My Top 7 Self-Care Products For Rest & Relaxation
Life can be pretty hectic and stressful at times (and in some phases of life that is a drastic understatement). With so many things to juggle, it’s easy to forget about the importance of taking care of ourselves and prioritizing rest and relaxation.
I know I’ve been (and still am) more than guilty of this, but over the years, I’ve learned that incorporating and truly prioritizing rest, relaxation, and self-care into my routine is essential if I want to be able to do all the other things I would rather be doing. Being chronically ill, my health can fall really fast – if I get too stressed or not enough rest I’ll get sick and be down for the count for a few days while I recover – ultimately putting me more behind than if I had just taken the time to take care of myself in the first place.
I don’t want that to happen to you, so that’s why I wrote this list to share with you some of my favorite self-care products for rest & relaxation! These products have been game-changers for me, and I hope they will be for you too! So, whether you’re dealing with a stressful job, managing a chronic illness, or simply needing a little “me-time,” keep reading to discover some of my top picks!
Acupressure Mat
“An acupressure mat is a padded mat with small spikes that stimulate pressure points on the body to help relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. Acupressure mats are based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and can be used on various parts of the body, such as the back, neck, and feet. Some people also use them to alleviate headaches, improve circulation, and boost energy levels.”
A couple of years ago, I heard someone talking about the benefits of acupressure. They were saying it could help promote circulation, boost your mood, ease pain, and even release endorphins! I was intrigued, so I started researching and reading up on the topic. After going down a bit of a rabbit hole, I decided to make the purchase and bought myself an acupressure mat!
To be totally honest, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when it arrived. When I pulled it out of the box, I was surprised at how spiky it was. I mean, the spikes are small, but they’re definitely sharp enough to be noticeable! I have to admit, the first time I used it, it was a little intense. If you put too much pressure on one spot, it doesn’t feel great. But after a few minutes, I started to get used to the sensation and found that it was actually quite relaxing.
Soon, I started incorporating the acupressure mat into my meditation practice. It’s been such a fun way to combine two activities that are both helping my health!
I love how the mat is such an easy way to improve my health. I don’t have to do anything fancy or time-consuming. I just lay down on it for a few minutes and let it work its magic. And afterward, I feel so relaxed and rejuvenated! Whenever I start to feel stressed out or overwhelmed, I know exactly where to turn for some quick relief. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax and take care of myself and I highly recommend having it in your toolbox!
oura ring
“The Oura ring is a device that tracks various aspects of your health, including sleep patterns, heart rate, body temperature, and activity levels. The ring provides personalized recommendations for improving your overall health and is a useful tool for optimizing your life.”
First off, you all already know – I am OBSESSED with this ring! It’s amazing how much health information it can provide – quite literally at your fingertips. But beyond that, I’ve found that it’s actually been a really helpful tool in reminding me to take care of myself.
For people with chronic conditions, having this kind of health information readily available can be incredibly reassuring. I know that for me, being able to see where my body is at any given moment is a really comforting thing. The Oura Ring lets me know my stats and any changes in my heart rate or body temperature, which is especially helpful when I’m feeling off.
But what I’ve really come to appreciate about the Oura Ring is that it’s like having a personal health coach with me at all times. It’s constantly monitoring my body and letting me know when I need to take a break, rest, or practice some self-care. I can even set custom alerts for things like getting up and moving throughout the day or taking a few deep breaths when my stress levels start to rise.
And the best part? I can actually see how my self-care efforts are reflected in my Oura Ring app. I can see how getting enough sleep, taking breaks throughout the day, and practicing mindfulness impact my body and overall well-being. It’s incredibly motivating to see those positive changes in real-time and know that I’m taking steps to prioritize my health.
Now, I know that the Oura Ring isn’t cheap. But honestly, it’s been worth every penny for me. Investing in tools that can help support our health and well-being is so important, and for me, the Oura Ring has been a total game changer. If you’re someone who wants to prioritize self-care and stay on top of your health, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try!
essential oil roll on
“Packed with carefully selected essential oils known for their therapeutic properties, this Plant Therapy Essential Oil Roll-On provides a natural and effective way to support health and wellness, helping to alleviate stress, enhance mood, and promote overall relaxation.“
Essential oils are one of my go-to solutions when I need to de-stress or boost my mood and energy! If I am feeling stressed, I will reach for my lavender essential oil (which truly got me through the worst phases of my anxiety disorder). When I am getting a headache or just need to relax, I reach for my peppermint oil and when I am feeling unmotivated or low energy, I reach for my orange essential oil and it perks me up and gets me going! Not only do they impact my mood, but research has shown that certain oils have physical and mental health benefits too!
I do want to note though that not all essential oils are created equally, so it’s crucial to do your research before buying any. If you’re looking for a natural way to practice self-care and start relaxing, give essential oils a try! Just make sure you’re doing your due diligence and buying from reputable brands 🙂
Massager
“The Shiatsu Electric Shoulder and Neck Massager is a personal massaging device that provides deep kneading Shiatsu massage to help relieve muscle tension, pain and stress in the neck, shoulders, and back. It comes with different massage modes and a heat function that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, making it an effective and convenient solution for a relaxing at-home massage.“
I don’t know about you, but getting a massage has a way of completely changing my mood and outlook! When I was really struggling with my health, my parents would offer to give me massages to help me destress from everything I was carrying in my heart, mind, and body. Initially, I declined, not wanting to inconvenience them. But every time they did give me a massage, it was like a mood shift. I would go from crying to laughing within minutes and feel so much better.
So, I invested in a personal massaging tool that I can use myself whenever I need it, especially when I feel stressed or stiff. It really helps me take some of the stress off, improves blood circulation, and changes my mood!
A Cute Sweatsuit
“The sweatsuits from the Haley James store are designed to be both comfortable and stylish, providing a cozy yet put-together look. They are made using sustainable materials and ethical practices without any toxic chemicals, and are adorned with positive messages to uplift the wearer. The sweatsuits are available in a variety of colors and have spacious pockets, making them an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation without sacrificing style.“
I love to relax in a cozy and chic sweatsuit! It instantly puts me in a good mood, you know? And the best part is, I don’t feel lazy because there’s something about being color-coordinated that makes me feel put-together while also feeling super relaxed. I’m totally biased, but I wear sweatsuits from my store all the time! I made sure to design them using sustainable materials and ethical practices and without any toxic chemicals. Plus, I added positive messages to them so that wearing them feels extra good. The color options are amazing, and don’t even get me started on the huge pockets – they can fit everything I need! It’s honestly one of my absolute favorite things to wear when I’m looking to unwind.
castor oil pack
“Queen of the Thrones is a brand that offers a modern take on the traditional castor oil pack. Their castor oil pack kit includes a high-quality organic cotton compress, a bottle of premium castor oil, and an instruction booklet. The compress is designed to fit comfortably on the abdomen or other areas of the body where it can provide relief and healing.”
Have you tried the Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Pack yet? It’s such an easy way to improve and take care of your health. I hadn’t heard of castor oil packs until I got sick and dove into the world of health and wellness research. But once I started learning about them and the research backing them up, I had to give it a try. And let me tell you, the results are undeniable.
For me, using the castor oil pack is an extremely relaxing experience. It helps me fall asleep faster, especially if I apply any kind of heat to the pack. It’s comforting, warm, and helps me wake up feeling like my digestion is better and my body feels less bloated and swollen. I feel empowered knowing that I’m taking an action that’s not only caring for my mind but also caring for my body.
Research has shown that castor oil packs support liver function, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion, making it an essential part of my self-care routine. I use it every night to help me unwind and get ready for bed. And the best part is, it’s so easy to use and there’s no messy cleanup required in the morning.
If you’re looking for an easy way to take care of yourself, give the Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Pack a try. Trust me, your body will thank you for it!
Sauna
“The Sunlighten mPulse is a type of infrared sauna that uses advanced technology to deliver various health benefits, such as detoxification, relaxation, and pain relief. It works by emitting far and near-infrared wavelengths that penetrate deep into the body, promoting healing and rejuvenation from the inside out.“
I’m a bit hesitant to share this last one because I know that it’s not easily affordable or doable for most (including me), but it has become an essential part of not only my physical health healing regimen but also my self-care and relaxation.
A few years back, when my health was at its worst, my family and I tried everything we could to help me recover. After a lot of research and careful consideration, we decided to invest in a sauna that would not only benefit me but also my loved ones. I am well aware of how lucky and privileged I am to have access to such a resource and don’t want to add this to the list acting like this was a simple decision or easily affordable option because it wasn’t – BUT I share this to shed light on how useful saunas can be and how even something like a membership to a sauna spa could be a tool that could help you too!
When I go into the sauna, I leave all electronics behind and try to focus on being present and still. I might bring a book or listen to a meditation through the sauna speakers, but the point is to take a break from the constant stimulation of screens and notifications. It can be challenging to find that kind of stillness in our everyday lives, but the sauna helps me prioritize quiet time for myself.
On top of making you super relaxed, there are a variety of physical health benefits like supporting detoxification and reducing inflammation. I’ve found that taking this time for myself in the sauna helps me both physically and mentally, and it’s become an important part of my self-care routine. If you have access to a sauna, whether it’s your own or a membership to a sauna studio, I encourage you to give it a try and see how it can benefit you!
Self-Care Mode Activated!
I hope reading about my favorite self-care products for relaxation has inspired you to take some time for yourself and prioritize your well-being. These products have helped me immensely in reducing stress and promoting relaxation, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you.
What did you think of these products? Have any of these helped you in the past? I’d love to hear about your experiences! You can share your thoughts with me by commenting below OR if you end up using any of these products, post about it on the Gram and tag me @itshaleyjames_ so I can see how these products help you too!
xx I love you, I mean it
DISCLAIMER
Please note that all content on this page, website, and any affiliated resources is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of treatment from a physician. NO information on this page or website should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Additionally, please be aware that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, from which I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through those links.
Hi! I'm Haley James!
I’m a purpose-driven entrepreneur, non-profit founder, chronic illness, activist & advocate, podcaster, public speaker and healthy home interior designer!
BUT – that’s not really who I am, it’s what I do.
While that gives you some context, it doesn’t show you my heart or story or how I can help you – and that’s WAY more important – so let me tell you!
After being sick for 10 years with over 20 chronic & rare conditions, needing a feeding tube & weekly infusions to survive, I learned how short & fragile life really, really is. As I began to heal, I realized what I really wanted to do was to create a life I truly loved every little bit of & I knew that for me, that meant finding a way to take my pain and turn it into passion, purpose & positive impact so I could pay forward all the love, support, and help that others gave me in my time of need.
So that’s what I try to do here: share my story and journey to help inspire, empower, and equip others to turn their struggles into their strengths and create a life they truly love—filled with passion, purpose, and positive impact—while I work to do the same! I hope you’ll join me!
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THESE EMAILS I SEND – I PROMISE – FEEL LIKE LETTERS FROM A FRIEND
Come Be Part Of The Bloom!
What is The Bloom? The Bloom is my personal letter to you, dedicated to supporting your growth and flourishing in all aspects of life – from your health, well-being and entrepreneurial pursuits to overcoming obstacles, discovering passions, stepping into purpose and finding avenues for positive impact – The Bloom is all about helping you create a life you truly love – whatever that looks like for you!
I like to think of The Bloom newsletter as the water, soil, or sunlight I hope to be able to give you to help you grow and bloom in your own life! That’s why as a member of The Bloom community, you’ll get heartfelt personal letters from me sharing stories, resources, tools, inspiration and support to help you on your personal growth journey.
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