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If there’s one silver lining from the past year and a half, it’s that many of us have learned to prioritize our health and well-being. Before covid, we may have been burned out but quarantine forced us to prioritize rest, set boundaries, and incorporate self-care into our daily lives as we worked remotely from home. But as a new Forbes article points out, virtual work brings a new set of pressures. A 2020 study by the CIPD highlighted the risks associated with digital “presenteeism” where employees feel increasingly pressured to be always connected. So, finding health and wellness products or rituals that help to uncover what your body, mind, and spirit actually need is critical to a healthy, happy life. And we all know that healthy, happy employees are more productive, too.
So, we asked our team of editors to share the new (and old) wellness products that are helping to improve their lives this month and why. From CBD oils to mini trampolines and neck massagers, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Why I Recommend It: Recently, I’ve been fascinated by the Vagus Nerve. As the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, the Vagus Nerve is responsible for things like control of mood, immune response, digestion, and heart rate. Stimulating and toning your Vagus Nerve can reap benefits like calming anxiety, reducing stress, and better sleep and digestion. There are a handful of things to try like gargling, humming, and cold therapy, but I love incorporating this oil by Osea into my practice. This oil is made of a calming blend of essential oils specifically formulated to melt away stress. A pump into my hands and a few deep breaths while applying the oil to the sides of my neck equals instant calm. — Hannah Zahner, Beauty & Wellness Editor
Why I Recommend It: At the Campbell house, a series of three DoTERRA oils are diffusing in my Vitruvi at all times. With the help of skilled yogi and DoTERRA expert Kate Waitzkin (who guided me toward the best-suited oils for my needs), I start the day with an uplifting wake-you-up combo of Wild Orange and Peppermint for a boost of energy as the kids head off for the day. As they return from school and the mad-dash afternoon activity chaos sets in, it’s most definitely Balance grounding oil. And to settle in for the night, I opt for DoTERRA’s Serenity in the diffuser and on the bottoms of my feet for restful sleep. — Anne Campbell, Contributing Editor
Why I Recommend It: Don’t laugh, but my mini trampoline has absolutely saved my sanity this past year. I acknowledge that it’s a truly deranged splurge for someone who lives in a 250 square foot apartment in NYC, but it has been worth both the price and eyesore. For me, taking the time to exercise every day is the ultimate form of self-care, so this falls under the umbrella of wellness. I’ve been doing LEKfit for years, but it has become a daily practice during quarantine. I’m not someone who loves exercise, but I find it to be a truly joyful experience—to say nothing of the fact that it is a crazy intense workout. It’s just so fun that I don’t even realize I’m exercising. It’s the ultimate low-impact, high-intensity workout. I talk about LEKfit founder Lauren Kleban so often that up until a few days ago my girlfriend thought I knew her personally. But in all seriousness, I struggle with pretty bad anxiety, and bouncing out the stress has been a game-changer for me. I honestly don’t know what I would do without it! — Lourdes Avila Uribe, Editor
Why I Recommend It: I cannot say enough about this supplement—it’s black liquid gold! After I posted about not feeling well on Instagram, a friend immediately reached out with her diagnosis: “Take two tablets of olive leaf every two hours with food.” When you’re sick, you will try anything just to get back to health again so I dashed to the health food store and bought the Gaia liquid capsules (these are much easier to digest than the pure liquid form because olive leaf is a strong flavor). I followed my friends’ formula and it worked—I started feeling better that night. I have used olive leaf many times since then and it never fails me. Both olive oil and olive leaf extract are renowned natural traditional remedies and studies have shown that they have antimicrobial and antiviral effects, too. The trick is to start taking it as soon as you start feeling sick because it helps to boost your immune system and fight back on your body’s behalf.
Why I Recommend It: My dad struggles with shoulder pain from an old injury and when I tell you that this is his favorite thing, I mean it. If he is at home, this thing is wrapped around his shoulders. We all thought he was ridiculous for loving this cheap Amazon massager so much, but then we tried it and lost every right to make fun of him ever again. You lay it over your shoulders and neck and put your forearms through the loops at the end and get the best at-home massage experience. I love that it’s so flexible, allowing me to put it wherever I need some extra love at the moment, from my neck to my lower back to my hamstrings. Not only is the massage great, but the heat is amazing. It’s a game-changer for those sit-at-your-computer-all-day people like me! — Bridget Chambers, Social Media, and Editorial Intern
Why I Recommend It: Since we started spending part of the year in Malibu (where it seems like there’s a beekeeper on every corner), I’ve become super interested in the healing properties of honey and other bee products. I finally ordered this bottle of bee pollen which is made for energy support. Called “nature’s multivitamin,” it delivers protein and Vitamin B in one very delicious teaspoon a day. I sprinkle it on my yogurt and also avocado toast (weird but good.) — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief
Why I Recommend It: As a vegetarian, I am always watching my protein intake and it’s been hard to find one that is vegan but also tastes good. This one is a bio-fermented brown rice protein (which doesn’t hurt my stomach as others have), is packed with adaptogens like amla, ashwagandha, and my favorite blue spirulina, has nine essential amino acids, and is sugar- and dairy-free. Oh, and it tastes great in a smoothie. It’s a win-win!
Why I Recommend It: I’m misting on this super hydrating SPF 18 water mist as a final step that sets my makeup and gives a pretty sheen to my skin in the morning. It infuses aloe and coconut water with a full spectrum sunscreen to defend against damage throughout the day and is made with clean ingredients. Plus, it smells sooo good… I’m not sure how I lived without it. — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief
Why I Recommend It: Now that my family is getting back out there little by little I wanted to bump up my immunity. These products include everything I was taking individually all in one—zinc, turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and echinacea—plus they never use gelatin, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, corn starch, or artificial dyes. And the elderberry gummies taste so good and they’re vegan, too. — Brandy Joy Smith, Contributor
Why I Recommend It: I’ve tried my fair share of matcha over the years, and this is the one that I have actually continued to order over and over. I’m a huge fan of both Paru Tea and Methodology, and this matcha is the best one I’ve tried. It’s not bitter, tastes great without any added milk or sweetener, has that beautiful bright green that I always look for in great quality matcha, and just makes my mornings so much better. — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor
Why I Recommend It: My sister gave me this facial steamer for Christmas and it has been such a treat to have. Facial steamers “open” your pores, loosen up any dirt, and soften blackheads. While I cannot complain too much about my skin, I have always struggled with bigger pores and blackheads, making this product a Godsend. My favorite way to use it is after a shower and before a deep-pore cleansing face mask (like this one by Kiehl’s) to make sure that everything is getting cleaned out. Even if it didn’t do all of the things it claims to do, sitting in my bed with my hair pulled back, good-smelling candle lit, and my steamer on is a perfect spa-like need to my day. — Bridget Chambers, Social Media, and Editorial Intern
Why I Recommend It: I’ve been preaching about the entire Juna CBD range for a while now (Nightcap is my go-to for sleep!) but only recently discovered their body oil and it is a game-changer. I use this wellness product whenever I have sore, tired muscles after working out but I mostly use it on my neck and shoulders before bed to calm down the area where I hold the most tension and stress. It helps to relax my entire body from the top down and encourages more restful sleep. I gave some to my mother-in-law recently to treat a muscle ache in her back and it worked like a charm. Rub it into your temples and jaw area to treat headaches or TMJ pain too! — Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
Why I Recommend It: I’ve been a huge fan of The Qi, and having tried all of their flower teas, the one that I always come back to is the chrysanthemum. It’s like a cup of sunshine that really brightens the day. It has a mildly sweet and floral flavor while being a beautiful afternoon ritual that has really made work-from-home days feel a little extra special. — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor
Why I Recommend It: This microbiome supporting mineral supplement is a game-changer for healing your gut and boosting your brain for optimal gut-brain connectivity. While it’s not a probiotic, it supports the body’s production of beneficial enzymes needed to support our gut lining. I first became interested in it when I heard a fellow gluten intolerant friend raving about how much better her digestion and mental clarity were. Beyond supporting gluten intolerances, this supplement protects from toxins, boosts immune function, and digestive wellness. They have a kid’s version my son takes every day, and they have one for pets, too. — Hannah Zahner, Beauty & Wellness Editor
Why I Recommend It: I don’t think we value or talk about recovery as much as we should, and it often gets overlooked from the wellness conversation. This device has brought so much relief to my running and general training, not to mention all the sitting from work-from-home than before. I use it immediately after a run to help loosen my muscles and hit specific trigger points. My second runner-up goes to Therabody’s Sleep CBD tincture. Trust me when I say I’ve tried it all. I have honestly never slept better. This is not an ad! — Kelly Krause, Contributor
Why I Recommend It: I recently wrote a story about my long-term struggle with fluid retention which is typically related to the fact that I sit down all day for work. I’m also not a big sweater either so if I don’t move my body, I’m not releasing fluid any other way. I started drinking two liters of water a day (plus other fluids like tea etc) and it has helped (although I am lucky to work from home because it has definitely upped my trips to the restroom). Until my favorite Y7 hot yoga studio opens up again, I have started trialing some products that can help me to sweat and move the excess fluid I’m holding each day. I bought this waist trimmer and the matching thigh trimmers recently and they have been a gamechanger for me. I am dripping sweat (sorry if that’s TMI) during the workout and you can physically see the beading sweat underneath the trimmer when you remove it post-workout—I highly recommend this wellness product! — Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
Why I Recommend It: I never travel without this miracle face mask from Clarins. A cult favorite, I had read its praises all over Instagram for its magical “de-puffing” powers. After finally deciding to try it out myself, I’ll never leave town without it. Especially after a night of one-too-many glasses of wine or overly salty foods, this mask comes in clutch. I’ll slather a layer all over my face and emerge a less-swollen, more vibrant version of myself afterward. — Michelle Nash, Senior Producer
Why I Recommend It: I was first introduced to Kimberly Snyder’s Solluna supplements line after interviewing her about the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Her team kindly sent me the Detoxy 2.0 along with the Feel Good digestive enzymes and I have been telling anyone who will listen to me about how much they’ve helped. The Detoxy helps you with daily elimination—I mean, you will really experience that morning rush!—and I swear this wellness product has significantly helped relieve my bloating as a result. The Feel Good digestive enzymes really help your own body’s digestive process to prevent bloating before it happens. I take them before most meals but especially when I know I’m going to eat an ingredient that typically doesn’t agree with me or has given me issues in the past. Sometimes, I forget to take them before, and they still work if you take them immediately after or during a meal. I’ve also found them to be the most helpful when I’ve eaten a carb-heavy or starchy dish, or simply when I’ve eaten too much! — Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
Why I Recommend It: I would love to be that girl who makes her own nut milk at home, but unfortunately, after a few attempts, I’m just not her. But I do know a deliciously fresh homemade milk when I taste one and recently I had the privilege of trailing the aMYLK flavored plant-based milk and I’m officially hooked. Blue belle with blue spirulina is my favorite because it’s fun to pour blue-colored milk over your cereal and it also tastes delicious (no trace of any spirulina taste here!). I also love the matcha flavor! This delicious aMYLK is made fresh in Portland, Oregan but they ship nationally so you can get freshly bottled milk to your door. — Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
Why I Recommend It: Now that I’ve been working from home, I don’t really leave the house for much other than groceries so I have started moving my body every day. From a Megan Roup workout to walking the dog around the neighborhood, getting in some kind of physical activity is crucial to my mental and physical health. But it can be hard to stay motivated, especially on those days when you’re drowning in emails and looming deadlines (plus, you don’t have an accountability partner when it’s just you at your home office or dining table in my case). So, I have started getting dressed in my workout clothes each morning so that when it comes time to work out, all I need to do is grab my mat and ankle weights. Aside from the Lululemon Align leggings that I practically live in now, I’ve been wearing P.E. Nation. I love this Aussie brand for their cool fashion-sport fusion that looks just as good on the mat as they do for a walk or dressed up for a coffee date. I am in love with these jump fake leggings that have stirrups for a fun take on equestrian wear. — Sacha Strebe, Deputy Editor
The beauty of this matcha powder is the fact that you don’t need to add milk, just hot water and you’re good to go. The ingredients are also incredible: organic shade-grown matcha blended with oat milk and coconut cream, powered by adaptogens, mushrooms, probiotics, and naturally sweetened with monk fruit. Oh, and it tastes delicious. I love it hot (sometimes add some frothy milk to cream it up) but it’s incredible when iced.
What wellness products have you been loving lately? Drop them in the comments below.
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