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This Is the Stuff I Use When I’m Spiraling (But Still Have Things to Do)

These products won’t fix your life, but they might help you survive the day.

By Maha Haq | Reviewed by Ysolt Usigan

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There’s a specific kind of spiraling where nothing is technically wrong, but everything feels off. Your brain won’t settle, your attention keeps drifting, and even simple tasks seem harder than they should be. You open your laptop, click around for a bit, and realize you haven’t done anything. The problem is, you still have things to do: work, eat, basic functioning. You don’t get to fully check out. This isn’t a full crash-out moment where you can disappear for a few hours (or days). It’s that in-between version where you’re expected to keep going anyway. Spiraling out is a precursor to something much worse, so you should address it right away.

Nothing gets solved instantly, so you start reaching for small things and quick fixes that take the edge off. You’re just trying to get through it and and straighten out your spiral. These aren’t solutions or long-term answers. Just whatever makes it slightly easier to stay functional until the spiraling feeling passes, or at least quiets down a bit.

This is what I use. It helps in the spiraling moment, and it also makes it easier to keep up with better habits over time.

Snapshot of what I use when I’m spiraling

Calming Hydration: Emergen-C’s Vitamin C Ashwagandha Drink Mix

Stop and Smell The Flowers: UpNature Calm Essential Oil Roll On

A Little Help If You Bite Off More Than You Can Chew: Chewsy: So Long Stress Fruit Chews

Wrap It Up For Tension Release: Bed Buddy Neck Wrap

Because Ice Feels Nice: ESARORA Ice Roller

Calming Hydration: Emergen-C’s Vitamin C Ashwagandha Drink Mix

Have you had enough water today? Chances are, probably not. And no, all those energy drinks and coffee cups don’t count as water intake. If anything, caffeine can make things worse during a spiral. That jittery feeling can be too stimulating to actually focus, and can even make the anxiety worse. Research published in Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, led by psychology professor Dr. William Lovallo, found that “caffeine increases cortisol levels during periods of stress.”

It also adds up quickly. Going over 400mg of........

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