You’re Not Imagining It: Chocolate Really Does Reduce Stress
Good news is scarce in 2020, so enjoy this for as long as you can—turning to chocolate for stress relief can be effective. Here's why (and what to buy.)
You’re Not Imagining It: Chocolate Really Does Reduce Stress
Good news is scarce in 2020, so enjoy this for as long as you can—turning to chocolate for stress relief can be effective. Here's why (and what to buy.)
“Chocolate reduces stress” seems a little like one of those things you tell yourself so that this year doesn’t seem like a total serotonin-sucking nightmare. (Like my mantra, “wine doesn’t count during election week.”) However, in chocolate’s case, it is actually true. In this episode of Well+Good’s YouTube series You Versus Food, registered dietitian Tracy Lockwood Beckerman breaks down what, exactly, makes chocolate an effective stress-fighter.
“Dark chocolate may be helpful in relieving anxiety due to its antioxidants, flavanols, and, of course, taste,” Beckerman says. “Antioxidants present in dark chocolate can reduce stress by lowering levels of cortisol, as well as fight-or-flight hormones known as catecholamines.”
Go for dark chocolate, which has higher amounts of cocoa in it and thus greater amounts of those beneficial antioxidants. (Plus, it’s lower in sugar compared to milk chocolate, and sugar in excess can contribute to inflammation and anxiety-provoking blood sugar crashes.) You can also try cacao, which is made from unroasted, cold-pressed cocoa beans and thus retains lots of nutrients, including stress-fighting magnesium and mood-boosting alkaloids. When buying, look for brands like Moodygirl ($26 for three bars), Sol Cacao ($7 per bar), and Hu Kitchen ($6 per bar), all of which make dark chocolate bars with minimal, high-quality ingredients.
A vegan chocolate bar created by women, for women. Made with simple, clean ingredients that feed your cravings and actually have stress-relieving benefits.
Since 2020 replaced essentially every nanogram of any happiness hormones with cortisol (and we are still riding that train), I am extremely here for the knowledge that chocolate for stress relief is actually backed by science. But it isn’t the only food that can help reduce stress. So if, like me, your stress levels are so high that all of your targeted ads on social media are for weighted blankets and natural sleep aids, check out the full video to see the other stress-fighting foods Beckerman recommends.
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If you’re waiting for a sign to invest in a new mattress—this is it. Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 17 this year) is right around the corner, which means pretty much anything you can think of will likely be on sale. Some of our favorite mattress brands will be dishing out discounts that are too good to sleep on—and you might even score free pillows and accessories while you shop too.
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Whether you’re a side, back, stomach, or combination sleeper, rest assured (pun intended) that there’s a mattress deal out there for you. To save you the legwork of having to go out and find these sweet deals on your own, we rounded them up for you, right here. Scroll on for the best Presidents’ Day mattress sales, as well as some killer bedding deals from brands we love.
Best Presidents' Day mattress sales, at a glance:
Avocado—up to 20 percent off sitewide, no promo code required
Bear—35 percent off sitewide using promo code PRESDAY
Casper—up to 30 percent off mattresses and up to 35 percent off everything else
Helix—25 percent off sitewide, plus two free pillows with mattress purchase with promo code PRES25
What’s more American than sleeping on an Amerisleep mattress? In all seriousness, though: Save $500 on any mattress purchase using the promo code PD500 at checkout. Adjustable bed bundles (which include a base and a mattress) are 30 percent off, too.
For its Presidents’ Day Sale, Avocado is discounting up to 20 percent off all of the brand's eco-friendly mattresses, from the OG Avocado Green Mattress to the newer (and more plush) Luxury Organic Mattress. Plus, you'll also find big discounts on bedding, pillows, furniture, and more.
Quality hibernation (read: sleep) is key to pull you through these last weeks of winter, and what better way to do it than on a Bear mattress? Bear is currently offering 35 percent off sitewide for Presidents’ Day, plus two free pillows with your mattress purchase. Just use the promo code PRESDAY at checkout.
If you’re dreaming of sleeping on a sustainably sourced, hypoallergenic mattress, do it with Birch, Helix’s sister brand. Birch is offering up to 25 percent off sitewide (that includes bedding and bases) plus free shipping. Just use the promo code PRES25 at checkout.
Score the Burrow Lyric Hybrid Mattress (originally $1,199 for a queen, now $959) as part of the modern furniture brand’s Presidents’ Day Sale, where you can also take up to 25% off sitewide on bed frames, sofas, and much more. No promo code required.
From now until February 26, the OG bed-in-a-box company is treating customers to up to 30 percent off mattresses, and up to 35 percent off everything else, including bedding, pillows, and accessories. No promo code required.
Helix is also joining in on the Presidents’ Day action, offering 25 percent off sitewide, and two free pillows with every mattress purchase. Plus, if you purchase a Helix Luxe or Elite mattress, they'll throw in a mattress protector, and sheet set. Use the promo code PRES25 at checkout.
Fans of squishy-yet-supportive memory foam, this one's for you. Layla mattresses are up to $200 off for Presidents’ Day, plus extra savings on sleep accessories, like the brand’s weighted blanket, down alternative comforter, and cooling mattress topper. With every purchase of a mattress, you’ll also receive two free pillows—no promo code required.
These luxurious bed-in-a-box mattresses will give you a sleep worth celebrating this Presidents’ Day and beyond. Take 25 percent off sitewide, including bedding and bases. Plus, with every mattress purchase, you get two free pillows. Sweet.
You bet Mattress Firm isn’t snoozing on the Presidents’ Day savings. During its Prezzz Day Sale, you can snag up to 57 percent off (!!) on some of Mattress Firm’s best-selling brands, like Sealy and Beautyrest. You’ll even get a free adjustable base with select mattress purchases.
If you want to overhaul your sleep situation, you won’t regret doing it with Nolah. The mattress company is offering up to 35 percent off on all mattresses for Presidents’ Day, and is even throwing in two free pillows and $150 off the brand's BedJet 3 cooling system. No promo code required.
Save $1,250 on Plushbeds eco-friendly mattresses, and receive $599 in free bedding, including two organic pillows, a sheet set, and a waterproof mattress protector. You'll also see up to 25 percent off toppers, pillows, and bedding and 50 percent off adjustable beds.
At the Purple Presidents’ Day Sale, you can score discounts up to $900 on mattresses and base sets, depending on the type of mattress you purchase. No promo code required.
Serta is celebrating Presidents’ Day in a big way—you can save up to $925 on select mattress and adjustable base sets, including all-foam beds, innerspring beds, and beds-in-a-box. No promo code required.
Sleep Number is hosting a number of impressive Presidents’ Day deals, including 50 percent off the brand’s best-selling smart beds, and 20 percent off cooling mattresses. You'll also find discounts on furniture and BOGO deals on pillows and sheet sets.
For its Presidents’ Day Event, you can save up to $500 on select Tempur-Pedic adjustable mattress sets, and get $300 in accessories for free (with select mattress adjustable mattress sets). No promo code necessary.
The Tuft & Needle Presidents’ Day sale gets our vote. Now until February 25, you can shop the brand’s beloved memory foam and hybrid mattresses for up to 20 percent off. No promo code required.
Achy bones and sore muscles need a break? Both the brand's original foam and hybrid mattresses are designed to relieve pressure and support joints while you sleep. And now you can get one for $300 off the original price using the promo code VAYA300 at checkout.
Zoma is dubbed the “sports mattress for athletes,” but anyone can benefit from its comfort. The performance mattress brand is currently offering 25 percent off mattresses (and free shipping and returns) when you use the promo code SLEEP25.
Did you know the trendy furniture brand Article sold bedding? Well you do now. Save up to 40 percent sitewide during the Article Presidents' Day sale, including quilts, duvet covers, and sheet sets.
Take up to 25 percent off almost everything sitewide, plus up to 50 percent off sheet bundles from Brooklinen, now through March 19. Just apply the promo code PRESDAY at checkout to save.
From now through Presidents' Day (Feb 17) save up to 30 percent on bundles and sets of eco-friendly bedding, sheets, pillows, towels, and more from Buffy. No promo code required.
From February 15 alllll the way until March 15, take 30 percent off the entire Cozy Earth site when you use the promo code WELL+GOOD at checkout. We recommend stocking up on the brand's luxe bamboo bedding or treating yourself to a new bamboo pajama set (which are the comfiest pajamas around).
From February 12—24, take an extra 20 percent off sale items (including sheet sets, pillows, towels, and more) when you apply the promo code SALE20 at checkout.
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
We often think about sex toys as a solo activity—however, that's definitely not always the case. True, a self-care sesh with a quality toy is never a bad idea, especially on Valentine's Day. But even if you're coupled up, there are plenty of ways to play as a pair with tech-forward sex toys from Lovense. The brand specializes in a wide range of vibrators, suction toys, and more, most of which are designed to be used in tandem with your partner's device (thanks to cool Bluetooth technology and an easy-to-use app), even if you're across the country. So, whether you're together IRL or chatting long-distance this February 14, you'll feel closer than ever. Best of all, the Lovense Valentine's Day Sale is already live, so you can score up to 55 percent off on the brand's best sellers in preparation for the big day. Ready to get vibing? Scroll on to learn more about the sale, which runs now through February 16, plus shop the Lovense toys the W+G team has an eye on.
Take 53 percent off this small-but-mighty vibe that clips discreetly into your undies. The ergonomic design and quiet motor offer three intensity levels and seven vibration patterns—all controlled with the Lovense app.
This duo is crazy impressive, especially if you're in a heterosexual LDR. No matter how far apart you are from your boo, you can sync this sleeve masturbator (Max) and rabbit-vibe (Nora) to respond to each other's movements. Each device is made with body-safe materials and comes with an extensive range of vibrations you can control via the Lovense app. Plus, at 53 percent off, bundling these two toys is a real steal.
Waterproof: Nora-yes, Max-no | Vibrations: Customizable with the app or your partners movements | Runtime: Nora-4 hours, Max-1.5 hours
This suction toy is the perfect addition to any collection. The Tenera 2 (now 50 percent off) uses pulses of air and a soft silicone tip to stimulate your clitoris, all while fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. And, because you can control the vibrations and patterns via the Lovense app, it's another great pick for partners who are spending Valentine's Day apart.
Waterproof: Yes | Vibrations: Unlimited combinations via the app |Runtime: 1.2 hours
If G-spot vibrators are your thing, snag the Lush 3 while it's 50 percent off. The ergonomic, egg-shaped head is coated in smooth, body-safe silicone for a comfortable fit, while the small tail helps keep the toy in place. As with most Lovense toys, you can take full control of the intensity and vibration patterns in the remote app, or pass off control to a partner—even if you're not in the same room.
Waterproof: Yes | Vibrations: Unlimited combinations via the app |Runtime: 4.5 hours
Take 50 percent off this travel-friendly wand vibe. The Domi 2 might look unassuming, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve: For starters, the small size still packs a big punch with rumbly vibrations that can be customized via the Lovense app. But more impressive yet is the fact that Lovense also sells male and female attachments for the Domi 2 to reach P-spot and G-spot pleasure points.
Waterproof: No (water resistant) | Vibrations: Unlimited combinations via the app |Runtime: 6 hours
Another G-spot vibe, the Osci 2 features a soft silicone body and an oscillating tip to mimic that tried-and-true "come hither" motion. Toggle between the toy's three speeds and seven vibration patterns, either on the toy itself or via the Lovense app. Best of all, it's currently 50 percent off.
The Hush 2 (currently 53 percent off) is vibrating plug made from soft, body-safe silicone. It comes in four sizes—extra-small, small, medium, and large—to fit all bodies and experience levels, and has a flared base for safety. You or your partner can control the toy's unlimited vibration and intensity combinations via the Lovense app, even from a distance.
Waterproof: Yes | Vibrations: Unlimited combinations via the app |Runtime: 2 hours
