14 self-care essentials our editors have in their mental health tool kits

CNN

27-05-2025

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, our editors wanted to share their favorite self-care essentials they rely on to unwind and treat themselves to some TLC. From wellness essentials like comfy walking shoes and self-care beauty products like a red light mask to little things that make us happy, here are a handful of small but impactful things that help us get through our days with more ease.
So, if you're looking for some easy ways to manage the chaos of the day, we recommend picking a few of our favorites below to start your own self-care tool kit.
Canopy Aroma Diffuser
Sometimes, applying essential oil to my wrists just isn't enough, which is why I like using a diffuser to make my entire home smell like a calming oasis. I love using this one from Canopy because it's compact, easy to use and also projects a long-lasting smell. It's perfect after a long day when you just need to unwind. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
Sony WH-1000XM6 Over-Ear Headphones
I've been dealing with a lot of noise lately, even more than I'm used to (and I grew up in New York City), which is why I'm extremely grateful I've just tested the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones. I've dubbed these the best noise-canceling headphones because they offer the best active noise cancellation I've ever heard, beating the Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra by a notch, and that's made them an essential part of my morning guided meditations. They help me block out the drilling and sawing of nearby construction, so I can focus on box breathing and other tricks to get my mind and body centered as I attempt to make it through another ever-confusing day of 2025. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writerRead our review
Designphil Passport Traveler's Notebook in Brown
I could wax poetic about the mental health benefits and happiness journaling has offered me over the past couple decades — in fact, I already have right here at CNN Underscored — so it's no surprise my favorite journal has made it on this list. Traveler's Company makes incredible leather covers that protect your pages and beautifully patina over time, and its breadth of inserts — notebooks, sticker release paper, accordion folds, folders, zipper cases — are ridiculously affordable for their quality and encourage lots of customizability to fit your individual self-care goals, whether journaling, travel writing, goal setting, doodling or ephemera collecting. (The covers and inserts are also available in a larger regular size if you want more space per page.) — Daniel Toy, copy chief
Meta Quest 3 Virtual Reality Headset
There isn't a single gadget more vital to my mental health than the Meta Quest 3. This virtual reality headset is my main source of exercise, and my daily immersive workouts in the Supernatural app don't just help me burn calories; they also reset and slow down my brain in a way that few other activities can. I've lost count of how many 15-minute virtual boxing sessions have turned a crummy, sleepless or stressful day around, and I've spoken to dozens of devout users who've enjoyed the same life-improving effects. These days I rarely even travel without my Quest 3 in my suitcase; the energy boost and clearer head I get from smashing a few virtual targets are just that important to me. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editorRead our review
Flaus Electric Flosser Starter Kit
Multiple CNN Underscored editors can't stop singing the praises of Flaus, a rechargeable electric flosser. Most of us hear from our dentists that we aren't flossing enough, but this easy-to-use device takes the hassle out of daily flossing. So much that I actually look forward to doing it, even if I'm tired at the end of the day. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Read our review
Altra Men's Lone Peak 9+ Trail Running Shoes
Hiking is one of my favorite ways to de-stress, and lately, the Altra Lone Peak have been my go-to hiking boots. They're super comfortable so I can focus on nature, not my feet hurting. Plus, they feature super-sticky Vibram outsoles that perform on easy, after-work hikes and technical weekend adventures alike. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Read our review
Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebook
To echo the sage wisdom of several editors, there's something cathartic about putting pen to paper and getting out all the thoughts cramming up space in your head. Actually, after chatting with fellow journal enthusiast Henry T. Casey, I felt inspired to pick up this habit again after being in a writing rut. I spotted this Leuchtturm1917 notebook in a charming local bookshop and, buzzing from a book and coffee haul, I couldn't resist. I'm so grateful for this splurge; I always feel better after scribbling in my notebook and hope I can inspire others to do the same. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer
CosRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Face Cleanser
Some nights, the last thing in the world I really want to do is trudge over to the bathroom and do a bit of ritual skin care. That said, I can't remember the last time I went to bed without working CosRX's face cleanser into a lather on my face. It provides a very light touch that leaves my skin feeling pleasant and reset, taking one more thought away from my brain as I try to shut down for the evening. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
The Shop Face Wash
I only just recently started taking my skin care seriously, so anything fancier than the CeraVe I got at the drugstore seems like a true luxury. That includes The Shop's exfoliating face wash, which feels incredibly soothing and refreshing, especially after a long day or intense workout. It packs provitamin B5 and claims to help you shed dead skin cells (sick), but all I really care about is that using it makes me feel and look good. Plus, it comes from LeBron James' own company, so every time I apply it I get that much better at basketball. (I haven't.) — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
Otherland Matchpoint Candle
Everyone needs a nice candle to set a calming ambience at home, and Otherland has been my go-to candle brand to use and gift for years. As someone who is sensitive to overpowering scents, these subtle scents are perfect. Plus, the artwork is stunning and doubles as decor. If you're looking for a luxe candle to light up during your at-home wellness routine, I can't recommend this brand enough. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor
Higher Dose Red Light Mask
This red light mask gives you a high-quality treatment in the comfort of your own home — no more overpriced facials. Red light therapy has immensely helped with my stress levels and is something I rely on to unwind after a long day. I've also noticed that my skin is glowier, and it's helped minimize redness. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
Wild One Treat Pouch
I walk my dogs several times a day, and those walks always provide a nice mental reset during super-busy days. We luckily live right next to a park, so it's easy to hop outside and enjoy the sunshine with my dogs in the middle of the day. One thing I never go on a dog walk without, though, is the Wild One Treat Pouch. It has multiple large pockets to keep treats, poop bags and other essentials organized and handy. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds (2nd Gen)
I've talked about my AirPods Pro 2 ad nauseam on this site, but they truly are an essential part of my self-care routine. When I need to catch a crucial midday nap or simply clear my head after a hectic day, nothing soothes me better than popping my AirPods in and firing up some white noise on the Calm app. The buds' noise cancellation drowns out those small, irritating sounds that break up my focus and relaxation (I love my dog, but man, the licking), and their battery life is just long enough to shield me from the sounds of roaring jet engines and crying babies during a cross-country flight. If I want to have a good day, I need these in my pocket. — Mike Andronico, senior tech writerRead our review
Ryka Influence Training Sneakers
As a former dancer, dance cardio is a regular part of my weekly self-care (and mental health) routine. Recently, though, my old workout shoes stopped supporting my feet. Just a few minutes into dancing, my feet started having intense pain that made my workout unbearable. I knew I needed something more supportive, and a quick search led me to Ryka, a shoe brand made just for women. These particular sneakers are even made specifically for cardio, something I couldn't find while shopping for shoes that would support me for 45 minutes of jumping around. Plus, they're under $100! — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus tapped her CNN Underscored colleagues to see what self-care essentials they can't live without.