In this post, we reveal everything you need to know about anxiety jewelry or mindful breathing jewelry, including our top picks. Let's get started!
Introduction
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress, demands or threats. It can motivate us to work harder or give us greater focus. Anxiety caused by ordinary, daily stressors often goes as quickly as it came and does not interfere with your day-to-day life. However, anxiety that persists, is intense or debilitating might stem from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders, while common, can be incredibly difficult to deal with.
Whether you suffer from a panic disorder, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other types of anxiety disorders, it is likely that you are looking for treatment. Counseling and medication for anxiety are effective and beneficial ways to battle your anxiety, but there are other, more natural ways to supplement your anxiety treatment. One such way is by wearing anxiety jewelry. Anxiety jewelry, which comes in a variety of different types and styles, helps the wearers in different ways to relieve them of any anxiety they are experiencing by calming or distracting the mind.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness in the U.S, affecting 40 million adults each year. Given the prevalence of anxiety disorders in our world today, it is no surprise that anxiety jewelry has exploded on the market. From “fidget” rings to “chewelry” to diffuser pendants, there is a plethora of anxiety jewelry available. Different pieces of jewelry can target different symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, there are several different styles, types and price ranges when it comes to anxiety jewelry. This article will be your one stop shop for learning everything you need to know about the different types of anxiety jewelry and their benefits.
This article will include the following:
- What is Anxiety Jewelry?
- What are the Different Kinds of Anxiety Jewelry?
- Mindful Breathing Jewelry
- Fidget Jewelry
- Anxiety Necklace
- Anxiety Bracelet
- Anxiety Wristbands
- Anxiety Rings
- Anxiety Awareness Jewelry
- Anxiety Jewelry with Essential Oils
- Men’s Anxiety Jewelry
- Benefits of Anxiety Jewelry
- Does Anxiety Jewelry Work?
- How to Use Anxiety Jewelry
What is Anxiety Jewelry?
Anxiety jewelry can come in many different shapes and sizes. Essentially, however, anxiety jewelry is any piece of jewelry designed to give the wearer a “sensory experience” that calms, distracts or comforts the mind during anxious moments. For example, some anxiety jewelry allows its wearer to fiddle with it or benefit from its aroma or crystal-therapy.
Other types of anxiety jewelry can serve as mental reminders, while others use magnetic therapy or even acupressure. These unique pieces of jewelry aim to reduce or even prevent anxiety. However, it is important to keep in mind that anxiety jewelry is not a cure for anxiety, but rather a treatment option, relaxation strategy or coping mechanism.
What are the Different Kinds of Anxiety Jewelry?
As mentioned earlier, there are several different types of anxiety jewelry. Some jewelry is meant to be fiddled with while other types use aromatherapy through essential oils. Others simply use phrases or words to remind you that you are stronger than your anxiety. The various types of anxiety ensure that there is a perfect piece of jewelry for anyone and any need!
Mindful Breathing Jewelry
Mindful breathing jewelry are pieces of jewelry worn and used to help control and slow breathing. Mindful breathing jewelry is often inspired by the meditation practices of Buddhist monks who believed that slower, more intentional breathing has great spiritual benefits. For example, this mindful breathing necklace by Healing Crystals Co. is made of natural crystal and designed to help the user practice more mindful, slower exhales:
Mindful Breathing Necklace by Healing Crystals Co.
Today, modern science has come to the conclusion that slower, more intentional breathing is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellness, both physically and mentally. In fact, numerous studies have shown that mindful breathing can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, cortisol levels in the body, the risk of dementia, heart rate and blood pressure. It can also relax the mind, increase positive emotions and compassion, lower the perception of physical and emotional pain and improve the immune system.
As Healing Crystals Co. explains, these benefits can be achieved using a mindful breathing necklace, which is easy to use. Start by inhaling slowly and deeply through your mouth or nose to fill your body with air. Do not strain to inhale more than feels comfortable. As you inhale, focus on the moment and the feeling of the air filling your lungs.
As you are completing your inhale, start lifting the tip of the crystal necklace to your lips. As soon as your inhale is complete, start exhaling slowly and gently into the tip of the crystal. Make sure not to hold your breath; it is ideal if you breath flows smoothly back and forth without pause.
As you exhale, focus on the moment and the feeling of the air leaving your lungs and flowing through your crystal necklace. Relax your arms, face, jaws and shoulders as you exhale and feel your stress and anxiety melt away.
Continue to focus on the moment and the feeling of your breath, while putting aside any thoughts or worries.
Repeat as long as is required to bring you into a relaxed state. Once you have finished breathing with your crystal necklace, try to maintain the same slow and relaxed breathing. Over time, you will find that you are able to maintain deep breathing without the use of the crystal necklace.
The science is clear: better breathing better results in better health. As such, some companies have made jewelry that serve as a physical reminder for you to breathe better, more intentionally, more slowly and more deeply. Some pieces of jewelry can actually be used to breathe through, while others simply are engraved with a reminder, such as “just breathe.”
Just Breathe Hand Stamped Bracelet
Fidget Jewelry
Fidget jewelry, also called “worry” jewelry, are pieces of jewelry that allow wearers to move different parts of the jewelry while wearing them. Types of fidget jewelry include spinner rings, bead rings and worry stone necklaces and bracelets.
The most commonly manufactured and purchased type of anxiety ring is called the “spinner ring.” “Spinner” rings might conjure up images of the 2017 viral toy, fidget spinners, but that is essentially what they are! These wearable fidget spinners are rings made up of different, moveable pieces.
Most spinner rings have two pieces: a piece of the ring that is worn and a piece on top of that piece that spins when moved. Simply spin the center of the ring with your fingers while breathing deeply in order to calm your mind. Spinning the ring can also help you focus by bringing you back to reality and the present moment rather than being consumed by anxious or distracting thoughts about the past or future.
Floral Spinner Ring
Other fidget rings can involve several different moveable beads. Instead of spinning the entire ring, these rings feature small beads that can be turned while wearing the ring. Simply fiddle or twirl the beads whenever you feel anxious.
Fidget rings are a great option for those with mild anxiety, those who tend to bite or pick their nails or those who have obsessive and unhealthy thoughts. Fidget rings and other fidget jewelry can also be great tools for people with autism who stim, or repeat physical actions. Fidget jewelry allows them to stim discreetly, whenever and wherever.
Fidget Ring
One type of fidget necklace uses a worry stone pendant that is meant to hold between your fingers during anxious moments. Simply move the cool, firm pendant around your hands and feel the metal with your fingertips. While doing this, it may help to breathe deeply or repeat a comforting mantra.
Fiddle Pendant and Worry Stone Pendant Necklaces
Another example of a fidget necklace is this collar. The collar is worn on the back of your neck while a chain hangs down from the tubular collar on either side. You can then pull the chain up or down the tubing, which creates a soothing humming sound in addition to giving you something to fiddle with using your hands.
Anxiety Necklace
Another type of anxiety necklace is known as the diffuser necklace. This necklace uses a pendant or locket that can hold essential oils and diffuse them one way or another throughout the day. If you want to learn more about this type of necklace, please refer to the section below titled “Anxiety Jewelry with Essential Oils”.
Another type of anxiety necklace is known as “chewelry,” or chew jewelry. These necklaces feature a chewable pendant in varying degrees of softness or hardness. Wearers can safely chew on the pendants as needed to help reduce their anxiety. Chewerly is a great treatment option if your anxiety causes you to bite your nails or cheeks.
Chewable Gem Necklace
Lastly, some necklaces utilize gemstones and crystals for relieving anxiety. The benefits and types of crystals used for anxiety will be discussed in the next section about anxiety bracelets.
Anxiety Bracelet
Anxiety bracelets can include many different types of jewelry. One popular type of anxiety bracelet is known as a healing gemstone bracelet. These bracelets utilize crystals and gemstones known to be healing and helpful when it comes to suffering from anxiety.
Several cultures and religions have been utilizing gemstones and crystals for healing and protection for thousands of years, dating back to the Ancient Sumerians. According to these practices and beliefs, crystals can soothe anxiety as well as heal the mind, body and spirit from the dangerous health effects anxiety can have on the body. Many believe that crystals and gemstones can have a range of healing and beneficial effects such as:
- Easing emotions
- Relieving anxiety, pressure and stress
- Dispelling negative thoughts
- Balancing the nervous system
- Lessening feelings of depression
- Regulating emotional mood swings
- Improving self-love
- Increasing patience and optimism
- Balancing the chakras
- Improving and harmonizing your communication with others
Gemstone Beads Bracelet
There are many different types of crystals and gemstones that can be used in anxiety bracelets. Sometimes bracelets will include more than one type of gemstone/crystal, and oftentimes the crystals and gemstones will have specific healing capabilities.
Lepidolite, for example, balances out stressful periods, as well as the sensation of feeling emotionally overwhelmed or overly worried. Lignite, or jet stone, can dissipate anxious thoughts and fear. Rose quartz crystal is known as the stone of “unconditional love,” and is therefore a great stone for anyone experiencing anxiety over loving themselves or others. Clear quartz crystal can cleanse and balance the body. Smoky quartz can soothe busy minds.
Blue lace agate is another common crystal used for anxiety and stress relief. It is known for encouraging tranquility, inner-peace and calming energies throughout the body. Blue lace agate is also useful in situations where communication, heightened tensions or stressful situations are giving you anxiety as they can harmonize and stabilize these feelings.
Amethyst can dissipate negativity in the body. Howlite is known as the stone of “tranquility” and is said to encourage calmness and balance high emotions. It can also be used to promote enthusiasm, ambitions and even patience. Jade can dissipate negative thoughts and irritability while soothing the mind. It can also recharge energy and balance nerves.
Turquoise can help prevent panic attacks and stabilize emotions. Black tourmaline can balance and stabilize emotions as well. Sodalite crystal can calm the mind and ease panic attacks. Aquamarine can cleanse the mind of negative or evil thoughts. It also helps the body and mind in releasing built-up tension, anxiety and fears. Rhodochrosite can help one overcome trauma. Lastly, shungite is known for boosting energy levels while lowering anxiety and stress. Other healing crystals include: chrysocolla, amazonite, blue sandstone, kambaba jasper, fluorite, lava stone and hematite.
White Howlite Gemstone Anxiety and Healing Bracelet
Other types of anxiety bracelets use words or phrases to remind you that you are bigger than your anxious thoughts and feelings. Engraved bracelets can be found with many different phrases from “your anxiety is lying to you” to “breathe” or “I can and I will.”
Breathe Bracelets
Stacked bracelets or bangles can also also be used as anxiety jewelry. Similar to fidget rings, these bracelets are designed in a way that allows the wearer to discreetly fiddle with them.
Another bracelet option is the magnetic bracelet. These bracelets are believed by some health practitioners to use magnetism to improve circulation, inflammation and pain perception. If you have an illness anxiety disorder or generally experience anxiety or physical pain in your hands or arms, magnetic bracelets might be a good choice for you.
Stacking Bangle Bracelet
Anxiety Wristbands
Anxiety wristbands are thick bands that can be purchased or made from rubber bands or elastic hair bands that you already have. If you choose to purchase a wristband specifically for anxiety, you will often find that these wristbands target functional acupressure points to provide anxiety relief. Acupressure can effectively, naturally, and easily relieve you of anxiety, stress, insomnia, headaches, vertigo and even nausea and palpitations.
The acupressure points used in these types of bracelets target pressure points H6, H7, P6, P7, LU8 and LU9. However, H6 and H7 are best for anxiety. If you are new to acupressure, make sure that you allow your body to adjust to the therapy. It is also important to be consistent and continue to wear the bracelet before you even begin to experience symptoms of anxiety. Typically, you should see positive results within one week after consistent wear.
Anti-Anxiety Acupressure Therapy Band
Using simple rubber bands or elastic wrist bands is a bit different compared to purchasing the aforementioned wristbands. With this treatment, you simply use the material to “snap” you back into reality during an anxious episode by literally snapping the band against your wrist three times. As you snap the band, it may be helpful to repeat a phrase, or mantra, to yourself: something to remind you that your anxiety does not control you, or something to help you get out of your head.
One example might be to remind yourself that nothing is wrong with you, and that your anxiety is lying to you and convincing you that something is wrong. This type of anxiety wristband is a physical reminder to stop you from over-thinking or ruminating over negative thoughts. Hopefully, this method can help bring you back to the present moment instead of letting your anxiety take control. It is a treatment option that is discrete and can be done anywhere anytime, but just make sure to choose a rubber band or elastic wrist band that you do not mind wearing everyday.
Anxiety Rings
Nearly all pieces of anxiety rings take the shape of fidget rings like spinner and beaded rings. To read more about these pieces and how they work, refer to the section above titled “Fidget Jewelry.”
Anxiety Awareness Jewelry
Anxiety awareness jewelry is simply meant to bring awareness to anxiety. Even though anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health disorder in the U.S, mental illness remains shrouded in stigma and stereotypes. By bringing awareness to anxiety and other mental health disorders, we can begin to normalize these issues that affect millions.
You should not be ashamed of your anxiety, and anxiety awareness jewelry can let others around you know of your journey before you even say a word. Anxiety awareness jewelry can also be a conversation tool that can help you open up to others about your journey and reduce the negative stigma associated with mental illness.
Start the conversation with this “Anxiety” necklace
Anxiety Jewelry with Essential Oils
Just as the market for anxiety jewelry has grown over the years, so has the popularity of essential oils. Luckily, we can combine the two to create an effective and simple way to treat anxiety. There are several different anxiety jewelry products that utilize essential oils, or aromatherapy, such as beaded jewelry and wearable diffusers. Lava stone is most frequently used in beaded essential oil jewelry due to its porous surface. Other diffuser necklaces utilize felt pads or foam sticks to diffuse the oils.
Lava Aromatherapy Necklace and Feather Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace
To use the felt pad necklaces, simply use one to two drops of your favorite essential oil on the felt pad and place it back into the locket. The felt will slow the evaporation of the essential oils, and one to two drops will last for hours. Most necklaces come with multiple pads if you want to designate each pad with a scent, but, if not, simply hand wash the felt pad after use and leave it to dry.
Other diffusers utilize a pendant composed of three different parts: a diffuser, a controller and a container. Instead of using felt or foam pads, this type of necklace is diffused through the control piece. Simply fill the container portion with you essential oil(s) of choice, and let it do the work.
Essential Oil Diffuser Pendant Necklace
Aromatherapy can be used to relieve a variety of physical, mental and emotional problems. Whether you are wanting a solution to your anxiety or are stressing over travel or work, a diffuser necklace is a great option.
There are many different essential oils that work to relieve anxiety. Lavender is by far the most popular choice; it can help with muscle tension, stress headaches and calming and relaxing the mind. Peppermint is another option, as it can reduce pain perception and help with stress headaches. Frankincense helps relax the mind and reduce depression and anxiety. Clary sage can also be used to alleviate depression and anxiety as it works to control the level of cortisol in the body. Orange can boost energy levels and focus, while vetiver and valerian can aid with sleep. Other oils that can be used to alleviate anxiety include:
- Rose
- Jatamansi
- Bergamont
- Jasmine
- Chamomile
- Holy basil
- Sweet basil
- Ylang Ylang
- Fennel
- Marjoram
- Lemon balm
- Patchouli
Men’s Anxiety Jewelry
Many of the above styles and types of anxiety jewelry come in colors and designs appealing to men and their style. Makers of anxiety jewelry will often make the same product in different colors and larger sizes for this reason. For example, this lava stone diffuser bracelet would be a great option for men wanting to incorporate aromatherapy on the go.
Another option for men is this black stainless steel diffuser pendant necklace.
Benefits of Anxiety Jewelry
If you have anxiety, you know that there are many different kinds of physical and mental symptoms and being in a constant state of anxiousness can lead to even greater long-term problems. Living with an anxiety disorder can result in any of the following problems or conditions:
- Always feeling nervous or restless
- Always feeling as though you are in danger or panicking often
- Increased heart rate
- Hyperventilation
- Fatigue
- Increased sweat production, shaking or trembling
- Insomnia
- Trouble concentrating
- Immune system suppression
- Digestive problems
- Greater risk of heart attack and stroke
- Being left more vulnerable to other mental health problems such as depression
- Muscle tension
- Agitation and irritability
- Decreased productivity
- Increased likelihood to develop unhealthy relationships with recreational drugs and alcohol
The above symptoms of anxiety are scary and can lead to life-long problems, which is why it is important to treat your anxiety now. Luckily, anxiety jewelry can benefit any type of anxiety disorder including panic disorder, phobia, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, illness anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. By wearing any of the above pieces of anxiety jewelry, you can help ease your anxiety, calm your mind, increase your attention, and soothe your body.
Anxiety jewelry is also an affordable, chemical-free and healthy way to treat your anxiety. Most of the pieces available can be discreetly accessed anytime, anywhere.
Does Anxiety Jewelry Work?
Unfortunately, no scientific studies have been completed studying the specific effects and benefits of anxiety jewelry. However, there are studies that prove that the ideas behind anxiety jewelry are accurate.
For example, a 2006 study published in the Journal of At-Risk Issues, which considered the benefits of stress balls, observed sixth graders who used stress balls to keep their hands busy during class time. Researchers found that when the students used stress balls their “attitude, attention, writing abilities, and peer interaction improved.” This suggests that by having something to fidget with, whether it is a stress ball, spinner ring or worry necklace, you can help remain calm and focused.
Dr. Anna Lembke of Stanford University’s psychology department has compared hand fidgeting with meditation. In this doctor’s opinion, by performing a repetitive hand motion we connect our body with our mind, which can have a calming response that redirects your focus to the present instead of distracting or anxious thoughts. This concept is similar to grounding, also called earthing, which is a well-known therapeutic coping technique using the senses (sound, sight, scent, touch and taste) when feeling anxious. All of the above pieces of jewelry appeal to the five senses in one way or another. By experiencing the senses and grounding yourself in this way, you can help keep yourself in the present instead of focusing on feelings of being overwhelmed or anxious.
Although these studies do suggest that anxiety jewelry works, the best way to decide for yourself is to simply try it. Many pieces of anxiety jewelry are incredibly accessible and affordable, making it easy for you to try it out without spending too much money. For a great option, consider this mindful breathing necklace by Healing Crystals Co.
How to Use Anxiety Jewelry
After choosing a piece of anxiety jewelry that speaks to you and feels comfortable wearing everyday, use the jewelry as a natural extension of your body and make using it a natural habit to help you through everyday stressors and anxious episodes. The jewelry you choose should soothe you when used.
If you need to try multiple types of anxiety jewelry before you find the one that works best for you, just have patience with yourself. For some it helps to use the jewelry long before feelings of anxiousness set in, which is why it is important to make it a habit. This “habit” can also be referred to as a behavioral connection known as conditioning. Conditioning can be used to connect an action, like playing with your anxiety ring, with a feeling like feeling more calm, relaxed or focused. Using the jewelry in this way will ensure that you are more likely to use it and enjoy significant benefit from it.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders are not conditions that simply go away. However, with a combination of different treatment options, you can greatly increase your quality of life. By incorporating anxiety jewelry into your everyday life, you are inviting in healthy coping mechanisms that will lessen the control that anxiety has over you. By trying out anxiety jewelry, you are opening yourself up to instant, discrete, natural and healthy relief from your anxiety.
Interested in learning more about the benefits of mindful breathing? For a detailed discussion of mindful breathing and the scientific studies behind it, check out our comprehensive guide on the subject here!
Did You Enjoy This Article?
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