We are in, as I termed it to a friend recently, a juggle struggle.
Between the demands of everyday life, and the onslaught of geo-political horrors, how does one even find time or energy for stress management amid such micro- and macro-level madness?
Of late, my go-to grounding tools have been my journal, a book called “Radical Acceptance” by Dr. Tara Brach, and a new affinity for crystals. The journal provides space for my heart and mind to breathe, uninhibited; the book helps me comprehend the pains and fears behind reactions like jealousy and impatience; the crystals come with a twice-daily practice of holding something lovely and earthen in my hands while reminding myself of what I want – and what I deserve.
And, I find something additionally soothing in knowing all of these items – these channels – came to me from women. The maker of the journal, the seller of the crystals, Brach herself.
Below, we’re sharing a few more women-made products and women-led services that can help you turn down the volume on everything else, so that you might find inner calm and stability once more.
We tested out "anxiety tech" products that promise stress relief, including the Apollo Neuroscience wearable. (Credit: Colleen DeBaise)
Using Tech That Offers Serenity, Not Stress
Many of us know the feeling – tension in the chest, clenching muscles … anxiety feels nearly as bad in the body as it does in the brain. That’s why women founders are launching companies like Tripp, which creates mood-altering VR experiences. “How do we give the average person who’s dealing with the normal stressors of life the tools to strengthen their inner fitness?” Tripp founder Nanea Reeves told The Story Exchange. “That’s really our whole goal.”
Additional Women-Made, Women-Run Options: Moonbird, a handheld device that helps users regulate breathing; Apollo Neuroscience, which makes a stress-reduction wearable.
A Climate Cafe gathering. (Credit: Climate Cafe)
Easing Burnout By Gathering
Our problems are monumental, and many – it’s easy to get weighed down by the collective magnitude. For those feeling this sort of social crunch, there are spaces like Climate Cafes to turn to. “People were feeling a sense of eco anxiety, a feeling of climate grief, but at the same time they weren’t sure what to do with it – they felt paralyzed,” founder Gianna Lum told us of her idea’s inception. That’s why she created a space where people could connect, and organize.
Additional Women-Made, Women-Run Options: Saymore, an online mental wellness hub; Femscape Sojourns, which helps groups of women plan safe travel adventures; Diversability, a company bringing disabled people together throughout the U.S.
Melissa Baez (far bottom left) with a group of women who attended her Colors in the Dark painting event. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Baez)
Painting Away (But Not Over) Stress
Creation itself, from art to music-making, can be a balm – artist and domestic violence survivor Melissa Baez knows this firsthand. It’s why she launched Colors in the Dark, a Brooklyn-based painting studio that invites clients to let go of whatever is on their minds, in favor of losing themselves in the act of making. Or, they can find catharsis in sharing – “in our space, I try my best to encourage [women] to speak up,” she says, rather than carrying their burdens alone.
Additional Women-Made, Women-Run Options: Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles, which provides music education (and empowerment) for young people; Music Mends Minds, a nonprofit offering music classes to seniors with cognitive issues around the country.
Catfé Montclair is located on the second floor of a multi-unit establishment in the bustling downtown area of Montclair, New Jersey. (Credit: Catfe Montclair)
Finding Strength in Animals
If you’re not allergic to animal dander, spots such as Catfé Montclair in New Jersey could provide a stressed individual with a fluffy respite from our world. Tara Ford, its owner and founder, says her business serves as an extension of the calm she has found herself in the presence of animals. “They always were a constant companion, and bringing me a lot of peace and relaxation,” she says. “I wanted to share that with the world.”
Additional Women-Made, Women-Run Options: Horse + Bow, a Texas-based horse ranch providing leadership development programs.
Lainey Morse feels like "my place on this planet" is to make sure people know that goats can be a happy distraction. (Credit: Courtesy of The Original Goat Yoga)
Getting Active (Goats Are Optional)
Moving one’s body has long been a scientifically sanctioned way of easing stress. But sometimes, the tried-and-true methods of working out – running, visiting the gym, etc. – can feel stale. That’s where innovators like Lainey Morse, founder of goat yoga, can help. Through her business, baby goats join yogis for their workouts, bounding about as clients stretch and bend. It may sound silly, but “it’s really based on getting outside in nature, bonding with lovable animals, and disconnecting from this crazy world we live in,” Morse says. And, she adds, “it’s very effective.”
Additional Women-Made, Women-Run Options: Sunday Strong, a business offering free weekly exercise classes for special-needs athletes in the U.S.; Fast Bananas, an online resource for runners.
