Money can’t buy happiness…but these purchases definitely helped my mindset
The global wellness industry’s worth passed the $4 trillion mark in 2019 and, despite the pandemic’s impact on gyms, studios, instructors, spas and the like, the industry as a whole has adapted itself to provide more at-home alternatives than ever before—be it thousand-dollar virtual gyms via Mirror or $28 manicure kits by Olive & June.
And despite all the comfort and luxury this industry has brought to us, it can be detrimental too—every brand and leader in the wellness industry may not have the consumer’s best interest at heart (rather, their own pockets are likely at the forefront of their mind), and the pursuit of wellness can often feel unattainable and become addictive.
As a result, when we do “buy in” lately, it’s helpful to think about which clothes, products, subscriptions and more will benefit us long term (yes, those that continue to “spark joy”) rather than what will just fix a short-term solution—or, if you’re me, the very short-term euphoria brought by simply buying something new. These products have made our quarantine, and lives, infinitely better; whether by sparking a little joy, leading us to feel more well, or even by helping us save money in the long run.
*Author disclaimer: Fit to Get Well isn’t sponsored by any of the below products, just in love with them.
1. The Calm app
Apps such as Calm & Headspace digitized meditation and guided sleep through subscription-based offerings dedicated to virtually helping customers live a better life. Calm specifically seeks to help users sleep better & stress less, while Headspace promotes being kind to your mind. Rather than TikTok or watch Netflix until my eyes couldn’t stay open, I started letting the soothing narration of Harry Styles & Idris Elba lull me to sleep—and I noticed the lack of visual screen time before bed making a positive impact. Calm offers sleep stories, meditations, music and more, whether you’d like to add meditation into your morning routine or find calming tunes to act as background noise to a hectic WFH day.
The ADAA reviewed mental health apps on their benefits and accessibility, noting that Headspace specifically excelled in “presenting meditation in a user-friendly way with clear instructions,” and “normalizing mind-wandering,” something many novice meditators frequently experience and must navigate.
Calm specifically offers various series on mental fitness and mindfulness that help you prioritize & stay accountable for checking in with your thoughts and yourself.
The price: $14.99/month or $69.99/year
The payoff: Always-on meditation library, exclusive music for relaxation, focus & more, gentle guided stretching and movement videos and much more.
2. Espresso machines, milk frothers & matcha
My daily americano run became as much a part of my new quarantine routine as logging on to work or logging on to Instagram or logging on to Netflix. But once I was reunited with my espresso machine at my apartment, I reminded myself how happy I could feel (and how much money I could save) by perfecting my coffee routine at home.
Friends I talked to had the same idea—one swore by her milk frother to make a lavender oat milk latte, the other matcha for her daily tea. And while your favorite coffee shops aren’t going anywhere during the pandemic (plus, it’s great to support small businesses when you can), it’s comforting to know you can make your favorite caffeine fix or cozy morning drink at home. So while we’re on the subject of money & mindset, dive into Business Insider’s insight on how much money you’ll really save skipping on Starbucks—it might surprise you.
The price: $150-$200 automatic espresso machine; $15-$30 handheld milk frother; $15 matcha powder
The payoff: Saving hundreds on daily $4 lattes, avoiding needing to leave the house, justifying caffeine at 2 p.m.
3. Essential oil diffuser
For many of us, spending a lot more time inside led to a lot more time in bed—and a fair amount of time spent focusing on our sleep schedule, or lack-thereof. “Coronosomnia,” a legitimate diagnosis for the world’s justifiable inability to get decent shut-eye during this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, affects many—and don’t get us started on eerily-realistic COVID dreams.
If you hate the groggy ZzzQuil hangover and don’t feel melatonin works for you, try the benefits of an essential oil diffuser in your room at night. Science has proven the power of scent association, and various essential oils have the power to impact your sleep cycle. Lavender oil is widely accepted as a common sleep aid, but chamomile, bergamot & sandalwood all have positive impacts on relaxation and rest.
The price: $30 for a mid-sized diffuser; price varies for essential oils ($30 for a set of 8)
The payoff: Better sleep, a better-smelling room, increased relaxation.
4. Slippers, slippers, slippers
I used to invest in my shoes. And while I’ve still treated myself to a pair or two in 2020, I invested in footwear I don far more in the confines of my home—slippers. This is nothing revolutionary. Slippers have little proven mental health benefit. I just really, really love them and the fuzzy pair I bought off of Amazon in April have given me a lot of joy and kept my feet warm. It really really is about the little things right now, and my little pair of slippers are my favorite 2020 accessory—I could see them staying in style through 2021. I wake up and get excited to put on my slippers, I settle in on the couch after a workout and shower and slip them back on. I’m arguably getting cabin fever and becoming attached to an inanimate object, but there’s no denying these slippers really improved my home life.
The price: $16.99 for the pair I bought on Amazon, or however much the slippers you have your eye on cost. Also, your friends’ view of your sanity when they read your article inspired by your slippers.
The payoff: Your feet are always warm and 2020 feels a little bit cozier.
