Anxiety Gifts and Gadgets
Sensory Stimulation and Active Distraction Toys
As awareness surrounding panic disorder, OCD, and other anxiety disorders increases over the years, so does the demand for products that address these issues. Such products typically intend to help the user via “active distraction” or pulling their thoughts away from their own anxiousness.
While none of these sensory toys and gadgets are revolutionary or essential, these cheap options may help to provide a small measure of relief. Click on any to learn more or purchase one yourself!
- Fidget Spinners – The annoying global sensation of 2017. Originally made to help kids with OCD, it could prove useful with other forms of anxiousness.
- Rubik’s Cube – Okay, this one might actually increase anxiety for some people. Jokes aside, this can be a great way to keep the mind working and focused on a goal.
- Fidget Cubes – An interesting take on fidget toys. Simple but good for providing sensory stimulation and active distraction from anxiety.
- SHASHIBO Shape-Shifting Box – This looks insanely cool, and the reviews are incredible. These cubes just keep getting weirder.
- Stress Balls – Classic. The age-old workplace remedy for stress that still works today.
- Thinking Putty – Oddly satisfying. Hard to imagine feeling anxious while playing with this stuff.
- Magnetic Desktop Sculptures – My grandparents used to have something like this when I was a kid. It kept me distracted and busy for hours.
- Miniature Zen Garden – It’s hard to look at these and not immediately buy one. What could be more meditative than using a miniature Zen garden right at your desk?
Full disclosure, I haven’t tried all of these gadgets yet. The reviews for each are fantastic, though. They all seem to hit the mark when it comes to providing a convenient distraction from anxiety and panic attacks. If you try any, let me know how you like them!
Aromatherapy Options
Our sense of smell allows us to tap into some of our deepest, fondest, and most vivid memories.
We could smell a loved one’s perfume on a stranger years after they’ve passed away and immediately be brought to tears. We could walk into a musty old cellar and be taken on a trip down memory lane because it smells like the basement of our childhood home, nostalgic recollections we thought long-forgotten.
With scent being such a powerful emotional trigger, it only makes sense to use it to our advantage when combating panic attacks and anxiety.
Aromatherapy studies have found that certain smells can help decrease feelings of anxiety when inhaled for several minutes at a time.
Some scents that may help decrease stress and anxiousness include:
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Chamomile
- Rose
- Peppermint
- Orange
- Lemon
Some people like to put a few drops of scented oil on their skin to smell. I prefer and recommend using an Essential Oil Diffuser. This is the healthiest, safest, and most effective option for aromatherapy; plus, it won’t leave an unwanted smell in your home for weeks like incense does.
I also recommend trying out any scents that you personally find relaxing. This can vary greatly from person to person, depending on your own unique past experiences.
Personal scents you might want to consider:
- Perfumes and colognes worn by loved ones
- Your favorite flower
- Your favorite food or dessert
- A scent that reminds you of your childhood
Weighted Blankets
Sometimes, all we need is a hug.
But, since we can’t expect our friends to be on-call 24/7 for anxiety cuddles, the next best thing is probably a weighted blanket. Much like receiving a hug, weighted blankets give us a nice, juicy surge of oxytocin, helping us feel happy and relaxed.
For many people, having a tool like this on hand to snuggle up under on an anxious day could be a great way to diminish feelings of panic and steer us toward a better headspace.
If you can’t find a weighted blanket that you like locally, here’s one I found online with phenomenal reviews: Weighted Blanket for Anxiety.