Stress be gone

Written by Rachel Berman    I’ve always had trouble just letting go — even on vacation, I try to fit in as much as possible. Knowing that I’m high-stress, my mom gave me a massage for the holidays. I love massages, although when I’m on the table, my mind still races thinking about what else I have to do that day. So when the masseuse placed a scented, heated, silk pillow over my eyes and my thoughts completely drifted away, I knew I was on to something.

We’re all stressed at some point in our lives. Research suggests that both short-term and long-term stress can affect us physically as well as emotionally, causing insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, weight fluctuations, and lack of energy. So when you find something that soothes you, you have to take advantage! As soon as I left my massage, I found the name and website of that magic pillow: the Nelly Pack. It’s sold in many different versions: as a reusable eye pillow, a scarf, shoulder pack, back wrap, traditional heat pack, and even in the shape of a stuffed bear for kids. The material inside is 100% natural — a combination of flaxseed, vanilla, lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and rose petals — and the outside fabric is available in a variety of styles. I just ordered a shoulder pack in faux leopard fur! The herbal aroma is optional but I highly recommend it unless you’re sensitive to smells — the unique combo truly does melt your worries away. The heat aspect makes Nelly Packs therapeutic, too. Simply pop one in the microwave and place on tightened muscles; you can even head out for the day with it on if you have the scarf. For injuries that involve swelling, place a Nelly Pack in the freezer then apply to the affected area. My massage wasn’t just great in the moment, it also led to this amazing product I can de-stress with every day. Thanks Mom!

Tanya’s Tip: For lower back pain or during that time of the month, heat up a back wrap and fasten around your waist with Velcro straps after a long day.

Nelly Packs, $8-$30, nellypacks.net