17 Products to Help You Chill Out When Anxiety Sets In

As the cover star of Self Magazine's latest issue, Olivia Munn opened up her career, health, and what it felt like after she had her son Malcolm. Of that time period, she said she was "operating normally" while also "feeling very depressed." However, she said things took a turn after she noticed a couple of things.

"It kicked into high gear when I hadn’t lost the baby weight, and nothing was fitting, and I would see people on social media, people I knew had babies around the same time. I reached out to some of them. And I’m like, ‘How are you in these Valentino shorts and this crop top just running around LA and having the energy to take all these beautiful pictures?'"

As a first-time mom who had tons of negative thoughts about her postpartum body, I totally get it.

However, Olivia didn't feel like pretending things were fine. "I didn’t even have the ability to fake it. I didn’t have the energy to fake anything they were faking." But she also mourned having a different experience with her and John Mulaney's second child, Meí June.

"It was devastating for me not to be able to carry [Méi]. I loved carrying my son. But postpartum was 'brutal,' she admits. Adding that "anxiety hit a month after Malcolm was born," the actress dove into detail about what looked like for her.

"My eyes pop open at 4 a.m. I’m gasping for air. I get the tightness in my chest, and it’s like that all day long. It felt like the end of the world…. It was like when you watch a horror movie—the worst, scariest horror movie you can think of—that’s how my body felt," she said.

It was so debilitating that she'd "have to sometimes hold John's arm from room to room." By that point, there was talks of her becoming medicated to get through her anxiety, but Olivia dropped another bombshell.

"...by the time I was talking about it, I was so far gone that even if you put a pill in my hand, I wouldn’t have taken it. When the depression or the anxiety takes over you so much, it’s almost like you won’t take the things that will help you."

On top of this, Olivia Munn struggled with breastfeeding due to a low milk supply. She said, "When you stop breastfeeding immediately, your hormones drop, and postpartum can come in like a tornado. And I didn’t clock any of that and I didn’t tell anybody about that. Then it was like I fell off a cliff, and I was just falling and falling and falling and falling. It was more difficult than going through cancer."

Oof, I can relate to the sudden change in breastfeeding instead of gradually slowing down. Although every mother's experience is different, it doesn't change the fact postpartum depression is very real and can be caused by a number of factors.

Digital Detox Retreats

The constant need to check emails, texts, and social media has led to burnout and stress. The American Psychological Associations' Stress in America survey found that a fifth of U.S. adults cited technology use as a significant source of stress in their life. Constantly being plugged in can affect both our mental and physical health. Taking a conscious break from screens to reconnect with ourselves and others will become a necessity in 2025. Expect even wellness retreats to offer more phone-free spaces and adventures. (See The White Lotus season 3, episode 1!). Whether it’s an hour a day or a weekend getaway, we allow our minds to rest and reduce the overwhelming feeling caused by information overload.

Saunas Everywhere

At-home saunas are the latest self care status symbol and will continue to trend into 2025 as they become more affordable (this portable sauna from Target is only $150!). Urban saunas, floating saunas, even speed-dating saunas are bringing this ancient tradition back and making it more accessible. Sauna blankets help improve circulation, detoxification through sweating, and relaxation of muscles and joints. A regular sauna routine can help reduce stress, promote better sleep, and boost heart health. The heat is also good for skin and your body's recover post-workout. Community saunas and bathhouses are also gaining in popularity, especially among younger generations who prefer the social aspect with phones and other distractions.

Train Travel

Trains are competing with spas and resorts to offer wellness-focused journeys. London's LNER Wellness Train offers activities like knitting, macrame, doodling, meditation, and games. The Golden Chariot in South India offers a spa and fitness experience while the Royal Scotsman has a Dior Spa Carriage and offers views of the Scottish Highlands for a low-stress travel experience.

Gentle Workouts

High-impact exercises can often leave our bodies feeling strained. By incorporating gentle exercise into your fitness routine, you allow your body to move in a way that reduces stress and tension. Workouts like yoga, pilates, or walking, help you become more in tune with your breathing and heart rate, which helps you feel calm. It's a great way to reach your 2025 fitness goals while also improving your mental health.

AI-Driven Wellness Devices

Biohacking wellness trends like tracking sleep, nutrition, and exercise are helping people optimize their health and potentially their life span. According to a recent McKinsey report, more than 60 percent of people have said it’s extremely or very important to purchase longevity products, and 70 percent are planning to buy more products in the future. Wearable robotics are continuing to drive this trend, and allowing more people to turn their healthcare into a lifestyle, rather than waiting for an annual checkup. People are also using at-home diagnostic tools and e-health services to manage their health at home.

Smarter Supplements 

According to SuperAge, supplements are getting smarter, more personalized, and adaptive to individual needs, thanks to AI, biomarker testing, and genetic insights. Formulas targeting menopause, hormonal balance, and fertility are becoming a major focus for women's health too. Shop immunity supplements, nootropics (for focus and memory), multivitamins and more on Amazon's health and wellness site.

Wellness Gardens

Wellness gardens are the perfect escape from the bustle of daily life, and can promote health and wellness with thoughtfully curated elements like aromatic plants, water features, and comfortable seating. Greenery, soothing sounds, and sitting outdoors in nature can encourage you to be more mindful and less stressed while homegrown food, herbs, and edible flowers nourish you for the season.

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a personalized, science-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It considers genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors to create individualized treatment plans, emphasizing nutrition, gut health, and holistic wellness for long-term health and disease prevention. Functional foods are nutrient-rich foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition — so foods filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, or probiotics to support digestion, boost immunity, or reduce inflammation. Examples include fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, which promote gut health, or fatty fish like salmon, rich in omega-3s, which support heart health. Next time you food shop, look out for these foods and incorporate them into daily meals to enhance your overall wellness and help prevent chronic health conditions.

Light Therapy

An estimated 10 million Americans are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to Psychology Today. Designing your home for better natural light, especially in winter, can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality and energy levels. Use sheer curtains in active spaces like the kitchen, living room, and home office, and open up blinds to allow as much natural light in, stimulating vitamin D production to keep bone health and immune function in check. Mentally, natural light has been shown to boost mood, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing serotonin levels. It can also improve focus, productivity, and creativity while you work. For long winter nights, invest in a light therapy lamp too.

Wellness Journaling

Wellness journaling helps you track your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By documenting your daily habits, moods, and goals, you can start to see patterns, manage stress, and focus mindfulness and on your personal growth. Check out this Papier journal for tracking your 2025 wellness goals.

Smart Indoor Air Monitors

Improving indoor air quality is so important for a healthy home. According to the EPA, Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than they are outdoors. Open windows when possible or use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce allergens, dust, and pollutants. Houseplants like snake plants and spider plants can also help purify the air naturally. Regularly clean and vacuum to keep dust mites and mold at bay, and avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Invest in a smart air quality monitor to give yourself peace of mind.

Water Filtration Systems

Home water filtration is becoming a vital wellness trend, as people seek cleaner, safer drinking water. Advanced filtration systems remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, and bacteria, and eco-conscious designs, such as reverse osmosis and carbon filters, improve water quality while reducing our reliance on bottled water. Shower filtration systems are a great way to keep chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities out of your tap water, which can cause dryness, irritation, and dullness. Have dry skin or scalp? Shower filters help maintain skin’s natural moisture barrier and can be gentler on sensitive skin.

Sleep Divorcing

A sleep divorce, when you sleep in separate beds or rooms to get a better night's sleep, can save your marriage. While it may sound extreme, many couples find that it improves both their sleep and relationship. Snoring, differing sleep schedules, or constant tossing and turning can keep you and your partner up all night, leading to fatigue and irritability (never great for communication). Sleep divorce is about prioritizing your health and theirs, and many couples report feeling more refreshed, connected, and happier in their relationships as a result. Not ready for a sleep divorce? Try this Scandinavian sleep method.

Modern Pilgrimaging

Modern pilgrimages, where you or you with a group travel to a sacred or meaningful site, nature retreat, or cultural landmark, with an emphasis on mindfulness, inner growth, and personal transformation, are forecasted to grow in 2025 as more people seek community and the great outdoors. Many people seek these experiences as a way to disconnect from daily routines, practice meditation, or explore new spiritual perspectives.

Dry Brushing

I always think of Gwyneth Paltrow when I think of dry brushing. She showed us during her typical Goop-inspired shower routine that she never takes a shower without one. It simply involves brushing your skin with a natural-bristle brush to exfoliate dead cells and stimulate circulation. It can help improve skin texture, unclog pores, and promote lymphatic drainage, which supports detoxification. Regular dry brushing may reduce the appearance of cellulite, increase energy, and leave the skin feeling smoother and more refreshed. For best results, brush before your shower for max benefits.

Sexual Health

Sexual wellness is becoming less taboo for 2025. As conversations around sexual health become more normalized, products and services like sex education, therapy, and health-enhancing products will become more accessible. Trends include the rise of personalized sexual health solutions, such as tailored supplements and tech-enabled devices for a better sex life. Platforms offering education, therapy, and community support will also grow, empowering us to explore our sexual wellness in a holistic, shame-free way.

Wild Swimming

Water wellness, a growing trend in 2025, emphasizes the health benefits of hydration and water-based therapies, like hydrotherapy (hot baths, cold plunges, steam rooms) to relieve pain, improve circulation, and reduce stress. Float therapy (a float tank filled with Epsom salt water), mineral baths using magnesium and sulfur to detoxify the body, and swimming in hot springs for relaxation, muscle tension relief, and improving circulation are giving rise to the therapeutic benefits of our natural waters.

1. Anne

Anne Elliot, the resilient heroine of Persuasion, is one of Jane Austen's most introspective protagonists. She was once persuaded to reject her true love and endured years of regret before she got a second chance at happiness.

True to her name, which means "grace" and "favor," Anne embodied quiet dignity and inner strength. This moniker is derived from Hebrew and carries a ton of other historical significance, too, from biblical figures to queens.

2. Edward

Loyal and kind-hearted, Edward Ferrars of Sense and Sensibility is a hero who values integrity over wealth and status.

The name Edward, which is rooted in Old English, means "wealthy guard," a fitting title for a character so protective and principled. It's perfect for a little boy who carries a sense of honor and dependability.

3. Emma

Emma Woodhouse is the heroine of Jane Austen's Emma. She's spirited, charming, and well-meaning, but her matchmaking endeavors lead to some trouble before she ultimately finds love of her own.

This name means "whole" or "universal" and has a history stretching from medieval royalty to modern-day pop culture icons like Emma Watson and Emma Stone. It's well-suited for a baby girl who's going to leave her mark on the world.

4. Darcy

Fitzwilliam Darcy is the brooding yet devoted hero in Pride and Prejudice. Once reserved as a surname, Darcy has evolved into a stylish, gender-neutral first name. It has Irish roots and means "dark-haired."

Darcy carries an air of mystery and intrigue, so it will definitely command attention.

5. Henry

In Northanger Abbey, Henry Tilney is a true gentleman who's humorous and warm, making this pick all the more appealing.

Derived from the German "Heimeric," meaning "house ruler," Henry has long been linked to kings. Today, the name blends strength with approachability.

6. Elinor

Elinor Dashwood is the practical eldest sister in Sense and Sensibility. She embodies quiet strength, emotional depth, and thoughtfulness.

As a variation of Eleanor, the name Elinor has French and Arabic roots. It's often associated with meanings like "light" and "brilliance," making it a beautiful choice for a baby girl.

7. George

Even though most people remember the kind and wise Mr. Knightley in Emma by his surname, his first name is actually the classic George.

This moniker, which means "farmer" or "earthworker" in Greek, has a traditional charm. It's been associated with everyone from the British royal family to George Harrison of the Beatles, and can point to a flourishing future for your newest addition.

8. Frances

Finally, Frances "Fanny" Price of Mansfield Park is unforgettable due to her resilience and moral compass.

The name, which means "free" or "truthful," was originally derived from Latin and became very popular in Britain. Frances has a timeless grace to it that feels sincere yet strong, and the nickname Fanny is undeniably adorable.