One thing about me is that I am the easiest target for an Instagram ad. For someone whose profession is “influencer,” I am also very easily influenced. If you promise me better posture, a less bloated stomach, a less sore neck or non-achy feet? I’m going to buy your thing. Call it embarrassing, call it a shopping problem . . . I call it curiosity.
Shopping is a big part of my job, after all, so there’s an extra benefit for me: being able to share the thing if it ends up working, which is great when it happens! I’ve found some great things. I’ve also wasted a lot of money on gimmicky things that do not work. Especially neck stretchers. I’ve tried ‘em all, turns out simple is best.
Today’s post is just the things that really work. They make my life a little bit better, and I hope that they’ll do the same for you.
This acupressure neck pillow looks so scary but I promise — it feels really good! I like to lay on it when I get home from the gym. Just ten minutes — it’s prickly at first, but it works. You can use it two different ways to target your upper neck or your traps — I do both as I store a lot of tension in both places.
I love this tea! Someone, maybe Jess Graves, called it the “hot girl tummy tea” which made me laugh. It’s true — it’s on every model and “hot girl’s” instagram feed or Substack. I do not personally identify as “hot,” but I can tell you how much I love this: it’s helped my stomach bloating so much. I try to have two cups a day, one after lunch and one after dinner. The coriander taste is really mild and soothing, it’s a nice little ritual.
No matter how careful I am with what I eat, I always get really bloated when I fly. I keep these in my personal item for instant relief. They make a difference. I like them more than arrae’s bloat pills, for the record.
These are a weird one! But hear me out: they are fabulous. Especially if you have foot/toe pain. My feet always bother me, specifically my big toe and the right ball of my foot. Massages help, but it’s one of those ongoing things that just bugs me. It’s only gotten worse with weightlifting and reformer pilates.
These really do make such a difference. Find a time when you don’t need to move for fifteen minutes and slide them on. It will feel weird at first, maybe even hurt. But the relief they provide my toes is unparalleled. I love them and have convinced several of my girlfriends to try them, everyone agrees!
I have talked about this again and again but ahhhhhhhhhh — it is the very best! Just laying on it for ten minutes loosens all the muscles in my neck and de-escalates tension. It’s the best $10 I’ve ever spent (the price has gone up; I bought mine nearly ten years ago).
I have so many pricey baths, but if I am not feeling well (this applies to hangovers, colds, aches and pains; I could go on and on!) I reach for this. It will make just about every ailment feel a little better. It will also turn your tub yellow, but whatevs — it’s worth it.
I’ve slept with eye masks on and off my whole life, but one thing I have noticed since getting my (love of my life) Eight Sleep mattress cover (it meticulously tracks all the elements of a good night’s sleep) is that my REM sleep is always much higher when I sleep with an eye mask. Just something interesting I noticed, so I have been making a point not to forget it, and I do sleep better, even in my (very dark) bedroom! I really like this one because it gives you a little extra breathing room around your eyes.
This is so delicious! And it has easy protein, collagen, and turmeric. I probably have a cup every day as a snack. I love the savory miso flavor. I truly cannot get enough of it. I even have the travel packs for trips.
Another back/neck sort of stretcher, but this one focuses on my upper back. It was a reader recommendation, and I love that it targets that top part of your back, which can be a little hard to stretch out!
This is another gem for sore muscles! It is more concentrated than an Epsom salt bath, making it not only more convenient than a soak (though I do love a soak!) but also more effective. I love it. It’s best to just rub it onto sore muscles before bedtime. It does make you slightly sticky (a few readers have asked me if it does!), but nothing terrible.
I jokingly call this my “happy drink,” but it really is that for me! It helps me sleep, it helps with mood swings, it helps with digestion and regularity. A trifecta of goodness. The berry flavor is my favorite; it’s very mild — I actually like how it tastes.
This is the greatest for sleep! I massage a few drops into my feet, traps, and/or the back of my neck, and it feels incredible and helps me fall asleep —and stay asleep. Don’t use too much; it’s very concentrated - the bottle should last you a long time. Why is magnesium just the best!?
Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.
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