If even the thought of relaxing right now makes you stressed, you're not alone. Though regular exercise, mindful meditation, and CBD pills can help, most of us are still struggling to find peace. That's why the only people you should take relaxation advice from are the ones who seem to have figured it all out: the internet's chillest people. The content creators below have amassed huge followings thanks in part to their soothing voices and peaceful videos, whether it be about gardening, a daily ritual, or a tingly ASMR sound. Millions of fans flock to their channels for a small dose of calm, so it's only right to ask how they themselves unwind and keep stress at bay. Ahead, tips on how to chill from the chillest people on our feeds.
Nabela Noor, @Nabela
The Bangladeshi-American fashion and beauty content creator inspires her 4.3 million Tik Tok followers, 1.6 million Instagram followers, and 949,000 Youtube subscribers with her "Pockets of Peace" video series, which highlights little moments throughout the day that spark joy and gratitude.
On her chill personality: "I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as a 'chill' person but rather as someone who tries to find ways to chill and ground myself each day. Honestly, I am a pretty anxious person on most days and the content I started creating through quarantine actually stemmed from a desire to calm my anxiety during such a chaotic time and find peace in each day.
My 'Pockets of Peace' series is a compilation style, day in my life video series, highlighting the positive, peaceful moments of my day. The series features the moments of my day that I want to celebrate, to highlight the peace amongst the chaos. My content stems from genuine moments of my day that bring me joy, which helps me create content without being stressed.
However some days aren’t perfect, and sometimes it does get very stressful because my anxiety is just out of control. But while creating the content I genuinely become less stressed. The activities actually slow me down and help me center myself. Which was the purpose of the 'Quarantine Routine' and 'Pockets of Peace' series all along. It has saved me on my darkest days."
On how she relaxes: "I am all about setting your intention for the day, and it has become a huge priority for my morning and night routines. Each morning, my husband Seth and I tell Alexa to turn on meditation sounds and lay in bed for at least 15 minutes listening to the meditation before starting our morning. We fall asleep the same way as well.
I try to make everything relaxing or luxurious from something as simple as a shower to turning a glass of water into a fresh fruit infused water in a mason jar. I like to think that I romanticize the most mundane parts of everyday life and in doing so, I feel like every day feels like the ultimate self-care day. I love baths, steamy showers, calligraphy, movie nights, working out, long drives, cooking and whipping up new recipes, painting, even cleaning and tidying the home… the list goes on and each thing helps me fill my cup."
Her best advice: "Take each day one minute at a time. Truly. If all you did today was breathe, that’s more than enough. This is the most anxiety inducing year for us all in so many ways—as a country, as a world. It is absolutely okay to not be okay. It is okay if some days are not productive or efficient. Just making it through this year is such a massive accomplishment. Be kind to yourself. Kinder than you are to anyone else. Because you deserve the same grace, patience and compassion you so freely give to everyone around you.
If there is anything I would want anyone to take away from my 'Pockets of Peace' series, it’s that self love starts with self-care. It’s that each day carries a few moments of goodness, and you deserve to enjoy them. Find your pockets of peace in each day. It doesn’t have to be glamorous or grand. Even if it just means sitting in the car for five extra minutes and listening to your favorite song just for you. Take gentle care of yourself. And do something each day that serves only you."
Maria Viktorovna, @GentleWhispering
With nearly 2 million Youtube subscribers, Maria Viktorovna of the channel Gentle Whispering creates ASMR videos that help millions of people relax, unwind, and even fall asleep. Her video of hair-cutting sounds has garnered over 23 million views.
On her chill personality: "I would describe myself as pretty chill although I do have a loud side. I try to be as calm as possible while recording but there are of course stresses that come with creation. Since I deal with intricate sounds many times the outside world doesn't cooperate while recording and that can become a bit stressful. Otherwise, most of the time I try to focus on the positive aspects of any situation."
How an ASMR expert relaxes: "I enjoy listening to soft music before I record, oftentimes accompanied by a tea and apples to assist my voice. I also enjoy daily deep stretches along with exercise and of course a candle lit bath is always nice from time to time."
Her best advice: "If you are stressed or anxious I would remind you that you are not alone. Many of us are all dealing with our troubles and these emotions are often necessary for your growth however uncomfortable to live through. Your feelings are valid and important. You can help yourself to deal with these emotions in many ways, just know that there are better days ahead."
Marcus Bridgewater, @GardenMarcus
Garden Marcus gives his 679,000 followers on Tik Tok tips on how to cultivate and care for plants with a side of positivity, gratitude, and kindness. After all, he's a life coach and owner of Choice Forward, a coaching and workshop company. You'll follow to learn how to properly pot a plant and stay for Bridgewater's soothing commentary.
On his chill personality: "I would describe myself as on a continuous journey to find balance and peace. It's something I work on all the time, but I have been told I am 'chill.' I do not get stressed when creating relaxing content as I do not believe it is something that should create stress in my life. I also think allowing it to stress me would compromise the content."
On how gardening is the best way to relax: "It is one of the easiest techniques to utilize as nature is everywhere, but we are often distracted by screens."
How he unwinds: "Relaxation is a practice, and I practice it every day. I meditate, use breathing techniques, play video games, stretch, and spend time with loved ones."
His best advice: "My advice for people feeling stressed and anxious right now is to slow down, focus on breathing, and focus on community. Given the added pressures of COVID, we need each other more than ever. Open yourself up to the resource of other people; it is easier to confront stress and anxiety with the support of those around you."
