10 Products That Helped Me Improve My Mental Health, Well-Being, And Confidence

My personal favorite discoveries from the last year.

Hi, I'm Rajen 👋! I am a commerce strategist at BuzzFeed, and as you can imagine I test a bunch of products. Here are all of my favorites from 2022 that helped with my mental health, well-being, and confidence.

1. A therapy journal for anxiety and depression, aka your travel therapist. It's filled with writing prompts to help you note thought patterns and take steps to improve your mental health.

Therapy Notebooks

I am an introverted baddie who deals with OCD and depression. Being shy and timid doesn't allow me to open up to a therapist or doctor like others. However, I still need a place to express my feelings and guide me through my emotions. This journal helps me with that.

This journal is developed by therapists and helps guide your thoughts as a therapist would. Whenever I am feeling pessimistic or my head is spiraling with emotions, I open this journal and write. One of my favorite prompts is exploring your values and why they are essential to me. It gives me a deeper appreciation of myself and the way I am. 

Note: This journal is not a substitute for therapy sessions with a licensed professional. If you're considering therapy, check out Here's Everything You Need To Know About Therapy (From An Actual Therapist). 

Get the set from Therapy Notebooks for $59 (originally $76).

2. A Lego orchid that helped me revisit fun activities from the past.

Amazon

This was the first Lego set I've built since I was a child. I found it to be very soothing and in a way, therapeutic. It also makes a great decor piece for your place.

I have found it is important for me to revisit past activities that used to bring me joy. They help me feel centered and happy.

Get it from Amazon for $49.99.

3. A humidifier because its extra hydration helped me say hello to dewy skin and luscious hair.

Amazon

Forget buying skincare to attain the dewy skin look, buy a humidifier instead. I keep mine next to my bed and turn it on before going to bed. I've noticed a significant difference in my skin and my curly hair! I wake up feeling hydrated and ready to conquer the day.

I live in Los Angeles and running a humidifier helps me hydrate my chronically dry throat too :). 

Get it from Amazon for $19.75+ (available in two colors).

4. And grapeseed oil for my skincare routine, because soft hydrated skin makes me feel confident.

Amazon

I have the driest skin in the universe, especially during winter. Finding a product that's super moisturizing and doesn't make my skin feel sticky was a mission until I found this Grapeseed Oil. 

This product is great for keeping my skin hydrated and luminous. It's also packed with vitamins!! I simply apply 3–4 pumps in my hand and massage my entire body. A little goes a long way. 

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four sizes).

5. A water flosser that helped me smile more and avoid pricey dentist visits.

Amazon

BYEE to typical wire floss, GET A WATER FLOSSER.

I recently went to the dentist and even though I'm someone who flosses regularly, they told me I have tartar buildup behind my teeth. I was mortified because I thought I had superb dental hygiene. They said a preventable solution was investing in a water flosser.

I've tried a few different versions but this one is my favorite because it's hand-held and travel-friendly.

SMART HACK: Warm water and a bit of mouthwash in the tank makes it a much more pleasant and minty experience. 

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

6. A saffron serum to make me feel like Bella Hadid. With one drop of this serum, my skin is glowy and feels more hydrated.

Verishop

GLASS SKIN ALL DAY. PERIOD. 

This is definitely on the pricier side but OMG, this serum is an actual miracle for me. My facial skin has never looked so smooth and glowy. I mix one drop in my moisturizer and pat it on my face for that radiant finish. 

Get it from Verishop for $98.

7. A pocket-size pill container because I am always forgetting to take my medication.

Amazon

This is the only pill container I have ever liked. I know it doesn't have the seven-day slots that typical organizers do. But honestly, once I got this, I didn't notice because I take my Sunday vitamins while repacking for the rest of the week.         

As someone who has allergies and respiratory issues, I find that this is perfect because it fits in my pocket and holds all of my medication. 

Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (available in four colors). 

8. A gym shirt that actually makes me feel great. It's lightweight, stretchy, and looks great with any color.

Amazon

I've been gatekeeping this shirt forever because it's literally the best gym shirt. It is actually the only gym shirt I use. I'm at five but the number will get bigger.

It's lightweight, you never feel sticky, *and* it's super comfortable. Bonus, if you are getting a good pump it really emphasizes your muscles. 😏

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in men's sizes S–XXL and 14 colors).

9. A container of Briogeo Curl Charisma because when your hair is on point so are you.

Amazon

This product has me in a chokehold. As an Indian American with thick curly hair, I've noticed that it isn't easy to find products that make my curls look luscious and not frizzy. I usually mix this cream with some hair oil when applying. It leaves my hair radiant with the softest curls.

Get it from Amazon for $24.

10. Lastly, a pair of Cloud 5 Running Shoes — I use them daily for the gym, walks, and chasing after my cat.

Nordstrom

These are the best gym shoes I've ever owned. I have terrible balance but ON has zero-gravity support that allows me to do a Bulgarian split squat with no hassle. For new squatters (I have a few years under my belt), this exercise is very intense. Highly recommend these shoes for working out!

Get them from Nordstrom for $139.99 (available in men's shoe sizes 7–14 and 12 colors).