10 Last-Minute Stress-Busting Gifts to Wrap Up 2020

stress relief

It is likely that everyone on your holiday gift list is experiencing stress and anxiety this year. With a global pandemic and nail-biting election on top of having to juggle the usual work and family obligations, it is no surprise that Google searches for self-care reached all time highs this year. Clearly, all we want for 2020 Christmas is a little relief.

With so much going on, the last thing you need to be doing is pouring time and energy into finding the perfect presents, so we've done the research for you. Scroll on for our favorite wellness-minded gifts and stocking stuffers that will bring your friends and loved ones some much-deserved peace.

LARQ Self-Sanitizing Water Bottle ($98)

We're all scared of germs these days, and it is more important than ever to ensure that everything around us is clean and sanitized. LARQ – the world's first self-cleaning water bottle – eliminates 99.999 percent of bacteria using a UV-C LED purification system designed with the same technology used by hospitals to sterilize emergency rooms. Treat your friends and family to fresh water in a stylish self-cleaning bottle!

Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier ($39)

Better than holding your face over a steaming pot of pasta, the Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier provides a relaxing continuous mist, leaving you with a healthy fresh-from-the-tropics glow. At just 6 inches high it can go in the car or just run overnight for extra hydrated skin. The portable humidifier releases a cool, sanitized vapor that soothes dry skin and respiratory symptoms and even reduces snoring (in case you need to send a little hint to your SO;).


RistRoller, Mini Hand and Wrist Foam Roller ($15)

Created by mother-daughter duo Jade Dadiz and Jessika Jake, this petite foam roller is perfect for achy wrists, hands, feet, and forearms. With the shift to WFH, many of us are spending even more time on our devices, leading to tense hands and wrists. This mini roller targets the small areas that are hard to stretch out, providing some muscle relief (plus it's super cute!).

Theragun Prime G3 Percussive Therapy Device ($299)

For the fitness-buff in your life, this simplified smart percussive therapy device (read: handheld massage gun) helps loosen muscles and relieve soreness. Maybe they went a little too hard on their latest leg day – the deep-muscle massager relieves pain and boosts recovery so they can be back on their Peloton the very next morning. Theragun can even help reduce stress and improve sleep – something we could all use this year.

Felix Gray Blue Light Glasses ($95)

Ease the strain of looking at your devices all day while maintaining a stylish look. Felix Gray glasses reduce eye strain by filtering out the blue light emitting from our screens that can mess up our bodies' natural rhythms. With their sophisticated shape and color options (choose from horn or whiskey tortoise) the Turing glasses look professional and put-together while aiding you with sleep, lessening headaches, and even improving posture (no more slumping over your laptop to get a better look). Felix Gray's frames are perfect for the tech-obsessed people in your life.

Four Sigmatic Reishi Elixir ($30)

Four Sigmatic's Reishi Elixir might just be the easiest and most nourishing way to get a good night's sleep. Sipping the beverage before bed helps to lessen stress, replenishing the mind and body. 'Four Sigmatic' foods refer to the 100 most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Add them to your daily routine to experience higher focus and concentration, relaxation, a stronger immune system and steady energy levels. The Mushroom Elixir with reishi contains 1,500 mg of reishi mushroom to support sleep and stress relief. And if you're worried about a funky fungi taste, Four Sigmatic's products taste like coffee or hot cacao – whatever they are mixed with.

Golde Make Your Matcha Kit ($45)

We all know someone matcha-obsessed. Golde has put together all the essentials for the perfect at-home matcha experience in one colorful kit! Matcha is full of L-theanine, an amino acid that has been proven to reduce stress responses and symptoms of anxiety by increasing GABA, dopamine and serotonin. Beyond busting stress, studies of matcha and its components have revealed numerous benefits, showing that the plant can help protect the liver, promote heart health, and even aid in weight loss.The kit features Golde's 'Pure Matcha' and a bamboo whisk for whipping up a tasty drink whenever you like. Add your favorite milk for an instant latte.

Apollo Neuro ($349)

Give the gift of calm this holiday season with this new stress relief wearable. It uses gentle vibrations to stimulate your parasympathetic "rest and digest" nervous system, restoring balance to your body so you can get to sleep, focus, and recover. Apollo has been scientifically validated in multiple studies to improve heart rate variability, a key biometric of stress. Pop it on your wrist or ankle, and use the Apollo Neuro app to choose from seven modes to get to sleep, focus, relax, meditate, or energize yourself for the day.

Dodow Metronome Light Sleep Aid ($59)

Perhaps you've found yourself struggling to sleep lately. You're not alone -- Coronasomnia is a real phenomenon, and it's probably affecting someone on your list. More people than ever across all age groups have been fighting a loss of sleep due to pandemic stress. Dodow's Metronome Light Sleep Aid helps soothe brain activity, slow down breathing and relax the body. The device emits an oscillating blue light onto the ceiling to guide your breathing. At the end of the 8 or 20 minute cycle, the sleep aid shuts off automatically, leaving you in the perfect place to fall asleep.

Herbivore CALM Soaking Salts ($18)

A great gift for just about anyone, Herbivore's soaking salts elevate a simple bath to a spa-worthy experience. Who wouldn't enjoy pouring themselves a glass of wine and submerging into a warm bath scented with ylang ylang and vanilla? Made of Himalayan pink salt crystals mixed with essential oils, Herbivore's bath salts rejuvenate and exfoliate the skin, calm the senses, and soothe the mind with aromatherapeutic properties.


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It’s no secret that Amazon is packed with some real wacky and wild products. From aesthetically-pleasing sprayable hand sanitizers to “game changing” coffee-powered under eye creams, I scoured the retailer’s (virtual) shelves for these 15 best self-care finds to make your 2025 way easier – and filled with plenty of ‘you’ time.

You’ll find some pretty weird (but amazing) skincare products and bedtime essentials in this list, too, so get ready to put on the best, most relaxing self-care sessions ever in the new year!

Scroll through for 15 of the best “weird but amazing” self-care products that’ll totally transform your 2025!

Amazon

Kiehl's Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

This face mask made with avocado delivers results that are just as fun and satisfying as applying it is. It promises "soft and hydrated skin in just 15 minutes."

Amazon

Lifelines Flameless Candle / Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oil lovers will love this flameless diffuser since it's compatible with any kind of essential oil. There's no flame, smoke, or spilled wax to clean up after use, plus it's gonna look beautiful on any bookshelf or bedside table.

Amazon

Touchland Glow Mist Revitalizing Hand Sanitizer Spray

This hand sanitizer has got to be one of the weirdest (but most amazing) formats for a beauty product I've ever seen. One tiny container delivers 500 sprays full of rose petals, blackcurrant buds, and rosewater to replenish your skin's moisture, all while fighting common germs and smelling delish.

Amazon

Starument Portable Hand Vacuum Cleaner

This "ultra-powerful" cordless vacuum easily sucks up dirt, dust, and other particles off of any surface. It's insanely compact and portable, perfect for cleaning up smaller spaces like your car or work cubicle!

Amazon

Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask

Good sleep is the first step to true self-care. This weighted sleep mask provides even pressure and blocks out 100% of light to really help you wind down. You can even pop it in the freezer before use to help tackle pesky mid-day headaches!

Amazon

Alleyoop Tip Off Liquid-Filled Makeup Removing Swabs

These makeup remover-filled cotton swabs are great to keep in your purse for those random makeup mishaps or smudges. The formula is effective but equally calm, so it won't irritate your sensitive eye area or other parts of your skin.

Amazon

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Made with snail mucin (yes, real snail mucin), this skincare essence has a surprising cult following for its ability to repair dry skin and provide long-lasting hydration. It's a must-have addition to level up your 2025 skincare routine!

Amazon

Good Weird Cold Brew Undereye Cream

Wake up! This under eye cream is powered by caffeine to help de-puff the under eye area, essentially working like an "espresso shot for your face," per the brand. Its unique formula smooths, blurs, diminishes fine lines, brightens skin, and promotes collagen production all at once.

Amazon

Feierdun Adjustable Dumbbells

If you're strapped for space when it comes to at-home workouts, these weird but amazing dumbbells provide the perfect solution, so you don't have to keep multiple sets lying around. They range from 2 to 10 pounds, and are adjustable in 2-pound increments to suit your personal goals.

Amazon

Goshi Exfoliating Shower Towel

Exfoliation is key in retaining healthy, glowing skin! Keep this shower towel on-hand to lather up and clean your skin, all while scrubbing away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

Amazon

Viozon Tablet Stand Pillow

Resting can be just as productive as working out, journaling, or locking in on your self-care routine are. When it's time to wind down and let your body and mind catch up, this tablet or phone stand pillow comes in super handy with a hands-free design. Simply grab some snacks and post up with this pillow to veg out and watch your fave TV shows or YouTube vids!

Amazon

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick

Aquaphor... in stick form? I'll take 10 of them, thank you! This is the only formula to truly nourish and heal my dry lips, skin, and cuticles, especially in the winter. The stick format looks so much more convenient than their traditional squeezable tube.

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Bee's Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

These food wraps made from beeswax will help you eliminate (or simply just diminish) your use of single-use plastics in the kitchen. Made entirely of organic materials, you won't be crossing paths with any microplastics or toxic chemicals any time soon. When the wraps no longer retain their shape, they can be easily composted or used as a fire starter!

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Monstake Automatic Soap Dispenser

This automatic soap dispenser just seems like such a fun purchase, plus it'll upgrade any bathroom or kitchen sink setup. It's compatible with any foaming hand soap, dish soap, or body wash for a luxe feel.

Amazon

LED Light Therapy Face Mask

We adore red light therapy tools over here. This face mask makes reaping the benefits super easy, since you can rock it hands-free. It even has four different modes to target specific skincare concerns like dullness, redness, and acne.

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

Trader Joe’s is pure proof that you don’t need to spend big bucks to find amazingly satisfying foods to stock your fridge and pantry. TJ’s has a ton of goodies under $5 – from cult-favorite snacks to filling frozen meals! These affordable Trader Joe’s finds are undeniably packed with flavor and value.

Get ready to shop the best Trader Joe’s finds under $5!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Made with double the amount of tahini as your traditional hummus would be, this $2.50 dip boasts a "luxuriously smooth" texture and the perfect amount of savory-ness for dunking in veggie sticks and crackers.

Trader Joe's

Spicy Honey Sauce

Trader Joe's $5 take on hot honey is so good. Put it on sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, or pastas, and you def won't regret it.

Trader Joe's

Soft & Juicy Mango

Even though these $2 strips of mango are dried, they still have a soft and juicy feel to them. This makes the ultimate hiking or camping snack for someone with a sweet tooth!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

The unique shape of this $3 snack alone makes it feel super fancy. The little curls have a ncie savory taste, thanks to the lentil flour and potato starch they're made of.

Trader Joe's

Mirepoix

Why go through all of the work picking a good onion, celery stalk, and carrots and chopping 'em up for a soup or stew when you can snag this pre-cut $3 mirepoix from Trader Joe's? It still tastes just as fresh and delicious, plus you didn't have to whip out the cutting board once.

Trader Joe's

Super Chocolatey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough

The most luxurious cookies always have a ton of chocolate chips in them. This $5 pre-made cookie dough is chockfull of chocolate – per TJ's, it makes up over 25% of the recipe! Sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the freshly baked goods to amp up the flavors even more.

Trader Joe's

Mini Quiche Duo

This $5 pack of mini quiches includes two elevated flavors: Mushroom & Swiss Cheese Mini Quiches and Uncured Bacon & Sweet Onion Mini Quiches. Snag a box to perfect the easiest hosting hack around.

Trader Joe's

Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

The hype surrounding TJ's soup dumplings is so real. One $3.49 box gives you half a dozen broth- and chicken-filled dumplings that turn out so tasty, even though they're just made in the microwave. Pair this plate with some chili crunch and soy sauce if you're craving lotsa good flavor.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels

Dark chocolate is the best chocolate... we don't make the rules. This $3.49 bag of dipped pretzels gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to sweet and savory treats!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

We don't know about you, but 17 grams of protein for $2.29 is too good of a deal to pass up! The Perfect Bar is quite literally perfect for fueling any activity.

Trader Joe's

Spinach & Ricotta Raviolini

Trader Joe's selection of pre-made pastas is pretty solid, and most of them are easily under $5. This spinach and ricotta combo is the bomb. With or without pasta sauce, it's sure to please for an easy lunch or dinner.

Trader Joe's

Ranch Seasoned Cashews

We're always hunting for Trader Joe's snacks under $5 as an excuse to bulk up our shopping carts and have a lil' somethin' to munch on during the workweek. These $4 cashews are perfectly seasoned with ranch flavoring for a savory escape.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Ganache Mini Sheet Cake

Because who can resist cake?! Trader Joe's $5 sheet cake is shoppable in this delectable dark chocolate flavor or even an impressive chantilly cream vanilla bean variety. You can choose to jazz either of them up with chopped nuts, fresh berries, birthday candles, edible flowers – or all of the above!

Trader Joe's

Sweet Chili Sauce

This $1.69 bottle of sweet chili sauce tastes exactly like the sauce you'd get with crab and cream cheese rangoons when you order takeout. Stock up for cheap and have it easily on-hand to enjoy with stir fries, fried rice dishes, and homemade (or TJ's ready-made) dumplings!

Trader Joe's

Meyer Lemon & Cream Yogurt

This $3 4-pack of "rich" and "creamy" yogurt is crafted with real Meyer lemon juice concentrate, cream, and natural flavorings. Its yellow-y color comes from turmeric, so you won't find any artificial food dyes here. Fancyyy.

Trader Joe's

Milk Chocolate Covered Honeycomb Candy

You've never seen a $4 candy like this before – crunchy, airy, and light honeycomb crisps covered in silky milk chocolate. Be careful, because one bag will go quick. You won't want to share.

Trader Joe's

Parmesan, Garlic & Herb Butter

Made of 25% Parmesan cheese, this $3 brick of salted butter is perfect for easily elevating your dishes. The cheese is worked in alongside some dried garlic and parsley for extra yum. TJ's recommends trying it on baked potatoes, scrambled eggs, popcorn, and roasted veggies!

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2024 was so tough that I almost thought I didn't accomplish any of my goals. But revisiting the beginning of my 2024 planner and gratitude journal showed me that I actually did a lot of what I intended to. However, I really want to be more intentional about my self-improvement this year — especially as I navigate the loss I've faced throughout this year.

In true book lover fashion, I have 20 books I've added to my TBR pile to help me think about how I want to be a better person aside from achieving career goals this year. They're the most personal book picks I've shared all year because I know I'm not the only one who wants to live differently in 2025.

TW: Two books about healing after pregnancy loss are featured.

Scroll to find the most inspiring self-improvement books to help you have the life you deserve and want in 2025!

1. Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogel

I know some of us are worried about politics, reproductive health, inflation, and other troubling things. But, we're not going to help anyone, especially ourselves, if we're consistently frozen by worst-case scenario thoughts. IMO, Don't Overthink It should be read immediately after Amanda Montell's The Age of Magical Overthinking because it's another needed reminder to stop hurting our brains.

She shares essential tools to help us rewire our thoughts so we're not completely consumed by 'doom-thinking,' which I think a lot of us need. Her ultimate goal? Helping us enjoy the time we're alive.

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2. The Worst Girl Gang Ever by Bex Gunn & Laura Buckingham

Speaking of reproductive health, this doesn't immediately seem like a self-improvement book — except it is. II don't know how many other women experienced a miscarriage this year, but I know I'm not the only one.

Though the title seems like a funny dig at something that doesn't feel hilarious, it's more than that. The Worst Girl Gang Ever does an amazing job of naming the confusing period that follows pregnancy loss and how lonely it can feel. It's not that other people haven't experienced it, but it operates like an 'invisible' pain.

Authors Bex Gunn and Laura Buckingham know that this is a gang no one would willingly sign up for, but they hold space for every emotion that surfaces. Most importantly, The Worst Girl Gang Ever is a reminder that this isn't something to feel ashamed about. That it's more common than people realize and it's possible to heal from.

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3. All the Love by Kim Hooper, Meredith Resnick, LCSW, AND Huong Diep, PsyD

In case you're in need of more guidance after dealing with pregnancy loss, All the Love shares the losses author Kim Hooper experienced. With the help of licensed social worker Meredith Resnick, LCSW, and board-certified psychologist Dr. Huong Diep, PsyD, you'll find a thorough explanation of the different types of miscarriages. There's also a deep dive into the emotions and fears that may arise depending on how you felt when you first received a positive pregnancy test.

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4. Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal

Dr. Ali Abdaal wants to change how you think about being hustle culture. Being productive does involve work, but there's more to it than that. Simply put, Dr. Abdaal's discovered that you produce better results when you "feel good." You'll find information on:

  • Hidden 'energizers' that make it hard for you to be productive
  • 'Blockers' that encourage procrastination
  • 'Sustainers' that side step burnout and lead to a more fulfilling life

5. How to Stop Breaking Your Own Heart by Meggan Roxanne

Is your mind swirling from all the different messages that tell you you're supposed to be achieving multiple things at the same time? We're in the same boat then. But, what if we didn't have to feel so stressed? As someone who's struggled with her mental health, Meggan Roxanne knows what it's like to feel weighed down by life and society's demands.
In How to Stop Breaking Your Own Heart, you'll learn how to:
  • Stop letting your expectations run the show
  • Create tangible boundaries
  • Quit silencing your voice
  • Walk into a season where self-love is the norm

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6. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins wants you to embrace two words in your life: "Let them." According to her, most of our problems stem from being worried about what everyone else thinks. You could be a people-pleaser or someone who thinks they need consistent praise to know they're on the right path.
The Let Them Theory will encourage you to change your perspective about what makes you feel joyful across 8 focus areas. By the end of the book, you'll be wondering why it's taken you so long to revamp your mindset.

Amazon

7. How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economyby Jenny Odell

If you're tired of feeling like you're over-performing, Jenny Odell wrote How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy for people like us. It's meant to help us change our approach to everything from politics to the greater world we live in. But, don't think it's just an anti-capitalist manifesto. It's more about teaching us how to focus on things that aren't rooted in anything that feels distracting.

Amazon

8. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Creative unite! It's about time we think about our processes if we have them. But first, Elizabeth Gilbert wants us to spend time being inspired again, beginning with feeding our curious nature. However, this isn't just about creating art.
Gilbert wants us to live big, juicy lives that feel good and if that sounds delulu as we head into 2025, I'm not sure she'd bat an eye before telling us that's how it's supposed to feel.

Amazon

9. Love Life: How to Raise Your Standards, Find Your Person, and Live Happily (No Matter What) by Matthew Hussey

2025's the year you're ready to let go of limiting beliefs about romantic love so you can start dating intentionally, or something like that. Listen, I still believe in the beauty of it so I'm all for this being one of your goals in 2025. To help you get on the right track, I'm recommending Love Life: How to Raise Your Standards, Find Your Person, and Live Happily (No Matter What).
You're going to break up with your tendency to self-sabotage because you want to ruin things before the other person does. You're also going to learn how not to give too much to a person while leaving nothing for yourself. Sound familiar?
Hussey knows, but has all the tools you need to tidy up your love life (and habits).

Amazon

10. Get Your Sh*t Together by Sarah Knight

This books leaves nothing to your imagination because it's very straight forward. No matter how good of a person you think you are, there's probably a few habits you could stand to change. For some of us, our FOMO even though we keep RSVP'ing 'no' to events or parties is part of our problem. For others, it's knowing your social media account isn't going to grow just because you keep looking at it.

Sarah Knight wrote Get Your Sh*t Together as a way to help you clear some things out of your mind. You'll learn how to organize (not compartmentalize) things so you stop making self-depreciating jokes about your procrastination habits. She also has neat tips about reaching the money goals you've yet to accomplish...*sigh.*

P.S. The last sentence was actually directed towards me.

Amazon

11. The Happy Me Project by Holly Matthews

Guess what? Self-improvement isn't just reserved for influencers on the internet who seem to know just what to say. Holly Matthews wants you to know you can work on yourself in order to shape your life the way you want.

After losing her husband to brain cancer, she had to figure out how to raise two daughters while also taking care of herself. Once she learned how to do so, she decided to share her findings with readers in The Happy Me Project.

Think of it as a love letter from a friend who's experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows.

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12. The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser

Is it possible to be 100% selfish? Sure, but not if we're prioritizing our mental health or looking to improve areas of our lives. Before we do any of these things, Shannon Kaiser says it's imperative that we focus on loving ourselves first. This means it's time to let of limiting beliefs about mistakes we've made and trauma we've experienced.
Any thought that makes us believe we're incapable of living a life we love while loving ourselves will be challenged as we read The Self-Love Experiment.

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13. Own Your Glow by Latham Thomas

Latham Thomas is a wellness and lifestyle guru who makes it her mission to help others live lives that feel beautiful to them. She shares real examples of women who have felt stuck in their lives and offers ways for people to move through certain blockages as a result. Some of these tips include do include lifestyle changes (yes), but that's necessary when we want to part ways with old habits.
My sister gave this book to me as a birthday gift when I was in my 20s and I always refer back to it when I need help moving through something difficult in my life.

Amazon

14. Emotional Detoxby Sherianna Boyle, MED, CAGS

We've all experienced food detoxes in our lives, but when have we engaged with something like Emotional Detox before? Wellness expert Sherianna Boyle, MED, CAGS is challenging us to to check in with ourselves emotionally and mentally because she's sure it's been a while since we've done it.
Even though we don't like to think about it, it's impossible that we can say and do toxic things when we're not allowing ourselves to process how we feel about something. It doesn't mean we're 'bad' people, but unchecked emotions can lead to a lot of unchecked movement in other areas of lives.
With her C.L.E.A.N.S.E. method, Boyle teaches it's possible to reset ourselves so we can feel at ease:
  • "Clear your pathways"
  • "Look inward"
  • "Emit positivity"
  • "Activate"
  • "Nourish"
  • "Surrender"
  • "Ease your way into your best self"

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15. Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap

Did you think it's time for us to stop talking about finances? More than ever, we need to confront our relationship with money and see what's causing us to make decisions that take more money out of our pockets. As a fan of #treatyourself culture, even I know it can be rooted in something deeper than wanting to reward ourselves.
What Financial Feminist does is speak a language that doesn't punish us for wanting to have nice things. Instead, Tori Dunlap talks about how creating a budget for bills, paying back debt (hi student loans), savings, and things that bring you pleasure are essential for living life to the fullest.

Amazon

16. Democracy in Retrograde by Sami Sage and Emily Amick

I usually shy away from talking about politics, but I'm not interested in the social awkwardness and repeat of 2016. Democracy in Retrograde challenges us to confront our uncomfortable feelings about being bombarded with divisiveness and a general lack of distrust in just about everything.
Lawyer Emily Amick and Betches cofounder Sami Sage don't want us to crawl under our beds so we can hide from the world. Instead, they want to equip us with tools to form real communities that can help better this country. In order to do that, we have to start reading and educating ourselves instead of solely relying on the media to tell us how to feel.This sounds rich coming from a journalist, but I spent enough time with grandparents who were easily swayed by the news to know how it can affect people's rational and comprehension skills.
Self-improvement is amazing, but it doesn't always have to be about learning how to love yourself. Sometimes it involves learning more about the country you live in so you can be armed with knowledge when the powers that be try to make you feel like you're another uneducated citizen.

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17. It's Not Hysteria by Karen Tang, MD, MPH

Am I really including another book about reproductive health? I am because having a miscarriage made me realize some people have reduced having a uterus to whether someone is giving birth or not. While one does include ovaries filled with eggs, there's so many other things that occur. For example, there's things like PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, cysts, and more that can affect a woman's health that people still aren't fully aware of.
Dr. Karen Tang, MD, MPH wants to help change the conversation so that people are more aware of how their bodies work. Also, she willing to shed light on how why pelvic challenges occur and how they can be treated.

Amazon

18. Glow in the F---ing Darkby Tara Schuster

Tara Schuster knows what it's like to fall apart and hit rock bottom because she's done it several times in her life. From having a tough childhood to losing the job she let define who she is, she's been through a lot. It wasn't until she had an "ah ha" moment during the pandemic that she decided to take back control of her life, so she wrote Glow in the F---ng Dark.
It's full of encouraging tips about allowing ourselves to heal from painful moments so we can go on to embrace the life we deserve to live. Unlike other self-improvement books, this one reads like something your bestie is willing to drop in your groupchat when she has wisdom to share.

Amazon

19. Women Living Deliciously by Florence Given

Doesn't the title make you think about your favorite comfort meal? It might just be me since I'm writing this instead of eating breakfast, but I digress. There's something beautiful about a book that encourages women to live audaciously in a world that loves to try to silence our voices.
Within these pages, Florence Given walks through everything from shame to self-objectification to help us see ourselves clearly. If you ask me, we could use a lot of clear views of ourselves so we can stop succumbing to programming that wants to keep us mindless or insecure.

Amazon

20. Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy by Matthew Kelly

Matthew Kelly was just like us — always hustling and bustling to the next thing. It'd become second nature because we live in a world where everyone's busy. But everything changed for Kelly one day and he decided, "No more."
He shares his own experiences with being on the go so much and how it affected the quality of his life, but he also includes how we can break up with this unhealthy cycle.
It's not that you can't be productive in life, but he's more concerned about you focusing on one thing at a time so you don't experience life-altering burnout.

If you need more tips about how to ease into 2025, we have 25 deep questions you can ask yourself before planning your goals.

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

The astrology for this week will reflect sensitive, dreamy, unfocused energy and yet it also stimulates a real pathway to our personal evolution through creativity, spirituality, and sensuality. On January 11, the nodes of the Moon, representing our collective transformation will change from the dynamic paradox of Aries and Libra to the dreamy manifesting axis of Pisces and Virgo. We are collectively encouraged to let go of our need to control and release tendencies of perfectionism. Instead, trust and faith are emphasized. I will talk more about this in future writings.

Keep reading to see your lucky weekly horoscope for the week of January 5-12, 2025.

What's happening astrologically during January 5-12, 2025?

Destiny Buchman/Dupe Photos

Mars, the planet of action, is traversing the tender, family-oriented sign of Cancer on its retrograde track this week. Memories will likely surface that either make us nostalgic for better times or remind us of painful times we thought were safely in the past. Use this energy to face whatever comes up, learn from the lessons your memories provide, and move forward to create the life you desire.

Mars has a lot of power, and while it is retrograde, it is wise to take things slowly, try not to rush, but also to take action to harness what you need to grow. Look back in your journal or photo library in October through early November 2024, when Mars was direct in Cancer. Did something become evident during that time that tugged at your heartstrings? We will all yearn for a simpler time. Mars will turn direct again in February 2025 and will remain in Cancer until mid-April. These months will likely be bittersweet. Practice self-care and self-compassion.

Daisy Davis/Dupe Photos

Our reflections of the past are a catalyst to healing. If we can face, accept, and own our vulnerabilities, we can rise above any self-limiting beliefs. The energies support exercising our capacity for resilience. On January 8th, Chiron, the wounded healer and Shaman of the Zodiac in Aries, is squaring the Sun in Capricorn.

Don’t believe everything you think, as Mercury in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces on January 6th. Events will likely be dramatic on the world stage, and unless you thrive in a dramatic environment, it is best to lay low until Mercury moves into the stable, practical sign of Capricorn on January 8th. Use the early part of the week to get creative, practice your art, or spend time meditating, doing yoga, or walking in nature. Stay clear of mind-altering drugs or alcohol as things will be hazy or confusing. If you must engage in important business or legal matters, be sure to consult a professional to get advice or to review important documents before signing the bottom line.

Jenna Langford/Dupe Photos

Acts of kindness, courage, and standing up for the underdog will fulfill an essential need to be part of your community. This week is an excellent time to volunteer at the local food bank or to walk dogs at the local shelter. Ask yourself, “How can I make the world a better place?” and act on every chance you get to be courteous, kind, and generous as Mars forms a trine with Neptune, exact on January 12.

If you would like to know more about how these and other transits affect you personally, contact me at SevenSistersAstrology.com for a reading.

Read Your Weekly Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs

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Aries (March 21 – April 19)

You will likely crave anything that provides a new experience or an expanded viewpoint. It is a perfect time to broaden your horizons, be it through travel or learning. Make sure you are motivated by more than boredom but by a true desire to grow and learn. Take advantage of this opportunity to synthesize your life by joining together seemingly disparate parts. The big picture will become clear if you consciously seek ways to learn and grow.

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Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Your emotions will be heightened this week. You might find yourself attracted to intense people and a desire to experience life on more soulful or profound levels. Allow yourself to explore these emotions. Spend time in quiet contemplation to get clear about what it means to live life in a more profound way. Take advantage of any opportunity to express yourself about topics that are usually taboo or not easy to discuss.

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Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

In your personal life, you can successfully broach sensitive topics with your loved ones to create more harmonious relationships. Use compassionate language and approach each opportunity to get closer with patience and kindness. In your professional life, negotiations are favored if you meet each occasion with respect and a desire for long-term collaboration. Communicate with a desire for reciprocity and fairness for all concerned.

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Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Focus on details, stay organized, and be ready for any mutually beneficial encounters as you actively pursue your goals. Your intellect will be keen, and you will have an eye toward practical, achievable solutions. Strive to maintain an energetic balance in your activities and tend to your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. This is potentially a busy week; keep any anxieties in check and practice mindfulness daily.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Take advantage of every opportunity to express yourself creatively and clearly. Don’t forget to interject playfulness and joyfulness in your life. Connect with your natural child-like enthusiasm and approach everything you can with curiosity and wonder. Engage in lively conversations whenever you can. Interactions with strangers, through social media or in direct conversations, will illuminate your strengths and unique attributes. You are an essential part of the greater fabric of life, and the more you express yourself, the clearer that becomes to you.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Dig deep to access your courage this week. Don’t let a fear of criticism or failure keep you from pursuing your goals. Seek like-minded allies and use family connections for support. Rely on your sharp intellect to communicate. Focus on solid solutions and practical proposals. Keep in mind that what you actively strive for needs to benefit not only yourself but those around you, as well. You are entering a powerful time to align your desires with the zeitgeist.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your mental abilities are strong. Use your sharp intellect to maintain curiosity and keep an open mind to learn new things. Listen more than talk as your conversations will broaden your horizons; challenge the status quo by expanding your understanding. This is a time for gathering information and knowledge from a wide variety of sources to tap into solutions that apply to a wide audience. Remain adaptable, flexible, and open-minded.

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Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

This is a critical time to integrate your internal value system with the outer manifestations of your life. How do your financial and material realities reflect your deeper beliefs? It is a time to align these parts of your life. Use your strong rational mind in balance with your acute inner intuition when faced with making choices and decisions. Our bodies hold accumulated wisdom from our lives and our ancestors’ lives. Tap into how a choice feels in your body before acting.

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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Conversations this week offer a chance to not only articulate your ideas but to refine them. The seeds you plant, if properly tended to, will likely result in successful endeavors. Use this time to expand your ideas by engaging with people who may not think or believe as you do. Travel during this time will be especially fruitful as you will be forced to see life from a fresh perspective. You might also be interested in changing your appearance and the way you present yourself to the world. Observe any reactions to these changes from a curious viewpoint.

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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Solitude is essential as you connect with the deep layers of your essence. Hidden facets of your nature are yearning to come to your awareness, and as you take time for introspection, these obscure elements of yourself can be revealed. A clear mind and heart will allow these new parts of yourself to be released. Refrain from judging whatever is uncovered. Try expressing any newfound awareness with written words or through music or poetry. Connect with your spiritual side as often as you can.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Use this week to network and engage in community activities. You might find yourself questioning if your social networks and friends share your dreams and aspirations. If they do, use the time to strengthen, nurture, and honor those connections. If you feel disconnected, engage in honest and truthful conversations about your priorities and visions, and listen to their dreams on an equal level. Be willing to envelop their ideas into yours to enhance compassion and inclusivity. This is not a time to go it alone but to find strength in numbers and diversity.

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Pisces (February 20 – March 20)

Your career is in focus. It is a good time for strategic, long-term planning. Envision a way to expand your skills through education or training. Invest in yourself to achieve your ambitions. Make every effort to keep the big picture in mind and not get lost in the small details. Focus on your core values as you strive for your ideals. If sacrifices need to be made to reach your goals, any short-term discomfort will be worth the effort. Emphasize your unique talents when making decisions.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

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Meghan Markle is officially returning to our TV screens, but it's probably not what you're thinking. While everyone wishes that she was somehow re-joining the cast of Suits for a reunion season (still secretly hoping that will come true), or giving us another part to Harry & Meghan, she's actually starting a brand new venture. After dropping her ever-exclusive jams, Meghan's now set to star on her very own show called With Love, Meghan! She and Prince Harry — alongside their production company — are heading up this exciting new show, and we wanted to give you all the deets on what we know, when it will air, and what exciting guests will be on it!

Is Meghan Markle doing a cooking show?

Courtesy of Netflix

Meghan Markle is doing a cooking show, and according to Deadline we'll get to "see The Duchess, otherwise known as Meghan Markle, celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship." We love the sound of that! And with Harry and Meghan having quite a lot of famous friendships, we'll see a few fun guest appearances like Mindy Kaling!

Why is Meghan Markle doing a cooking show?

Courtesy of Netflix

Roy Choi and Meghan Markle

Meghan's seemingly always shown a passion for cooking and homemaking since her days of The Tig, a blog dedicated to all things in that same vein. Alongside that, she's also written her own cookbook (the proceeds of which went right to charity), and she also just released a jam from her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard. So since this brand is going to be selling things like tableware, linens, and cooking items, we could see this cooking show really tying together all the different parts of her passions she's shown us over time.

Who will be doing the Meghan Markle's cooking show?

Photo by Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Deadlinereported that Sony Pictures is producing Meghan's show. They said, "It will be produced by Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation, which is behind series including Hulu’s The D’Amelio Show and A&E’s Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath."

They also reported that Archwell, Hariton and Aaron Saidman, and Eli Holzman for IPC will executive produce this project as well. It will premiere via Netfliix like all of the other projects Prince Harry and Meghan have done! We can't wait!

Where did Meghan Markle's new show film?

Courtesy of Netflix

Alice Waters and Meghan Markle

They actually filmed Meghan Markle's cooking show at a house just 2 miles away from the family's residence in Montecito, California. Prince Harry and Meghan seem to draw a lot of inspiration from where they live since Meghan's brand American Riviera Orchard was also inspired by the lovely Montecito, CA. Plus, they apparently wanted to keep production close by, which we can only presume is because of their sweet little kids.

When will we get to watch Meghan Markle's cooking show?

Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

With Love, Meghan is premiering on Netflix next Wednesday, January 15! Based on the official trailer, we'll get to see another side of Meghan Markle that's unlike how portions of the media have portrayed her. Despite the fact Meghan has never harmed anyone personally, there are those who can't help but share nasty comments about anything she does.

However, those of us who love her will gladly be tuning in to watch her shine next week!

Watch The Official Trailer For 'With Love, Meghan'

youtu.be

- YouTube

We'll be tuned in to watch her create a bit of magic in a world full of doom scrolling and fear because we need a touch of wanderlust. Also, how can we pass up reminders to create tasty meals in our kitchens?

Make sure to come back to this article for any updates on Prince Harry and Meghan's newest TV venture!

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This post has been updated.