14 Hacks For How To Stop Anxious Thoughts At Night, According To Experts

Q: Why does it feel like all of our anxious thoughts occur at night?

This leads to the looming big question — , why , does it feel like our minds race at night? Thompson said, "Often we are so distracted and so busy throughout the day that we are able to push away our anxious thoughts. In American culture we are so wired to do a million things each day, work, clean, cook, sometimes take care of children, that there is often not a lot of time to let ourselves process or thoughts and emotions."

Jasmine Williams

Aug 02, 2024

Crawling into bed after a long day at school or work should feel soothing — unless you're struggling to stop anxious thoughts at night. It's not like you want to obsess over the awkward conversation you had with your boss, or the fact your lunch order was wrong, but it feels like your anxiety won't let you. Well, that's where you're partially wrong.

You can change your bedtime habits according to licensed therapist Kelsey Thompson, LMFT and biopsychologist Dr. Mary Poffenroth. Together, they explain what anxiety does to our nervous system, why we can't stop spiraling before bed, and ways we can make healthier choices we can get the rest we need!

How does anxiety affect our nervous system?

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No matter how many therapy sessions I've had, I can't always remember how anxiety affects our nervous system. Kelsey Thompson said, "Anxiety, much like trauma, causes the flight, fight or freeze response to be activated. Cortisol and adrenaline flood our system and cause our heart to race, breathing to speed up, muscle tension, energy is moved from the stomach to more needed areas — such as the muscle and heart — causing stomach issues such as IBS, constipation, stomach aches." It's clear that the list goes on and on.

Dr. Poffenroth further elaborated on the muscle tension that's often caused by anxiety. "Studies have shown that even when at rest, people with anxiety disorders constantly have more tense muscles. Constantly tense muscles can cause physical discomfort, which can make anxiety symptoms worse. The body's 'fight or flight' response is being repeatedly triggered, which is causing this tension." Unfortunately this leaves bodies in a constant state of believing it has to be ready to respond to threats.

So, what are the long-term effects of being in a state of 'fight or flight?' "Research suggests that long term this can lead to more chronic issues such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, inflammation and chronic stomach issues," Thompson said.

Why does it feel like all of our anxious thoughts occur at night?

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This leads to the looming big question — why does it feel like our minds race at night? Thompson said, "Often we are so distracted and so busy throughout the day that we are able to push away our anxious thoughts. In American culture we are so wired to do a million things each day, work, clean, cook, sometimes take care of children, that there is often not a lot of time to let ourselves process or thoughts and emotions."

It's one of the things I realized after becoming a mom. You'd think I'd be used to the impossible juggling act that comes with that, but I'm often reminded that no one is able to do everything. It's one of the reasons both Thompson and Dr. Poffenroth said our anxiety goes haywire at night.

Thompson said," When you aren’t distracted by tasks and you slow yourself down and lay in bed trying to get to sleep, you start processing through things, often this is when anxiety can flood in which makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep if you wake up in the middle of the night."

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

What's the science behind it? "In low light, the brain's fear center, the amygdala, becomes more active. Studies suggest that there was a decrease in activation in the amygdala and an increase in functional activity in the dark. This increased susceptibility may result in a rise in thoughts that make one anxious," Dr. Poffenroth said.

This has everything to do with the survival tactics that kept our ancestors alive. "When it's dark outside, the brain is more sensitive to possible dangers, even when none exist. Even though it was originally necessary for survival, this evolutionary adaptation can now cause increased anxiety at night," Dr. Poffenroth continued.

What are signs that someone's mind is racing at night?

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It's likely you're able to recognize when you're having anxious thoughts at night after the fact, but sometimes you're not always aware in the moment. According to Thompson, some of the thoughts you could be having are:

Having spiraling thoughts and repeating them for prolonged periods of time
Ruminating about the past, present or future,
Thinking about what you may have said to someone that day
Worrying about what people think of you,
Worrying about the future or others

She said this could physically show up as you being unable to wind down or relax. "You may feel the need to continuously do something or even scroll on your phone as a distraction technique," she mentioned.

Guilty as charged.

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To add to that, Dr. Poffenroth said your "inability to 'switch off'" your thoughts is the most common indicator that your anxiety is running the show at night.

"This cognitive hyperarousal can seriously obstruct one's capacity to go asleep and stay asleep through the night. The 'what if' scenarios or reflections on past events that frequently accompany the racing thoughts can lead to a vicious cycle of worry that can be challenging to break on one's own," she noted.

I've found that I don't experience bouts of insomnia like I used to, but there are nights where I wake up every few hours instead of sleeping soundly. If my anxiety spiral is really bad, I even have a series of weird dreams that wake me bolt out of bed to make sure I'm not fighting some terrible monster who has a personal vendetta against me.

Is there a way to stop the anxious spiral that happens when we're trying to get rest?

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If you're trying to figure out if you'll ever learn how to stop anxious thoughts at night, know that you're not 'broken.' Just like in Inside Out 2, anxiety wants to keep us safe and will employ any tactic it can so we can plan for possible threats. To help your anxiety understand that you're not being harmed, Thompson suggested utilizing grounding techniques.

She said this can look like:

Using guided meditation
Listening to sleep sounds music
Keeping your environment cold and dark for sleeping
Burning energy before bed by going on evening walks, to the gym after dinner or taking hot baths for relaxation before bed
Practicing mindfulness and learning challenging and cognitive restructuring skills from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Kevin Malik/Pexels

Dr. Poffenroth said, "Cognitive restructuring is an effective method to stop the anxious spiral that occurs when trying to sleep. This method is questioning and rephrasing nervous thoughts. The procedure entails recognizing negative thought patterns, assessing their veracity, and swapping them out for more realistic, balanced ideas."

This is another tool I use when I'm still a little anxious after choosing a grounding technique to focus on. It feels silly to ask yourself, "Is ______ true in this situation," but Dr. Poffenroth said it helps you reassess things so your perceived fear about something can eventually stop disrupting your sleep.

What's the worst thing someone with anxiety can do before going to bed?

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Now that we know why we have anxious thought at night, it's time to discuss changing some of our nighttime habits. The first thing Thompson wants you to stop doing is relying on caffeine after 12 or 1 p.m. This sounds like punishment for those of us who love our midday coffee runs, but that extra caffeine may be causing more harm than good.

Also, she doesn't want you to scroll on social media or check your to-do list before going to bed. This is something my work bestie has advised me against doing, but I haven't quite tricked my mind into putting my phone down before going to sleep.

The last thing she says you should avoid doing is getting into a huge argument with someone that goes unresolved. "These are all things that will make it difficult to sleep if you have anxiety at night," Thompson said.

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Additionally, Dr. Poffenroth wants you to leave your work emails in your inbox until the next day. "It can be extremely difficult to de-stress and go asleep after engaging in these activities because they raise stress levels and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system."

I know we like to trick ourselves into believing we can work ahead, but the work will always be there. I learned this the hard way when I thought it would be a good ideas to tackle five projects one night only to have more tasks to complete the following day. In addition to missing out on valuable sleep, I was even more anxious the next day.

Dr. Poffenroth said, "Taking up work-related topics right before bed can set off a chain reaction of ideas about outstanding work or impending difficulties, resulting in a restless night's sleep. Setting up a distinct boundary between work and play is essential for encouraging improved sleep hygiene and lowering anxiety."

What are helpful ways to induce a proper night's rest that's void of anxious thoughts?

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Therapy is where I started learning how to be aware of my anxious thoughts and it's something Thompson recommends. She said you can also, "Use exercise as medicine, take hot baths at night for relaxation, and make sure you get morning sunlight because this helps with sleep issues." For more information about how to improve your sleep skills, she suggests you listen to the Huberman Labs podcast on sleep skills).

Other helpful things she believes you can do to avoid having anxious thoughts at night are:

Journaling after dinner before you start your wind down routine
Focusing on progressive muscle relaxation skills like yoga or stretching to get connected to your body and out of your mind
Discussing medication options with your doctor (non addictive sleep medications can help)

Yan Krukau/Pexels

Dr. Poffenroth also believes you should focus on your breathing. "Deep breathing exercises are a very powerful tool for helping you get a good night's sleep free from worrying thoughts (via Cleveland Clinic). The parasympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of the body's rest and digest processes, is triggered by deep breathing. This activation aids in mitigating the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which is frequently hyperactive in anxious people."

She said some of the benefits of deep breathing are:

Decreased blood pressure and heart rate
An induced relaxed state that's optimal for having a good night's rest

"In addition to being a mindfulness exercise, this method helps to focus attention on the here and now rather than on worrying thoughts," she added.

Can anxious thoughts be completely avoided?

Lina Kivaka/Pexels

This is a question I've asked myself before, but Thompson has some news for anyone us who want to banish anxiety for good. "Anxious thoughts are a natural part of the human experience, but you can learn to manage them, get skilled at mindfulness and learn to not spiral or ruminate," she said.

Dr. Poffenroth actually advises against in trying to get rid of your anxious thoughts, too. "Attempting to repress them may make them worse. Because of the way the brain functions, thoughts become more present the more we attempt to suppress them," she says. "It's more important to recognize anxiety, accept it as a normal aspect of life, and develop healthy coping mechanisms."

The moment I accepted my anxiety instead of trying to douse lighter fluid on it is when I started making a breakthrough in therapy and my everyday life. It's silly, but I like to check in with my anxiety to see why it's on edge. This is a huge nod to the cognitive restructuring Dr. Poffenroth mentioned earlier.

What can someone tell themselves if they can't stop thinking about past or present situations at night?

Yaroslav Shuraev/Pexels

I'm one of those people who writes everything down. I have a list of affirmations prayers I refer to when I'm feeling anxious

Thoughts are just thoughts-you don’t need to give them meaning.
Things to not always go according to plan--- and that is ok!
You CAN change the way you think.
Don’t feed your fears- avoidance makes things worse.
Remember your strengths- they are so much stronger than your fears.
Your physical health is entirely linked to your mental health.
Managing your anxiety is a skill—you must practice it like any other skill.
Everyone makes mistakes, failure is a part of life and is inevitable.
Don’t take life too seriously.
You deserve to be happy.
Everything changes and ends, that is part of life --- change is uncomfortable but that’s how you grow.
Pain is a part of life, suffering is optional.
And will this matter 5 years from now? If yes, then ok. It's valid to spend some energy thinking about this. If not then it’s not worth being anxious about this.

Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

Another phrase Dr. Poffenroth wants you to say to yourself when you're having anxious thoughts is, "I am safe in the present moment." She believes this can be a useful reminder if you're truly struggling with your thoughts at night.

"By anchoring attention in the present reality, this statement acts as a grounding technique, helping to divert attention from thoughts about the past or future that cause anxiety. This strategy is in line with mindfulness exercises, which have been demonstrated to be successful in easing the symptoms of anxiety," she shared.

By reminding yourself that you're safe in your bed, your thoughts won't have as much of a big impact on you like they usually do.

If we could get rid of every anxious thought or scary feeling that triggers stress, I think most of us would race to take that option. But we're only human so we can't wave a magic wand to get rid of things that don't make us feel good. What we can do is slowly make changes to our habits so we can think healthier thoughts.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection. Right now, it's all about making sure you get the proper rest you need so you can go out and live life to the fullest.

Looking for more expert advice? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

Header image via Lina Kivaka/Pexels

11 Obvious Signs You’re Actually An Empath, According To A Therapist

You and your friends have likely spent countless hours together, decoding everything from imaginationships to the best comfort shows to watch when you're sad. You've probably even settled into a designated role within the group. Maybe you're the super adventurous one, always suggesting friend date ideas for the group to try, while someone else always knows how to comfort everyone when life gets rough. But, have you ever wondered if you're the most empathetic friend in the group? That's easy, just ask Brianna Paruolo, LCMCH. She's the founder and clinical director of On Par Therapyso she knows how to recognize signs you're an empath, plus how to take care of yourself!

TL;DR

Empathy is when "you feel what others are feeling."
There are physical, emotional, social, and mental signs that you're an empath.
You may be an empath if you get physically exhausted after being in crowds, feel anxious or overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments, feel responsible for other people's happiness, or you find it hard to distinguish your own feelings from someone else's.

Are there really assigned roles in friend groups or am I just imagining things?

Gary Barnes

Like I said before, it can seem like you and your friends unintentionally gravitate toward certain 'roles.' It's not like anyone woke up one day and decided, "I'm going to be the 'mother hen' of the group," but it tends to happen. Why?

Paruolo says, "In my clinical work, I've consistently observed that our friendship roles often mirror our early family dynamics. These patterns show up naturally — think about who in your friend group gets the first crisis call, who plans all the gatherings, or who everyone turns to for emotional support." I'm willing to bet you thought of a name for each scenario — including yours — because I know I did!

"Like in families, we each fall into specific roles that feel familiar to us," Paruolo further explains.

What actually makes someone an empathetic person?

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There's so many definitions for empathy, but I thought it would be wise to ask a licensed professional for her opinion on the matter. "Empathy means to feel what others are feeling. You do not have to have a personal direct experience with something to feel empathy for another person," shares Paruolo.

For example, your friend could call to tell you she has to have fibroid removal surgery and is feeling scared. You may have never had surgery, but you could find yourself feeling the need to comfort her in spite of this. Paruolo says, "The cool thing about our brains is that we have mirror neurons, which means part of our brain is set up to feel what others feel. The ability to attune to others' emotional states comes naturally to some people, while others may need to develop this capacity more consciously."

Yaroslav Shuraev

To break it down even further, here's signs that Paruolo says point to your empathetic nature.

Physical Signs:

Getting physically exhausted after being in crowds
Feeling drained after social interactions, even enjoyable ones (OMG I feel so seen!)
Needing extra time alone to recharge

Emotional Signs:

Absorbing other people's emotions like a sponge
Feeling anxious or overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments
Finding it hard to watch violence or cruelty in movies/TV

Social Signs:

Feeling responsible for others' happiness
Having trouble saying "no" to people who need help

Mental Signs:

Picking up on subtle changes in others' moods
Being highly attuned to body language and tone
Finding it hard to distinguish your feelings from others' feelings

It sounds like I'm the empathetic friend, but are there any downsides to this?

Mikhail Nilov

I've been an empath for as long as I can remember and I've found that I have to 'recharge' my social batteries at times. I thought it was because I was trying to be superwoman by fixing others' problems, but it turns out theres more to it than that. Paruolo says, "Empathetic friends and people have an uncanny ability to sense others' emotional states even when unspoken, and frequently need recovery time after intense social interactions. They tend to be deeply affected by others' experiences and naturally consider situations from multiple perspectives."

In the long run, she says it can be "distressing" for some people to always feel the feelings of others. Over time, she says, "it can cause you to shut down and retract." This can look like not being as quick to respond to the funny memes your friends send you or not even answering their phone calls right away.

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But, this doesn't mean you're the only person who tends to go through this. "Many empaths struggle with maintaining boundaries due to their deep emotional attunement," she says. Color me guilty because this sounds so much like me. It got so bad at one point that my sister nicknamed me 'Captain Save-A-Lot,' which is actually the clean version of what she truly meant. Still, empathy fatigue is no laughing matter nor does it mean you're defected. You just have the natural ability to show people their feelings are important to you.

How can I protect my peace as the empathetic friend?

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You know you need to set boundaries, but what does that mean? Paruolo says, "The key is understanding that empathy needs to be balanced with compassion - it's not just about feeling others' emotions but also knowing how to help without depleting yourself."

One of the things she loves to do is "encourage empaths to set clear boundaries around their emotional availability and make time for regular grounding exercises." As with gratitude journaling, try to focus on an activity that calls for you to be present. Focus on what you can hear, see, touch, taste, and smell.

"Self-care isn't just a luxury; it's essential maintenance for empaths. This might mean scheduling alone time, finding a supportive therapist, or joining communities where you can process your experiences," Paruolo implores.

I know how to be there for others, but how do I ask for emotional support when I need it?

Vitaly Gariev

You may feel like it's impossible to ask others for help since your shoulders are the ones people cry on, but you're only doing yourself a disservice by not speaking up. No one's super resilient or able to handle all of their distressing feelings alone. We're not meant to.

It's the reason Paruolo wants you to speak up about what you need. "The most effective approach I've seen is being direct about your needs rather than hoping others will figure them out," she says. I made this mistake during postpartum and found myself expecting my family & friends to know exactly how I felt, but they're not mind readers. The more I verbally asked for help with little or big tasks, the more my mental and emotional load lightened.

Paruolo wants you to look at "asking for support as strengthening your friendships through trust and vulnerability, instead of waiting until you're overwhelmed." By the time you reach that point, you'll be ready to enter rage or full-blown shut down mode and they're not fun.

Avoid unlocking their proverbial doors by scheduling "regular check-ins with trusted friends," suggests Paruolo. "This creates a sustainable support system and helps prevent emotional crisis points.

We have even more self-care stories for you to dive into if you need a mental and emotional boost!

14 Amazing Advent Calendars That Are Literally Full Of Surprises For 2024

The countdown to the holidays will be here before you know it, which is why we're gearing up to treat ourselves all December long with the best advent calendars for 2024. Whether you're looking to unbox a lil' somethin'-somethin' for yourself or gift the goodness to a friend or family member, these 14 advent calendars span across food, beauty, and pop culture – ensuring you find the perfect fit.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Advent Calendar

This Rory- and Lorelai-approved advent calendar is packed to the brim with 25 Stars Hollow-themed trinkets, from keychains, and buttons to magnets and stickers so you can flaunt your Gilmore Girls fandom all year long.

Alo

Alo Advent Calendar

This pick by Alo is packed to the brim with 24 days of beauty, wellness, movement, and style must-haves which will give you or anyone you gift it to the ultimate health reset.

Uncommon Goods

Advent Shower Steamer Set

This advent calendar features 24 different shower steamers for a wholesome 'treat yourself' moment as the holidays draw near.

Glamnetic

Glamnetic Nail Lover's Gift Set

This advent calendar is filled with a week's worth of press-on nails, one of which is a limited-edition, never-seen-before design! This is the ideal gift for the beauty lover in your life.

Godiva

Godiva 2024 Holiday Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar

Because chocolate always makes the best gift! This Godiva advent calendar comes complete with 24 assorted chocolates that range from milk, dark, and white. Kick off the most delicious time of year by gifting this indulgent set to your local chocolate lover, or yourself – just try not to sneak all the chocolates in one sitting!

Sephora

Sephora Collection Advent Calendar

We'd gladly take a Sephora-themed advent calendar year-round, but this beauty-centric one makes the holidays feel a bit more special. Never say "no" to a treat-yourself moment! With this set, you'll unveil 24 different makeup, skincare, and bath goodies, accessories, plus an advent-exclusive inclusion.

Kylie Cosmetics

Kylie Cosmetics Holiday Advent Calendar

This 12-day advent calendar from none other than Kylie Jenner herself features all her favorite makeup and skincare products that can help you (or your giftee) create versatile looks, from day to night.

Nordstrom

MAC Cosmetics 24K Holiday Advent Calendar

Unwrap your glowiest glow with this luxurious MAC advent calendar! For 24 whole days (ideally leading up to Christmas, but we understand where you're coming from, early openers), you'll find only the best lip, base, eyes, and skin picks from the beloved brand. Sitting at an original value of $480, you can snag this baby for more than half-off for the holidays!

Typology

Typology Advent Calendar

Typology's 2023 advent calendar sold out in less than 48 hours last year, and it's already waitlisted for 2024 – but it's not to be missed, especially if you're gifting the design- and sustainability-forward beauty-lover in your life. This cal contains 15 full-size and 9 mini-size skincare products for the face, eyes, lips, and hands. It's super sleek yet unique, plus, it's constructed from FSC-certified paper to not only optimize space, but reduce its carbon footprint during transport. Get your name on the waitlist with the link here!

Nordstrom

Sugarfina 24 Tastes Of Christmas Candy Advent Calendar

The holidays are the time to assume the character of Buddy the Elf and go all in on all the Christmas candies. This 24-day advent calendar features everything from creamy chocolates to fruity gummies to satisfy that sweet tooth and bring some very sugary Christmas cheer to the season. P.S. Sharing is caring!

Craftspring

Craftspring Linen Ornaments Advent Calendar

Your Christmas tree will be left looking utterly lush once you've made it through this adorable advent calendar. It's loaded with a mini ornament for every day, each one made from sustainably-harvested merino-blended wool. The hand-embroidered calendar base will truly last a lifetime, so you can use it every year, loading it with candies, teas, and beauty goodies – whatever you please!

Nordstrom

L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

This treasure chest of goodies for your skin, body, hair, and hands is well-worth the investment (a $115 value for just $84) considering you can get some good year-round use out of it. The contents will come in particularly handy for all your dry skin woes once winter is, well, wintering. The best part about this cal is you can keep what you want, then gift more minis to the skincare-obsessed in your life!

Compartés

Compartés Winter Foxes Chocolate Advent Calendar

By far the coolest, most intricate chocolates we've tried, Compartés' offerings make the best holiday gifts. Opt for this 24 day-long advent calendar inspired by a mystical fox named Samson. Like Samson, you'll be able to cleverly venture out on a world of bite-sized chocolate treasures from the likes of Creme Brûlée, Campfire S'mores, and Blackberry Crumble. How yummy.

Lush

Lush Advent Calendar

Holiday prep can be stressful. Wind down and relax a bit each day with each of Lush's advent calendar surprises! From colorful bath bombs and home fragrances to beloved beauty picks from years past, this 24-day box is a total banger. Plus, if you don't see yourself using up each day's offering, you'll have some absolutely delightful gifts on-hand to give to your friends and fam.

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This post has been updated.

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13 Quick & Easy Ways To Calm Down When You’re Stressed Out

Lately, we've been faced with anxiety everywhere we turn. It's okay if (like us), you don't always know how to deal with the toughest of times, especially when the tough times never seem to end. If you are feeling that way, we're right there with you! Our team has always shared the ways we cope with our personal stressors over the years, and we wanna share these quick and easy tips for how to calm down with you! Keep reading for our recommendations — hopefully they can help the next time you're feeling anxious.

Thirdman

Intentional Thoughts

I'm someone who has a hard time letting things go; I can agonize over one thought or situation for days! Because of this, I focus a lot on taking thoughts captive, which just means pinpointing anxious thoughts and replacing them with what I know is true.

When I have an anxious thought, I do a creative visualization exercise in which I imagine it's inside a bubble floating over my head. Then I slam an imaginary door over the memory and lock it. Then the bubble explodes and the thought doesn't exist anymore. It's not necessarily pretending like it never happened, but it does allow me to exercise some control over what I allow myself to spend time and energy thinking about.

—Choe Williams, Entertainment Editor

Mikhail Nilov

Breathing Techniques

My mom is a Pre-K teacher and suggested I try the breathing exercises she does with her kids who are just four years old (I'm 31 for context). The first is called Mountain Breathing, which entails holding up your hand and tracing the outline of your fingers. As you climb up the mountain (or your finger), inhale, and as you trace down into the valley between your fingers, exhale. Another breathing visualization she recommends is as you inhale, imagine yourself breathing in to smell the flowers, and exhale to blow out a candle. These little imaginative scenarios help me get out of my head and focus on my breathing when I need a little reset throughout the day.

Hammock Swinging

Whenever I'm feeling super stressed, I head for the hammock I setup in my front yard. Just as rocking can soothe babies, swinging in a hammock is a powerful soother for adults too! I feel super chilled afterwards and am usually getting some Vitamin D while I'm at it for a win-win.

Painting

During the pandemic, I revisited arts and crafts with soft pastels. I started mixing the colors and doing gradient shadings on card stock with my hands, and it proved to be a super meditative way to decompress. The end result is DIY art you can share or pin on your fridge or wall.

—Alison Ives, Head Of Content

KoolShooters

Breathing Techniques

Nothing calms me down quite like alternate-nostril breathing. I first learned about this technique in my yoga classes, but the practice (called Nadi Shodhana in Sanskrit) dates back to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which was thought to be written sometime between 200 BC and 200 CE. Put simply, you sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and cover one nostril while you breathe in through the other. Then, you switch which nostril you're holding closed, and breathe out. In modern times, the connection between vagal nerve tone (which is correlated with anxiety and emotional regulation) and alternate-nostril breathing is becoming more and more mainstream, which may eventually help us better understand why this practice is so naturally calming.

Tarot Reading

Tarot can mean a lot of different things to different people. For me, I use tarot cards as a method to help me understand what lessons I'm learning at any given time. This has allowed me to view stressors in my life as learning experiences, which has helped me stay calm in numerous crises. I personally like to light some incense or a scented candle, sit quietly, and pull a card to see what resonates. That said, tarot and its associated images and meanings can be scary or triggering if you don't have a deep and gentle understanding of what the cards mean. I recommend Lindsay Mack's classes and podcasts for anyone who wants to learn about tarot in a non-judgemental, non-predictive, trauma-informed way.

—Maggie McCracken, Former Senior Editor

Gustavo Fring

Sensory Accessories

My recent ways of coping/de-stressing have primarily been spiky sensory finger rings, which are a huge help when I need to get something done and can't stop my day to destress. I grab one of these guys which I have all over the place (most of my jacket pockets + purses), and it helps to calm me down and reset my focus.

Meditation On The Move

Another thing I do that I am trying to integrate into my daily routine is guided meditation walks. As someone who hasn't mastered sitting meditation I've found some on Headspace that I'm enjoying that are specifically for going on a walk through a city.

—Claire Shadomy, Former Graphic Designer

Kate Branch

Baths...

In times of high stress, or after a long day, my go-to is always a candle-lit bath soak. I put a large scoop of Epsom salts in the tub with a few drops of my favorite essential oil and place tea lights all around the tub. It’s like my secret getaway from the rest of the world. I always make a point to leave my phone in the other room too so I utilize the time to just relax in silence. Water triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's “rest and digest” response. It always gets my heart rate and blood pressure down.

...And Sound Baths

Sound baths are a meditative experience where you’re “bathed” in sound waves. I love to watch them online but you can also create your own experience. I find meditating with a singing bowl so relaxing. It can take a little practice, but once you’ve nailed the hand movement, it’s an interactive way to ease stress and channel your focus elsewhere.

—Allison Cimo, Former Social Media Manager

Brady Knoll

Take A Hike

Pretty much every day in 2020 I walked the trails near my house and I started to pick up a small rock each time. I'd fidget with it while I cleared my mind and let nature calm my nerves. I would throw the rock back into nature after my hike and it felt like a release for all of my worries.

Bedtime Music

My daughter and I listen to Doze sleep music on Headspace before we go to bed. It calms her late-night zoomies (and mine) and gets her to sleep in minutes!

—Theresa Gonzalez, Branded Content Editor

Anastasia Shuraeva

Journaling

What I use for my anxiety is the Intelligent Change Five Minute Journal. I have a safe word in place for when I feel myself spiraling or I'm not able to control my thoughts and breathing.

—Brittney Davis, Account Manager

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This post has been updated.

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33 Early Black Friday Deals You Can Start Shopping Now

Black Friday will be here before you know it, with thousands of retailers flaunting their best deals of the year. We're shoppers at heart, so you know we're already scoping out 2024's offerings! Given that the list of stores and brands hosting Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales this year is essentially endless, we're weeding out only the best deals from the places you love to spend (and save). From beauty faves like Dieux and Kiehl's to home goods from Amazon and Walmart, these are the Black Friday deals you simply can't miss.

What is Black Friday?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving that typically signifies the start of holiday shopping season, though many retailers have started to launch their Black Friday deals earlier year over year. A lot of the deals that stores and brands offer during Black Friday outpace their other sales events (such as Memorial Day and Labor Day) in terms of savings.

When is Black Friday 2024?

Gustavo Fring / PEXELS

Black Friday will land on November 29, 2024.

What is Cyber Monday?

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving that highlights savings and deals online as opposed to in-store offers. It's one of the busiest times of year for online shopping.

When is Cyber Monday 2024?

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Cyber Monday will land on December 2, 2024.

When's the best time to shop for holiday gifts?

Vlada Karpovich / PEXELS

We're big believers that it's never too early to start shopping for holiday gifts. The sooner you shop, the better, so you can check everyone off your list ahead of the busy holiday season and have some peace of mind once the real festivities start! Plus, if you're shopping online, starting early gives you ample time to wait for items to be shipped and delivered to your door. If deals and savings are what you're looking for, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer some really great opportunities.

What's the best thing to shop for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best thing to shop for during Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday promotions really depends on what your needs are as well as the items you're scoping out to treat yourself (or the people you're gifting for the holidays). Typically, big-ticket items like home appliances, tech products like earbuds, laptops, TVs, and tablets, and luxury self-care tools are heavily discounted during this time.

Beauty Sales

Amazon

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Brightening Serum

Bliss

When: November 20-December 17

What: 20-30% off select products

Ulta

Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum

Ulta

When: Now-November 23

What: Weekly deals on skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance.

IT Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+

IT Cosmetics

When: November 23-December 3

What: 30% off sitewide (loyalty members get 35% off)

Amazon

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl's

When: November 21-December 2

What: 30% off site-wide and 50% off select items on November 26 only

Amazon

Lanolips Baby Baby Balms Set

Lanolips

When: November 29-December 2

What: 30% off at Ulta and 20% off on Amazon

Moroccanoil

Moroccanoil Original Treatment

Moroccanoil

When: November 25-December 3 (rewards members will have early access to the sale on December 2)

What: 25% off sitewide

NOYZ

NOYZ Love Club Eau De Parfum

NOYZ

When: November 28-30 and December 1-2

What: 25% off sitewide and a free baseball cap on purchases over $55 on November 28-30, 25% off sitewide and a free candle on purchases over $55 on December 1-2

dpHUE

dpHUE Gloss+

dpHUE

When: November 3-15

What: 25% off sitewide

Dieux

Dieux Baptism Gel Cleanser

Dieux

When: November 29-December 2

What: 30% off original price items, 20% off single items, and a free Mini Slugging Kit on orders over $30

ILIA

ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

ILIA

When: November 25-December 2, VIP members get early access November 24

What: 20% off sitewide, 25% off orders over $125, and 25% off plus a free full-size product for orders over $150

Ogee

Ogee Tinted Lip Set

Ogee

When: November 1-December 3

What: 20% off sitewide with code 'GIFTGLOW20' and receive free deluxe samples with purchases over $200 (November 28-December 3 only)

Amazon

Youth To The People Superfood Facial Cleanser

Youth To The People

When: November 23-December 3 on YTTP.com, November 21-December 2 on Amazon, and December 2 at Sephora

What:

YTTP: 30% off sitewide plus a free 3-piece gift with purchases over $85
Amazon: 20% off select products through November 27, 30% off select products starting November 28
Sephora: 30% off all products in-store and online

Fashion Sales

Amazon

Dream Pairs Genuine Suede Classic Platform Boots

Dream Pairs

When: November 21-December 2

What: 20-40% off select styles on the Dream Pairs site and Amazon

Madewell

Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote

Madewell

When: November 21-27

What: 30% off your purchase, including new arrivals

H&M

H&M Brushed-Finish Jacket

H&M

When: November 28-December 1

What: 30% off online only (November 28), 30% off online and in-store (November 29-30), and up to 50% off (November 30-December 1)

Old Navy

Old Navy '94 Half Zip

Old Navy

When: November 1-December 2

What: 50% off select products online and in-store (November 1-6), 50% off everything online and in-store (November 7-10), and 50% off everything online only and 50% off select products in-store (November 27-December 2)

Land's End

Land's End Medium Canvas Tote Bag

Land's End

When: November 29-December 3

What: 50% off, including customizable canvas totes, sheets, towels, accessories and more.

Showpo

Showpo Jondra Blouse

Showpo

When: November 22-December 3

What:

Black Friday early access (November 22-24): 25% off sitewide
Black Friday (November 27-29): 25% off sitewide
Cyber Weekend (November 30-December 1): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers
Cyber Monday (December 2-3): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers

Franco Sarto

Franco Sarto Jaxon Mid Calf Boot

Franco Sarto

When: November 23-December 3

What: Up to 70% off + free shipping

Oomiay

Oomiay Havasu Earrings

Oomiay

When: November 28-December 2

What: Free exclusive jewelry pieces (up to 5) with every item purchased on November 28-December 1 and up to 50% off your entire order on December 2 only

Barefoot Dreams

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Solid Robe

Barefoot Dreams

When: November 27-December 1 (Black Friday VIP access starts November 25) and December 2-3 (for Cyber Monday)

What: 20% off 2 items, 25% off 3 items, and 30% off 4 or more items for Black Friday. The CozyChic Checks & Stripes Sock Set will be just $9.98 (was $45) on Cyber Monday only.

Local Eclectic

Local Eclectic Whimsical Charm Necklace

Local Eclectic

When: November 25-December 2

What: 20% off sitewide

Quince

Quince Italian Wool Classic Single-Breasted Coat

Quince

When: November 27-December 2

What: 40% off select products

Home Sales

Revival Rugs

Revival Rugs Gambit Rug

Revival Rugs

When: November 14-December 2

What: Scaled discounts automatically applied at checkout:

15% off $250-500
20% off $500-999
25% off $1,000-1,999
30% off $2000+

Walmart

Samsung 55” Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV

Walmart

When: November 11-December 1

What: Walmart is breaking up their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals into two events.

Event 1 deals begin online on November 11 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
Event 1 deals begin in stores on November 15 at 6 a.m. local time.
Event 2 deals begin online on November 25 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
Event 2 deals begin in stores November 29 at 6 a.m. local time.
Cyber Monday deals start online on December 1 at 5 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 8 p.m. ET for all customers.

Amazon

TheraGun Sense Percussion Massage Gun

Amazon

When: November 29 and December 2 (tentative)

What: Amazon will feature "tons of great deals across all different categories."

Brookstone

Loftie Sunrise Lamp

Brookstone

When: November 25-December 4

What: Up to 76% off select items

Ruggable

Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief Sage & Rose Tufted Rug

Ruggable

When: Starting November 26

What: 25% off sitewide (exclusions apply) with code 'BF24'

Brümate

Brümate Era 40-Ounce Tumbler

Brümate

When: November 26-December 2

What: 20% off coolers and 25% off drinkware with code 'HOLIDAY25'

sproos!

sproos! Lookin Good Handheld Shower System

sproos!

When: November 27-December 2

What: 30% off of the Lookin' Good Bundle on sproos.co and Amazon

Great Jones

Great Jones x Fellow Kettle

Great Jones

When: November 4-December 2 on Great Jones site and November 21-December on Amazon

What: up to 50% off sitewide and 20-33% off select items on Amazon

Food + Supplement Sales

Cure

Cure Electrolyte Drink Mix Starter Kit

Cure

When: November 26-December 3

What: 25% off sitewide on all Electrolyte Drink Mixes, Cure Kids, Energy Teas and merch with code 'HELPYOURSELF25'

More Sales

Petco

Native Pet Omega 3 Fish Oil For Dog Skin & Coat

Petco

When: November 23-30

What: 50% off select items

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop even more Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

black friday cyber monday sales deals holiday shopping

Why Wait? 106 Must-See Amazon Deals You Won’t Want To Miss This Week

Why wait? Discover 106 must-see Amazon deals this week that you won’t want to miss! From cutting-edge tech to cozy home essentials and trending beauty finds, these top picks offer unbeatable savings and value. Dive into these amazing offers now and snag your favorites before they're gone—because the best deals won’t stick around for long.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Cook Comfort Food to Perfection in This Pumpkin Dutch Oven

Amazon

Elevate your fall cooking with this pumpkin-shaped cocotte. Made from enameled cast iron, it’s as durable as it is stylish, whether you’re using it on the stove or pulling it straight from the oven. With its brass stem handle, it doubles as a decorative piece, making it a smart seasonal investment for your kitchen.

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What is Black Friday?

When is Black Friday 2024?

What is Cyber Monday?

When is Cyber Monday 2024?

When's the best time to shop for holiday gifts?

What's the best thing to shop for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Beauty Sales

Fashion Sales

Home Sales

Food + Supplement Sales

More Sales

Cook Comfort Food to Perfection in This Pumpkin Dutch Oven

A Cabinet With Tilt-Out Storage For Laundry, Recycling, or Trash

Dazzle Everyone In This Perfume

A Countertop Dishwasher With Enough Capacity For A Family Of 4

Spruce Up Your Dinner Party Game With This Dinnerware Set

A Freestanding Cupboard That Serves as a Mini-Pantry

Buttery Soft Leggings

A LEGO Advent Calendar to Bring Out the Christmas Spirit

This Floor Pouf Looks So Trendy

This Flattering Pea Coat

Maybelline Just Dropped These New Shadow Blocks in a Stacked Eye Shadow Trio

A Cream Eyeshadow in the Perfect Fall Shade

This Organic Modern Freestanding Pantry

This Dinnerware Set Was One of Oprah's Favorite Things

Seasons Greetings

Use This Wrap Dress to Elevate Your Look

A Chunky-Knit Sweater in Pretty Autumn Shades

Blow Off Some Steam With A Dammit Doll

Beats Solo Wireless Headphones

Bright Eyes Even If You Overslept

This cordless hand massager with heat and compression is a great gift for anyone with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

This Complexion Stick Can Cover Anything

A Charcuterie Board That Comes with Serving Knives

A Stylish Anorak Jacket That Goes With Anything

Finally, The iRobot Roomba Is On Sale

This Coffee Maker That’s Essential to Your Morning Routine

If Their Vanity Is a Mess

Line Smoothing Seamless Bra

A Cream Eyeliner That Comes in Multiple Shades