Summer can mean non-stop action. Here’s how to relax your mind so you can keep going.

Between summertime and back-to-school, this time of year is a lot. And there’s no shame in admitting it, either. July and August can be all about making awesome memories and having a ton of fun. It can also be pretty stressful and overwhelming at the same time. It’s okay if it’s all of those things at once. There’s so much going on between swim lessons, camp, work, school supply shopping, and, you know, making dinner. No matter how the day went, getting to relax your mind (during any season, of course) is a major part of staying ready for anything mom life throws your way.

With everything going on, learning to rock relaxation can take a backseat. But keeping your mental health a priority as much as possible is as good for you as it is for your kids. We know it’s easier said than done, so we put together some fast and effective ideas to help keep you feeling your best.

Organic Ashwagandha

Vimergy

What's the deal with ashwagandha? It's an adaptogen (a class of plants known for stress, fatigue, and anxiety support when ingested as teas, powders, tinctures and supplements, or raw). Vimergy's liquid ashwagandha extract is easy to add to smoothies, juice, water, or even just taken directly. You can look forward to improved response to stress, healthier cognitive function, and relief for occasional insomnia. Organic Ashwagandha ($24.00)—Buy Here!

Clevr Blends SuperTea

Clevr Blends

You might know Clevr Blends SuperLattes from Oprah's Favorite Things. With all the barista-style drinks for mood, energy, and stress, their SuperLattes are a can't-go-wrong choice. We're also loving their new SuperTeas for hydration, gut health, and stress support. Available in 3 blends. Clevr Blends SuperTea ($28.00)—Buy Here!

Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier

Hey Dewy

Rock dewy skin no matter where you are with this wireless and rechargeable humidifier. If you can't get a full spa day scheduled, create one in your office, the car, while you travel with the Hey Dewy. Available in 5 colors. Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier ($59.95)—Buy Here!

Hug Sleep Pod

Hug Sleep

If you've ever swaddled your baby and thought, "wow, that looks really soothing, actually", the Hug Sleep Pod is for you. It's cocoon-like design applies gentle calming pressure, making it easier for your body to relax and fall asleep. It's available in multiple sizes, open-bottom styles, and a kid's option, too. Hug Sleep Pod (Starting at $69.99)—Buy Here!

Gravity Weighted Blankets

Gravity

Weighted blankets are definitely a proven tool for unwinding, but why are they all grey? Gravity's weighted blankets come in multiple sizes and colors, so you can relax and match your bedroom decor. Gravity Weighted Blankets ($250.00+)—Buy Here!

Apollo Neuro Wearable

Apollo Neuro

The Apollo wearable, developed by neuroscientists and physicians, uses low frequency sound waves felt as soothing vibrations to give you better sleep, more energy, relaxation, and focus. It's drug-free, so kids and parents can both use it for better sleep, clarity, and a boost of energy (hello, back-to-school). Right now, save $40 on an Apollo wearable using the code B2S23 valid until August 31, 2023. Apollo Wearable ($349.00)—Buy Here!

Recess Mood Magnesium Calming Beverage

Recess

Recess Mood Magnesium Calming Beverage blends magnesium, those adaptogens we've been talking about, and sparkling water for a great non-alcoholic alternative that calms and balances without drowsiness (and they're fun to drink, too). Recess Mood Magnesium Calming Beverage, Variety 12pk ($41.48)—Buy Here!

Mood Pod

Moon Pod

Sit, recline, or lay on the Moon Pod and you'll see why this anti-gravity updated cousin of the beanbag is so popular. There are lots of different accessories, too, so you can customize your Moon Pod, and we're pretty sure you'll wonder where it's been all your life. Moon Pod ($299.00+)—Buy Here!

Renpho Eyeris 1 Eye Massager

Renpho

Social media loves the Renpho eye massager, and so do almost 20K Amazon reviewers. You can use it for headache relief, sinus pressure, or just good old-fashioned unwinding. Renpho Eyeris 1 Eye Massager ($129.99 Prime Day $52.38)—Buy Here!

Pillow Ritual Calming Pillow Mist

Muse Apothecary

Lavender? Yes. Natural ingredients? Yes. A better night's sleep? Yes. What's not to love about this luxurious pillow mist? Pillow Ritual Calming Pillow Mist ($7.98)—Buy Here!

Clean & Clear Night Relaxing Deep Cleaning Face Wash

Clean & Clear

Clean & Clear may bring back high school memories for you, but this formula is great for most skin types. It's gentle, deep-cleansing, and has a relaxing scent that helps cue your mind to start winding down. Clean & Clear Night Relaxing Deep Cleaning Face Wash ($7.99)—Buy Here!

Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine

Homedics

White noise helps trigger your brain to start relaxing for sleep, and this machine from Homedics includes classic white noise, thunder, the ocean, and more, so you can find what you respond to best. Plus, it's small, so you can take it anywhere. Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine ($21.99 Prime Day $15.39)—Buy Here!

 

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Fed is always best, but if you make the choice to breastfeed that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing. New research has found that certain breastfeeding relaxation treatments can help moms feel less stressed and babies eat and sleep more.

A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition tested the effects of a relaxation intervention on nursing moms. The researchers measured how the treatment impacted maternal psychological state, breast milk intake, milk cortisol levels and infant behavior and growth.

photo: Wes Hicks via Unsplash

The trial was small and included just 64 first time moms who delivered a healthy full-term infant and were exclusively breastfeeding, but it resulted in lower stress scores for the women and longer sleep duration and higher weight gain in infants versus the control group.

The relaxation therapy involved an audio recording which encouraged relaxation through deep breathing and gave positive messages about breastfeeding and mother-baby bonding. The moms were asked to listen to the recording daily while breastfeeding or expressing milk for a period of at least two weeks and were encouraged to listen beyond the initial period whenever it felt useful. They recorded their uses in a diary. The moms in both the intervention group and control group also received standard breastfeeding support in the form of pamphlets and directories of lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups.

The intervention group had significantly lower stress scores than the control group. A 59 percent increased intake of breastmilk was observed in the infants in the intervention group versus a 39 percent increase in the control group. The infants in the intervention group also recorded significantly higher sleep duration by an average of 82 minutes per day over the control group.

“Our trial highlights the importance of minimizing and reducing maternal stress, because the experimental relaxation intervention influenced infant behavior, breast-milk cortisol, and volume at one timepoint, and subsequently infant growth,” the study’s authors concluded. “Given that the intervention tool is simple and practical, it could easily be used in future interventions aimed at increasing the rates and duration of breastfeeding.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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