Once Halloween is behind us, we’re full steam into holiday mode (if Mariah says so it’s gotta be true). And while dreaming about Thanksgiving recipes and humming holiday tunes are just a few of the many joy-inducing parts of the holidays, when stress creeps in it can make the whole season… not-so-cheerful.
Despite the bad rap tech gets for contributing to stress (the Instagram comparison trap is real), there are a few mindful devices that can actually help you chill out when you start to feel overwhelmed by your endless holiday to-do list. From a smart fitness tracker to a snooze-boosting white noise machine, we rounded up the wellness-ified gadgets that will help you hang on to your Zen all season long.
Keep reading for our 5 picks for techy gadgets to help reduce holiday stress.
Amazon Echo Alexa-enabled Bluetooth Speaker, $100
With all the things you have to remember to do during this jam-packed time (buy cookie ingredients, pick up a gift for your aunt, find the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit) lists are your friend. Instead of slowing yourself down with a physical list, dictate your to-do’s to Alexa. Pro tip: Keep it in your kitchen so you can add items to your grocery list as you notice you’re running out to help keep your healthy habits on track.
Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch, $200
Your workout routine is often the first thing to get the boot when your schedule is filling up with holiday activities. And while you might not have time for the gym, wearing a fitness tracker can at least help keep you moving—which will help keep your energy levels up!—with reminders to take a quick walk every hour. Plus, it also has Alexa capabilities so you can take your stress-reducing sidekick with you wherever you go.
Google Nest Hello Video Doorbell, $230
If you’re stressing over getting everything ready before your guests arrive, this front-door hack can help. Though it can’t help you get your cooking, cleaning, and other miscellaneous party prep done any faster (sorry) it can give you a sneak peak of who’s at the door when the doorbell rings—so you know if you need to do a quick change into party clothes or are safe to open the door for your bestie with flour on your face.
Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones, $350
Sometimes in the midst of all the craziness you just need a moment of quiet. Pop on these sleek noise-canceling headphones to block out the world—whether it’s for a few minutes of meditation to bring you back to balance, or to give you some blissful silence on your travels home.
Marpac Whish White Noise Sound Machine, $40
Sleep is quite possibly the most important tool for managing stress (you know you feel a little extra cranky and irritable when you’re tired). Make sure you’re getting high-quality shuteye by adding a white noise machine to your bedroom. Set the timer for eight hours so you’ll be all but guaranteed a full night of uninterrupted sleep and can wake up ready to take on (and actually enjoy) the season.
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