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Unwind with these stress-free products

By Erica Navarro February 1, 2022

Everyday life can be more than stressful. Between social media outlets and never-ending news to managing a healthy work/life balance, it can sometimes feel overwhelming or leave you drained. Taking time for yourself is vital to clear your head and help you unwind. Tapping into your artistic side by trying new hobbies or expanding the hobbies you already love are great ways to keep you busy while inviting in those happy endorphins. Below are a few products that are perfect for relaxing. They will aid in allowing your creativity to flow, add some balance, and bring Zen to your day-to-day life.

Life gets hectic, and we often forget to make time to care for our health and focus on enhancing our inner peace. We all deserve a space to call our own and where we can escape from our stressors. Turn the TV off, put your phone down, or spend some time by yourself to recharge. Before or after you log off from work, enjoy nature, breathe in the fresh air, make time for yourself, and pick an activity that makes you happy. Hopefully, one of these excites you, piques your interest, and brings a sense of calm to your busy day.

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Wellness

5 products you can use to jumpstart a new hobby

A gift basket with bath bombs and a candle

It’s important to have something fun and relaxing to take your mind off of stressful work days or current events. Hobbies help keep us refreshed and motivated. There are tons of interesting hobbies to enjoy alone or with friends, but sometimes it can be a little intimidating to get started. It can be challenging to know exactly what you need to get started or what hobbies fit with your skill level, but that’s where we come in! Whether you enjoy technical, time consuming projects or simple, relaxing crafts, one of these products is sure to appeal to your artistic side.

If you’re in need of a new hobby, then one of these five products will be sure to delight or intrigue you. No matter which one you pick, you’ll be in for a relaxing treat. Whether you want to make your own candles or experiment with mica powder, add some color to your clothes with markers or thread, or just take up some good old fashioned pencil and pencil, you can have everything you need to destress after a long day.

Wellness

Stressed, or depressed? How to tell the difference

a stressed woman sitting at her desk with her head in her hands

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of stress or depression, you are not alone.
A Gallup poll revealed that 57% of U.S. and Canadian workers experienced daily stress in 2020, the highest levels globally. About 17.3 million adults in the U.S. report having had at least one major depressive episode.
Stress and depression can co-exist and may have similar symptoms, but they are two distinct mental health concerns. Knowing the difference between stress and depression is essential.
Stress tends to be phasic. You may feel overwhelmed for a few days at work but then feel relief when the weekend rolls around. It’s still a mental health concern, and help is available.
Depression is not fleeting. A mental health provider will usually diagnose it when symptoms, including decreased energy and feelings of hopelessness, last at least two weeks.
Let’s discuss how the two conditions are similar and different.

Why are stress and depression easily confused?
Though stress and depression are two different issues, people sometimes use the terms interchangeably. There are a few critical reasons for the confusion.

Wellness

Stressed, or depressed? We’ll show you how to tell the difference

a woman sitting on a pillow with her hands over her face

Over the last couple of years, there’s been a movement to end the stigma surrounding mental health, including conditions like stress and depression.
At a time when more and more people are struggling with the emotional impact of an ongoing pandemic, this news is indeed good. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 80 percent of adults said that the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant source of stress in 2020. As the pandemic continues, it’s not a stretch to think this stress will continue on top of the every day concerns like work or money issues.
Depression is also common, affecting more than 17 million U.S. adults per year, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Though many people experience stress or depression (or both), some key differences affect a diagnosis and treatment. Let’s discuss how you can distinguish between stress and depression.

What is stress?
Stress is a mental health concern, but it’s technically a physical response to an adverse situation. When you perceive something as a threat, the prefrontal cortex of your brain gets overwhelmed by chemicals. The prefrontal cortex of your brain affects executive functioning, like planning and decision-making. The amygdala, the part of your brain that controls the fear response, also goes on high alert.
In the meantime, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol, potentially causing physical responses like sweating, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate.
Stress can be chronic, but it’s often fleeting. You may experience stress at work under a tight deadline. Once you’ve completed the project, you can go home, unwind, and feel better.