Mel Brooks’ 1997 High Anxiety Movie Poster
The holiday season is lovely, but it can also be very stressful. There are those other “worrisome elements” we can’t seem to escape these days, and many of us are feeling anxious right now.
Amazing Gemstone Anxiety Crystals, amazon.com
Whether you’re looking to gift friends, family, colleagues, or yourself, why not hunt for items that are not only attractive and beautifully packaged but can potentially work to relieve stress and anxiety?
“We are living in strange and precarious times- marked by perpetual wars, a global climate crisis and polarized feelings about the state of the world: Douglas Vakoch, “It’s the Perfect Moment to Search for Intelligent Alien Life,” – The New York Times, 11/17/2024
Even without scientific data to support such claims, it’s been shown that the placebo effect can be a powerful factor in health and combat anxiety and depression. I don’t know about you, but I’m game for (almost) anything if I think it might work. We can use all the help we can get.
Amazing Gemstone Crystals for Anxiety, set of 6 in a velvet travel pouch, $19.99, amazon.com
Crystals have been used throughout history for their healing qualities and beauty. Many believe each stone omits a certain energy that can benefit our well-being. If nothing else, they look good and feel good to the touch.
The Amazing Gemstones Store on Amazon.com sells an assortment of crystals, which are gift-ready boxed or in a black velvet traveling pouch. Some are specifically geared for anxiety and depression, while others are said to promote sleep, help fight cancer, lower blood pressure, and even bolster creativity. Writer’s block, anyone?
Kazuko Oshima Bracelet with Green Tibetan Turquoise and 14K gold wire, $3750, poshmark.com
The noted jewelry designer Kazuko Oshima, 1942- 2007, who designed exclusively for Barneys NY, passionately believed that the materials she worked with possessed great healing powers. I’ve always loved the rawness of Kazuko’s characteristic designs of crystals and semiprecious stones wrapped in webs of gold wire, which seem to float above the body to enrich a wrist or neck.
This dramatic bracelet, designed by Kazuko, features three large pieces, about 2 inches long, of natural green Tibetan turquoise, polished on their outer faces and wrapped in webs of 14K gold wire. Turquoise is believed to promote a sense of calm and has a range of healing and protective properties.
Vintage 1990’s Italian Crysophrase and 18K Gold Worry Beads, $1200, 1stdibs.com
Known for manifesting optimism, joy, and happiness, Chrysoprase is one of the best mood stabilizers in crystal healing. Suppose you have a checklist of garden-variety emotional ailments like depression, anxiety, and stress. In that case, Chrysoprase properties are a practical prescription for encouraging a more positive outlook on life.
Peace Within Howlite, Sodalite, Amethyst and Sodalite Mala, $108, goldenlotusmala.com
Golden Lotus Mala believes you can overcome anxiety and worry with their Peace Within Beads. This 38-inch long Mala necklace is made of Howlite (a calming stone), Sodalite (promotes inspiration and creativity), Amethyst (keeps you focused), and Angelite (promotes peacefulness), finished off with a light gray tassel.
“The Gold Buddha is a symbol of the journey to inner peace, and the carefully curated Palo Santo fragrance of red currant will transport you to tranquility and harmony” – Thompson Ferrier.
Thompson Ferrier gold Buddha candle, $190, thompsonferrier.com
Aromatherapy candles are a great way to manage stress and promote relaxation. Thompson Ferrier’s Metallic Gold Buddha 3-wick scented candle, measuring 6.5″ x 6.5″ x 7″ is hand-sculpted and hand-poured in the USA with only the finest essential oils curated by Swiss perfume house Givaudan.
Demobaza Padded Robe Coat, $600, demobaza.com
Watching the news, you might be led to believe that danger lurks around every corner. Do you ever want to pull the covers over your head and stay in bed? Thanks to fashion’s ongoing fascination with protective duvet-like outerwear, you can.
Norma Kamali cheetah printed sleeping bag coat, $760 and tube scarf, $150, normakamali.com
Norma Kamali put the sleeping bag coat on the map, and this one is especially sensational. The tube collar, sold separately, offers additional protection.
Phoebe Philo Brindle Mohair Blanket, $2500, phoebephilo.com
Phoebe Philo is taking luxury to a new level. Philo’s Brindle print blanket is made of a mohair and wool blend and is finished with twisted fringing and a zigzag stitched logo patch. Due to the nature of the hand-printing process, no two are alike. It’s the ultimate “security blanket”.
The Mind Body Soak Sampler, $48, 100senses.com
When all else fails, take a hot bath; it reduces stress and elevates mood. It’s even better to add 100 Senses’ Mind Body Soak Sampler, a rescue kit for your soul that contains a “mood-shifting set of remedies for your sanity.” New York Magazine’s The Cut claims it’s “the best-smelling, bubbliest, most soothing bath soak sampler.”
Jonathan Adler brass Xanax pill case, $150, jonathanadler.com
Leave it to Jonathan Adler to make pill-taking fun and luxe. Cast in solid brass, this hinged pill box, measuring 5″ W, 3″ D, and 1.75″ H, is just what the decorator ordered—a dose of glamour in warm hand-polished brass or a pop of jewel-like sparkle in shining silver plating.
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