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STRESS LESS

I tested 6 of the ‘best’ relaxation gadgets and 2 ‘stand outs’ are sure to de-stress you in no time

The cheapest gadget scored the best

THE relentless cycle of jobs, bills, busy family and social lives will undoubtedly lead to stress for many of us.

Research by Mintel has shown that a whopping 85 per cent of us in the UK suffer from stress or anxiety at least some of the time. 

Lynsey Hope tested relaxation aids
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Lynsey Hope tested relaxation aidsCredit: Oliver Dixon

And three in five say the cost-of-living crisis is negatively impacting mental health.

Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley, psychologist, says stress can cause an array of symptoms, including mood swings, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, fatigue and more.

“In modern life, stress and anxiety have become common companions for many of us,” she says.

“From the relentless demands of work and personal life to global uncertainties, the effects of stress can manifest in various ways.

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“Managing stress is crucial for overall wellbeing because uncontrolled stress can have negative effects on both mental and physical health.

“Chronic stress has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety disorders, and weakened immune function.

“Ultimately, any effort to reduce stress is beneficial and finding what works best for you is key.”

It's important to look after yourself both inside and out - and there are some simple ways to do this.

From scented diffusers to face masks, I tested some of the best relaxation gadgets and accessories to help you get a little R&R in the comfort of your own home.

1. Coco and Eve Pro Youth Scalp Massager

Cost: £9,

The shower brush gives your head a massage
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The shower brush gives your head a massageCredit: Oliver Dixon
The scalp massager costs just £9
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The scalp massager costs just £9Credit: Oliver Dixon

A lovely addition for anyone's shower routine. 

Simply apply shampoo to wet hair as usual, then gently massage and lather the brush on your scalp.

It's meant to detoxify your scalp, remove product buildup, and promote healthy hair growth—but I found it very calming too. 

It does a great job of getting the shampoo rubbed in and gives you a lovely head massage at the same time.

It has a comfortable hand grip and soft silicon bristles. 

It can be used on dry hair without product, too, and is suitable for all hair types.

It's a bargain. I wouldn't be without one now.

Score: 5/5

2. Unbeelievable Bee Calm Relaxation Supplements

£13.99 for 20 capsules,

The supplement contains eight active ingredients to help you stay calm
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The supplement contains eight active ingredients to help you stay calmCredit: Oliver Dixon

These supplements contain lemon balm, which is said to help with feelings of relaxation and wellbeing and stop you feeling tense. 

They also contain pantothenic acid, which can boost mental performance, as well as royal jelly, passion flower extract, rhodiola, magnesium, lion's mane mushroom and l-theanine.

On the Holland and Barrett website, they have 4.2 stars, with many users saying they help them feel calm, reduce stress, or drift off to sleep.

I wasn't convinced they did much for me. 

I did take some on a particularly stressful day at work, and I did feel calmer afterwards, almost sleepy. 

But I wondered whether this was just a placebo effect. It's hard to know.

Score: 3/5

3. Mindzen Aromatherapy Stress Balls

£16.99,

The balls help to relieve tension
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The balls help to relieve tensionCredit: Oliver Dixon
The stress balls come in three different scents
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The stress balls come in three different scentsCredit: Oliver Dixon

Not only can you squeeze the balls to help you relieve tension, they are also scented with Lemon, Eucalyptus and Lavender Essential Oils to help promote feelings of calm. 

I liked squeezing them, but I’m not a huge advocate of reading affirmations, so I'm not sure how much this would benefit me. 

Something such as ‘believe in yourself’ is written on each side of each one. 

I also found the scent a bit overpowering. 

Regular use has been proven to build wrist muscle and improve hand dexterity, so they may be helpful for those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis.

Score: 2/5

4. Lola Portable Massage Gun

£60,

The hand-held massage gun prevents post-exercise soreness
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The hand-held massage gun prevents post-exercise sorenessCredit: Oliver Dixon
The piece of kit can also be used to speed up muscle recovery
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The piece of kit can also be used to speed up muscle recoveryCredit: Oliver Dixon

Love this hand-held massage gun. The manufacturer says it can help prevent post-exercise soreness and speed up muscle recovery. 

It did this, but I also found it helpful after a long day of travelling or commuting. 

It's small and compact, yet still very effective. 

It's reasonably priced, with four-speed settings and comes in a range of lovely colours. 

It's perfect for relaxing the muscles after a long or tiring day.

At £60, it won't break the bank, and it makes a lovely gift too.

Score: 5/5

5. Mario Badescu Skincare Facial Spray with Aloe, Camomile and Lavendar

Cost: £5.60,

The spray contains lavender, which is known to promote feelings of calm
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The spray contains lavender, which is known to promote feelings of calmCredit: Oliver Dixon

This soothing face mist also contains Vitamin C to restore balance and brightness and it can be used on the face, neck or hair. 

It contains calming Lavender Oil, soothing and hydrating lavender essential water, thyme extract, seaweed extract and aloe vera. 

It is soothing, and I used it up quite quickly as I couldn't stop spraying it. 

If used before applying moisturiser, it improves hydration, and I definitely found it hydrated my skin.

If used after applying makeup, it would give a lovely, dewy finish. 

The scent was subtle and sweet.

Overall in terms of relaxation this doesn’t do much but it’s nice. 

And for the price, this is a great little addition to your skincare kit.

Score: 3/5

6. Thank you Farmer Back to Relax Soothing Gel Mask

£36,

Linsey found the gel mask very relaxing
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Linsey found the gel mask very relaxingCredit: Oliver Dixon
The mask is especially useful in cold weather, when skin tends to be more dry
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The mask is especially useful in cold weather, when skin tends to be more dryCredit: Oliver Dixon

I'm not generally a big fan of expensive face products and remain of firm belief that there are cheaper alternatives that do just as much good. 

However, this gel mask was very relaxing. 

You simply apply, leave for ten minutes and then rinse it off. 

It feels very cooling to the skin and was a lovely way to unwind in the evening. 

I noticed a real difference in my mood - and skin - after using it. 

It was especially useful in this cold, harsh weather that seemed to dry and irritate my skin. A lovely treat. I'm addicted.

Score: 5/5

7. Welle Australia The Evening Elixir

£35,

The fancy hot choc contains a host of vitamins and minerals
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The fancy hot choc contains a host of vitamins and mineralsCredit: Oliver Dixon

This is basically a fancy hot chocolate from supermodel Elle Macpherson's beauty brand WelleCo. 

The Evening Elixir supports beauty while you sleep and promotes relaxation so it's great to use to unwind in the evening or before bed. 

Its unique formula includes magnesium, passionflower, chamomile, lavender and lemon balm. 

It also contains Vitamin C and Niacin, which is good for the skin and is wrapped up in cocoa and cacao for a full-bodied chocolately taste. 

Two teaspoons a night sent me off into a peaceful slumber and I woke up the next morning with glowing skin. 

It is pricey though so might be a once-in-a-while treat.

Score: 4/5

8. Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser

£23.99,

Essential oil diffusers fill the room with a spa-like fragrance
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Essential oil diffusers fill the room with a spa-like fragranceCredit: Oliver Dixon

Essential oils are the simplest and oldest method of reducing stress and improving wellbeing

Whether you opt for rose geranium oil to calm anxiety, lavender oil to encourage sleep or mandarin oil to uplift you, you can create a calming environment with this diffuser. 

It has 7 different-coloured LED lights too, which you can use with the oils or on its own. 

It’s very quiet and there is a safety auto-switch that prevents overheating in case it runs out of water. 

It’s attractive enough to keep out on the side but I did find the water tank a bit of a faff to clean out. 

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But when it’s on it was lovely to combine the soothing powers of the oils and lights, lie down and relax.

Score: 3/5

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