Relax

When experiencing anxiety, many people may feel the need to hug a squishy object such as a cushion. According to a new study, the act of doing so could actually help reduce feelings of anxiety – especially if the cushion "breathes."

The idea alone of a massage might do wonders for some people’s stress levels, but a new study has delved into the physiological details of how these short and sweet treatments can kick the body’s relaxation systems into gear.

French startup Aurasens is taking CES music lovers on a "visceral, trans-sensory journey" in Las Vegas this week as it launches its high-end audio recliner. The hi-fi chair uses haptic touch points to gently massage the listener as music plays through a pair of headphones.

Having trouble relaxing? If so, UK-based BioSelf Technology might suggest trying out its new device, called Sensate. It sits against the user's chest throughout the day, buzzing their breastbone when they start getting stressed out.

The emergence of consumer electroencephalography (EEG) devices is giving us new ways to monitor and train our brains. One such device is the Melomind, which promises to help users better manage stress. To do so, it delivers 15-minute sessions of specially designed music.

Sometimes we need to get away from our busy workplaces, even if just for a small amount of time. A new pod has been designed to provide exactly that sort of refuge. The Orrb is a single-person space in which workers can take short relaxation or learning sessions.

If you spend your workday in a busy office, you'll know how difficult it can be to switch off and take a proper break. With this in mind, designer Eden Lew has conceived a wearable isolation pod called the Nutshell that aims to improve the quality of break times.

Float unsurprisingly helps you to float. The obviously-named product is designed to aid water therapy by keeping the person wearing it upright and floating in a naturally relaxing position. At $135 it's a lot more affordable than even the cheapest isolation tank.

Cozy Room is a personal isolation chamber allowing an individual to take some time away from prying eyes. By sitting in the high-backed leather chair and pulling yourself forward, you're encased in a small cubicle with everything you could need close to hand. Except human company, obviously.

Those looking for a more private sauna experience could do worse than the appropriately-named One Man Sauna. Based within the grounds of an abandoned factory, the sauna was created as part of an ongoing project to help re-invigorate the local area following a factory closure.

Some people find these YouTube videos produce intense releaxation, and a pleasurable tingling sensation in the scalp. Are you one of them?

LoungePac is a beach bum's dream chair.