Celebrate World Mental Health Day with these 20 Self-Care Essentials

Photo Credit: Citizen Potawatomi Nation

This October, we are honored to celebrate World Mental Health Day, which seeks to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world. This day is an opportunity to openly talk about and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. By doing so, this national day hopes to encourage those who are struggling with mental health issues to reach out, speak about their experiences, and find a community that understands their struggles.

This year, World Mental Health Day's theme addresses young people and their mental health within a changing world. Young people face a multitude of challenges and issues that can put a strain on their mental health, which is why it is so important to have resources and a strong support network on hand. To celebrate World Mental Health Day, we wanted to highlight a range of self-care products and mental health resources that you might find helpful when taking care of yourself on this important national holiday:

1. Gravity Blanket

Gravity Blankets, also known as weighted blankets, have been all over social media recently - and for a good reason! These blankets have proven to help those with anxiety to calm down, whether it's from a panic attack or from a long, taxing day. These super cozy blankets are high-quality, affordable, and a worthwhile purchase for anyone who deals with symptoms of anxiety, stress, or insomnia. Before purchasing your Gravity Blanket, keep in mind that it's best to choose a blanket that is approximately 7%-12% of your body weight.

2. Journal

Journaling can be a great way to address how you're feeling and to express any anxious or worried thoughts. Be sure to select a notebook that has a peaceful, calming artwork that can act as a welcoming presence. Thanks to these journals and notebooks you can write out what you're going through, get some perspective on things, and even doodle away your stress.

3. Tea

Warm drinks such as tea have long been thought to help with symptoms of mental health disorders. The simple action of sipping on a warm beverage can be incredibly comforting, not to mention there are a ton of teas that are specifically made with herbs that are meant to calm you. Sipping on a warm drink can also be used as a grounding technique, which is a technique that keeps someone in the present moment. Grounding techniques can be very helpful when managing symptoms of PTSD, overwhelming feelings, or intense anxiety. The next time your mental state feels strained, we recommend that you reach for a piping hot cup of relaxing, chamomile tea.

4. Mug

If you're going to enjoy a hot cup of tea, then you're going to need an awesome mug to go along with it. One mug that we couldn't ignore was this light blue mug, which comes with an adorable teddy bear spoon that is perfect for your daily cup of warm tea. With a mug, lid, and spoon, this adorable addition to your kitchen is just what you need to calm down after a long day.

5. Stickers from The Latest Kate

There isn't anything that we love more than the inspirational and adorable artwork that has come from TheLatestKate! The Instagram-famous artist creates work that features fluffy animals, mythical creatures, stunning landscapes, and overall gorgeous designs. Not to mention, each critter features an uplifting message that real people have requested. You can grab all of TheLatestKate's designs from her Redbubble account in the form of shirts, dresses, stickers, postcards, notebooks, journals, and more. But above all, we have to recommend grabbing some of her stickers and placing them where you can enjoy them 24/7.

6. Fidget Ring

If you're not a fan of clunky fidget spinners, you need to get your hands on this adorable fidget ring. This ring is available on Etsy and features two lovely sterling silver beads and one shimmering rose gold bead. Each of these beads spin independently on the band, is comfortable to wear, and can offer a calming effect that helps relieve stress and focus the mind.

7. Sad Ghost Club Art Print

You can turn your bedroom into a self-care haven with some adorable artistic prints from Sad Ghost Club. This artwork stemmed from a profile that originated on Tumblr and quickly gained popularly with its unique art style that focused on mental health. With cute artwork, prints, and decor, we want to decorate our entire room with these lovely professional prints! One of our favorites is the Change Is Ok print that contains blooming flowers, daisies, and dandelions.

8. Lush Sleepy Lotion

Unfortunately, a common side effect within many mental illnesses is insomnia. This can be an incredibly difficult symptom to deal with since insomnia often causes a vicious cycle within those struggling with their mental health. Since they are unable to get to sleep, it causes a greater mental strain. But, thanks to a product from Lush, there might be a helpful solution if you're having trouble catching some zzz's. Their new lotion, which is aptly named Sleepy, is a gorgeous pale purple lotion that will add the lovely scent of lavender to your nightly bedtime routine.

9. Yoga Mat

We can't talk about self-care without taking the time to talk about the benefits that yoga can bring. This form of low-impact exercise is the perfect treatment to soothe your troubled mind while getting your endorphins up. This reversible yoga mat features a comfortable, non-slip surface that will provide some much-needed stability and support during your workout. We know that working out might be the last thing that you'd want to do when you're feeling down, but studies have shown that working out can greatly help in times of mental distress.

10. Meditation

######Photo Credit: Headspace For many people, meditating is something that is easier said than done. But if you're just starting out on your meditation journey, we recommend downloading an app called Headspace. This peaceful app features bright characters and strives to teach users how to meditate with a library of guided meditation sessions. There are even short guided meditation sessions that will perfectly fit into anyone's busy schedule. Consider this handy little app to be your personal meditation guide! If you want to learn more about how Headspace works, be sure to check out their website for all of the facts on meditation, mindfulness, and how to get started!

11. Self Care Kit

Want to give your anxiety-riddled BFF a perfect gift? Look no further than some self-care gift boxes that have been created and curated by mental health care professionals. Thanks to Etsy, you can choose from a wide range of boxes that are specially made for the user to relax and pamper themselves after a rough day. But if these specially curated boxes aren't in your budget, you can always make your own DIY self-care kit! When putting this kit together, be sure to include positive notes (from yourself or others), silly putty, tea bags, stress balls, favorite snacks, tissues, headphones, fidget toys, and other grounding objects.

12. Stuffed Animal

This might seem childish to some, but a friendly face and something squishable can be the perfect grounding object for someone under mental stress. Stuffed animals are huggable and adorable, which can also help remind someone that things are going to be ok. As an added bonus, you can even find ones in the shape fo your favorite animal, cartoon character, Disney princess, and more.

13. Acupressure Ring Pack

Another fidgeting toy that you should look into is an acupressure ring that is perfect to occupy any busy mind. This sensory toy will roll up and down your finger for a unique tactile stimulation. These subtle fidget toys are perfect for any office worker who can't carry around a fidget spinner all day. This ring is a great toy for those with high anxiety levels because this toy promotes a sense of calm, reduces stress, and increases focus.

14. Coloring Books

There are a few things that are as stress-relieving as coloring books! If you're looking to detox from a rough mental health day, we highly recommend cracking open a coloring book and spending a few hours coloring fun patterns. There are millions of adults around the world who have joined in on the coloring book craze and you can find coloring books that are filled with inspirational quotes, journaling, and good, old-fashioned coloring.

15. Aromatherapy Diffuser

Looking for a little something that will make your entire home feel a little bit more relaxing? Just reach for the Ellia Dream Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser, which will gently fill the air with oil-infused steam that is specially designed to life your mood. This infuser was designed with a compact shape in mind, in order to easily travel and blend into any decor or setting within your home. The next time you're in a funk, turn this infuser on, sit back, and relax.

16. To Write Love on Her Arms Apparel

You can ensure that everyone is feeling loved with this adorable shirt design that declares "You Matter Very Much". This shirt was designed by To Write Love On Her Arms, which is a non-profit movement that is dedicated to presenting hope and love to people who are struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. Their shirts and merchandise all act as a conversation starter and serve a much bigger purpose. You can help this non-profit by donating to their cause or purchasing their merch that features designs like the one above.

17. Face Masks & Sheet Masks

If you're looking for a way to decompress, then add this little slice of heaven to your nightly bedtime routine. Face masks are something that I recommend to everyone who is going through a rough time with their mental health. You can choose from a range of different masks nowadays many of which offer hydrating formulas, nourishing ingredients, and anti-aging properties. Not to mention, face masks are a gently and rejuvenating form of self-care that almost everyone can enjoy.

18. Temporary Tattoos

While there's no band-aid that could fix mental illness, these temporary tattoos are positive daily reminders that are sure to cheer you up. These tats are great for those who are recovering from self-injury, in need of a self-care reminder, or could just use a positive pick-me-up throughout their busy day.

19. Podcasts & Audiobooks

If you're looking to learn more about the mental health community, podcasts and audiobooks are a great (and educational) place to start. Hearing from other people who are going through a similar situation can be a great way to not feel so alone and to find a community of like-minded individuals. Just a few mental health-focused podcasts that you should check out include The Hilarious World of Depression, Terrible Thanks for Asking, Happier Podcast, Recovery Unscripted, and The Good Fight Podcast. If you're more interested in audiobooks, be sure to look into My Age of Anxiety, Cheer Up Love, The Beauty That Remains, and Reasons to Stay Alive.

20. Online Therapy Options

If you're looking to speak to a mental health professional, we highly recommend checking out local therapists in your area. But if those are slightly out of your price range or if you're too busy for an in-person meeting - don't fret! There are a ton of online and virtual therapy options that are here to help. No matter what you're going through, these therapists and medical professionals are here to help and listen to what you're going through. Be sure to use a coupon code from Promocodes.com to ensure that you're getting the best possible price for your next online therapy session.