The HIP Team’s Favorite Self-Care Products
We have learned so much over the last few months about how to care for our minds and bodies. In our coping mini-series, Pauline Beaumont, author of Bread Therapy, taught us that there is culture and comfort in crafting a simple loaf of bread. Through her book, The Panic Button, Tammi Kirkness shares strategies for relieving stress, and in our final episode, founder of Notes from Your Therapist, Allyson Dinneen, illustrates the power of realizing and accepting one’s emotions. Listening to their words and wisdom feels like a kind and gentle hug.
Whether you are at the beginning, middle or end of your wellness journey, you are not alone! We are learning right along with you, each on our unique wellness paths. Like you, we learn, practice, grow, stumble and start again. We are also obsessed with self-care and hope that this list of our favorites helps you to feel like your best self! You deserve it!
Kate’s Favorites
water bottle
One snowy day, I visited a friend in Utah. She had a blanket and hot water bottle waiting for me on her window seat. I sat there watching the snowfall - stress-free and comforted. How did I not have a water bottle? Are they old-fashioned? Emphatically no. If it is good enough for my sweet grandma, it is good enough for me! When I got home, I immediately ordered one.
Water bottles can help with back pain, menstrual cramps and soothe you when you’re stressed. They have been recommended to comfort little-ones and pets. Apparently, I’ve been living in a different world! I felt this exact way when I didn’t know I needed a kettle. For anyone who has been living in this alternate world with me, I recommend a hot water bottle and a kettle (and a window seat with falling snow) immediately.
THE muse headband
I told myself I couldn’t mediate and I was right. I am the most impatient person. McKenna can attest to this. I wanted all of the benefits of meditation - less stress, a clearer mind, enlightenment (obviously), but every time I tried, I would think about my grocery list, things I needed to get done, what I was having for dinner, where I planned to go on my next vacation. I was hopeless. During our anxiety series, Dr. Trish Leigh shared her work with neurofeedback and the benefits of mindful practices. She told us about the device she uses with her patients to train their brains. She shared how this device, the Muse headband, could also help with daily meditation. Paired with a free app, it tracks your progress and rewards your brain for staying focused while creating positive feedback loops.
The program uses different volumes and a variety of sounds (a rainforest, beach, ambient sounds, etc…) to let you know when your mind is focused. Birds chirp in the background when you are doing well. I am not a neuroscientist, but I love the way I feel after I meditate and I feel so accomplished when I actually do it.
The Muse Headband is an investment, but there is no monthly fee or subscription, so once you purchase it, it’s yours forever. Also, one family can share the same headband. You simply login to separate accounts to see individual results. The best part is that my 16-year-old son uses it as part of his mindful practice - something I did not have when I was 16!
McKenna’s favorites
Weighted Blanket
I bought my weighted blanket a few years ago, in an I’ll-just-give-it-a-try moment. And I’ll say, acquiring this soft, comforting quilt has been the greatest investment for my anxiety, sleep, and general self-care. It’s an almost immediate solution to any anxiety attack, but at any time, it comforts the body and quiets the mind. At 15 pounds there is often the concern of getting too hot. Have no fear. This blanket brings deeper sleep, but can just as well bring peace for a few minutes beforehand to set a bedtime routine. The peaceful properties of weighted blankets are proven, and this one, in particular, has been tried and tested.
Homesick Candle
Homesick candles are a great way to feel at home no matter where you are in the world. The New York City edition boasts scents of “springtime in Central Park, department stores, and concrete” and is very reminiscent of its namesake. The Homesick brand offers the comfort of not only your favorite towns but also favorite destinations: Ski Trip, Beach Cottage, Book Club. Surround yourself with the calming curiosity of Road Trip or the energy of NYC, all from the comfort of a hot bath.
Sean’s favorites
The Original White Noise Machine
If you struggle with getting enough sleep like me, you’ve likely tried a ton of different methods to make sure you’re getting enough rest every night… sometimes to mixed results, I’m sure. I’ve been curious about white noise machines for a lifetime now, it seems - and I kept hearing amazing things about the old-school mechanical white noise machines too! I’ve tried plenty of contemporary devices, apps, and even tons of amazingly soothing YouTube videos, but none really worked well for me. I think the fact that they were all replicating real sounds is what got me, and I wanted that “real” fan sound - tough to get with a ceiling or floor fan when it’s cold, though! Well, during one fateful trip, I had the opportunity to enjoy one of these classic white noise machines in a guest room, and it was an amazing experience. It even drowned out the noise of a busy street in Brooklyn!
I did a ton of research after, since I wanted to make sure I got one that lasted a long time. I kept coming back to this exact model, which is based on the same design they’ve been using since the 1960s I believe: the Yogasleep Dohm Classic Original White Noise Machine. There are newer designs with smaller profiles, but many of the reviews I saw said those smaller, sleeker models didn’t last a long time with the motors running constantly. I opted for the less-than-stylish traditional model, which has done wonders for my sleep! It even helps with focus, so I have one in my office for when I’m struggling to get work done. No wonder they’re used in plenty of therapists’ offices too!
A Good Water bottle
We’ve already talked about the amazing benefits of a hot water bottle, but we also know the importance of staying hydrated. In fact, there are now so many memes and social media accounts that invest their entire purpose into reminding people to stay hydrated. Give them a follow if you need more reminders in your own life!
During my own journey with hydration, I discovered that having the right water bottle is the key to success for me. I tried so many different types, but first, I thought that spending more than a few bucks on something was a total waste. However, buying a few of what I view as “fancier” bottles has really changed my perspective on this. It also makes drinking water a little more fun if it’s a design I enjoy. Plus, finding bottles that are easy to fill and easy to drink out of quickly were a priority for me personally - but your mileage may vary, too. For example, you might want a straw built in to yours, or you might want one that can keep hot liquids hot or cold liquids cold.
My current favorites are the amazing Hydroflasks that my brother and his fiancé got us for Christmas, as well as all the unique Nalgene designs I’ve picked up at REI over the years. McKenna and Kate also told me about this awesome bottle that they both use, and it’s super affordable too! Though I prefer to keep my bottles plain, these are all prime sticker targets too - so many people are out here creating fun designs on their own bottles with some amazing stickers! (Etsy is currently my go-to place to pick up fun stickers!)
MOrgan’s favorites
Komuso
I was gifted this breathing tool for my birthday last year, and quickly realized it was a game-changer for me. The Komuso Shift is designed to reduce stress by focusing your breathing and slowing your heart rate. I noticed that when I am partially stressed, it dramatically affects my breathing. Through using the Shift, I am able to focus on my breathing and calm myself down. The Komuso Shift was inspired by Monks of the 17th century in Japan, and has so many amazing health benefits. We can all use a reminder to just breathe.
Teapigs
Nothing adds to my self-care routine like a hot cup of tea! I am a life-long tea drinker and I have tried what I feel is every brand and flavor of tea. Through all my tea drinking, my very favorite is Teapigs. Teapigs offers so many amazing options (including decaf), my top three picks are:
I adore this ethically and socially-minded company. Enjoy your next cup of tea with the HIP Team!
Have a favorite self-care product? Tag us on Instagram @theHIPpodcast.