It seems like the term “self-care” is popping up everywhere these days. I’m not sure if it’s because COVID brought forth lots of feelings and underlying stress that we didn’t realize were there or if it just created more tension. In any case, finding new products to incorporate into my life that help with self-care has been fun. The following three products are ones that I have found to be a welcome addition to my self-care routine.
The Buddha Board
The Buddha Board comes in three sizes (Original, $38; Enso, $28; Mini, $18) and is as relaxing to an adult as it is fun for children. Using only water, you can paint on the board’s surface and watch your imagination appear. The image disappears as the water slowly evaporates (like magic for our younger audiences). The original board is approximately 12” high x 9” wide x ¼” thick and has a robust and waterproof stand with a receptacle for water. The paintbrush with the board is lovely bamboo with dense, soft bristles. Watching the Buddha Board Zen Drawing Video is almost as mesmerizing as using it yourself! In some ways, I felt like I was a kid again, playing with my Etch-a-Sketch. I could draw whatever I wanted and then watch it disappear. It provides a nice brain break when I’m experiencing brain fog, feeling overwhelmed, or even need to think through something. I should also say that the kids love it, too!
Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
Our house uses well water and, let me tell you; it sometimes doesn’t smell the best. When I’m feeling overwhelmed and want to take a nice, hot shower to refocus, it helps to have a pleasant smell to accompany the relaxing water. So, I found Cleverfy Shower Steamers (Aromatherapy 12 pack $26). These shower bombs are made with essential oils (multipack includes lavender, watermelon, grapefruit, menthol and eucalyptus, vanilla and orange, and peppermint). I have found that I like the lavender steamers the best. For me, they have lasted for more than one shower, too, so it’s like getting two for the price of one! It sure helps my well water smell much better. I take deep breaths as the water and beautiful scents help evaporate some of my stress.
CMY Cube
The final product may seem a little strange for a self-care roundup, but let me tell you, the colors that you can make with the CMY Cube (Original, $20) are fantastic. You can mix the colors as you turn the cube to produce cyan, magenta, yellow, etc. The people at CMY Cube have used internal geometry to reflect the visible light. It’s pretty incredible. The colors it makes on my desk are beautiful and add to the soothing environment I aspire to create. I found the CMY Cube YouTube video (go to 2:36) and enjoyed watching the man explore the cube. As you turn the cube and protect it from many angles, you can kind of get into a meditative or “spaced out” place. It’s really very enjoyable!
