too.

• Available colors: 7

Add some calm and serenity to your home with this tabletop fountain that features a three-tier design. All you have to do is plug it in to enjoy the soothing sounds of running water while it trickles down the pillars and into the river stones. Light the three tea light candles for even more ambience.

Use this therapy journal as a tool to support your mental health and well-being. It’s filled with a range of prompts and exercises that can help you better identify triggers, assess negative thoughts, and be in touch with your overall emotions. Reach for it whenever needed.

This fidget spinner masquerades as a simple ring that comes in finishes like silver, gold, and sparkly black. The ring has two layers — you can use your thumb to rotate the outer layer. It comes in multiple sizes for a perfect fit and is a perfect low-key way to give yourself some distraction.

• Available sizes: 5
• Available colors: 8

When you need something to keep your mind engaged, try out this spinning ball. It’s made from heavy aluminum alloy to spin smoothly and quietly for a long time — up to four minutes straight, in fact. The silicone bottom stops it from damaging the surface below.

• Available colors: 11

Each of these sensory stones features a different texture — run your fingers along them to help in anxious or stressful situations. The set comes with six durable stones; they’re washable, should they end up a little dirty.

You can toss this migraine-soothing ice mask in the freezer, then pull it down over your face like a cold, calming hoodie for your skull. It chills your temples, eyes, and sinuses all at once—no meds required. Bonus: It’s also great for puffy eyes after an ugly cry or a sleep-deprived scroll spiral.

If stress tends to lead to you biting your nails, this nail biting deterrent might help you break the habit. Formulated with a super bitter taste, it applies like nail polish and can be used as a top coat or a base coat to discourage you from putting your nails in your mouth. It also includes a nail file to help you maintain your nails as they grow.

You can tune the rest of the world out and reconnect with the joy that coloring can bring with this stress-relief coloring book for adults. With 60 unique designs, the book is filled with different themes including florals, patterns, cute animals, and countryside scenes Each page is 8.5 by 11 inches and can help promote relaxation while keeping your hands occupied.

Mentally escape to space — or at least to the northern lights — with this galaxy projector. It features a large projection area along with several lighting and color modes and three brightness levels. It charges via USB, making it easy to move from room to room. Use it whenever you need a literal change of scenery — without even leaving your home.

If you’ve ever wished you could have a human-size dog bed, consider your wish granted with this foldable human dog bed by Bedsure. Lounge, nap, or indulge in a television marathon atop the high-density foam bed covered in a plush, washable cover. When you’re not lounging on it, you can fold up the bottom half to create a bolstered bed for just your pup.

• Available colors: 12
• Available sizes: 3

Many people get a little sweaty when they feel nervous — if that’s you, these absorbent towelettes are helpful to have on hand. Measuring 10 by 10 inches, these compact towels dry 10 times faster than cotton and resist odor. Stick one in your bag, in your desk, and take them along to the gym, too.

• Available colors: 12

Many people find touch to be helpful, and this two-piece gua sha and ice roller set offers that, along with a cooling sensation. One reviewer reported, “I keep this in my mini fridge so when I use it it’s 💯 luxurious! Stress falls away and my skin feels pampered.” Some reviewers have also reported using it to help relieve discomfort: “The cold therapy offered by the ice roller has been a lifesaver during migraine episodes, offering immediate soothing relief when applied to the temples and forehead,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.

Side sleepers, listen up: This memory foam pillow will change the game for you. Position it between your knees and the curved, contoured design will support your body all night long. It can help alleviate pain or discomfort in areas like the back, knees, or hips, too.

Lift your spirits by reading the positive affirmations and messages found on these smiling pickle cards. The set includes 60 pickles (and a sturdy storage jar) that you can reuse over and over again.

Ever feel like pulling your hair out with stress? Well now you can (sort of) with this surprise reveal plushy. These soft toys have a loose layer of yarn-like fluff on the outside that you can pull away for a calming distraction, revealing a new color underneath. And since each toy can take up to 45 minutes to fully de-fluff, they offer plenty of entertainment.

Slowing down fast breathing can help you relax, and this mindful breathing device is an aid for doing just that. This glowing lamp changes colors, and you can follow along to help regulate your breathing pattern: Inhale when it’s green, hold when it’s purple, then exhale when it turns blue. This device also doubles as a night-light and a sound machine for even more soothing vibes.

• Available styles: 3

Give yourself a sense of added security with this personal alarm. Marketed as “pocket-sized peace of mind,” it emits a loud alarm and flashes a bright strobe light to ensure you're heard and seen — just pull the pin to activate it. Fitting right onto your key chain, it’s rechargeable and displays a low-battery notice.

Paint your thoughts and feelings using this art set, which requires just water to use. The water board is travel-sized for use anywhere (and for convenient storage). And when you’re done painting, let it air dry — your art will fade away, so you can reuse the board again and again.

This art therapy card deck boasts 75 beginner-friendly activities (in a range of artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, and more) for you to focus on. Each activity is accompanied by reflection questions for you to think about. Minimal art supplies are needed.

One reviewer who bought this light bulb wrote that “the color helps mellow out the room and makes my brain slow down a bit before bed,” adding, “It has definitely helped me ease into bed time.” The energy-efficient bulb utilizes an amber hue to reduce blue light by 99.94%, which may help signal to the brain it’s time to relax and get ready for rest. Just install it in the room where you spend the most time before sleep.

• Available colors: 2

Add some whimsy to a room with this miniature wooden bookshelf. It comes with 185 handcrafted books you can organize on the shelves (this can really spark your inner creativity), and there’s an acrylic door you can close to keep out dust. Some people enjoy giving it a shake to release stress.

Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, this fidget toy slides open and shut (in either direction) to occupy your hands whenever you may need it. “This fidget makes such a satisfying clicking noise. It glides smoothly between my fingers and is very easy to use,” wrote one commenter who goes on to name it “one of my favorite fidgets.”

This art board is filled with smooth silver pins that capture detailed, 3D images of whatever you push up against it... whether that’s your hand or an object from around your house. It’s fun to do and offers sensory stimulation.

Many people find physical sensations to be grounding — if that’s you, you may appreciate this massage roller. Boasting a 4.7-star overall rating, this spiky ball helps relieve tightness on the bottoms of your feet — but you can also use it along your arms or shoulders (just lie on top of it).

Gently massage this magnesium lotion onto areas like your legs or feet to deeply soothe these overworked spots and help you wind down for the night. It also boasts shea butter for a hydrating effect.

Consider this weighted eye mask a mini weighted blanket for your face. Not only does this mask provide gentle, soothing pressure, but it’s made with scooped-out contours for your eyes. This mask is made from breathable material and features an adjustable elastic strap, ensuring you get a custom fit.

• Available colors: 11

Filled with two pounds of glass beads, this shoulder wrap provides the perfect level of pressure for your shoulders and neck. This is comforting and calming. The exterior boasts a minky fabric that’s uber soft.

Featuring 21 different soothing sounds, you can flip on this portable white noise machine anywhere, any time. It’s powered by a long-lasting, rechargeable battery, and the volume is adjustable as needed.

Each time you press one of the keys on this keyboard fidget, it makes the most satisfying click sound (don’t worry, it’s not too loud to disrupt others), similar to that of a real keyboard. It also lights up. The fidget is small enough to hang from your keys or backpack.

If physical touch is soothing for you, you might enjoy this hand massage tool. On one end, you’ll find a dual-sided finger massager and on the other, you’ll find a larger roller to target your palms. Besides giving you a moment to concentrate on caring for your body, it may help promote circulation and alleviate soreness.

Squishmallows are already the best, but this particular one doubles as a portable heating pad for soothing relief. Simply stick Cam the cat in the microwave to get him warm, and reheat him in 10- to 15-second increments afterward to continue the toastiness.

If you find massages help to relieve your anxiety but don’t want drop tons of cash at the spa, this trigger point massage tool is about to become your new go-to accessory. Weighing less than half a pound, this lightweight tool has multiple points in different shapes, allowing you to work out knots for a relaxing at-home massage sesh. It’s safe to use with massage oils for even more glide, too.

These under-desk rocking foot rests are a clever solution for anyone who gets restless at a desk and likes to tap, bounce, or rock their feet. Each spring-loaded panel holds and releases pressure as you fidget. Better yet, these foot rests are great for encouraging improved posture and spinal alignment, too.

Filled with 75 different meditation exercises, this mindfulness book can help you reduce stress, improve your mental health, and find peace in your day. They’re simple to follow, growing as you get further in the book.

Many sleep experts stress the importance of having a truly darkened room, which means covering up those glowing electronic LEDs. Thankfully, these LED light-blocking stickers make the job easy, whether you use them on your router, alarm clock, or air purifier. Just peel and stick the static-cling sticker over any light you’d rather not see and it will block light by up to 80%, while still allowing you to read the display.

Take a little dose of calm with you anywhere with this essential oil roller. The metal rolling ball allows for simple, less-messy application to your pressure points, or anywhere else you’d like to apply it. It comes with a relaxing herbal scent made from cardamon, ginger, peppermint, and more.

If you hold tension in your body, this stretching tool may be a helpful way to keep things looser. This nonstretch strap is outfitted with multiple loops — insert a hand or foot and tug to create a deeper stretch than you could get on your own. This strap is popular on Amazon, where it’s earned a 4.7-star overall rating.

A simple push of a button will make your regular shower feel like a spa experience thanks to this shower diffuser — it’ll release a crisp mountain air scent to invigorate your senses. This pick mounts to the wall, it has an auto-off feature after eight minutes, and the scent can be swapped out as desired.

Stretch, bounce, pop, tear, and sculpt it — this colorful putty will entertain you for a long time. And it won’t ever dry out. The putty features color-shifting tones of metallic blue, purple, copper, and red, and it comes in a handy tin to carry with you.

These sensory stickers each feature a calming message (like “it’s okay” or “breathe”), and the rough, tactile surface is satisfying to run your fingers over. 50 stickers come in the set. Attach them to flat, smooth surfaces like your phone case, a notebook, and more.

Made with chamomile, mint, and lavender, this organic tea can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. Plus, it helps to support healthy digestion, and reviewers confirm it tastes great. 16 caffeine-free tea bags come with for under $10.

Incorporate the practice of calming meditation into your daily life with these meditation cards. The deck includes 100 cards that fall into seven categories (like breathing techniques, mindfulness basics, and more), and they’re organized particularly for beginners, though experienced meditators can use them however desired.

Not only does this pick function as a cool-looking pen, but it can also be disassembled and reassembled into different shapes — the various tube and ball pieces are all magnetic to do this. It’s shockingly calming.

Prioritize self-care with this mindfulness calendar. Every day, flip to reveal one of the 366 mindfulness quotes that are designed to support your inner calm. The easel base is sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally falling over.