Working, looking after the kids, and the general stresses of life can stop us from relaxing.
While many of us lead busy lives, it's important to find time to unwind and shake off the cobwebs by investing in some "me time".
Gadgets can be a great way to relax, providing you find one that doesn't distract you from a calm environment.
Here are the best gadgets for relaxation available today.
The MUSE 2 is a brain-sensing headband that offers four levels of meditation. The device converts brain wave activity into soundscapes that represent the weather to offer a sense of calm and relaxation. You can connect the headband to your iOS or Android device via the app, with optional in-app purchases.
For busy professionals who need time to unwind, the MUSE 2 is an unobtrusive device that's easy to use and wear. You can simply put the headband on then rest on your couch, bed, or wherever you can find time to relax.
The MUSE 2 comes with five-hour battery life, chargeable by the micro-USB port. You can share the headband between multiple users, so while it's expensive, everyone in the family can benefit from it.
- Four meditations: Mind, Heart, Body, and Breath
- Translates brain activity into sounds
- Track progress via the app
- Brand: MUSE
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
- Integrations: iOS, Android
- Color: Black, Silver
- Battery: 5 hours
- Weight: 0.2kg
- Discreet and comfortable
- Helps to unwind and focus on meditation
- 500+ teacher meditations
- Headphones not included
The Core Meditation Trainer is a small and stylish device that can be held or placed on a flat surface. Using biometric data, this meditation device can track your meditation and encourage you to stay focused. It uses vibrations and lights to guide breathing and can be paired with the iOS and Android app for audio guidance.
Made from natural wood, the Core Meditation Trainer doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. If you don't have a lot of time, there are shorter basic sessions including meditation, soundscapes, and breath training.
If you're stuck in a busy routine and need to find time to relax, the Core Meditation Trainer is a great choice. It's an expensive investment but can certainly help improve your mental health by allowing time to center your focus in a calm way.
- USB charging dock
- 2-Electrode ECG
- Guided vibrations
- Brand: Core
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, USB
- Integrations: iOS, Android
- Color: Brown, White
- Battery: 2 weeks
- Weight: 0.28kg
- Stylish design
- Small and discreet
- Motivational
- Expensive
The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser is a compact device that you can put on your bedside table. You can fill the tank with up to 300ml water and change the settings on the device to continuous or intermittent. The slight humming noise from the diffuser isn't intrusive and can be changed between multiple light settings to suit your environment.
If you don't like sleeping with the windows open and want to ensure there is enough moisture in the air, the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser is an affordable option. You can keep the diffuser on, even without water, if you enjoy the low-light effects. Alternatively, there's an auto-off feature that will turn off once the water has run out.
For those who are looking for a budget-friendly relaxation gadget, you'll be hard pushed to find anything better than the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser. It comes in different color styles and will look great in any home.
- Two mist modes
- Continuous mist for up to 4 hours
- Auto-off functionality
- Brand: InnoGear
- Connectivity: None
- Integrations: None
- Color: White, Bronze, Brown White Gray, Yellow
- Material: Polypropylene
- Battery: Electical plug
- Weight: 0.19kg
- Capacity: 300ml
- RGB Lighting: Yes
- Easy to use
- Provides calming light
- Choose your own essential oils
- Can get very dirty inside
4. Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager
The Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager uses air compression to provide 15-minute foot massages. The heat functionality helps with blood circulation and has the option to switch between two intensity levels. As well as stimulating the nerve endings, this massager offers muscle relaxation in a short amount of time.
If you're busy in the office or only have a short amount of time to sit down at home, the Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager is a quick fix to find some relaxation time. The Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager fits up to shoe size US 11 and uses a 12V power cord to work. The detachable foot covers can be washed, making it a hygienic option.
Whether it's a gift to yourself or your loved ones, the Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager offers affordable relaxation when time is of the essence.
- Different preset modes
- Air compression technology
- Heat functionality
- Style: Air Compression
- Massage Type: Foot
- Heating: Yes
- Brand: Nekteck
- Helps blood circulation
- Detachable foot cover
- Provides a great massage
- Not particularly discreet
5. Hatch Restore
The Hatch Restore is a sleek device that works as an alarm clock, reading light, smart light, and sound device. You can control it via the iOS or Android app, with a choice of different soothing colors and sounds. You can adjust the volume and brightness using the button on the side of the device without the need to reach for your smartphone.
The app is free and allows you to set bedtime routines. From here you can set alarm clock times for different days, choosing a natural sunrise effect to wake you up gently.
If you enjoy reading in bed, the Hatch Restore is a great companion to have. You can choose from a variety of different lights, with a simple touch when you're ready to go to sleep.
- Set wake time, alarm, and color
- Mimics sunrise for gentle waking
- Controlled via iOS or Android app
- Brand: Hatch
- Integrations: iOS, Android
- Protocol: Not Provided
- Hub Required: No
- Music Reactive: No
- Multicolor Capable: Yes
- Inexpensive
- Stylish
- Touch control
- Must be plugged in
6. Bose Sleepbuds II
The Bose Sleepbuds II uses noise-masking technology to stop you from nighttime disturbances or distractions. Using 50 curated sounds, the Bose Sleep App can be controlled via your iOS or Android device, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep for longer.
The discreet earbuds are comfortable to wear and are safe to sleep with. You can set your own personal alarm via the app, so the alarm will only wake you, helpful if you have a child or others around you that you don't want to wake up.
While they are an expensive investment, the Bose Sleepbuds II is a perfect gadget for relaxation. They are easy to use and come with three different-sized tips to suit every person.
- In-ear alarm
- Rechargeable in the case
- Library of 50 sounds
- Brand: Bose
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Additional Tips: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Comfortable
- Helps with sleep and relaxation
- Blocks out disturbances
- Expensive
7. RENPHO Eye Massager
The RENPHO Eye Massager uses heat compression to massage your eyes, reducing fatigue and offering a sense of relaxation. Each mode can be used for up to 15 minutes, making this relaxation gadget a great choice if you don't have much time. You can choose from compression, vibration, heating, and music.
The device is comfortable to wear, if not a little bulky. It may not be an ideal solution for relaxing while on the go, but it's a great gift for yourself or family members who need a reminder to find some calm.
The functionality on the front of the RENPHO Eye Massager is easy to access. You can change music, compression, and power on/off the device, then recharge it using USB.
- Five massaging modes
- Heat compress
- Bluetooth music
- Brand: RENPHO
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Color: White, Black
- Battery: 1x Lithium Ion
- Weight: 1.1lbs
- Dimensions: 7.87 x 5.51 x 4.33 inches
- Easy and comfortable to wear
- Offers a quick fix
- Inexpensive
- Bulky
FAQ
Q: What Are The Best Gadgets For Relaxation?
There's a wide choice of relaxation gadgets available, from foot massagers to meditation devices. Finding the right gadget for you is important, and can often be dependant on how much time you have to dedicate to relaxation. Some gadgets offer 15-minute sessions, whereas others can last all night.
Q: Are Relaxation Gadgets Repairable?
Some relaxation gadgets can be easily repaired, either through spare parts or by cleaning them regularly. In some cases, smart relaxation gadgets may be harder to fix and will require a professional or input from the manufacturer.