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Favorite Finds Wellbeing

These Are The Shower Habits That You Need To Ditch

Showering is—and should be—a daily habit for most of us, and everyone has their own routine. Some people can’t live without washing their hair each day while others choose to skip a day or two, and the differences continue on from there.
However, did you know that some of the most common shower habits might not actually be that healthy? Believe it or not, some of the things you do every day while taking a shower could be affecting you in ways you’ve never thought of.
Check out this list to see if your shower habits are doing you more harm than good.

1. Washing Your Face

Without a doubt, it’s easier and less messy to wash your face when you’re already in the shower. However, despite the convenience, it’s actually not good for your face. The water that you shower in will typically be much hotter than what you’d wash with at the sink, and the high temperature can make your skin dry out very quickly.
Those with skin conditions such as acne or rosacea may also find that washing their face with hot water can cause excessive redness and irritation—it could even burst a blood vessel in your face if you wash too aggressively. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid washing your face in the shower, particularly if you have acne-prone skin or rosacea.

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The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends limiting face washing to two times a day, or as soon as possible after sweating, to prevent irritation of the skin. If you are going to wash your face in the shower, turn the temperature down to lukewarm and wash only with your fingertips (anything else is too rough), using a non-abrasive cleanser that doesn’t contain alcohol, like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Daily Face Washing. (Get the formula for normal to oily skin, as their dry-to-normal formula contains alcohol.)
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Washing/dp/B01N1LL62W”]CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $13.29 from Amazon[/link-button]
The AAD also recommends applying moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy. Give this Christina Moss Naturals facial moisturizer a try. The alcohol-free formula is good whether you have fine lines, patchy texture, normal, dry, oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, and it’s made with no harmful chemicals.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Facial-Moisturizer-Ingredients-Moisturizing-Anti-Wrinkle/dp/B00G0EJYFW”]Christina Moss Naturals Facial Moisturizer, $25.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

2. Not Washing Your Feet

You might be thinking that your feet make contact with plenty of water while you’re in the shower, so there’s no real reason to actually bend down and give them a proper wash. You’d be wrong, though.
Even if you’re not prone to smelly feet, think about how sweaty your feet can get throughout the day. Not only that, but if you’re known to walk around the house or outdoors without socks or shoes, you never know what you might be picking up along the way.
There’s no excuse for just letting the soap suds run down to your toes anymore—imagine what you’re bringing into your bed every night without giving those feet a good wash.

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If you do struggle with funky dogs, consider giving them a regular soak in something like this Tea Tree Oil Therapeutic Foot Soak from Purely Northwest to help with odor as well as with calluses and thick, discolored toenails.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Epsom-Toenail-Fungus-Athletes-Stubborn/dp/B00H7KTEZ8″]Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak, $13.16 from Amazon[/link-button]

3. Not Washing or Replacing Your Loofah Regularly

Be honest, how long has the same loofah been hanging in your shower? Months? YEARS? As it turns out, that can be terrible for your health. This video demonstrates why:

Consider treating yourself to a new sponge or loofah the next time you’re out, or create a cute and convenient place to hang the one you have for air drying.
Alternatively, nix the loofahs and sponges altogether and invest in a good set of washcloths, like this 100 percent–cotton AmazonBasics set of 24. You can use a new one every time and, once the week is up, put all your towels through a wash cycle using hot water to ensure that all the bacteria has been eliminated.

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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Cotton-Washcloths-24-White/dp/B010S5VXKC”]AmazonBasics Cotton Washcloths, $15.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

4. Using a Soap Dish

Yes, that built-in soap dish is there forever, but using it for its intended purpose actually isn’t that good of an idea. The majority of people don’t use bars of soap these days but, for those who do, be aware that leaving a bar of soap in one spot could be encouraging bacteria to grow on it—bacteria that you’re then going to spread over your entire body the next time you lather up.
Gross.

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If you have reasons for resisting the switch to liquid body wash, try finding a wire soap dish like this stainless steel, vacuum-suction soap dish from iPEGTOP (or one that has holes in the bottom) so any remaining water can drain away once you’re out of the shower.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079M27SQZ”]iPEGTOP Soap Dish, $10.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

5. Using Scented Soaps

Yes, those soaps that make your bathroom smell like a tropical rainforest or a freshly-made vanilla cupcake do transport you to a place of olfactory luxury while sudsing up, but those very fragrances could be doing a number on your skin at the same time.
Anyone who notices their skin seems particularly irritated after a shower should look to their soap as the first culprit. Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin very easily, so it’s best to use something unscented to keep your skin in the best shape. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the scent of your soap mixing with the scent of your perfume to create “questionable” smells.

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Try this Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap, which is Fair Trade certified, made with organic oils, and fragrance-free.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bronners-Pure-Castile-Liquid/dp/B000HK1OOY”]Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap, $15.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

6. Showering in Hard Water

Some people may not even know how to tell if their water is considered hard, but figuring it out and taking steps to adjust it could save your hair and skin from a lot of damage.


Hard water is defined by its high concentration of minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can end up making your skin break out or cause a layer of buildup on your hair. Those with dyed hair may even find that hard water strips the color out of their strands, or at least causes their tint to fade a little quicker.

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If you’re unable to add a water softener to your shower, try incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine to remove any buildup caused by those pesky minerals.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kenra-Clarifying-Shampoo-10-1-Ounce/dp/B000Z8ESJG”]Kenra Clarifying Shampoo, $11.25 from Amazon[/link-button]

7. Avoiding Cold Showers

Most people wouldn’t even dream of standing in cold water for more than a second, let alone taking an entire shower in water that’s anything less than steaming hot.
Still, cold water showers can actually be really beneficial for your skin and hair, and you only need 30 seconds under a cold stream to see a difference. A quick blast of cold water is said to improve your immune function, [linkbuilder id=”3967″ text=”increase your metabolism”], and increase the amount of stress you can tolerate.

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In addition to speeding up your metabolism, a study done in 2009 suggests that regularly taking a cold shower could even help you lose weight over time.

8. Using Old Razors

For most of us, old razors aren’t something we thoughtfully replace on a regular basis. Instead, they just sit in the shower until we finally cave and get a new one. Razors, whether you’re buying replacement heads or the kind that are entirely disposable, are surprisingly expensive—so why throw one out after a certain period of time if it still seems to work?
Well, just because a razor is shaving off your unwanted hairs doesn’t mean it’s doing so effectively. If you notice that your skin gets red and inflamed after you shave, it’s because the blades are dull and it’s time for a replacement.

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Maybe this Preserve Shave 5 refillable razor made with recycled materials and an ergonomic handle will do the trick.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Preserve-Refillable-Recycled-Materials-Assorted/dp/B019Y366KQ”]Preserve Shave 5 Razor, $9.81 from Amazon[/link-button]

9. Leaving Your Razor in the Shower

Remember how leaving your wet bar of soap in your dingy old soap dish makes it a breeding ground for bacteria? The same thing goes for your razor. There are plenty of nooks and crannies in your razor that make perfect spots for bacteria to hide, and the problem will only get worse when the razor is sitting in a warm, wet environment.
If you don’t actually want to store your razor outside of the shower, at least make sure that you hang it up when you’re done using it so it can air dry.

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That’s an easy fix. Just get something like this OXO Good Grips suction razor holder, with a PVC-free suction cup and a hook that flexes to fit a variety of razor handle sizes.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Suction-Razor-Holder/dp/B00EU6HBDY”]OXO Good Grips Suction Razor Holder, $7.99 from Amazon[/link-button]

10. Over-Exfoliating

Giving your skin a gentle scrub every now and then is a good idea, but doing so every day could actually be causing damage. For anyone who doesn’t know, your skin actually exfoliates itself by renewing every 27 days or so.
Anyone who chooses to exfoliate their skin every day is aggressively going after fresh skin cells, which can make your skin red and irritated as a result. It’s best to let some dead cells build up on the surface of your skin before reaching for your favorite scrub so that, you know, there’s actually something there worth exfoliating.

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When you do decide to scrub—after waiting an appropriate amount of time, of course—feel free to use this microdermabrasion face scrub and mask from Era Organics, made with manuka honey and walnut. The product claims to remove blackheads, minimize pores, buff away dull skin, and moisturize.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Microdermabrasion-Face-Scrub-Facial-Mask/dp/B018H32LHQ”]Era Organics Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask, $17.87 from Amazon[/link-button]

11. Washing Your Hair Daily

If you notice that your hair always looks damaged and feels dry no matter what you do, it’s likely that your shower water is too hot and you’re washing your hair way too often. Unless you’re someone who likes to work out every single day, you really only need to wash your hair a few times a week at most—and those with curly or extremely coarse hair should try to cut that down to once a week.

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For anyone who says that their hair is too oily to go without a daily wash, it could be the daily washing that’s causing that greasy sheen. Washing too often dries out your scalp, which makes it produce more oil to compensate. If you want to start shampooing less often, try using dry shampoo on your roots every other day. One of our favorites is Living Proof Dry Shampoo, which eliminates oil, sweat, and odor without the use of silicone. Have color- or chemically-treated hair? Don’t worry! This is safe for you to use.
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Living Proof

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Living-Proof-Perfect-Hair-Shampoo/dp/B0170GOCVO”]Living Proof Dry Shampoo, $17.96 from Amazon[/link-button]

12. Skipping Your Shower Post-Workout

If you like to work out late at night or in the morning before you head off to work, you may decide that you’re too tired or pressed for time to squeeze a shower in. However, working up a sweat can leave bacteria on your skin that will get trapped against you if you choose not to rinse it off afterward.
https://twitter.com/MichaelaW1111/status/997914381294952453
This could lead to a skin infection or, at the very least, some minor irritation or redness. Not to mention that you’d be going to bed or heading to work a sweaty, stinky mess.
Remember, just because you can’t smell you doesn’t mean others can’t smell you. At very least, take some time to wipe that sweat off with a clean washcloth or hand towel, or, better yet, just change your clothes. Throw some body wipes in your gym bag for a quick refresh on-the-go.

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You might also consider carrying in your gym bag some Welmedix HomeCare PRO No-Rinse Cleansing Foam, formulated for the delicate skin of elderly people. The cleanser is pH-balanced and removes odor-causing bacteria anywhere on the body without stripping skin of its natural oils.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Rinse-Body-Cleansing-Welmedix-HomeCare/dp/B0744ZX2P6″]HomeCare PRO No-Rinse Cleansing Foam, $24.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
Apply this with disposable washcloths, like Member’s Mark Adult Premium Disposable Washcloths, which are alcohol- and latex-free and contain a nourishing formula made of natural botanicals, vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile for an irritation-free application. At 12 by 8 inches, these extra-large cloths will take care of your whole body.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Members-Premium-Disposable-Washcloth-Carton/dp/B01KY22LFU”]Member’s Mark Disposable Washcloths, $27.43 from Amazon[/link-button]

13. Reusing Dirty Towels

The logic seems solid: If you only use your towel when your body’s clean, how could it possibly get dirty?
This isn’t exactly the case, though. Yes, it’s alright to use your towel two to three times before you finally give it a wash, but that’s only if you hang it up to air dry after every single use. Just like your loofah, dead skin cells can cling to your towel and, when you don’t let it dry properly, there’s a big risk for bacterial growth.

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Using the same towel for a week or more at a time could mean putting yourself at risk for bacterial skin infections—plus, they can eventually start to smell pretty bad.

14. Rubbing Towels on Your Skin and Hair

We can guess with relative confidence that you reach for your towel right after getting done with your shower, but there are a couple of different ways that people towel off.
Some choose to just wrap their towel around themselves and wait to air dry while doing other things—putting in contacts, applying moisturizer, brushing their teeth—while others immediately start to wipe that water away.

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As it turns out, rubbing a towel against your skin isn’t the best thing for it, and dermatologists actually recommend that you use a patting motion to dry your skin. For anyone with long hair who likes to wrap their towel around their head like a cocoon, know that doing so could be damaging your locks, as well. Instead, use a microfiber hair turban and a wet brush to protect your hair from damage.
This turban is made of lightweight Aquitex microfiber, which will trap moisture in your hair while drying it gently in a way that minimizes frizz. Give that hair-frying hair dryer a rest!
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Aquis-Original-Patented-Hands-Free-Microfiber/dp/B0000UTUS8″]Aquis Microfiber Hair Turban, $20.99 from Amazon[/link-button]
For keeping your luscious locks free of hair tumbleweeds, you’ll want something like this Wet Brush Pro Detangle Hair Brush, which is ergonomically designed to give you a comfortable grip while you’re pulling away at those knots, wet or dry—whether they’re in a wig or extensions or hair growing from your scalp.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XC03GK6″]Wet Brush Pro Detangle Hair Brush, $7.95 from Amazon[/link-button]

15. Skipping the Moisturizer

It can be pretty tempting to go lounge around after you’ve gotten out of the shower, and it’s easy to get sucked into things like reading a book or watching television before you finally start to get ready. However, you’re doing your skin a disservice if you don’t apply some moisturizer right when you get out of the shower.
Moisturizer is absorbed just a little bit better when your skin is nice and warm, and you’ll also want to replenish any moisture your skin lost from being in that hot water. Also, just like you shouldn’t be rubbing a towel on your body, don’t scour your face when drying it, either.

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Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion, made with organic shea butter and vitamin E, is a vegan, fragrance-free moisturizer that’s also free from silicones, parabens, dyes, phthalates, formaldehyde, PEG, petrochemicals, and nut-based ingredients. Your parched, sensitive skin will eat it up.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Puracy-Organic-Moisturizer-Unscented-Moisture/dp/B00L9IWVIQ”]Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion, $13.29 from Amazon[/link-button]

16. Bathing in a Dirty Tub

Alright, so a bath definitely isn’t the same as a shower, but we have a reminder for those of you out there that take them.
Clean your bathtub every once in a while!
It’s a chore that few like doing, but it’s an important one. If you’re going to be sitting in a tub full of water for any period of time, you want to make sure that there’s nothing mixing in with your soak that you haven’t added intentionally.
This is especially true if you share a bathroom with other people—you might like your roommates, but you don’t really know what they could’ve tracked into the tub.

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Categories
Health x Body Wellbeing

Female Viagra Is Here—Kind Of

You can’t turn on the television without seeing a Viagra commercial. You know the ones: An older man and a woman who is noticeably younger end up in the bedroom after a date, all thanks to Viagra. Or maybe you recognize the commercials for Cialis: two older adults holding hands…while sitting in separate bathtubs. Every time one of those commercials comes on, I wonder when we’ll see a commercial for female Viagra.
I’m still waiting on the commercial, but it turns out that the future is now: Female Viagra is a real thing. Well, kind of.
Surprised? Me too. I had no idea that a female libido enhancer had been on the market, let alone for almost three years. But does it work? Here’s what I found out.

What is “female Viagra”?

Viagra is the trade name of the drug sildenafil citrate, which treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis so that a man can get and maintain an erection during sex.
Recently, Addyi (the brand name of the drug flibanserin), has been nicknamed “female Viagra,” because it’s the first-ever pharmaceutical treatment for women’s sexual dysfunction.
[pullquote align=”center”]“The days of marginalizing women’s sexual dysfunction are numbered.”[/pullquote]
But as it turns out, Addyi has little in common with Viagra. While Viagra treats a physical problem by stimulating blood flow, Addyi treats women’s sexual dysfunction by actually altering your brain chemistry.
According to a clinical review of flibanserin, women’s sexual desire is affected by many things: hormonal changes, psychological factors like stress, and comorbidity of other medical conditions, to name a few. (But we already knew that…)
Originally, flibanserin was created to increase serotonin levels in patients with major depressive disorder, but during clinical trials, female patients reported increased libido as a side effect. Based on further clinical trials specifically testing the drug’s effect on women’s libido, flibanserin was approved by the FDA in 2015 under the trade name Addyi to treat women’s sexual dysfunction.
Addyi, which is created and manufactured by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, is now marketed and prescribed for pre-menopausal women who suffer from hypoactive sexual dysfunction disorder (HSDD). HSDD is classified as a chronic lack of interest in sex, and it affects as many as one in 10 women.
Sexual desire isn’t just governed by hormones or stress levels; our libido is also impacted by the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which increase sexual desire, and serotonin, which inhibits desire. It’s not yet fully understood, but when your brain transmits too much serotonin, your libido can drastically drop.
Addyi works as a serotonin modulator to increase the flow of dopamine and norepinephrine while reducing serotonin levels to increase libido and sexual desire in women.

Sildenafil, aka Lady Era

There’s another drug on the market that you may come across if you google “ladies Viagra,” “female Viagra,” or a similar search term, and this one actually is female Viagra.
It’s called Lady Era, and it’s the trade name of the women’s version of sildenafil. Sildenafil treats women’s sexual dysfunction in a way that’s similar to what Viagra does for men: It increases blood flow to the genital area. In men, this results in an erection, and in women, sildenafil may help increase lubrication and sensation during sex.
Before you buy Lady Era, though, you should know that it’s not FDA approved. Addyi is the only drug currently approved by the FDA to treat female sexual dysfunction.

Does Addyi work?

“In the face of scientific evidence, the days of marginalizing women’s sexual dysfunction are numbered,” Cindy Eckert, CEO of Sprout Pharmaceuticals and founder of The Pink Ceiling, tells HealthyWay. “Addyi will be a key factor to leveling the playing field by cutting through that unscientific societal narrative to a data-driven discussion.”
But exactly what does the science say?
According to preliminary drug trials (which were annoyingly named after flowers, because you know, we’re women) that were conducted in 2012, Addyi increased the number of satisfying sexual events (SSE) participants had and decreased their distress caused by sexual dysfunction.
[related article_ids=1002508]
But when you break down those numbers, the little pink pill may not be the cure-all for women’s sexual dysfunction it claims to be. A more recent 2016 study found that while, technically, women do report more SSEs per month while taking Addyi, the number of SSEs participants experienced only increased by an average of 1.5 times per month—while also increasing associated side effects like dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.

Side Effects of Flibanserin

Since flibanserin was initially created as a drug for major depressive disorder, it’s not surprising that women taking flibanserin for sexual dysfunction experience many of the side effects associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Those include dizziness, nausea, somnolence (excessive sleepiness), fatigue, and dry mouth.
But women taking flibanserin can also experience more serious side effects, most notably hypotension and syncope, especially if flibanserin is combined with alcohol or some antifungal medications. In fact, Addyi comes with a black label that warns women to avoid all contact with alcohol while taking the drug. For a drug that is supposed to be taken every day, that’s a pretty tough pill to swallow (excuse the pun).
Because Addyi has only been FDA approved for three years, perhaps the biggest risk of taking flibanserin daily is that the long-term side effects on your brain and body aren’t yet known. But research is promising that Addyi, while incompatible with alcohol, may be safe to take in combination with other serotonin modulators.

Why Addyi Is Important (Despite Efficacy Rates)

HSDD is now grouped under Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) that mental health professionals use to help diagnose patients. And that’s a big deal for a couple of reasons.
[pullquote align=”center”]“Ultimately, Addyi is giving women the same access to medication that men have had for decades to treat their sexual dysfunctions.”[/pullquote]
Even though HSDD and subsequently FSIAD were introduced in the DSM three decades ago, little progress has been made toward actually treating the condition. That’s why a drug like Addyi is so important, says Eckert.
“Addyi is a groundbreaking first. For the millions of premenopausal women who have distressing low sexual desire, finally there is an FDA-approved treatment option,” says Eckert. “Addyi has opened the doors to a conversation on what’s happening for women in the bedroom biologically that, until now, has been loaded with myth and misconception. Ultimately, Addyi is giving women the same access to medication that men have had for decades to treat their sexual dysfunctions.”
And despite concerns over efficacy, Eckert says that the number of satisfying sexual events women have while taking Addyi is an average, and that the number of satisfying sexual events many women who responded positively to Addyi was much higher. “Many responders had four to six more [satisfying sexual] events,” Eckert asserts. “Regardless of that nuance, and this I want to say empathically, it’s HER CALL. For a woman who is struggling with the life impact of HSDD, just one more event can be profoundly meaningful. Women all over the country have shared their stories with me, and it’s their inspiration that fuels me to keep fighting for Addyi to be accessible to any woman who needs it.”
Eckert is right; the pink pill may not be right for every woman struggling with sexual dysfunction. But Addyi has not only started a conversation about women’s sexual health that should have begun decades ago, but it has also given women a choice when it comes to their own sexual desire (or lack thereof). And that is something every woman can get behind.
[related article_ids=17847]

Categories
Favorite Finds Wellbeing

36 Of The Best Products For People Over 60

Poet, businessman, and humanitarian, Samuel Ullman, was onto something when he wrote: “Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”
No matter your age, you can find a nugget of truth in his words that reminds you of your personal passions—the things that make you tick and cause you to smile from ear to ear. That said, decade by decade, our bodies and needs change. Thanks to human inventiveness and creativity, it’s easier than ever to support ourselves and our loved ones in aging.
Here are 36 products that will help seniors maintain their independence, invest in self-care, and keep up enthusiasm in the third act.

Health and Body

1. Brush up on your self-care.

“One of the important things in life is eating, both for the social aspect and the nutritional aspect,” says Sandra J. Eleczko, DDS, a dentist practicing in Livonia, New York. “Senior citizens need to maintain a healthy diet and they need to be able to go out and eat with friends and family. They need their teeth!”
She explains that this is why oral health is critically important, especially for those over 60.
“Oral B electric B electric toothbrushes can help patients with arthritic hands clean their teeth efficiently.”

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Amazon

While you can easily spend over $100 on a rechargeable electric toothbrush system, why not start with a four-pack of Pulsar Vibrating Bristles brushes for under $20?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Pulsar-Vibrating-Bristles-Toothbrush/dp/B00JASMMZ4″]Get it on Amazon for $17.98[/link-button]

2. Another Pick for Your Pearly Whites

Eleczko says, “Water flossers are the other wonderful oral device to help people keep their teeth clean and healthy.”
While floss and even Plackers require a lot of intricate maneuvering, water flossers and oral irrigators are much larger, meaning they’re easier to grip. The water stream can be directed much more easily than floss, which ensures a better clean without the hassle.
Our pick is the ultra high–rated and American Dental Association–accepted Aquarius Water Flosser from Waterpik.

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Amazon

Eleczo says, “I see seniors every day who can’t eat and can’t go out with their friends, who are feeling so isolated because they are not comfortable eating, smiling, and talking in public.” Her advice: “Keep the teeth healthy and the rest will be happier and healthier.”
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Waterpik-Accepted-WP-660-Aquarius-Flosser/dp/B00HFQQ0VU”]Get it on Amazon for $65[/link-button]

3. Keep moving.

 An Aaptiv spokesperson who shared some insights with HealthyWay says the slick-looking app is perfect for people who’ve put off exercise until retirement. Why? It features low-intensity workouts and the company has even worked with trainers to develop programming with older audiences in mind.

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Aaptiv

They share that thanks to Aaptiv, a 55-year-old subscriber ran her first ever marathon last year. While not all of us have our hearts set on running 26 miles any time in the future (regardless of our age), we all know the importance of keeping active. Aaptiv’s audio workouts are take-anywhere and don’t require studying any complicated poses or movements, making keeping up with our fitness goals on our own time easier—and more interactive—than ever.
[link-button href=”https://aaptiv.com/signup”]Get a free 30-day trial or sign up for $14.99/month[/link-button]

4. For a More Comfortable Workout

Whether you choose to workout with an app, like to follow along with exercise videos, or head to your local yoga studio once or twice a week, investing in a thick, supportive mat will help you move through your workout as comfortably as possible.
Yoga instructor, Keri Kugler, recommends the Sivan Yoga Set in her roundup of best budget yoga mats and sets, and this pick will definitely make sense for your joints and your wallet.

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Amazon

Kugler says the mat is extremely thick and that it’s ideal for exercises that involve being on your back or knees. Plus, it comes with two blocks that you can use to support yourself in different positions, a mat towel, a hand towel, and a strap that will help you stretch out to gently maintain or regain flexibility.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016CKO30Y”]Get it on Amazon for $36.99[/link-button]

5. A Hip Helper

If you or your loved one are less in need of workout advice and more in need of adaptive equipment that will make everyday tasks and getting around safer and easier, you’ll appreciate this recommendation from occupational therapist, Sarah Stromsdorfer, founder of My OT Spot, an online educational resource for occupational therapy students and practicing occupational therapists working with adults and older adults.
“In my daily practice working in in-patient rehab with many older adults, I frequently recommend the ‘hip kit’ for helping them achieve independence with lower body dressing, including putting on/taking off pants, socks, and shoes,” says Stromsdorfer.

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“Older individuals may have limited flexibility reaching down or crossing their legs, so they often rely on others to help them put their clothes on for them. When I show them how to use the hip kit with getting dressed, I’m often met with, ‘Wow, I haven’t been able to do that in so long!’”
Stromsdorfer goes on to say, “Combined with the reacher, long-handled sponge, and long-handled shoehorn, the hip kit is the most helpful aid in achieving dressing independence. It’s so versatile in so many situations, not just after hip surgery. It’s a great feeling helping people achieve independence again with less than $30 of equipment.”
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/RMS-Replacement-Equipment-Recovering-Mobility/dp/B017ME375Q”]Get it on Amazon for $29.95[/link-button]

6. For Socks Only

If you don’t need all the components in the “hip kit,” the sock aid, which Stromsdorfer says is her favorite piece of adaptive equipment, can be purchased separately.

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A co-worker whose father recently had hip surgery said this was a game changer, and at under $10 (plus free shipping if you have Amazon Prime), it’s definitely worth a try.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/RMS-Deluxe-Sock-Foam-Handles/dp/B00U9TWCXU”]Get it on Amazon for $29.95[/link-button]

7. Reach for pharmacist-recommended vitamins…

Inna Lukyanovsky, PharmD, says older people can face mineral depletion and recommends a multivitamin with minerals, like designs for health Vitavescence Powder.

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Because this supplement is delivered in a powdered form, there’s literally no pill to swallow when it comes to incorporating more vitamins and minerals into your daily routine. Vitavescence Powder includes vitamin C, D, B12, and folic acid—some of the vitamins and minerals seniors are likely to need more of according to Vitamin Deficiencies in Seniors,” a report published in U.S. Pharmacist—in addition to a long list of other vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that easily mix into water or your beverage of choice.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Designs-Health-Vitavescence-Effervescent-Extract/dp/B018IBMJJC”]Get it on Amazon for $43.47[/link-button]

8. …and supplements.

Lukyanovsky also says that collagen supplements offer many benefits “including collagen production, joint health and integrity, and more.”
She recommends Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder, which contains five types of collagen from four different sources: pasture-raised cows, shellfish-free fish, chicken, and eggs.

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If you prefer a pescatarian collagen, try Vital Proteins wild-caught, unflavored Marine Collagen. Both products can be mixed into coffee, tea, or smoothies.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Nutrition-Collagen-Eggshell-Multi-Collagen/dp/B01LXADO9Z”]Get it from Amazon for $43.95[/link-button]

9. A Treat for Your Feet

Laina Gossman of Soul Insole says, “Our company created a revolutionary washable, reusable, micro-sized orthotic that adds support and comfort to help stop foot pain and increase mobility. It’s uniquely helpful for plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, flat feet, overpronation, wide feet, minimalist shoes, and more!”

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Amazon reviewers agree—giving the product 4 out of 5 stars (with 63 percent of all reviews giving the insoles 5 stars). A satisfied 73-year-old customer recently posted on the company’s Facebook page, sharing that even after consulting a podiatrist and an orthopedist and investing in a $300+ custom orthotic, he thought his hiking days were over. After buying and using the Soul Insole, though, hiking and walking became comfortable again, and he booked a trip to go hike in Norway.
Whether you have favorite shoes you’re just not sure you can wear anymore or you want to hit the dusty trails without experiencing ankle and foot fatigue, give Soul Insoles a try.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/micro-size-MAXIMUM-COMFORT-Orthotic-Insole/dp/B01J93DZ4G”]Get them on Amazon for $30.99[/link-button]

10. No Slip—Just Soft

Whether you’re using the sock aid, wearing them with insoles, or just want something comfortable for padding around the house, Pembrook nonskid hospital socks are a great go to. The cotton-polyester-spandex chenille blend means a super-soft, high-quality fit, and the rubber tread (color-matched to each sock) provides a little extra safety and security—whether you’re on linoleum, hardwood, or tile.

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The socks come in various colors including black, gray, navy, and pink, and can be bought in value packs of six, four, or two pairs. With over 1,095 reviews on Amazon and a 4.4-out-of-5 star rating, Pembrook is definitely onto something with their non-skid grip and cozy chenille yarn.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Pembrook-Non-Skid-Socks-Hospital/dp/B00M0AY1FS”]Get them on Amazon for $8.95[/link-button]

11. Eat independently.

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s or a tremor, you know mealtime can be one of the most disheartening times of day. Perhaps you’ve found workarounds that are working for now, but it’s nice to know there are high-tech, reliable solutions available if you need them.
The GYENNO Steady Spoon stabilizes itself so whatever attachment you’re using (the company makes both spoon and fork attachments) shakes up to 85 percent less than the diner’s hand. As one reviewer points out, this may not sound like a big deal to someone who isn’t familiar with Parkinson’s, but it is.

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Note that multiple reviewers say the packaging is not easy to get into, so anyone with a tremor may need assistance getting the spoon unwrapped and ready for use the first time around.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Parkinson-Anti-Tremble-Comfortable-Integrates-Intelligent/dp/B01469DSD6″]Get it on Amazon for $189[/link-button]

12. Button up.

Decidedly less high tech than the GYENNO Steady Spoon, this button hook from Special Supplies helps facilitate independent dressing without any fancy bells or whistles. It is specially designed with a wide handle that’ll be as comfortable as possible for people with arthritis or other conditions that affect the use of their hands.

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Thread the button hook through each buttonhole, grab the button with the hook, and pull it into place. No more fiddling with tiny buttons, or saying goodbye to sharp-looking wardrobe favorites.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Special-Supplies-Universal-Arthritis-Sufferers/dp/B074JFGLGB”]Get it on Amazon for $8.95[/link-button]

13. Sweet (Heat) Relief

A good heating pad can work wonders on so many kinds of discomfort, and this is the perfect pick for anyone who appreciates relaxing in a steam room or taking a dip in the tub.

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Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief XL king size heating pad is fast heating and features six temperature settings. It’s also safe to spritz this heating pad with water to enjoy a moist heat option. The heating pad comes with a storage bag, but no washable cover. Instead, the whole heating pad is machine washable, which we appreciate. It means you won’t be wrangling a cover that’s slipping and sliding out of place when all you want is to cozy up and relieve your aches with sweet, sweet heat.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/PureRelief-Fast-Heating-Technology-Temperature-Convenient/dp/B01KVYTV86″]Get it on Amazon for $34.99[/link-button]

14. Take it from Mass General; this product can help lower stress levels and boost your mood.

According to a study published by Massachusetts General Hospital, your nose knows that scents have a big impact on your mood. The report goes on: “The sense of smell can diminish with age, but you can use essential oils or flowers and spices to stimulate olfactory receptors.”
While electronic essential oil diffusers are all the rage, they also involve cords, water tanks, and just one more thing to be aware of turning on and off. Enter Jewels for Hope’s oil diffuser necklace.
Sandy D’Andrea founded Jewels for Hope in 2009 after almost a decade of providing care for her mother, who struggled with Parkinson’s and dementia. Today, she and her daughter Stevie run the handcrafted jewelry business that donates 10 percent of its profits to charity.

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Etsy

As Stevie shares, “This specific diffuser necklace helps promote relaxation and anti-anxiety, which everyone could use a bit more of. My mother was a caregiver for many years and any way to try to relax and help de-stress was key for her.”
Put a few drops of essential oil on the necklace’s porous lava stone and the calming (or energizing) scent of your choice will be with you throughout the day—nothing high tech required.
The necklace is also a great choice for people with limited hand dexterity because it’s easy on, easy off over your head, “no need to worry about those pesky clasps,” Stevie says. “Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the lava stone, and breathe in deep.” Enjoy!
[link-button href=”http://shopstyle.it/l/R0Ef”]Get it on Etsy for $40[/link-button]

Around the House

15. We could all use a little help in the kitchen.

Jarred foods are a great option that makes mealtime a little more convenient and affordable, whether you have a favorite pasta sauce or like a pickle spear with your sandwich, but lids can be pesky (or downright demeaning) for those with limited grip strength.

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The Robotwist 1014 is an energy-efficient, battery-powered solution that can be stored in a drawer and used to open jars of any size. Just set your jar on the counter, put the Robotwist on top of the lid, and let the device do the work of opening the jar—no hands (or straining) required.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Robotwist-1014-Robo-Twist-Opener/dp/B01H42KIKS”]Get it on Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]

16. Not sure you need something so high tech?

Even if you don’t need a robot to open your jars for you, it’s still a good idea to have a non-slip gripper within reach for those pesky lids that just won’t budge.

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This rubber lid opener from Graphics and More features a ladybug design that’s sure to put a bright spot in your day. If you’re not a huge fan of ladybugs, Graphics and More also makes a Black Cat in Window non-slip gripper that features a cute feline peeking through the blinds, just as the kitties in your life love to do.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ladybug-Insect-Rubber-Non-Slip-Gripper/dp/B06XPWNTPT”]Get it on Amazon for $6.99[/link-button]

17. A Spill Saver

Bottles of juice and jugs of milk can be hard for anyone to handle, and again, unscrewing small caps isn’t feasible for some people. Thankfully, the Magic Tap can help people of any age pour themselves beverages mess free.

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The battery-operated pump prevents drips and spills and features an attachment that fits most containers. If beverages are positioned in the front of the fridge or the door, the Magic Tap eliminates the need to even take them out of the refrigerator, meaning less lifting and maneuvering, too.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Tap-MT02040-The/dp/B007JWZQZ6″]Get it on Amazon for $5.79[/link-button]

18. Contain yourself.

Again, in the name of preventing messes and avoiding unnecessarily difficult lids, we present OXO Grips Pop airtight containers, which are great for organizing in the kitchen or anywhere else in your home.
This container set requires no unscrewing or pinching to get the airtight vessels open; instead, you push the button on top and can easily lift the lid off. Put the lid back on, press the button, and presto—you have an air-tight seal.

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According to OXO, the containers are calibrated for common staples like pasta, cereal, and spices, meaning these containers can replace the cardboard boxes and plastic packaging that allow food to go stale faster and be stacked neatly on the counter or in your pantry.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-5-Piece-Airtight-Container/dp/B002903KEW”]Get it on Amazon for $49.95[/link-button]

19. Look ma, hands-free!

We all know handwashing is essential in the kitchen and bathroom, but pumping soap out of a dispenser may become a deterrent for a number of reasons. Make handwashing easier, and frankly, more fun, with a hands-free soap dispenser that removes the need to pump and prevents the possibility of a hand soap bottle getting knocked in the sink or on the floor.

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This touchless auto soap dispenser from JinZiYi comes with a foldable funnel that facilitates getting soap into the reservoir and features an indicator that will let you know before the battery needs to be replaced. You can choose from three cute colors and four soap volume settings that will allow you to decide if you’d like to save soap or get super sudsy with each hand washing. It even has an LED light that gives off a little glow with each motion-sensor activated pump of goodness.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/JinZiYi-Dispenser-Touchless-Infrared-Bathroom/dp/B07FLX5XJV”]Get it on Amazon for $22.89[/link-button]

20. For Those Who Like Extra Whip

No, we’re not talking about the whipped cream on top of a coffee drink; we’re talking about people who’ve gotten accustomed to foaming hand soap. Maybe you love the thought of a touchless soap dispenser but just can’t imagine going back to the liquid hand soap of yore.

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While the JinZiYi dispenser works with liquid hand soap only, the Segarty Auto Foam dispenser turns your favorite liquid soap into a rich foam—just mix it with a little water. As with the JinZiYi dispenser, you can determine how much foamy goodness you want to be dispensed with each pump. Finally, this soap dispenser can sit on the countertop or be wall-mounted to save space.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Segarty-Dispenser-Automatic-Adjustable-Countertop/dp/B01MUAD3WR”]Get it on Amazon for $49.99[/link-button]

21. Make the bathroom a little safer.

The bathroom can be a scary place, especially when it comes to the risk of slips and falls. At some point, you or a loved one may have to go completely mat free in the bathroom, but even before then, it’s best to ditch floppy woven rugs that can slide across laminate and tile floors.

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Opt instead for a low-profile bath mat alternative. This option from KAROLA comes in nine colorful patterns and has a slip-free rubber backing. It’s recommended for patios and entryways, meaning it’s heavier and more durable than your average bath mat.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/KAROLA-Doormat-Entrance-Bathroom-Colorful/dp/B07D8GL1DW”]Get it on Amazon for $22.99[/link-button]

22. Speaking of mats…

If you still spend a lot of time in the kitchen, do your joints a favor and replace your old kitchen floor coverings with a ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat. This innovative product has an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

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The mat is designed with your feet, back, and knees in mind and is made of a stain-resistant, antimicrobial material. It’ll make doing dishes or standing at the stove that much easier. If it doesn’t, rest assured. ComfiLife products come with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee that ensures you your money back if the Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat doesn’t make your time in the kitchen easier on your lower body.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ComfiLife-Anti-Fatigue-Floor-Mat/dp/B0797Q5HL7″]Get it on Amazon for $29.95[/link-button]

23. Put your feet up, save space, and prevent trips.

We all need to take a load off from time to time, but ottomans and footstools have reputations for taking up space and getting in the way. This Sherpa Wooden Footrest from Miles Kimball, on the other hand, serves two purposes while also folding flat and rolling away to save space and prevent trips.

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Its wooly surface will be a treat for your feet, whether you leave it lowered for just a bit of elevation or raise it up for a true “kick back” experience. When you’re ready to move, just slide it under your sofa or chair for safe, trip-free keeping.
Note that this is a footrest, not a stool, meaning it’s not safe to sit on.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Wooden-Footrest-OakRidge-AccentsTM/dp/B01A7HEASI”]Get it on Amazon for $34.99[/link-button]

24. Something to Light the Way

Christoph Pierre, principal owner at Life Mounts, says he helped develop the company’s wheelchair/walker/cane light to help his aging grandmother see when she used the restroom at night. “It was such a hit that we began mass production several years ago and now sell them on Amazon, Walmart, and 1800Wheelchair as well as in many local pharmacies,” he shares.

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He says the product helps improve people’s mobility and safety, day and night. “It fits every model wheelchair, walker, and cane on the market and is quickly mounted and positioned with no tools required. The light has a large orange button that is easily located and pushed, even with arthritic hands.”
If you or a loved one uses a mobility aid to get around at night or in the early morning hours, this is a great investment that can help prevent accidents and injuries.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013MJD5NO”]Get it on Amazon for $22.95[/link-button]

25. More on Shower Safety

Remember how we acknowledged that the bathroom can be a scary place? Well between tile, water, and soap suds, the shower can be the scariest part of it. Give yourself some peace of mind and a sturdy place to sit while showering with the Drive Medical Premium Series Shower Chair with Back and Arms.

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This product was recommended by the same co-worker whose father recently had hip surgery. Their family cleared the bathroom of mats, installed the chair in the shower, and is using the next product to make maneuvering around the bathroom that much easier.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P8S6VY”]Get it on Amazon for $36.99[/link-button]

26. Don’t fall in!

This is funny when we say it to little tykes who barely seem big enough to be potty trained, but it’s less amusing when using the toilet becomes difficult due to an injury, operation, or aging. Drive Medical’s elevated raised toilet seat with removable padded arms can help what happens in the bathroom remain as safe and private as possible for older adults or anyone who needs a little support when trying to make it to the seat.

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A simple lock helps this seat attach to almost any toilet, tool-free, and it has a 300-pound capacity. It adds 5” of height to whatever toilet it’s installed on and the padded metal arms can be added or removed easily to customize the level of support it provides.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VWK0UK”]Get it on Amazon for $26.77[/link-button]

Fun, Games, and Products That’ll Keep You Connected

27. Enjoy 3.4 million books—all at your fingertips.

According to the American Optometric Association, “Beginning in the early to mid-40s, many adults may start to have problems seeing clearly at close distances, especially when reading and working on the computer.”
This fact of life can make reading less enjoyable, especially as you figure out which readers suit you best. That said, a Kindle e-reader not only gives you access to millions of books on a single, easy-to-manage device, but all those books will be easier on your eyes thanks to the Kindle’s adjustable font size.

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Amazon

We recommend the Kindle Voyage because, in addition to giving you control over the size of the font you’ll be reading, it features a responsive backlight and Page Press haptic sensors on the sides, which means you don’t have to mess with the screen to get to the next page of your engrossing read.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Refurbished-Kindle-reader-Special/dp/B00JAKA678″]Get it on Amazon for $139.99[/link-button]

28. For the Love of Good Programming, Something Universal

Whether you’re a fan of classic cinema or have your favorite daytime dramas, make watching what you want—and hearing it well—easier with a universal big button TV remote. The EasyMote from Continu.Us has only six buttons but can control your TV and cable box.

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The remote also has a wrist strap and backlit buttons that make hanging onto it and seeing what you’re pressing significantly less difficult than the remote that came with your television or cable box.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Big-Button-Remote-Television/dp/B01M1UV2T2″]Get it from Amazon for $15.95[/link-button]

29. Balance and Stability (for Your Tablet)

This tablet stand from nbryte is a game changer for anyone who likes to relax with their screen or needs to enjoy it hands-free—whether at home or in a hospital bed.

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The stand’s universal design will work with almost any tablet, including your iPad or Kindle. It’s designed specifically to perch on uneven surfaces like beds or couches, and it folds up small for discreet storage when it’s not in use.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AHGIDE6″]Get it from Amazon for $39.95[/link-button]

30. Enjoy some screen-free fun.

With the advent of Candy Crush and all those cute images of baby animals just a scroll away, it’s easy to neglect screen-free entertainment. But, a deck of cards is a must in any household, and this option makes reading and handling them easier thanks to its larger size.

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Super Z Outlet’s giant jumbo deck of big playing cards is big without being laughable. Each card is 5” by 7”, so they’re extremely easy to see, hold, and shuffle without being too big to play with. They have 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and one reviewer says they’re a great pick for seniors who have trouble seeing.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Super-Outlet-Giant-Jumbo-Playing/dp/B011D8PB9M”]Get them on Amazon for $7.99[/link-button]

31. One More for Folks Who Really Enjoy Card Games

Uno has been popular for decades, and now older adults (and younger kids) can enjoy it thanks to Giant Uno from Cardinal. The extra large cards measure approximately 10” by 7”.

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One reviewer notes that his dad, who regularly jokes about not being able to see what cards are, had a big smile on his face when he was gifted these and says they’re great for playing with family and friends.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Giant-Uno-Game/dp/B01FAEOL2S”]Get it on Amazon for $19.37[/link-button]

32. For Cards of All Kinds

Even if you don’t want to spring for a new deck of cards, you can make play more enjoyable with a set of Home-X playing card holders. These spring-powered clips will help you or a loved one keep your hand in order even if a grip issue or a tremor might otherwise make gameplay less enjoyable.

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The card holders’ unique design also means your hand can be set on a table without revealing it to other players, so you can give your (actual) hand a break, grab more cards, or enjoy a snack or drink while maintaining your reputation as the sharpest card shark in the game.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Home-X-Playing-Card-Holders-Set/dp/B011IZZVFO”]Get them on Amazon for $6.29[/link-button]

33. Back to Basics (But Bigger and Better)

Before the internet or attempting to wrap our minds around chess, there was checkers. This three-in-one set, in the spirit of the jumbo card decks featured above, includes giant 3” checkers. This handheld size means everyone in the family can take a turn playing checkers, tic tac toe, or—if that’s just too easy—jumbo tic tac toe.

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The reversible game play rug can be used indoors or out. Reviewers agree that the pieces stack well, which means you’ll have an easier time keeping all your checkers in order so you can enjoy this game again and again.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/MIDWAY-MONSTERS-Giant-Checkers-Reversible/dp/B00HYG7O8O”]Get it on Amazon for $18.09[/link-button]

34. This find is a key-per.

If you enjoy keeping in touch with friends and family via Facebook and email as much as we do, you know your keyboard is an incredibly important tool. This keyboard—one of Amazon’s Choice products—is an excellent upgrade for visually impaired individuals or those with low vision who still want or need to use a keyboard.

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The black-on-yellow keys feature letters that are far bigger than your average keyboard, and the product is spill resistant. It relies on technology that’s easy to install; just plug it into most computers and use it right away—no additional software required.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Keyboard-Contrast-Oversized-Individuals/dp/B071L3YXGX”]Get it on Amazon for $16.99[/link-button]

35. A Spot for All Your Favorite Things

Friends, family, great music, news updates, the time, the weather—so many of the things that afford us little pick-me-ups throughout the day are accessible via the Amazon Echo Spot. This interactive device features video capabilities, so you can see your loved ones no matter how far they’ve roamed.

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Amazon

Built-in Alexa technology allows you to control smart home features, set alarms, and get answers to important questions (or just-for-giggles trivia). You can also enjoy audiobooks thanks to built-in Audible. The Echo Spot is an aesthetically appealing device will spruce up any room you put it in.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-VN94DQ-Echo-Spot-White/dp/B073SRJD46″]Get it on Amazon for $129.99[/link-button]

36. Your phone may be smart, but is it within reach?

It seems like everyone has a smartphone these days—not just the “kids.” Their appeal is obvious: They help us keep in touch and, like the phones of days gone by, they allow us to reach out for help in emergency situations as fewer and fewer of us maintain a landline.
That said, your phone can’t do much good (the fun kind, or the calling-for-help-in-an-emergency kind) if you can’t get your hands on it. That’s why a phone lanyard is such a great investment.

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Amazon

Our pick is the E-tech Cell Phone Lanyard, which comes in six colors and is compatible with dozens of phones: Just make sure yours is on the list before you buy.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/tech-Detachable-Retractable-Compatible-Smartphones/dp/B07DZ8HRSV”]Get it on Amazon for $16.99[/link-button]

Categories
Favorite Finds Wellbeing

8 Beauty Treatments That Are A Total Scam (And What To Buy Instead)

We constantly see new beauty products and treatments that promise amazing results, from picture-perfect skin to waist-length, shiny hair. But the unfortunate truth is that a number of products out there don’t have much, if any, scientific backing. They can be ineffective at best and downright harmful at worst.

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You should always do your research before spending your hard-earned money. Here’s what the experts say to be wary of.

1. At-Home Derma Rollers

Maybe you’ve heard of micro-needling—running a roller of tiny sterile needles over your skin to boost collagen production and help absorb skincare products. According to Jacqueline Schaffer, MD, micro-needling can be really effective—but you should always have this done at a doctor’s office, never at home.

iStock.com/Neeila

The needles of a derma roller range from 0.25 millimeters to 3.0 millimeters in length (though anything over 1.5 millimeters is not recommended for at-home use under any circumstances), meaning they can go quite deeply into your skin and potentially cause damage if used incorrectly.
“It’s something that can actually worsen your skin,” Schaffer says. “It can cause more injury and disturb your skin’s texture. Your [desired] outcome is to have a more even skin texture, which is what the fine needles should do, because it should stimulate collagen and repair. But because it’s manual and not done by a machine, [at-home derma rollers are] actually causing damage and unevenness in you.”
iStock.com/Vagengeym_Elena

Ultimately, Schaffer says, your skin can end up looking irregular—and there are safety concerns, too.
Without proper sterilization, your derma roller could put you at risk for serious infections or flare-ups of existing skin conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is looking to regulate these devices to keep users safe.
https://twitter.com/aqilahnaqlis/status/921219947417579522
“With anything that is going to puncture your skin, you can really hurt yourself,” Schaffer adds. “It’s going to be a complete shock to your skin, and [at home] there’s no supervision.”
So, leave the skin-puncturing to the professionals. In the meantime, what can you do instead?
For starters, make sure that you’re protecting your skin from collagen-damaging UV rays. A University of Michigan Medical School study published in JAMA Dermatology found that daily, low-level exposure of lightly pigmented skin to a common component of sunlight, UVA1, promoted aging by breaking down collagen. (The dose mimicked the UVA levels of about two hours of strong sun exposure.) Damage started on a molecular level after only two exposures and got worse with each subsequent exposure. To protect against the full spectrum of rays, make sure your sunscreens include zinc oxide or avobenzone, like this EltaMD UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-Daily-Facial-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum/dp/B00464EC1E”]Get it on Amazon for $26.50.[/link-button]
Keep in mind that a lot of clothing does not protect against the sun’s rays, so if you’re outside for even a couple of hours every day, this could amount to a lot of cumulative damage. You can offset this by slathering up your bod with some broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50. (Yes, sunscreen is pricey, but remember that you can use your flexible spending account [FSA] to cover it.)
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-Sport-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum-SPF/dp/B008VK3F94″]Get it on Amazon for $23.50.[/link-button]
As for reversing damage that’s already been done, if you choose to go the DIY route (i.e., without a dermatologist’s guidance), you’re going to want to turn to active ingredients like acids (alpha-hydroxy [AHA], salicylic, et al) and retinol that can resurface your skin. This 14 percent glycolic alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) Intensive Renewal Serum from Alpha Skin is paraben- and fragrance-free, with a pH level of 3.7. The product is supposed to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, support collagen production, and even skin tone and texture.

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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Skin-Care-Fragrance-Free-Paraben-Free/dp/B01BW71W4W”]Get it on Amazon for $18.04.[/link-button]

2. Eye Cream in a Jar

The skin around your eyes is generally thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face, as Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, told HuffPost. As such, you may well want a specific cream to help hydrate that area—but make sure it comes in the right type of container.
“You need to be very, very careful with certain eye cream,” Schaffer says. “If it comes in a jar, after the cream is exposed to oxygen it’s going to oxidize. So that expensive eye cream is going to be goop.”

iStock.com/Praiwan Wasanruk

“Oxygen, sunlight, and microbes, which cosmetic products are often exposed to during storage and use, can change their characteristics, [resulting] in strange odors, discoloration, or contamination,” researchers said in a review (link opens as a PDF) published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Scientific Innovation. “This reduces the shelf life of the product and degrades its quality and effectiveness once opened.”
iStock.com/LuminaStock

So, despite the luxurious look, eye cream from a jar may actually be less effective and full of germs after only one use. But don’t give up on all eye creams just yet.
Schaffer suggests this alternative: “You want to make sure it comes in an airless tube.”
The researchers agreed. “… The danger of contamination and degradation is almost non-existent for airless packaging,” they said.
The three-in-one Voibella Beauty Under Eye Cream comes in an airtight container to protect its active ingredients—including hyaluronic acid, retinol, and peptides—to reduce under-eye bags, puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0796YJ9ZP”]Get it on Amazon for $19.92.[/link-button]
Another eye cream that comes in an airless pump construction is the InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Gel, which employs plant stem cells, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids to address puffiness and defend against the early signs of aging.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Eye-Gel-Cream-Hyaluronic-InstaNatural/dp/B00KCFAZTE”]Get it on Amazon for $16.97.[/link-button]

3. SPF Nail Polish

Obviously, proper sun care is very important. As dermatologist Fayne Frey, MD, recently explained to HealthyWay, you are exposed to the sun’s rays every day, even while walking to your mailbox or driving during the daytime.
Because of this, you should definitely make sure a chemical sunscreen (which will absorb the potentially harmful UV rays) or a physical sunscreen (which will block the UV rays entirely by reflecting them off your skin) is part of your everyday regimen.

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Other safe sun tips include staying away from tanning beds, wearing baseball caps and long-sleeved shirts or UV-protective outfits, and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Coolibar is a sun-protective line offering clothing, UV-protection swimwear, sun hats, and sunscreen. While “sun-protective clothing” doesn’t sound very sexy, there are outfits designed to block out harmful rays, like this Oceanside Tunic Dress, that we wouldn’t sneeze at.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Coolibar-Womens-Oceanside-Tunic-Dress/dp/B079KVY75J”]Get it on Amazon for $55.99–$108.00.[/link-button]
What you don’t need? SPF nail polish.
While the sun can certainly burn the skin under your nails if the rays are strong enough, regular nail polish should act as a good enough barrier. Just make sure you pay attention to your hands and nails when applying sunscreen: If you’re already wearing nail polish, some chemical sunscreens can ruin your manicure, cosmetic chemist Joseph Cincotta told Allure.

4. Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are a scam (even though they technically do give you a tan) simply because they are dangerous to use.
Tanning beds give off UVA and UVB radiation, which can cause adverse effects, including increased cancer risks. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), “Researchers estimate that indoor tanning may cause upwards of 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year.”

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What’s more, according to the AAD: One single session in a tanning bed can increase your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 67 percent, basal cell carcinoma by 29 percent, and melanoma by 20 percent.
Despite these risks, the AAD estimates that 7.8 million adult women in the United States tan indoors.
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The safest way to get a sun-kissed glow is to get a spray tan, or use fake tanning lotion. And if you are low on vitamin D, the AAD recommends eating foods like fatty fish, cheese, and fortified cereals, drinking orange juice, or looking into vitamin D supplements.
Some experts suggest that you should get the majority of your vitamin D from dietary sources, meaning you’ll need to chow down on the right things. Since wild-caught salmon can have as much as four times the amount of vitamin D as farmed salmon, you’ll want to stock up on something like Wild Planet’s boneless and skinless wild pink salmon, which is affordable and requires no preparation.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Planet-Pink-Salmon-Boneless/dp/B004UB6FU4″]Get it on Amazon for $44.92.[/link-button]
As for the tan part, you’ll have to turn to fake bake. One sunless tanner that has received glowing (haha) reviews is, well, Fake Bake, specifically the Flawless Self-Tan Liquid in medium.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Fake-Bake-Luxurious-Fast-Drying-Streak-Free/dp/B0046VGPHQ/”]Get it on Amazon for $16.94.[/link-button]
If you hate putting artificial stuff on your skin, your only other option is to chase the natural blush that you can achieve by getting your heart rate up or eating more produce rich in beta-carotene.

5. Split End Repair Serum

Split ends—when individual strands of hair separate at the ends into two or more pieces—are caused by hair damage from heat tools, over-brushing, or chemical dyes.
You can prevent split ends by getting enough protein in your diet, avoiding heat tools and excessive hair handling whenever possible, and brushing your hair gently, among other healthy hair habits. But once you have them, forget about fixing them with expensive serums or oils.

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Sadly, products that claim to repair split ends really don’t work. They can temporarily glue the split ends back together until your next shampoo, or add moisture to conceal and prevent further split ends, but they can’t actually repair your hair.
“Once your ends are split, the only solution is to go to the salon to get them trimmed,” WebMD explained.
After you’ve scheduled your next haircut, the rest of the preventative care is up to you. To make sure you’re getting sufficient protein, aim to consume about 30 grams at each meal. Adding a daily protein shake can be a good way to meet your goals. This Integrated Supplements Whey Protein in chocolate blended up with a frozen banana (the frozen part is important), a cup of milk (two percent is good and whole is a darn treat), vanilla extract, and a dash of salt tastes like a milkshake and will get you a little over 29 grams of protein (for a total of only 345 to 375 calories, depending on the milk you use).
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Integrated-Supplements-Protein-Supplement-Chocolate/dp/B00147ZOO0″]Get it on Amazon for $16.94.[/link-button]
If you’re looking for more hair-strengthening options that come from within, you might consider a supplement that’s specifically suited to address your roots. While your nutrition should primarily come from diet, and the long-term use of supplements is highly suspect, several people (after 5,892 reviews, it’s received a 4.4-out-of-5 rating) have seen good results from these HairAnew vitamins from naturenetics. (Of course, check with your doctor before taking anything to make sure there won’t be any unexpected interactions.)
HealthyWay
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/HairAnew-Unique-Growth-Vitamins-Biotin/dp/B00I65AGHI”]Get it on Amazon for $16.94.[/link-button]

6. Stretch Mark Creams

Stretch marks are incredibly common. They are caused by tearing in a layer of the skin called the dermis and are especially likely to occur during puberty or pregnancy, when the body is growing.
“Stretch marks are caused by the skin rapidly pulling to accommodate weight gain, growth, or stretching from other causes,” says Jennifer Caudle, DO, a board-certified family physician. “Genetics can play a role, and certain medications can as well. Stretch marks may fade somewhat over time, but they are generally considered to be permanent.”
[pullquote align=”center”]”Many over-the-counter creams claim to remove stretch marks, but they usually provide moisture without a proven benefit of stretch mark removal. For treatment options that may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, it’s best to talk with your doctor.”
—Jennifer Caudle, DO[/pullquote]
Though stretch marks can vary in appearance, some people don’t like the way they look and seek to get rid of them. Unfortunately, topical creams that claim to treat stretch marks usually don’t do much to help.
Some clinical trials suggest that certain creams help decrease the appearance of stretch marks, but more than likely won’t eliminate them. The Mayo Clinic explains, “Products made of cocoa butter, vitamin E and glycolic acid, for example, aren’t harmful, but they probably won’t help much either.”

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Caudle agrees: “Many over-the-counter creams claim to remove stretch marks, but they usually provide moisture without a proven benefit of stretch mark removal. For treatment options that may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, it’s best to talk with your doctor.”
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), using products with centella (an herb) or hyaluronic acid (which our skin naturally contains) may prevent stretch marks from forming. This COS Naturals Stretch Marks And Scars Cream made with vitamins C, E, and B, and hyaluronic acid looks like a good option.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Naturals-Moisturizer-Peptides-Hyaluronic-Pregnancy/dp/B01GR7LXWI”]Get it on Amazon for $24.95.[/link-button]
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy, made with hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica plant extract, is another.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Mederma-Stretch-Marks-Therapy-Dermatologist/dp/B002ZG94UY”]Get it on Amazon for $26.50.[/link-button]
Your best bet is to treat stretch marks while they’re still red or purple—that is, when they’re fresh. As for those that have already been around for a while, you might work with a dermatologist to come up with the best treatment plan for lessening their appearance, which might include chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency, or ultrasound. The AAD says that if you’re going to try and use a gel, cream, or lotion to fade stretch marks, for optimal effectiveness, you should try to use the product on marks as early as possible, take time to massage the product gently into your skin, and apply the product every day for weeks.

7. Sheet Masks

Sheet masks have become insanely popular over the past few years, to the point where it’s not unusual to see people using them on airplanes. But experts are divided on whether they actually work.

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The point of sheet masks is to hold the mask close to the wearer’s face and trap moisture, aiding in absorption. Effectiveness depends the active ingredients in a sheet mask.
However, even when those ingredients are beneficial, does the paper mask itself actually make any difference in how well they work when applied to your face?
Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop, doesn’t think so.
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“Sheet masks don’t deliver ingredients to the skin any better than well-formulated skin-care products,” she said in a recent interview with The Cut. In fact, she considers them a waste of time. She explained that absorption depends on the molecular size of the ingredients, not on something holding those ingredients to the skin. So all those single-use sheets are fairly useless.
You can get the same (or better) results by investing in a good leave-on face cream. It will last longer and, as Begoun emphasized, allow you to make better use of your time.
Instead of dishing out dollars for the sheet masks, invest in an effective moisturizer. Sebamed Age Defense Q10 Protection Cream, formulated with panthenol and vitamin E, has a pH balance of 5.5, which the manufacturers say stabilizes the skin barrier function, traps moisture, and defends against disease-causing pathogens.
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[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NB2FKGS”]Get it on Amazon for $28.44.[/link-button]

8. Bee Pollen Weight-Loss Products

Bee pollen weight-loss products have been touted by some health experts as a quick way to shed pounds. These products are made from the pollen bees collect from flowers and feed to their larvae. Sellers make grand (unsubstantiated) claims about the supposed benefits of these products, which can include anything from quick weight loss to increased longevity.
Scientists are still researching the effectiveness of these products, but some bee pollen products have already proven themselves dangerous and deadly.

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“Some bee pollen products marketed for weight loss have been found to contain hidden and potentially dangerous ingredients that may be harmful for people who have conditions such as irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and bipolar disorders,” said Gary Coody, the FDA national health fraud coordinator, in a consumer update.
Over 50 people have reported adverse health effects, including renal failure and anaphylactic shock, after using bee pollen weight-loss products—and shockingly, one person has died.
“It is tempting to believe that a quick and effortless weight loss supplement is safe for use,” FDA regulatory manager Jason Humbert said. “But given the fact that these products contain a hidden dangerous ingredient, consumers should avoid taking them.”
We all already know the answer to weight loss, and it isn’t new or exciting: diet and exercise, done well and consistently. Move your body with regularity—sweat, lift heavy things. Eat fewer calories than you burn. Fill up on more low-calorie, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, and up your protein to increase satiety.
If you don’t already have a food scale, it can make your weight-loss journey a lot easier. Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale Multifunction Food Scale is lightweight and made of stainless steel, so it’s easy to clean and maneuver, and it looks sleek in your kitchen.
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Multifunction-Stainless-Batteries-Included/dp/B0113UZJE2″]Get it on Amazon for $10.88.[/link-button]
If you struggle to get enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, you might benefit from something like this Five-a-Day Fruit & Vegetable Cookbook, which offers over 200 recipes to help you get the expert-recommended number of servings of produce daily. The cookbook contains over 1,000 color photographs, plus advice about the availability, storage, and preparation of a variety of fruits and vegetables, so you have plenty of information to inspire your creativity. Bon appétit!
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Five-Day-Fruit-Vegetable-Cookbook/dp/1844779327″]Get it on Amazon for $10.92.[/link-button]

Protect yourself.

There are tons of treatments and products out there that truly work and are worth spending your money on. Other products, like these, are total scams, with marketing campaigns designed to appeal to people’s insecurities.
So how can you tell if something is worth trying or not? First, see if you can find trustworthy reviews. Then, if the product or treatment makes grand claims, check the clinical trial registry, find out if the claims are linked to any peer-reviewed research, or see if a licensed medical doctor recommends the treatment. Generally, the more scientific experimentation and backing a product or treatment has, the more likely it is to be the real deal.
Ultimately, if you’re not sure that something is effective or safe, you should avoid using it. Better to be safe than sorry!

Categories
Healthy Relationships Wellbeing

The Ultimate Divorce Kit: 37 Products To Help You Enjoy Your Divorce

So you—or someone you know—is getting a divorce.
That’s a cause for celebration. Granted, you’re probably not going to call all of your family together for a rustic, barn-themed divorce party (although that’s certainly an option), but you can still take a few moments to appreciate the fact that you’ve taken the first steps toward a happier life. Divorce isn’t easy, but when it’s necessary, nothing feels quite as satisfying as signing those final documents and moving toward a new, spouse-free existence.
To that end, we’ve collected a few inexpensive items on Amazon that can make the process slightly easier. If you’re looking for a divorce gift for a friend—or for yourself—this should help you find what you need.

1. If you’re on the fence about the big D, this guide can help you make a decision.

Written by psychotherapist Mira Kirshenbaum, Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay is a step-by-step guide to determining whether there’s anything left to salvage. It’s practical, compassionate, and adaptable to any relationship.
 

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Granted, you’ll probably want to take other steps—relationship counseling, long conversations, and all that other good stuff—before you actually come to a conclusion, but this book has some solid advice for deciding when enough is enough.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Good-Leave-Stay-Step-Step/dp/0452275350″] Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay, $11.40 on Amazon[/link-button]

2. What’s a divorce celebration without some thematically appropriate glassware?

When you’re finally free, you probably feel like drinking out of a rhinestone-encrusted chalice. This is the next best thing. Each artisan-blown glass features hand-painted designs and crystal accents to help you feel like the queen you are. We’re particularly fond of the “Marriage: The #1 Cause of Divorce” graphic. Sure, it’s slightly cynical, but so are you, right? There’s nothing wrong with that.

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Each glass holds about 15 ounces of your favorite celebratory refreshment. Hand wash only, or it’ll end up like your marriage.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Enesco-4056850-Happily-Divorced-Artisan/dp/B01HG5VF8W”]Happily Divorced Glass, $18.49 on Amazon[/link-button]

3. Learn everything you need to avoid the common mistakes people make when divorcing their spouses.

If you’ve decided to divorce, you need to arm yourself with knowledge, regardless of whether you’re on good terms with your soon-to-be ex. Divorce for Dummies gives you an overview of your rights and responsibilities, so you’ll be able to march into your attorney’s office with a good idea of what you’re talking about.

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This book helps you minimize the stress you’ll inevitably experience during the divorce process, and it’s remarkably affordable. Be sure to get the most recent version; divorce law changes regularly.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Divorce-Dummies-John-Ventura/dp/0470411511″]Divorce for Dummies, $16.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

4. If you’re filing your own divorce papers, these forms will help you do it responsibly.

Look, you really should consult with a divorce attorney, even if you’ve discussed things like property division and custody with your spouse. With that said, some divorce forms are remarkably straightforward, and if you’ve got a solid understanding of the law and your divorce is uncontested, you might want to file on your own.

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When that’s the case, this kit will set you on the right path. It comes with a CD with state divorce forms, and all of the contents are reviewed and approved by attorneys.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Adams-Divorce-Forms-Instructions-K302/dp/B00290KWUC”]Adams Divorce Kit, $29.50 on Amazon[/link-button]

5. After the divorce is finalized, you’ll need to start watching your expenses.

Yeah, you should have been budgeting before the divorce, but afterward, you’re definitely going to go through a period of fiscal readjustment. A paper budget can help you keep track of your spending, and this simple expense tracker should help you get started on the right foot.

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Granted, it’s needlessly gendered—Mead calls it an “organizher,” which is pretty stupid—but it has worksheets to help you monitor your cash flow, pockets for bills and receipts, and plenty of other sensible features. Guys, don’t let the flower graphics scare you off.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Mead-Organizher-Expense-Organizer-64047/dp/B00GDDUXJG”]Mead Organizher Financial Tracker, $14.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

6. If your partner did all of the cooking, you’ll need to start learning…

Take a look at the cover of this book. Go ahead—take it in.
Written by Marie Smith, Microwave Cooking for One delivers exactly what it promises. Smith explains how to create a wide variety of recipes using your microwave, and no, the instructions aren’t simply, “cut a hole in the film on the top of the Lean Cuisine and throw it in the microwave until you can stop crying long enough to hit the ‘stop’ button.” 

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The book is hailed as a “uniquely practical cult favorite,” according to the description on the back. If you’ve got nothing to work with other than a microwave, it’s a great pickup, and it makes a good gag gift for divorce parties.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Microwave-Cooking-One-Marie-Smith/dp/1565546660″]Microwave Cooking for One, $15.49 on Amazon[/link-button]

7. Then again, cooking isn’t necessarily the most depressing thing in the world.

Hey, you might discover you have a lot of free time in your new single life. Why not pick up a skill?

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If you haven’t cooked much—or if you think you don’t have time to make a nice, home-cooked meal—here’s a great place to get started. One Pot lives up to its name, with a variety of delicious single-dish recipes. You’ll never use more than one pot or skillet, and you’ll whip up tasty, nutritious cuisine without overloading your dishwasher.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/One-Pot-Skillet-Cooker-Stockpot/dp/0307954412″]Martha Stewart Living One Pot, $14.38 on Amazon[/link-button]

8. And if you really don’t want to cook, just let your food cook itself.

Okay, maybe that’s overselling it, but the Instant Pot basically takes care of the entire cooking process for you. It’s a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and pressure cooker, and it’s remarkably easy to use.

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Throw in some food in the morning, press a few buttons, and you’ll come home to a delicious home-cooked meal. You can even delay the cooking time by up to 24 hours, and best of all, it never complains about doing all of the work.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Multi-Use-Programmable-Pressure/dp/B00FLYWNYQ”] Instant Pot, $99.95 on Amazon[/link-button]

9. While you’re setting up your new life, don’t forget to change all of your passwords.

Why should your ex have access to your Netflix? They’re just going to screw up all of your recommendations.

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When you begin the arduous task of switching your passwords, this paper log book will help you keep track of the changes. It includes 144 pages, which are tabbed alphabetically for easy searching. You can create secure passwords like “myexis55andwantseveryonetothinkthey’re44” and log them all in one convenient place.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Internet-Address-Password-Book/dp/1441303251″]Password Logbook, $7.90 on Amazon[/link-button]

10. When the stress starts to build up, release some of the tension.

Your ex would never give you a relaxing back rub. Fortunately, you can handle that job yourself with help from this rechargeable massager. It features a powerful motor capable of delivering 3,600 muscle-soothing pulses per minute for up to 20 minutes at a time.

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The cordless design makes it great for travel, and it’s ideal for relieving the cramps and knots that tend to pop up when you’ve been sitting all afternoon in your attorney’s office.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/RENPHO-Rechargeable-Massager-Muscles-Shoulder/dp/B01N4B6VY4″]RENPHO Deep Tissue Massager, $39.99 on Amazon [/link-button]

11. When you need to remind yourself that things could be worse, relax with a little comedy.

Our pick is Mrs. Doubtfire, the classic Robin Williams flick about a divorced man who dresses up as his children’s nanny in order to spend time with them. Don’t go getting any ideas—we’re pretty sure that Mrs. Doubtfire commits a bunch of felonies over the course of this two-hour movie. Plus, she had an entire special effects department working on hiding her appearance, and she still looked like Robin Williams.

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In any case, watching a few light-hearted movies can help you keep your mind in the right place. Mrs. Doubtfire might not be high art, but it’s silly fun, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Doubtfire-Robin-Williams/dp/B0052BXXYW”]Mrs. Doubtfire, $3.99 (HD rental) on Amazon [/link-button]

12. Stay organized and productive to avoid developing bad habits.

Sure, you could stay in bed all day eating ice cream and watching Robin Williams movies, but…actually, that sounds pretty good. Go ahead and do that for a few days, but when you’re ready to get your life in order, the Panda Planner will help you organize your schedule.

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Designed to optimize your productivity, the Panda Planner helps you take control of your career while finding time for your hobbies. In the first few months after a divorce, that’s essential.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Panda-Planner-Pro-Productivity-Guaranteed/dp/B07CZ5K4LZ”]Panda Daily Planner, $39.97 on Amazon[/link-button]

13. Keep focusing on the positive; for instance, you no longer have to share the good pillow.

Of course, your ex might have taken the good pillow in the divorce. That’s a cold move.

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This adjustable pillow is filled with shredded hypoallergenic memory foam, and it’s ideal for all sleeping positions. It’s dust mite–resistant and machine washable, and it even comes with a five-year warranty. If only relationships came with the same sort of guarantee.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Coop-Home-Goods-Adjustable-Hypoallergenic/dp/B00EINBSEW”]Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow, $59.99 on Amazon [/link-button]

14. When you’re having moments of weakness, this wall hanger will remind you that you made the right decision.

The plaque bears this message in a cozy, rustic font: “It’s better to have loved and lost, than to live with a psycho for the rest of your life.” Ain’t it the truth?

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This makes a great gift for a recent divorcee, and it’s made from natural stoneware clay with a baked-on glossy finish. Hang it somewhere prominent, and you’ll stay strong when you start fielding calls from your ex.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ceramic-plaques-handmade-Reduced-shipping/dp/B0006FJYTW”]Ceramic Wall Plaque, $10.95 on Amazon[/link-button]

15. Remember, you should be celebrating your divorce, not mourning your marriage.

That’s where this shirt comes in. Designed for divorce parties, it’s comfortable enough to wear every day, although we’d imagine that it’d draw some weird looks if you wore it to church.

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While the phrase “100% of divorces end in happiness” might not be exactly true, we’re sure that most divorces are ultimately a good thing. After all, why would you want to stay in an unhappy situation? Take a few weeks to savor your newfound freedom and wear this shirt with pride.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Funny-Divorce-Party-Tshirt/dp/B076B7CK9V”]Divorce Party T-Shirt, $14.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

16. When those long nights feel a little too long, this pillow should help.

Hey, sometimes you just need to cuddle, but you don’t want an actual man anywhere near you. The “original boyfriend pillow” might look like a gag gift, but it’s actually a really decent pillow, and it won’t interrupt your favorite movie to start talking about its insecurities (well, we don’t think it will, anyway).

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If you’re looking for a female body pillow to cuddle with, we’ve got bad news; we couldn’t find anything. However, we did find a pillow shaped like a grizzly bear.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046GK1AI”]Boyfriend Body Pillow, $36.00 on Amazon[/link-button]

17. Nothing feels quite as satisfying as that final walk out of the attorney’s office.

While you can’t savor the moment forever, you can remind yourself of the glory days of divorce with this “freshly signed divorce papers” scented candle. Ah, smell that ink; it smells like freedom.

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This is pretty much a novelty gift, but it’s a great one. We love the manufacturer’s description: “Part happy, part sad, a little relieved, and unsure of your future financial stability: the complex emotions of divorce are captured in this very complex candle.”
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Flick-Candles-Freshly-signed-Divorce/dp/B01MEENXPN”]Flick Candles Freshly Signed Divorce Papers, $16.99 on Amazon [/link-button]

18. If you’re looking for a Zen way to relieve your frustrations with your ex…

Well, this coloring book isn’t it. It’s filled with vivid graphics and expletive-laden text, all directed at your ex-husband (sorry, people with ex-wives—there’s no version for you).

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Grab your crayons or markers and start making your way through the swear words. We shouldn’t have to say this, but this certainly isn’t an appropriate book for children. Hey, that makes sense—children rarely get divorced.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Hate-Ex-Husband-Coloring-Book-Relatable/dp/1544687044″]I Hate My Ex-Husband Coloring Book, $8.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

19. Here’s another way to get rid of physical tension.

Meet your new main squeeze. When you think you can’t take any more discussions of alternative dispute resolutions and fiduciary responsibilities, reach for this little toy. It’s a stress ball with a tear-resistant gel core, which should come in handy when you’re trying to figure out exactly what constitutes “marital property.”

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Amazon

The smooth surface feels oddly satisfying, and it holds its shape well, even when you’re taking out all of your frustrations.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Serenilite-Hand-Therapy-Stress-Ball/dp/B01CLRD1RS”]Serenilite Stress Ball, $10.95 on Amazon[/link-button]

20. When you’re finally on your own, celebrate with a nice cup of coffee.

If you can’t express your cynical inner monologue with a pithy coffee mug, you’re not really trying. This 11-ounce mug bears the hopeful message “King of Whatever Is Left,” and by “hopeful,” we mean “sort of depressing but in a fun way.”

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Amazon

It’s yet another great gift for recent divorcees, and it’s both microwave and dishwasher safe. By the way, “microwave safe” is a very important set of words to any newly single person.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Funny-Divorced-Gift-Divorcees/dp/B07BB3NC59″]”King of Whatever Is Left” Coffee Mug, $14.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

21. If you’re really feeling bitter, this shirt should help you send a message.

Hopefully, you’re ending your divorce on amicable terms. If not, take a cheap shot with this high-quality t-shirt. It’s fun to wear to divorce parties, blind dates, or courtroom appearances. (Note: Don’t actually wear it to the last two.) Machine wash cold, or it’ll shrink like your belief in true love.

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Best of all, it’s available for both men and women. Buy one for your ex, and you two can match!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Anymore-Divorce-T-Shirt-Heather/dp/B072K8M75B”]”I’m Not With Stupid Anymore” Shirt, $19.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

22. If you’ve got custody of the pets, use them to your advantage.

What better way to re-enter the dating scene than by taking your dog for a walk? People will stop to compliment your adorable pet and maybe you’ll hit it off. Maybe they’ll wonder if you’re single—and maybe your dog will give them the answer.

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Amazon

This shirt makes your dog into a cute little wingman. It’s a lightweight tee, printed professionally for years of use. Hopefully you won’t need it that long (unless you end up loving the single life, of course).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Shirt-Single-Clothes-Relationship/dp/B07F15JBNZ”]”My Human Is Single” Dog Shirt, $12.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

23. When you need to build your self-confidence, turn on some Aretha Franklin.

The late Queen of Soul had plenty to say about respect—and yes, we’re referencing her most famous song, but we’re also referring to the enormous catalog she performed over the course of her legendary career. She sang with boldness, self-confidence, and passion, and if you’re missing any of those qualities, this singles collection should help you get your mind right.

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With tunes like “Prove It,” “Do Right Woman – Do Right Man,” and “Think,” Franklin shows off the sort of loving—but not compromising—attitude you’ll need to take into your next relationship.   
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Atlantic-Singles-Collection-1967-1970-2CD/dp/B07F9Q2Z54″]Aretha Franklin, The Atlantic Singles Collection 1967–1970, $19.98 on Amazon [/link-button]

24. During the first few months, you might need a little help around the house.

That’s where Amazon’s Alexa comes in. The digital voice assistant can dim your lights, lock your doors, tell you jokes, play you music, read you recipes—basically anything you need.

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Amazon

The Echo speaker is actually a really decent speaker, so it’s our favorite application of the Alexa technology. If you’re on a budget (and during a divorce, pretty much everyone is on a budget), the Echo Dot is also a solid choice.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/all-new-amazon-echo-speaker-with-wifi-alexa-dark-charcoal/dp/B06XCM9LJ4″] Amazon Echo Smart Speaker with Alexa, $84.99 on Amazon [/link-button]

25. When you’re feeling down, cheer yourself up the good, old-fashioned American way.

Yes, we’re talking about fried foods. During those occasional bouts of melancholy, nothing’s quite as comforting as a couple of french fries or chicken fingers.

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Amazon

But you don’t need to sacrifice your health to enjoy those crispy bits of comfort food. Air fryers work by rapidly circulating hot air around your food, “frying” without using much oil (or any oil at all, depending on the recipe). This digital air fryer comes with a cookbook, and its easy-to-use digital controls will have you frying up a batch of happiness in no time.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cozyna-SAF-32-Touchscreen-Cookbooks-Accessory/dp/B075SHRXFK”]Cozyna Digital Air Fryer, $89.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

26. Really, we could have populated this entire list with divorce-related coffee mugs.

This one’s a bit different; it’s uplifting, not cynical, and its simple message should help you drink your favorite morning beverages with the confidence of a newly single heartthrob. The “I (Heart) Me” message is printed on both sides, so left-handers won’t feel “left” out.

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Per the comments, it washes well—either by hand or in the dishwasher—without fading or chipping. Apparently, it’s also featured on Grey’s Anatomy, but don’t hold that against it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Funny-Guy-Mugs-Ceramic-11-Ounce/dp/B00GM028SY”]”I Love Me” Coffee Mug, $7.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

27. Every divorce party needs some balloons.

These black latex balloons feature the text “Bye, Felicia,” which was originally a quote from the classic Ice Cube comedy Friday. These days, the phrase is shorthand for “get out of my life, person whose name may or may not be Felicia.”

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Amazon

Made in the U.S. with biodegradable materials, these balloons are durable enough to last through a few divorce parties. Check out all of the five-star reviews; people really love these things. Except people named Felicia, of course.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Felicia-Black-Latex-Balloons-Pack/dp/B0146153FU”]”Bye Felicia” Party Balloons, $13.95 on Amazon[/link-button]

28. Oh, you thought we were done with the divorce-themed coffee mugs?

Think again. This one bears the text “Happy Divorce. None of Us Liked Her Anyway.” It’s obviously intended as a divorce gift, but be careful; you should only give someone this mug when the divorce is actually finalized. Otherwise, if the couple ends up sorting out their differences, breakfasts will get really awkward.

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Amazon

It’s dishwasher and microwave safe, and it holds 15 ounces of liquid and a virtually unlimited amount of catharsis.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Divorce-Mug-Men-Divorce/dp/B078YXDYZ2″]”Happy Divorce” Mug, $14.97 on Amazon[/link-button]

29. When you’re ready to re-enter the dating scene, it’s time to work on your smile.

You could pay for expensive teeth-whitening treatments, but you just got divorced, which meant spending hours in your attorney’s office—the last thing you want to do is spend hours in a dentist’s office.

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Amazon

Active Wow’s Activated Coconut Charcoal Powder gently draws out stains from coffee, tea, and other common sources. It’s excellent for gum health, and while the idea of brushing your teeth with charcoal might seem a little odd, it’s a naturally effective way to brighten your smile.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Active-Wow-Whitening-Charcoal-Natural/dp/B01N8XF244″]Active Wow Activated Coconut Charcoal Powder, $19.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

30. These photo booth props will make your divorce party truly cathartic.

You had a photo booth at your wedding; why not have one at your divorce party?
This selection of props helps you make the most of a bad situation. Sure, some of them are a bit vindictive, but there’s nothing wrong with getting those negative feelings out into the open. Just make sure your ex doesn’t see any of the resulting pictures—unless you’re feeling especially cruel.

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Amazon

The props come with 20 wooden dowel sticks and adhesives for easy assembly. If you’re going to throw a divorce party, you might as well go all out, and this kit is everything you need to start decorating.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Divorce-Party-Photo-Booth-Props/dp/B0182IRK9A”]Divorce Party Photo Booth Props Kit, $19.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

31. This book provides essential insights into the process of divorce.

Divorce can throw your life into chaos. You’ll deal with feelings of uncertainty, and you’ll mourn the loss of a serious relationship. It’s not simple or easy, but it’s ultimately the best thing you can do for your own happiness.

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Amazon

In the perfectly titled Crazy Time: Surviving Divorce and Building a New Life, author Abigail Trafford takes a compassionate look at the journey of divorce, providing key insights to help readers work through the process and come out as better individuals. It’s a self-help book, but it’s also based on interviews with hundreds of divorced individuals, and Trafford’s humane-yet-scientific approach can make a crazy time in your life seem much more manageable.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Time-Surviving-Divorce-Building/dp/0062337408″]Crazy Time: Surviving Divorce and Building a New Life, $12.79 on Amazon [/link-button]

32. Get in better shape with this premium set of resistance bands.

When you’re going through the aforementioned crazy times, you’ll need to avoid falling into bad habits. The best way to do that is to pick up some good habits, and regular exercise can have an incredibly beneficial effect on your mental and physical well-being.

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Amazon

This set of resistance bands gives you everything you need for safe strength training. They’re color coded to help you choose the perfect amount of resistance for any workout, and the manufacturer stands behind the quality of their high-grade silicone products with an “anti-snap promise.” This set also comes with a door anchor, handles, and ankle straps.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Tribe-Premium-Resistance-Bands-Workout/dp/B01IL6A0I6″]Tribe Resistance Band Set, $20.98 on Amazon[/link-button]

33. Don’t forget to change your locks.

Okay, maybe you’re not worried about your ex dropping by unannounced, but if that’s even a remote possibility, you’ll want to do your due diligence. This key-free lock has a touchscreen keypad, and you can also unlock it via Apple HomeKit and Siri or with the free Yale security app.

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Amazon

It fits on standard doors, and you can even make unique PIN codes for friends and family, setting up rules to allow access at certain times of day. The app can also send you a notification when the door is unlocked.
It comes with mounting hardware, batteries, and a detailed installation manual. Yale also offers a limited lifetime mechanical warranty.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Yale-Assure-Lock-Touchscreen-YRD256iM1619/dp/B073V7451H”]Yale Assure Lock, $199.99 and up on Amazon[/link-button]

34. Whether you’re feeling stressed, depressed, anxious, or angry, a bit of meditation can help.

Mindfulness meditation helps you stay centered and put your problems into perspective. More importantly, it allows you to release negative emotions, giving you the clear head you need to navigate your new life.

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Amazon

This comfortable pillow is filled with buckwheat hulls, which provide a sturdy seat for your morning meditation sessions. It’s handmade, and the organic cotton cover unzips for easy washing.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Buckwheat-Therapeutic-Meditation-Ergonomic-Removable/dp/B01N6WW3Q1″]Seat of Your Soul Meditation Cushion, $26.87 and up on Amazon[/link-button]

35. While you’re meditating, enjoy some light aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy helps you let go of your stress—and helps to rid your home of any lingering odors that your ex left behind (yeah, we went there).

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Amazon

This InnoGear oil diffuser features glowing LED lights with seven selectable colors, a waterless automatic shut-off feature, and three working modes. You’ll enjoy a light mist of your favorite essential oils, and the ultra-quiet operation won’t distract you when you’re trying to relax.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/InnoGear-Aromatherapy-Essential-Ultrasonic-Humidifier/dp/B00V9JP8EE”]InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser, $15.99 on Amazon[/link-button]

36. For kids, divorce can be extraordinarily difficult.

We’re not telling you anything you don’t know—when a family breaks apart, childcare often suffers. It’s important to remember that divorce often results in a better outcome for kids, since two happy homes certainly provide a better atmosphere than one unhappy home. But you’ll need to put in some serious effort to ensure healthy development for your child.

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Amazon

Putting Children First helps divorced parents understand what their children are feeling. It’s an essential guide for creating effective parenting strategies, reducing conflict with your ex, and setting appropriate boundaries. Written by divorce expert JoAnne Pedro-Carroll, this is a wonderful resource to keep on hand as you build a better future for your entire family.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Putting-Children-First-Parenting-Strategies/dp/1583334017″]Putting Children First, $9.44 on Amazon[/link-button]

37. You’ll sleep a lot better knowing that you made the right decision.

And you’ll sleep even better if you’ve got a high-quality mattress. This affordable option from Linenspa combines memory foam with the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress to give you a nice, restful sleep. There’s a layer of memory foam quilted in the knit fabric cover, while a 1.5-inch layer below the cover provides additional comfort. The inner springs provide support and prevent the mattress from drooping over time.

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Amazon

This mattress ships in a compressed box for easy delivery, and the twin version is around $100. Hey, why opt for anything bigger? You’re on your own—and for the time being, that’s perfectly fine.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Linenspa-Memory-Innerspring-Hybrid-Mattress/dp/B01IU6RJYA”]Linenspa Hybrid Mattress, $102.99 and up on Amazon [/link-button]

Categories
Healthy Relationships Wellbeing

40 Things To Help You Get Over Your Breakup Now

Another relationship has bitten the dust. You’ve gone through this before, but somehow, each rejection feels uniquely painful. Sure, when you look at the connection from a distance, it’s easy to see that it was mediocre at best and that your tenuous attachment was rooted in some deeply unhealthy pattern that compels you to seek approval from men incapable of appreciating you. But pain is pain! Here are a few ways to pull yourself together after the relationship that never actually made you that happy anyway is through.
[sol title=”Dry your tears.” subheader=”Kleenex Lotion Facial Tissues With Aloe & Vitamin E”]
Your dude was a dud. That much is clear. (He broke up with you, didn’t he?) But even as your logical side understands this and wants you to suck it up and move on, your emotional side wants you to cry everywhere and at all times. In bed listening to the rain fall on the roof. In the shower while you stand with your face beneath the water. In front of the coffee machine at work, waiting for your bitter liquid to pour through. Sometimes, you will give in, but mostly you will not.

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Amazon

Still, it’s a good idea to strategically position 18 boxes of Kleenex around you, even if just to remind yourself that any tears you lose over the dud can be instantly dried with something that will nourish you much more than he ever did, like these fragrance-free lotion tissues infused with pure aloe and vitamin E to soothe tender skin and hearts.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kleenex-Lotion-Facial-Tissues-Vitamin/dp/B01N286FM9″] Get it on Amazon for $22.31[/link-button]
[sol title=”Diffuse tension.” subheader=”Humidifier and Essential Oil Diffuser”]
A lot is going on right now. There’s a grey cloud so thick around you that you’re choking on it like smoke. That’s okay. Breathe easier with this good-looking wood grain diffuser and humidifier, which will allow you to add moisture to an air-conditioned room or fill your senses with a calming fragrance, like lavender.
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Amazon

It comes with four time-setting modes (one hour, three hours, six hours, and continuous), two mist options (strong and standard), and 14 color options (seven soothing LED lights, each with a dim and bright option). The aroma diffuser can last from six to eight hours, which, incidentally, is the same amount of time you stayed in bed after he said the words, “I have never loved you.”
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Humidifier-Ultrasonic-Essential-Diffuser/dp/B018CLNEOM”] Get it on Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Comfort your senses.” subheader=”ArtNaturals Aromatherapy Top 8 Essential Oils Pack”]
According to aromatherapy proponents, orange oil can help bring on emotional balance and a positive outlook, lavender oil can ease stress, and peppermint oil can relieve muscle aches and pains.
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Amazon

Even if the claims aren’t really borne out in scientific research, these essential oils are cruelty-free, unlike your ex, and do not contain parabens, so feel free to take a big whiff.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ArtNaturals-Aromatherapy-Peppermint-Frankincense-Therapeutic/dp/B01161IL20″] Get it on Amazon for $14.95[/link-button]
[sol title=”Stop and smell the essential rose oil.” subheader=”Gya Labs Rose Otto Essential Oil”]
Rose oil—seemingly the Louis Vuitton of essential oils, since we haven’t often seen it included in the sets—can supposedly help during times of grief. Placebo effect or not, if it makes you feel nice, it can’t hurt to try, right?
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Amazon

It’s a bit pricey, but you deserve luxury right now. Consider it a compressed version of all the roses your ex never bought you.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Otto-Essential-Oil-Aromatherapy/dp/B076NX5582″] Get it on Amazon for $18.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Write it out.” subheader=”Antique Handmade Leather Bound Journal”]
The pain is real, and it isn’t going away anytime soon. As you ride it out, don’t forget to write it out—in a journal, perhaps like this antique, leather-bound one.
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Amazon

Try writing a redemptive narrative in third person about the split, which some research suggests can help ease the breakup blues. This handcrafted notebook is made of recycled cotton that is acid-free and tree-free, meaning you can feel better about not harming the environment, even if you feel terrible about everything else.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E9HP1SU”] Get it on Amazon for $24.95[/link-button]
[sol title=”Play armchair psychologist.” subheader=”Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment“]
Take a deep dive into attachment theory with Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep— Love and begin discussing loudly at coffee shops why your relationship failed.
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Amazon

Was it your anxious attachment style that clashed with your ex’s avoidant one? Your pals are all ears, and you suspect everyone around you is equally captivated.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/1585429139″] Get it on Amazon for $10.84[/link-button]
[sol title=”Watch all ten seasons of Friends.” subheader=”Friends: The Complete Series Box Set”]
When your real friends inevitably stop wanting to hear your theories about why your ex is incapable of true intimacy, there is Friends. Go grab the Cheetos!
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Jennifer-Aniston/dp/B00B1LN8WY”] Get it on Amazon for $69.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Meditate.” subheader=”Guided Meditations: Breathe Into Mindfulness & Inner Peace”]
How does it sound to “Breathe Into Mindfulness & Inner Peace”? Good, right?
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Amazon

That’s precisely what you’ll be doing in this meditation, guided by Dhanpal-Donna Quesada. Album tracks include “Emptiness (Let Go),” “Eternal Light (feat. Guru Singh),” and “Deep Relaxation (feat. AJ Oliveira).” Where can you sign up?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Meditations-Breathe-Mindfulness-Inner/dp/B00NDDV5AK”] Get it on Amazon for $6.93[/link-button]
[sol title=”Cry like a baby in child’s pose.” subheader=”Jade Travel Yoga Mat”]
As we’ve already established, sometimes you will give in—specifically when you are facedown in a dimly lit room as a gentle, disembodied voice instructs you to “honor your body and your mind.” At yoga class, you can sink deeper into the pose while supported by this green yoga mat that’s free from PVC, EVA, and any other synthetic materials. (Yoga instructor and life coach Keri Kugler chose this as her top everyday-use yoga mat.)
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Amazon

You won’t know until it’s too late, but a stranger telling you that “whatever you’re thinking is exactly as it should be” and “you’re absolutely perfect just the way you are” will come as a gut punch of tenderness. You’ll have to hold your breath, lest you explode into one million tiny pieces with the shattering realization that this is what it feels like to receive love.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Jade-68-Inch-8-Inch-Yoga-Midnight/dp/B001AOK00K”] Get it on Amazon for $64.95[/link-button]
[sol title=”Heed a cautionary tale.” subheader=”Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind“]
Smell is powerful because of the way it can evoke memory, bringing us back vividly to an emotional state that we experienced even decades ago. One scene from the 2001 romantic comedy Someone Like You shows Ashley Judd’s character in the aftermath of a difficult breakup, crying in a doctor’s office and pleading to have her amygdala—part of the brain linked to smell and memory—removed, so that she can stop being overcome by pain when a particular combination of scents reminds her of her ex.
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IMDb

Not being able to get someone off your mind can make you feel broken and angry and like the simplest solution would just be to do something to your brain. It’s such a compelling solution that it became the premise of the 2004 movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Watch it and you’ll see why the problem isn’t so easily solved. (You’ll need one of your boxes of Kleenex for this.)
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Sunshine-Spotless-Mind-Carrey/dp/B001TAFCBC”] Get it on Amazon for $12.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Eat a decadent comfort food.” subheader=”Jif Creamy Peanut Butter Twin Pack”]
For a number of reasons involving human biology, eating large quantities of fat and sugar, mixed with just the right amount of salt, can set off a party in your brain. Just think: a warm, gooey peanut butter chocolate chip cookie.
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Can you feel the weight of it in the palm of your hand? See the way the melted chocolate glistens inside as the cookie breaks apart between your fingers? Taste its salty sweetness? You’re salivating. You need this. Buy some Jif Creamy Peanut Butter and bake yourself a batch. Don’t forget the ice-cold milk.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Jif-Creamy-Peanut-Butter-Ounce/dp/B014M6LTSO”] Get it on Amazon for $8.32[/link-button]
[sol title=”Then, switch to a healthier comfort food.” subheader=”Kodiak Cakes Protein Pancake Power Cakes”]
Unfortunately, you can’t eat cookies forever. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep a nice, warm, decadent-feeling dish as part of your daily noms. Enter Kodiak Cakes, makers of a whole list of items that will make you feel like you’re being served a warm pancake breakfast at your grandmother’s farm, but with a healthier, protein-packed spin.
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Amazon

One of the HealthyWay readers recommends the Almond Poppyseed pancakes with some lemon extract added in for a delicious twist, but maybe you’ll prefer to start with the basic buttermilk. Top with softened butter and maple syrup for a real, down-home flavor.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kodiak-Cakes-Protein-Flapjack-Buttermilk/dp/B01NBRBQV1″] Get it on Amazon for $12.77[/link-button]
[sol title=”In fact, add a salad to your daily routine.” subheader=”OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner”]
Eating leafy greens every day is important for your health and energy, and it doesn’t have to be difficult or unenjoyable.
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Amazon

Find a number of salad recipes that you absolutely love, purchase a quality salad spinner like the OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner, and give those greens a spin!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Salad-Spinner/dp/B00004OCKR”] Get it on Amazon for $29.95[/link-button]
[sol title=”Sweat.” subheader=”LETSCOM Fitness Tracker”]
Exercise is great for your body and your mind, according to a whole lot of research. Move your body regularly in such a way that it makes your pores cry and your lungs work overtime. Doing this can help you get over your breakup by making you happier and better able to deal with stress.
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Amazon

There’s also evidence to support that exercise can help with addiction, which should aid you in stopping that obsessive checking of your former SO’s Instagram account. Whether it’s lifting weights, walking, running, using resistance bands, or paddling furiously, just do it. If it’ll help you focus, get this fitness tracker and monitor your progress.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWPJBGX”] Get it on Amazon for $29.98[/link-button]
[sol title=”Roll out.” subheader=”TriggerPoint CORE Multi-Density Solid Foam Roller”]
Foam rolling is a manual massage technique that focuses on pain believed to originate in the fascia, which is the connective tissue that binds together different body structures, like muscle.
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Amazon

Rolling out your tension can be super relaxing or super painful, but the consensus among fitness experts and physical therapists seems to be that it’s an effective way to speed the healing of injuries, improve flexibility and muscle performance, and manage soreness. Watch these instructional videos, roll around until you find a tender spot, then hang out.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BVACFAK”] Get it on Amazon for $27.10[/link-button]
[sol title=”Rake away sadness.” subheader=”Small Tabletop Zen Garden Kit”]
We can’t speak to the effectiveness of zen gardens, but they look cool. This one comes with a candle!
HealthyWay
Amazon

Plus, endlessly raking some stones around a tiny bit of sand might provide a good distraction from the deep well of sadness within you, or, as the product description puts it, “a serenely scenic escape from the everyday.” Sure!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Accent-Plus-Desktop-Starter-Tabletop/dp/B07CZPN1S6″] Get it on Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Do something crazy to your hair.” subheader=”Arctic Fox Semi Permanent Hair Color”]
Yes, that’s right. The Post-Breakup Major Hair Change is a rite of passage, and even if it is a temporary blue dye, it counts.
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Amazon

You can feel even better about your impulsive decision because this Arctic Fox Semi Permanent Hair Color is vegan and 15 percent of the manufacturer’s profits are donated to help fight against animal cruelty.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Arctic-Fox-Permanent-Color-Poseidon/dp/B0147R9UHA”] Get it on Amazon for $12.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Help yourself.” subheader=” The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change“]
By the looks of the reviews for The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, it has reached classic status among self-help books.
HealthyWay
Amazon

On Amazon alone, the book has received a 4.5 out of 5 from 5,181 customer reviews, and on goodreads, 376,573 ratings have earned it a 4.1 out of 5. In it, author Stephen R. Covey condenses lessons mere mortals can learn from those who are better at living. The 7 Habits have apparently “transformed” presidents, CEOs, educators, parents, and students, so maybe it will help you get out of bed tomorrow.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1451639619″] Get it on Amazon for $9.98[/link-button]
[sol title=”Buy some fancy underwear.” subheader=”Embroidery Lace Bra & Panty Set”]
You deserve to feel sexy, and sometimes being sexy means buying yourself a reasonably priced, suspiciously sourced (we’re scratching our heads a bit on the name Bluewhalebaby for an underwear brand) bra and panty set.
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Amazon

Put them on for no one, hang out in your room with a scented candle, and drink a bottle of something sweet while pretending to be in a Drake music video.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bluewhalebaby-Womens-Comfort-Lingerie-Embroidery/dp/B01N08GVUN”] Get it on Amazon for $8.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”More importantly, buy some comfortable underwear.” subheader=”Soft Cotton Panties With Lace Trim”]
Then again, you’ve had it with uncomfortable undergarments, the kind that ride up into your crevices and give you infections, all for what? So your boyfriend could ignore them and continue playing Fortnite?
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Amazon

Enough. Stock up on beautiful, breathable cotton.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FW4941″] Get it on Amazon for $16.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Lose yourself in a romcom.” subheader=”When Harry Met Sally“]
Try to believe in love again, even if only for the 96-minute duration of When Harry Met Sally, a classic movie about friendship and romance.
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IMDb

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/When-Harry-Sally-Billy-Crystal/dp/B00ARCOHNW”] Get it on Amazon for $13.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Invite your friends over for tea.” subheader=”Porcelain Tea Set, British Royal Series”]
While time spent in solitude and reflection are important to the healing process that must take place after a relationship comes to an end, there is such a thing as too much alone time.
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Amazon

Once you’ve mourned for a week or two in privacy, it’s time to open your home to some friends who can help you take your mind off being sad. For a fun throwback to your youth, plan an adult tea party. Make some cucumber dill sandwiches and brightly colored cookies. Wear pearls. Go all out and serve everything on authentic tea dishes, like this porcelain British Royal Series set.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Porcelain-Teaspoons-strainer-Pukka-Home/dp/B075WPLQBG”] Get it on Amazon for $60.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Burn a magic Reiki charged love candle.” subheader=”Herbal Magic Reiki Charged Candle”]
This candle is supposed to help attract love to you. The product description says that rose, patchouli, olive oil, clove, lavender, and dragon’s blood essential oils are all part of its magic. “May love enter my life and fill my heart and soul,” reads the label. “May the magic of love always inspire me to radiate warmth and caring to all those who touch my life.”
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Amazon

Reiki is a system of alternative medicine involving the laying on of hands by a practitioner who is believed to be able to promote healing through balancing vital energy fields in the body. If you’re not completely sold on this concept, not to worry. “Reiki is not dependent on your spiritual orientation or intellect or belief,” the product description assures us. “It just is and works whether you believe in it or not. So give the candles a try. You have everything to gain from the experience and only negative energy to lose, a win-win proposition.” A win-win proposition, indeed.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Journey-Herbal-Charged-Pillar/dp/B003FCJ09W”] Get it on Amazon for $15.83[/link-button]
[sol title=”Try art therapy.” subheader=”Basic 10 Oil Color Set”]
According to the American Art Therapy Association, “Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship” and can “improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.”
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Amazon

All of that sounds good! One caveat is that it has to be facilitated by a professional art therapist, but certainly that summer you spent as a camp counselor/craft leader should prepare you to dig deep within yourself as you dig into some oil paints.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Winton-Oil-Colors/dp/B004OKRI9S”] Get it on Amazon for $25.49[/link-button]
[sol title=”Punch something.” subheader=”Gel Boxing Training Gloves”]
Boxing is a great way to cycle through some of your aggressive energy. You also get to punch things!
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These training gloves are made with impact protection foam and a longitudinal arch design that’s created to fit your hand’s natural curve so that you can close your fist properly while beating that punching bag like it’s the specter of every failed relationship in your adult life.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ESSENTIAL-BOXING-GLOVES-PINK-8-OZ/dp/B01D2J437G”] Get it on Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Keep yourself polished.” subheader=”10 Piece Stainless Steel Manicure Kit”]
As the great Beyoncé once said, “Hold out your back, time to impress/Pull out your freakum dress.” The “freakum dress” is really just shorthand for “your newfound resolve to present yourself with the shine you deserve” (a less exciting track), which means something different for everyone. For you, it might mean dropping some serious cash on a mani-pedi-massage and a sleek dress that will hug your body like no one has in the past four months.
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But the polished life need not be endlessly expensive. Figure out which services are eating the biggest chunk of your savings and see if you can’t do them differently, or yourself. Since the mani-pedi remains a costly and ethically murky luxury of questionable safety, you might as well become your own cuticle queen. Get yourself this 100 percent stainless steel, 10-piece manicure set and paint your nails black. Rawr!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Manicure-Pedicure-Set-Nail-Clippers/dp/B01M5ILVL6″] Get it on Amazon for $7.45[/link-button]
[sol title=”Drink a nice cup of joe.” subheader=”Stovetop Espresso Maker”]
Not only is coffee a natural pain reliever (all the better for the pain in your chest), but it can give you the energy and motivation you need to continue on with your day, even as intense loneliness threatens to overwhelm you.
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Amazon

Enjoy the bold strength of the brew made in this Original Bialetti Moka Express One-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker (one cup because you are drinking coffee alone), made in Italy.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Original-Bialetti-Stovetop-Espresso-Patented/dp/B0001SJH2I”] Get it on Amazon for $16.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Plan a trip.” subheader=”Hard Case Spinner Suitcase, Peony Pink”]
Speaking of Italy, why don’t you just go there? You and your ex always talked about visiting Venice together, sharing a picnic in a gondola. That dream is dead now.
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This lovely suitcase is made of 100 percent polycarbonate, making it highly resistant to cracking or breaking, unlike your heart. Book your flight now. Buon viaggio!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZG6473″] Get it on Amazon for $112.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Make your own pasta by hand.” subheader=”Pasta Machine, Made in Italy”]
Instead of staying in your apartment for days eating ramen, stay in your apartment for days making pasta by hand.
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You will acquire a new hobby and feel better about yourself for having created something beautiful and delicious. Perfect your skill in Italy and return a changed woman.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Marcato-Machine-Chrome-Cutter-Instructions/dp/B0009U5OSO”] Get it on Amazon for $78.95[/link-button]
[sol title=”Learn a foreign language.” subheader=”Beginner Through Advanced Course, Italian”]
Italian, obviously.
HealthyWay
Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Living-Language-Italian-Complete-coursebooks/dp/0307478572″] Get it on Amazon for $31.12[/link-button]
[sol title=”Manifest a better lover.” subheader=”Catalina Printed Cork Board”]
You were always a little embarrassed by the prospect of building a literal shrine to your hopes and dreams, but your friend who has been a longtime vision board devotee just moved to Paris, where she manifested the love of her life, so maybe you should give it a try?
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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Wall-Pops-HB0689-Catalina-Printed/dp/B00CF0QGPG”] Get it on Amazon for $19.19[/link-button]
[sol title=”Invest in a good eye cream.” subheader=”Organys Eye Cream”]
To counteract some of that “I’ve been crying every day for a week” puffiness, treat yourself to a quality eye cream.
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Amazon

This one contains anti-wrinkle peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine to help the appearance of dark circles, eye bags, puffiness, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. The product promises to give you the kind of peepers that are “inspiring and hard to turn away from.” Yes. That, please.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Organys-Moisturizer-Appearance-Puffiness-Wrinkles/dp/B01C85TO6U”] Get it on Amazon for $16.12[/link-button]
[sol title=”Drown out the noise in your head—or the endless silence of being alone.” subheader=”Relaxing Nature Sounds 4 CD Set”]
When you can’t get out into nature, bring the nature to you.
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Amazon

If you’re having trouble sleeping or the silence of your new single life is deafening, give a listen to these relaxing sounds, including “calming mountain stream,” “calming ocean waves,” “tranquil guitar,” and “calming rain.”
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Relaxing-Nature-Sounds-Set-Meditation/dp/B01MTXOO7Y”] Get it on Amazon for $20.94[/link-button]
[sol title=”Renew your entire body.” subheader=”CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion”]
No, this is not a spiritual or sci-fi intervention, just some really good body lotion.
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Amazon

It contains ceramides to help restore the skin’s protective layer, while exfoliating and moisturizing with lactic acid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin D.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-hbf-jjj-omgh-mh3456-SA-Renewing-Lotion/dp/B0071XPQQ2″] Get it on Amazon for $13.33 [/link-button]
[sol title=”Throw out his stuff.” subheader=”Glad Tall Drawstring Trashbags”]
It’s time to part with the souvenirs of your love—things he left at your place, things he bought for you, things that remind you of him. Whether or not you actually put these items into the garbage, donate them to goodwill, or return them to him are up to you, and, of course, depend on how the two of you left things.
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Whatever you decide, put the things in a bag and store them out of sight until you can figure it out.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Glad-Tall-Drawstring-Trash-Bags/dp/B00O397IZY”] Get it on Amazon for $12.73[/link-button]
[sol title=”Sage your house.” subheader=”White Sage Smudge Sticks With Stand”]
Clear out all that bad energy for a fresh start.
HealthyWay
Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Premium-California-Fragrance-Clearing-Meditation/dp/B01I5S9H70″] Get it on Amazon for $21.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Master the perfect omelette.” subheader=”12-Inch Skillet With Glass Cover”]
Mornings before were spent paying attention to your boo, even though he rarely returned this attention—if you catch our drift—but now that you have an extra 10 minutes in your schedule, you can finally master the perfect omelette.
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Amazon

For this, you will need a nonstick skillet, like this one with a quantanium nonstick interior reinforced with titanium. Here you come, gruyere!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-622-30G-Classic-Nonstick-Hard-Anodized/dp/B0078P9D8K”] Get it on Amazon for $26.99[/link-button]
[sol title=”Replace your boyfriend with a Snuggie.” subheader=”Premium Fleece Blanket With Sleeves”]
Okay, so this is actually a more sophisticated version of the Snuggie—a Snuggie for polished ladies, if you will—but the fact remains that this fleece wearable throw is a good replacement for your ex, whose best quality toward the end of your relationship was that he was a warm body to lie stiffly next to during the coldest part of the year.
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Amazon

Designed with a built-in pocket and length that allows you to wrap it around your feet, this sleeved blanket will keep your feet warm while always carrying snacks, which, come to think of it, is also an accurate description of your ex.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/PAVILIA-Microplush-Functional-Lightweight-Wearable/dp/B0745KX86R”] Get it on Amazon for $20.49[/link-button]
[sol title=”Buy yourself flowers.” subheader=”Crystal Vase”]
Beyond serving as an embellishment to any room, a beautiful plant can improve your mood and the quality of your air.
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Amazon

Go pick out some blooms and put them in an elegant vase, like this one made of delicate crystal (and made in Italy—it’s a sign!).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lorren-Home-Trends-Melodia-Collection/dp/B0071GMCAM”] Get it on Amazon for $35[/link-button]
[sol title=”Sing in the shower.” subheader=”Bluetooth Portable Waterproof Shower Radio”]
One morning soon, you’ll wake up and remember life before your ex. You’ll think of that thing you used to enjoy before your miserable relationship put out the light inside you.
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Amazon

Singing in the shower, for example. You used to love singing in the shower! Bring it back with this waterproof bluetooth radio, and don’t let anyone tell you ever again that you’re too loud.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Portable-Waterproof-Shower-Radio/dp/B07DXBBCV3″] Get it on Amazon for $36.99[/link-button]

Categories
Favorite Finds Wellbeing

36 Health And Wellness Products From Amazon That’ll Improve Your Way Of Living

It’s no secret that we live in a super-saturated world of commerce, a fact that carries its share of both pros and cons. While on one hand there’s more to choose from than ever before, all those choices can make the process of figuring out what to spend your money on downright exhausting.
To help you swim through it all and spend your hard-earned dollars wisely, we’ve rounded up 37 of Amazon’s best health and wellness products, including fitness gear, grooming supplies, food and drink options, and products that will improve your home. And who knows—maybe you’ll discover an item you didn’t even realize you needed!

Fitness

1. Put on a sports bra that actually works.

How many times have you thrown a sports bra in your cart, only to wind up sorely disappointed with its ability to actually do its job? You’re not alone. The search for an excellent sports bra that holds in the ladies is real, but that search is officially over.

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Panache’s Underwire Sports Bra has garnered over 3,000 reviews and an impressive rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. We love that it comes in a massive range of sizes (28D to 40H) and that so many buyers sing its praises.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Panache-Womens-Underwired-Sports-Black/dp/B005VNFJFW”]Get it from Amazon for $70[/link-button]

2. Invest in super versatile hiking shoes.

Take your hiking shoes to the next level with Merrell’s Siren Edge Hiker, a versatile shoe that features a Vibram sole and comes in a range of color options.

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Amazon

Because it’s made with breathable mesh lining, it also works well as a quick-drying water shoe. Also, the fact that it comes with organic odor control will make you—and whoever lives with you—super happy with this purchase.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Womens-Siren-Edge-Shoe/dp/B00YBEFYSY”]Get it from Amazon for $54[/link-button]

3. Try a moisture-wicking shirt with UV protection.

It may seem counterintuitive to wear a long-sleeve shirt while spending time out in the sun, but the truth is that lightweight coverage can actually keep you cooler, prevent sunburns, and keep your energy levels up. Naviskin’s Sun Protection UPF 50+ UV Outdoor Long Sleeve T-Shirt boasts super comfortable, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that won’t chafe.

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Amazon

Plus, its UPF 50+ rating means your skin will be protected from sun exposure. Sunburns be gone! Wear it while hiking, fishing, golfing, climbing, running, or hey, even on a picnic.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/NAVISKIN-Womens-Protection-Outdoor-T-Shirt/dp/B07DQL3WW3″]Get it from Amazon for $16.99[/link-button]

4. Educate yourself on the key muscles used in yoga.

Whether you’re a novice yogi or someone who’s been practicing for years, having a full understanding of the muscle groups engaged while in various yoga positions can be monumental in improving your workout. Via 3D illustrations, the author walks you through the major muscle groups, tendons, and ligaments used in Hatha yoga, highlighting “the agonist, antagonist, and synergist muscles that come into play with each pose.”

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Amazon

This is the first book in the series and is approved for all levels.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/1607432382″]Get it from Amazon for $19.03[/link-button]

5. Make life easier with slip-on athletic shoes.

Once you try laceless, slip-on sneakers for the first time, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re incredibly convenient to put on and remove—and look stylish to boot. Vionic’s Women’s Brisk Dash Slip-on Sneaker comes in three different color options and feature a durable rubber outsole, biomechanical technology, and removable mesh covered footbeds.

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Amazon

We recommend them specifically for low-impact workouts such as cycling, spinning, walking, weight training, or strength conditioning.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Vionic-Womens-Brisk-Sneaker-Charcoal/dp/B072K7N793″]Get it from Amazon for $59.95[/link-button]

6. Tone and firm with this funky workout accessory.

It may seem like an odd workout accessory, but Pvolve’s P.ball can actually work some serious magic on your inner thighs, outer thighs, and gluteus maximus. It’s essentially a PVC ball that you secure around your upper legs before completing various exercises.

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P.volve

According to the product description, wearing it better activates those hard-to-reach muscles for improved definition. You can read more about the product here, and even stream fitness classes where the P.ball is the star of the show.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Pvolve-P-ball/dp/B078XKF3ZG”]Get it from Amazon for $59.99[/link-button]

7. Downward dog on a fancy yoga mat.

Not all yoga mats are created equal. Some offer more cushioning, some are more grippy, some are more durable, and some are just flat out prettier to look at. Sugarmat has all the above covered. Their mats feature high-quality, eco-friendly construction, which means they’re ready for years of action and are genuinely built to last.

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Amazon

They’re also machine washable and approved for hot yoga, outdoor yoga, and pilates. This particular design is from their Healing Heart collection, but they offer a wide range of styles. While aesthetic appeal isn’t everything, it sure does make a yoga session more fun when you’ve got a fancy yoga mat to vinyasa upon.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sugarmat-Siphoning-Designed-Montreal-Non-faded/dp/B076VJK7F2″]Get it from Amazon for $99[/link-button]

8. Use a foam roller that massage therapists swear by.

This is one of those products that you might not have ever heard of, but given the string of five-star reviews from over 3,000 shoppers of Amazon, you’ll quickly realize that it might be worth buying. Trigger Point Performance’s TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller is a patented design used by massage therapists, physical therapists, trainers, coaches, and athletes swear by for loosening muscles, improving oxygen flow, and channeling blood.

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Amazon

Your purchase comes with an informational guide to help you utilize it effectively. It also comes in five different colors, including hot pink and lime green. Go wild!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040EGNIU”]Get it from Amazon for $39.99[/link-button]

9. Take a load off by jumping in a hammock.

You’re out hiking for the day and all is well, until you realize that it’d be really nice if you had somewhere to rest that didn’t involve rocky ground. This is precisely the moment you’ll be grateful you have a totable hammock in your backpack. Not to mention those glorious views.

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Amazon

Hey, you could even bring a book or consider taking a nap under the stars. Grand Trunk’s Double Parachute hammock is ultra-lightweight and super compact, making it easy to carry around with you on a hike or while camping. It also comes with carabiners and hanging kit, which means it’s ready for action the second it arrives on your doorstep.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Trunk-Parachute-Hammock-Carabiners/dp/B0092OUK46″]Get it from Amazon for $69.99[/link-button]

10. Hydrate yourself with a little extra pizzazz.

This is the sign you’ve been looking for to officially upgrade your water bottle. Gemstone Well’s Elixir2Go Crystal Elixir Bottle features rose quartz and clear quartz gemstones at the bottom, which makes this bottle way more fun to tote around, look at, and selfie with.

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Amazon

Some believe that crystal infusion can offer a range of spiritual benefits, but even if you don’t buy into that notion, it’s still a beautiful bottle to own. It also comes with a protective neoprene sleeve for safe keeping.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Elixir2Go-Crystal-Elixir-Bottle-Protective/dp/B0783PD5JC”]Get it from Amazon for $49.99[/link-button]

Food and Drink

11. “Fry” your foods without any actual oil.

If you’re unfamiliar with air fryers, get ready to experience a cooking gadget that will truly rock your world (or at least your kitchen counters). Bella’s Electric Hot Air Fryer cooks vegetables, potatoes, mushrooms, meat, fish—and pretty much whatever else you decide to put inside of it—with convection technology, aka hot air, instead of oil.

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Amazon

The results are food that’s texturally similar to regular fried food but doesn’t have nearly as many calories, or as much fat. If you need a little help to spur your cooking creativity, thumb through Air Fry Genius: 100+ New Recipes for EVERY Air Fryer.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/BELLA-TXG-DS14-14538-Electric-Removable-Dishwasher/dp/B01KI0Q1UY”]Get it from Amazon for $60.76[/link-button]

12. Give a new sparkling water brand a chance.

La Croix will forever be near and dear to our hearts and mouths, but let’s take a second to acknowledge that there are a plethora of other hydrating options to choose from, as well. One of those is Phocus’ Caffeinated Sparkling Water, which contains 75mg of tea-extracted caffeine in every bottle.

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Amazon

It gets its name from the additional 70mg L-Theanine that’s included as well, which the brand explains is an amino acid that has neuro-enhancing properties. The fact that it also contains zero calories, sugars, or artificial sweeteners makes it a worthwhile option to try at least once!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Phocus-Caffeinated-Sparkling-Water-Variety/dp/B0757YYJ9F”]Get it from Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]

13. Brew yourself a delicious cuppa tea or coffee.

The Gourmia Electric Coffee & Tea Brewing System doesn’t just look fancy—it actually brews a superior cup of tea or coffee.

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Amazon

It allows you to choose from three different strength options, including light, medium, and strong, and features a refresh cycle that ensures you get max flavor out of your coffee grounds or loose-leaf tea. We appreciate that it’s ETL certified, which means that you can rest easy knowing it’s a safe and high-quality appliance.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDRDMSV”]Get it from Amazon for $89.99[/link-button]

14. Feel better about the gum you chew.

Read the ingredients on a traditional package of chewing gum and you might be surprised at what you find. There are added sugars, artificial sugars, artificial flavors, and ingredients that aren’t easy to recognize.

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Amazon

Many gums also contain non-vegan ingredients, which makes them off-limits to those who are strictly plant powered. Simply Gum has filed a noted gap in the market via their Natural Vegan Chewing Gum, which is animal-friendly and contains zero artificial ingredients. Choose from six flavors, including mint, ginger, coffee, cinnamon, licorice, and maple.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NJB8G7G”]Get it from Amazon for $14.99[/link-button]

Improved Home

15. Breathe better in your home.

It doesn’t matter where you live or who lives with you, every home can benefit from an air purifier. Many times, we don’t even realize how poor the air quality is until after we nix dust, smoke, odors, mold, pet dander, and other allergens. There are plenty of air purifiers to choose from, but we’ve chosen to highlight Levoit’s Air Purifier.

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Amazon

This purifier features a three-stage HEPA filtration system and even a handy-dandy nightlight. You don’t have to take our word for how awesome it is, though. Just read through the 1900 customer reviews.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/LEVOIT-LV-H132-Purifier-Allergies-Eliminator/dp/B071D58ZY5″]Get it from Amazon for $89.99[/link-button]

16. Learn how to live a greener lifestyle.

Leah Segedie is an environmental activist who’s made it her mission to make the world a safer, greener, more eco-conscious place. She’s the founder of ShiftCon, an expo where green-savvy customers and companies unite, as well as Mamavation, a website for moms who simply want to make sure their families live happier and healthier.

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Amazon

All this has culminated in a book that Segedie published this year titled Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier—All Without Driving Your Family Crazy! Whether you’re curious about how to live a more tuned-in, fully-aware lifestyle, or if you’ve been walking the green path for years, you’ll learn something new from this book.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Green-Enough-Cleaner-Happier-All-Without/dp/1623367603″]Get it from Amazon for $14.08[/link-button]

17. Make yourself more comfortable in your office chair.

With nearly 3000 reviews and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, you know there has to be something special about Everlasting Comfort’s 100% Pure Memory Foam Back Cushion. It was designed to slip over the back of any office chair to provide maximized lumbar support.

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If you’ve ever stood up from your office chair in pain, or if you get uncomfortable quickly while working, this product could help make a difference. Bonus: It can also slip over your car seat. Hello, comfortable road trips!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IJNJAZ0″]Get it from Amazon for $24.95[/link-button]

18. Relish in a miniature indoor garden.

Were you aware that spending more time around plants could improve your general mood and well-being? Studies have confirmed this, which means it’s officially time you began filling your space with more greenery.

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Amazon

Though any plant will do, we’re suggesting Spigo’s Indoor LED Light Grow Garden. Not only does it look straight out of the future, it was designed to help anyone who doesn’t have a green thumb keep their plants alive. This garden features an automatic light controller to ensure your plants get the right amount of light, as well as a water gauge to help you determine how much water is left in the reservoir. No more thirsty plants!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DAP6Z1E”]Get it from Amazon for $64.99[/link-button]

19. Wake up in a healthier, more natural way.

We hate to sound the alarm (get it?), but waking up with an obnoxious alarm clock that jolts you from a peaceful slumber can be hazardous to your health. We’re not kidding! Ideally, your body wakes itself up naturally after completing a full sleep cycle.

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Amazon

Another option that’s much gentler on your body can actually make you feel better all day long—is to wake up with natural light. Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock will help you do just that. It features both a colored sunrise simulation and sunset fading night light for better ZZZs.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093162RM/ref=strm_smart-home_nad_40_3″]Get it from Amazon for $139.99[/link-button]

20. Bring a little Himalayan salt into your space.

While we’re on the topic of light sources, we’d be remiss to not talk about Himalayan salt lamps. At this point, they’re still the things of new age “science” with few substantiated studies or facts, but some people swear by Himalayan salt’s healing benefits.

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Amazon

At the very least, Himalayan lamps and candles look pretty cool. They emit a soft, glowing light that can really set the mood for a relaxing evening. In lieu of the standard lamp, we’re suggesting you try Mockins’ Himalayan Salt Tea Light Candle Holders, which come in a set of four.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077GH34QW”]Get then from Amazon for $24.99[/link-button]

21. Create a spa-like space with an aromatherapy diffuser.

In case you haven’t noticed, aromatherapy essential oils are a really big deal right now. That said, there are a ton of different diffuser options to choose from, so we wouldn’t be surprised if you had no idea where to start.

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In our opinion, ArtNaturals’ Aromatherapy Essential Oil and Diffuser Gift Set is your best bet for several reasons. First, it comes with eight therapeutic-grade oils. Also, it features a beautiful wood design with shifting LED lights, shuts off automatically on a timer, and comes with Bluetooth technology so you can play music from it. You really can’t beat the price, either.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ArtNaturals-Aromatherapy-Essential-Diffuser-Gift/dp/B01MRNUPCD”]Get it from Amazon for $27.95[/link-button]

22. Get some shuteye while wearing a cute eye mask.

Obviously, the Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock isn’t going to work if you’re wearing an eye mask, but if you ever find yourself in need of sleeping in (say, on the weekends) or in situations where it’s bright (say, an airplane or during a Sunday afternoon nap), then an eye mask could solve a lot of your problems.

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We’re featuring Fitglam’s Natural Silk Sleep Mask because the eyelash design is super cute, but also because it’s made of 100 percent natural mulberry silk, which is soft, lightweight, and br∂eathable.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Fitglam-Natural-Sleep-Eyelashes-Patterns/dp/B01HPODBJK”]Get it from Amazon for $8.95[/link-button]

23. Get better sleep on a better pillow.

Speaking of sleep, let’s discuss the importance of a good pillow. First of all, if you use a standard polyester or cotton pillow, it ought to be replaced every 12 months for sanitary purposes. We’ll spare you the gnarly details and encourage you to do some research on your own when you’re feeling up to it. That said, if you invest in a high-quality pillow, it can last many years longer. Further, it’s so much more comfortable to sleep on!

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We recommend Reverie’s Dual Slumber Down Alternative and Memory Foam Pillow, which is constructed from a naturally antimicrobial fabric that’s resistant to dust mites. It also features temperature-smart memory foam that promotes improved circulation and pressure point release.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Reverie-Slumber-Alternative-Memory-Pillow/dp/B01LY8L651″]Get it from Amazon for $62.99 and up[/link-button]

24. See what all the “weighted blanket” fuss is about.

It goes without saying that sleep is uber-important to your health, so we’re doubling down and giving you one more option that falls into the bedtime department. Chances are, you’ve heard people buzzing about how amazing weighted blankets are, and there’s a reason why: They are magical inventions!

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People swear that the extra weight makes them fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply. Some even say it helps with anxiety and mid-sleep tossing and turning. Try Huggaroo’s Premium Adult Weighted Blanket Set, which comes in three colors and has 5-star ratings across the board.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Huggaroo-Premium-Weighted-Blanket-Luxurious/dp/B079Y7442T”]Get it from Amazon for $189.99[/link-button]

Grooming

25. Clean your face with a gentle brush.

If the Clarisonic wasn’t really your thing but you’re still on the lookout for a better way to clean your face, the Foreo Luna 2.0 might just be the answer to your skincare prayers. The hygienic silicone device features a T-Sonic facial cleansing brush that gently buffs away dead skin cells and massages the skin.

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The results are skin that’s cleaner that it would be with just your fingers or a washcloth, which means fewer breakouts and a brighter complexion. Choose from four colors, including pink, teal, lavender, and blue.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A61XUZ4″]Get it from Amazon for $199[/link-button]

26. Indulge in an at-home facial with this high-tech tool.

If you haven’t heard of the Hydrafacial or the Dermalinfusion facial, let us bring you up to speed. It’s a type of facial, typically performed at a skin clinic or spa, that involves three primary steps: microdermabrasion (the process of exfoliating skin via microcrystals), vacuuming the pores (aka sucking out the gunk and goo), and then replenishing the freshly cleansed skin with a liquid.

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The Trophy Skin RejuvadermMD is an at-home product that completes the first two steps. After using, you can apply your own serums and moisturizers. Considering the fact that many professional facials will cost you $100 per go, this set is an excellent value.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HX250EY”]Get it from Amazon for $199[/link-button]

27. Spritz yourself for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Whether you’re feeling that 3 p.m. slow-down at work or you simply could use a refresher, a little facial hydrating mist could put you in a better headspace. Not to mention, it’s great for your skin.

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Fig + Yarrow

Try Fig + Yarrow’s Organic Complexion Water, which is formulated with rose water, neroli water, and sandalwood, neroli, and rose essential oils. Bonus: All the ingredients are organic.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQO3BBG”]Get it from Amazon for $18.50[/link-button]

28. Freshen your mouth with a high-quality toothbrush.

Given just how important our teeth are—and how easy it is for them to get damaged without proper care—it’s kind of funny to think about how resistant some people are to investing a little extra into making sure they’re in top-notch shape.

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If you’re in the market for a high-end toothbrush that’s got a load of rave reviews to substantiate the manufacturer’s claims, try the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Sonic Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LPBI2C6″]Get it from Amazon for $203.99[/link-button]

29. Swap out your floss for a Waterpik.

Nope, we’re not done talking about teeth! While you’re shopping for a new toothbrush, also consider the importance of flossing. When done with proper technique, flossing is an effective way to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and cavities.

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That said, a surprisingly effective alternative to traditional floss-based flossing is a water flosser, which uses a targeted stream of water to clean hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. We suggest Waterpik’s ADA Accepted WP-660 Aquarius Water Flosser, which has over 11,000 reviews on Amazon and a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Waterpik-Accepted-WP-660-Aquarius-Flosser/dp/B00HFQQ0VU”]Get it from Amazon for $79.99[/link-button]

30. Swipe on an all-natural deodorant.

You’ve probably heard a lot of back-and-forth about whether you should wear traditional deodorant or antiperspirant, or just go au naturel. According to the National Cancer Institute, some scientists do claim that aluminum-containing deodorants and antiperspirant may cause cancer. While these studies haven’t been conclusive, we understand why many consider making the switch.

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One option is to use an all-natural deodorant, such as Ursa Major’s Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant. It’s 100 percent natural and free of aluminum, and according to the reviews, it works.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ursa-Major-Hoppin-Fresh-Deodorant/dp/B017Y86FHM”]Get it from Amazon for $18[/link-button]

31. Indulge in a luxury shower head.

Make shower time way more luxurious by swapping out your old, gunked-up showerhead with one that’s loaded up with bells and whistles. AquaDance’s 7-inch Premium High Pressure 3-Way Rainfall Showerhead boasts six different settings and a shiny chrome finish. It also has both a traditional shower head and a hand-held head, which you can use simultaneously or separately. Who needs a spa day when you can just step into your own decked-out shower?

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Amazon

[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AquaDance-Premium-Pressure-Rainfall-Shower/dp/B01H2DG1YG”]Get it from Amazon for $39.99[/link-button]

Mental Wellness

32. Practice mindfulness with this guided journal.

There’s no denying the power of scribbling your thoughts and musings onto a blank page in your journal. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to find that creative momentum. The Mindfulness Project’s got your back (and your mind), though, with I Am Here Now: A Creative Mindfulness Guide and Journal.

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It’s loaded with activities and prompts to guide you into a more mindful state, and aims to inspire you to “explore the world with greater curiosity and find moments of mindfulness in everyday life, while unleashing your creativity along the way.”
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Am-Here-Now-Creative-Mindfulness/dp/0399184449″]Get it from Amazon for $16[/link-button]

33. Opt for more than just a step tracker.

You’ve got roughly a million different activity trackers to choose from, and each has its own benefits. One that stands apart in a sea of devices is the Spire Stone, a stress management and activity tracker that monitors your breathing and helps you slow down when things start spiraling.

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Amazon

It is truly fascinating to observe what your breathing habits are like throughout the day (who knew you held your breath while sending emails?), and it still affords you the benefit of tracking your steps, as well.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TH3SQOI”]Get it from Amazon for $129.99[/link-button]

34. Control and eliminate the chaos that surrounds you.

Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos is a wildly popular book on Amazon, and for good reason. The noted psychologist, who’s authored a number of other well-received books, has truly tapped into the way the modern world affects us every day. In 12 Rules, he helps the reader figure out how to silence the noise we’re all accustomed to but plagued by in modern life.

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One reviewer wrote, “His 12 Rules serve as a guide on how to go from that point of failure to a point of redemption, offering a series of suggestions and guidelines to take a life that is becoming corrupted by hatred of the world and everything in it and turn it into a vessel for growth and self-improvement.”
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/12-Rules-Life-Antidote-Chaos/dp/0345816021″]Get it from Amazon for $15.57[/link-button]

35. Incorporate sound energy into your meditation routine.

Why buy a singing bowl? Well, the next time you’re feeling frenzied, you may find that the perfect way to center yourself is through a little sound energy. It’s also a great way to start your yoga routine, meditation session, our morning tea ritual.

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Amazon

However you choose to use the Ohm Store’s Tibetan Meditation Yoga Singing Bowl Set, we’re sure it will only bring peace and harmony into your space.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ohm-Store-Tibetan-Meditation-Singing/dp/B01A6B0ICC”]Get it from Amazon for $19.98[/link-button]

36. Remind yourself how awesome you are.

Our final suggestion in this list of health and wellness products is Jen Sincero’s book, You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life.

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Amazon

It feels less like a banal self-help book and more like a no-nonsense guide for living the life you want. Sincero’s voice is fresh, blunt, and free of saccharine platitudes.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Badass-Doubting-Greatness/dp/B00EYNFJBE”]Get it from Amazon for $9.59[/link-button]

Categories
Favorite Finds Wellbeing

These 43 Eco-Friendly Products Will Help You Save The Planet

Plastic is everywhere. It’s the tip of your fingertips when you’re typing or when holding your beloved toothbrush. We’re bombarded by its presence in our homes, our offices, and pretty much wherever we turn.
There’s no denying our impact on the planet—according to Eco Watch, we’ve produced more plastic in the last ten years than during the whole of the last century. And half of the plastic we do use, we discard after only one use. This means that every day, millions of straws, plastic bags and utensils are ending up in our landfills and oceans, destroying wildlife and polluting mother nature.
One of the best ways to fight this epidemic is by replacing some of the plastic products we already buy and swapping them out for greener alternatives. We’ve put together a list of 43 environmentally friendly products that will reduce your carbon footprint and help eliminate all those single-use plastic products you buy on the regular. While we can’t change the world overnight, making these small, simple changes to our own habits will make a difference in the long-term.

1. Save the planet one straw at a time.

You’ve probably heard that plastic straws are on their way out (Seattle is the first major U.S. city to flat out ban them), but this doesn’t mean you have to give straws up altogether. Biodegradable and reusable options like BIKO Bamboo’s Natural Bamboo Drinking Straws can help curb our dependence on wasteful plastics and ultimately modify the way we consume.

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These straws make a great replacement and are more durable (in my opinion) than the paper ones. Or, if you prefer, you can also opt for the stainless steel variety.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Eco-Friendly-Sustainable-Biodegradable-BIKO/dp/B07DCDVHWM”]Get it from Amazon for $10.99[/link-button]

2. A Stylish Bag for the Environmentally Conscious

Just because you’re trying to save the world doesn’t mean you have to relinquish style! Swap out all those troublesome plastic bags for this set of three Earthwise Deluxe Reusable Grocery Bags.

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Amazon

Not only are they conveniently built for all your shopping needs, their large capacity and sturdy walls make them perfect for a day at the beach or that long overdue picnic. What’s not to love here?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D3OONDE”]Get it on Amazon for $21.97[/link-button]

3. Hydrate with this tough-as-nails water bottle.

Don’t be fooled by its sleek design—this eco-friendly water bottle is as tough as it is stylish. The Bogi 20oz Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle also happens to be scratch resistant and leak proof. Toss it in your gym bag or backpack without fear—it’ll go the distance.

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Amazon

The lightweight bottle also comes in an array of colors for your every mood and will keep your drinks cool for 24 hours and hot for 12. Bonus: It comes with a handy sports straw cap for easy flip and drink.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/BOGI-Bottle-Scratch-Resistance-Eco-Friendly-Brush-1Year/dp/B075Z13H7P”]Get it on Amazon for $12.99.[/link-button]

4. Plastic-free trash bags, oh my!

Raise your hand if you’re puzzled by what to do with ALL your trash without the handy (albeit harmful) convenience of plastic. Fortunately for us, a safe, biodegradable alternative exists with UNNI ASTM D6400 100% Compostable Bags.

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Amazon

Made from the starches of plants, these bags are a win-win: durable and good for the environment (if only we’d used these to begin with).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013XRVNJS”]Get it on Amazon for $15.95.[/link-button]

5. This Earth-Friendly Pen and Pencil Combo

Looking for guilt-free pens and pencils that come in recycled packaging? Well, look no further! Help raise green awareness by using the ONYX+GREEN Gel Twist Pen & Mechanical Lead Pencil Combo Set at the office or at home.

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Amazon

Each purchase comes with two packs that are made from bamboo and other sustainable materials.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ONYX-GREEN-Gel-Twist-Medium/dp/B0789RD4F9/”]Get it on Amazon for $15.95.[/link-button]

6. A Smarter Way to Get Your Coffee Fix

Coffee aficionados everywhere can rejoice—reduce your carbon footprint by swapping out those pesky paper filters for the iPartsPlusMore Reusable K Cups Coffee Filters.

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Amazon

Not only are they easy to use and fit seamlessly into any Keurig brewer, they’re also 100 percent dishwasher-safe, so you can now have your coffee and drink it too.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LGEKOMS”]Get it on Amazon for $10.85.[/link-button]

7. Jot down all your notes with this reusable notebook.

Instead of wasting an endless amount of paper jotting down notes you eventually toss out, why not erase and write as you go? The Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook allows you to do exactly that: Its 36 reusable pages wipe clean with a damp cloth when used with Pilot FriXion pens.

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Amazon

Now all you need to do is swap out your tattered notebook for this elegant, environmentally friendly design.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZXWVZ3X”]Get it on Amazon for $29.97.[/link-button]

8. A Watch After Your Own Heart

Keeping track of time has never been sleeker than with this beautifully handcrafted Original Grain Wood Wrist Watch.

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Amazon

Their classic collection is sustainably sourced, featuring natural mahogany from Central Africa. But the delicate design doesn’t just look pretty, it’s also water and scratch resistant so it won’t scrape easily.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGYCJ1Q”]Get it on Amazon for $239.[/link-button]

9. Batteries You Can Use Again and Again

Rather than pollute our landfills with toxic chemicals, AmazonBasics AA High-Capacity Rechargeable Batteries has given us a smarter way to use our electronics.

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Amazon

Their 8-pack of batteries are pre-charged using solar energy and will stay that way even after being stored for up to 3 years. In the meantime, the good folks over at Business Insider offer a few tips on how to dispose of all your old batteries.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HZV9WTM”]Get it on Amazon for $18.99.[/link-button]

10. These delightful utensils don’t harm the planet.

You no longer have to drag out the heavy silver every time you have a family BBQ—this Wooden Cutlery By First Choice makes being an environmentally-friendly host easier than ever. Their 300-piece set of disposable utensils are as smooth as they are strong, and get this: They’re 100 percent biodegradable.

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First Choice also donates a portion of its annual net profits to non-profit environmental organizations, so break them out at your next party without worry.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XMRHGPW”]Get it on Amazon for $18.75.[/link-button]

11. A Glass Meal Container You Can’t Do Without

Who doesn’t have a bazillion food containers stuffed in their cabinets? Fortunately, we can easily swap out our plastics for greener options like these Bento Box 3-Pack Glass Food Containers. Keep your food airtight and leak-proof in their non-toxic, stain-proof glassware.

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Amazon

Reviewers say they’re smitten with the container’s perfect size and convenient use—they’re perfect for bringing lunch to the office!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075FC8NFF”]Get it on Amazon for $28.99.[/link-button]

12. This Earth-Friendly Cleaning Kit

Many popular cleaning products are a double negative for the planet (plastic bottles full of toxic chemicals), but it doesn’t have to be this way. Greener options like the JAWS (Just Add Water System) Home Cleaning Kit give us everything we need: an easy-to-use, non-toxic, remarkable way to clean.

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Each kit comes with a cleaner for your kitchen, glass, hardwood floor, and shower (this includes an empty bottle, sprayer, and two refill pods).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/JAWS-Included-Non-toxic-Eco-friendly-Products/dp/B005XM27MY”]Get it on Amazon for $19.99.[/link-button]

13. This Stylish, Reusable Coffee Cup

Swapping out plastics for greener alternatives means making small conscious choices every day. If you’ve been using those disposable styrofoam cups in the morning, for instance, opt instead for the KeepCup 16oz Reusable Coffee Cup. Its splash-proof, sealable lid makes it an easy choice for taking it on the go.

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This tough yet lightweight option lets you reuse it over and over again (plus you get to save turtles).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BZLR4LL/”]Get it on Amazon for $28.54.[/link-button]

14. Clean up with these plant-based scrub sponges.

You’re finally ready to tackle that pileup of dirty dishes from the weekend. After hours of coaxing yourself into this massive cleanup, you estimate it’s going to take several sponges to get the job done. Enter: Twist Scrub Sponges, the powerful scrubbing material made from 100-percent cactus (that’s right, c-a-c-t-u-s).

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These all-natural sponges contain no added colors or chemicals and are 100 percent biodegradable, so scrub away and toss ‘em out with a clean conscience.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Twist-Scrub-Sponges-6-Count/dp/B0083PZIGU”]Get it on Amazon for $18.75.[/link-button]

15. Brew tea to your heart’s content.

Going green is as simple as swapping out all those paper tea bags for the Finum Reusable Coffee and Tea Infusing Mesh Brewing Basket (the Earth and your tea will thank you).

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The brewing basket is made out of stainless steel and comes with a nifty lid to help maintain warm temperature for a longer period. Bonus: Flip the lid over and use it as a drip-off tray.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I68NCS”]Get it on Amazon for $10.62.[/link-button]

16. Keep it green with these elegant soap dispensers.

Ditch the plastic bottles and fill up your bathrooms with these glass refillable soap dispensers by California Home Goods.

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Amazon

Not only will you save money, you’ll also add an elegant, eco-friendly touch to your home. The dispensers come with a bonus pump and a lifetime guarantee to boot! Pro tip: Use them to store all your essential oils.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Dispenser-Refillable-California-Home-Goods/dp/B06W56R77W”]Get it on Amazon for $16.95.[/link-button]

17. A Plastic-Free Ice Tray for Every Occasion

Once you start noticing, you’ll find that a lot of seemingly insignificant items are made from plastic. Case in point: your average ice tray. Luckily, the Onyx Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray is here to save the day (no rhyme intended). Turns out, this two-part system—with easy-release handle—dates back to the ’50s.

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Aside from being good for the planet, this novel tray makes for an elegant addition to any dinner party.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0027V9OR0″]Get it on Amazon for $29.60.[/link-button]

18. These Pinterest-worthy kitchen tools are #goals.

Chances are, the kitchen of your dreams is sporting a set of darling wooden utensils like these Lipper International 826 Bamboo Wood Kitchen Tools. Made from natural resources, the six-piece set is safe to use on all surfaces and will be extra gentle on your pots and pans.

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Swapping out your worn out plastic set is a no-brainer once you see these beauties on your countertop.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lipper-International-Bamboo-Kitchen-6-Piece/dp/B075RYMB4X”]Get it on Amazon for $6.50.[/link-button]

19. A Clever Calculator for Your Budgeting Needs

If you work in an office or are the designated financial planner of your family (or have a child starting their math adventure), you’ve likely been using a traditional calculator made of plastic. Turns out, there’s a better, more eco-friendly option: this Sengu Bamboo Wooden Solar Calculator.

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Amazon

Remember being a kid and becoming fascinated by anything solar powered? You just place the calculator in even dim light and ta-da! Magic.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015PTACEE”]Get it on Amazon for $17.99.[/link-button]

20. This Bamboo Keyboard and Mouse Combo

But why stop at calculators when you can replace other office items as well? Of course, reducing energy consumption is the goal here, but little things like opting for greener choices is a start. Using the SNGU Full Bamboo Handmade Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo will leave less of a carbon footprint.

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Amazon

While the handcrafted design is aesthetically appealing, the bamboo material also makes for a comfortable typing experience.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/SNGU-SG-KG308-N-Handmade-Wireless-keyboard/dp/B015XM2B5G”]Get it on Amazon for $60.99.[/link-button]

21. Go Wild! – Swap Out Plastics for These Jazzy Coconut Bowls.

We have to admit, these bowls are one of our favorites on this list—there’s something about organic, handmade coconut dishware that transports me to some tropical island sipping some tropical fruit-based drink (of course).

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Amazon

But beyond being just outright cool, CocoBowlz Coconut Bowls and Coconut Spoons Gift Set is also unique: Each bowl is crafted from its own coconut shell, meaning, no one else in the entire world will have one like it. And as you guessed it, they’re 100-percent NATURAL.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Coconut-Bowls-Spoons-Gift-Set/dp/B07CSYJSX9″]Get it on Amazon for $15.99.[/link-button]

22. This Miraculous Paper Towel Replacement

We get it: Cleaning up after a party with the same raggedy old cloth isn’t always practical. You need options. Luckily, keeping a clean home no longer means contributing to the thousands of pounds of paper towel waste created every day.

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Amazon

With Bambooe Paper Towel Replacement, you’ll find a super absorbent and durable alternative that you can keep reusing (just one roll comes with 20 11.5″ x 11″ sheets and the manufacturer claims they’re machine-washable up to 100 times!) Bambooe plants a tree for each one you buy—so all the more reason to stack up.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bambooee-Original-Reuseable-Washable-Replacement/dp/B00IFHNA48″]Get it on Amazon for $12.48.[/link-button]

23. Travel green with this charming bamboo cutlery set.

You’re in luck because this bamboo utensil set by Bare Vida will make all of your traveling dreams seamless. The cutlery’s cute, stylish design is perfect for slipping into your bag before any trip. More remarkable still is the way these handcrafted wonders are made: The bamboo is first drenched in a river for a month before drying out in the sun to strengthen (this makes the utensils last up to three years, according to the  !).

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Amazon

If you’re also looking to make a contribution with your purchase, Bare Vida isn’t just environmentally friendly, they’re also a zero-waste company that works with locals and disabled foundations in Bali.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Utensil-Travel-Bare-Vida/dp/B07CN1BL8R”]Get it on Amazon for $25.[/link-button]

24. A Food Wrap with a Side of Whimsy

Wrapping up leftovers and chopped veggies is without a doubt one of our biggest daily wasters—thankfully, there’s a new, plastic-free kid in town. Introducing: Organic Reusable Food Wraps by Etee. That’s right, this wondrous, biodegradable item is made of hemp and certified organic cotton fabric infused with a combo of beeswax, organic cinnamon, clove, and jojoba oils, among other ingredients.

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Amazon

Bonus: The wrap lets your food breathe so it stays fresher longer and comes in the most delightful colors that will add some much-needed flair to your kitchen.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Reusable-Food-Wraps-Etee/dp/B077Z1VVLL”]Get it on Amazon for $17.95.[/link-button]

25. Stay calm and brush your unruly hair.

Did you know it’s possible to have great hair and go greener? Holdoor’s Natural Wood Hair Comb helps you do exactly that. Say goodbye to plastic hairbrushes and remove all those kinky knots and tangles with this comb’s natural bristles that both massage your scalp and promotes blood circulation.

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Amazon

Great for all hair types and for when you’ve just woken up in the morning. Remember: Saving the planet doesn’t mean living with eternal bed head.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Hairbrushes-Antistatic-Detangling-Detangler/dp/B0796R8XJX”]Get it on Amazon for $7.99.[/link-button]

26. A Better Way to Shop for Veggies

Who doesn’t love visiting their local farmer’s market? Now you can gear up for all those yummy fruits and veggies with Simple Ecology Organic Reusable Farmers Market Grocery Shopping Bag Set.

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Amazon

Made of organic cotton and jute, this completely biodegradable reusable starter set is the perfect addition to your market outing. With each purchase, you get six bags that include durable handles and string produce saver bags.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Ecology-Reusable-Shopping-drawstring/dp/B01N6AUMBG”]Get it on Amazon for $18.75.[/link-button]

27. Lather up with these recycled loofahs.

Most of us know that our beloved loofahs are not environmentally kind, but what’s the alternative? Ah, glad you asked. Ecotools Cruelty Free and Eco Friendly Loofah Body Sponges let you cleanse and exfoliate without the guilt!

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Perfect for baths and showers alike, this pack of three handcrafted puffs is made from fully recyclable material. So while not biodegradable like other items on this list, it’s a good alternative to the regular options you’d buy.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ecotools-Friendly-Cleansing-Exfoliation-Smoother/dp/B01N7CI5F1″]Get it on Amazon for $7.41.[/link-button]

28. Help Mother Nature by using these washable bags.

We all know grocery bags are no good, but equally bad are those tiny bags from the produce aisle. But fear not, VERONES reusable mesh bags are exactly what you need.

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Carry them in your larger grocery tote and use them for keeping all your fruits and veggies in place. Unlike plastic, these bags let your produce breathe so they don’t sweat, but no worries if they get stained: the 16-pack (of large, medium, and small bags) is both foldable and washable.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-VERONES-Washable-Friendly-Vegetable/dp/B07D261W6B”]Get it on Amazon for $13.99.[/link-button]

29. Beautify yourself with this cruelty-free makeup brush set.

In one of our most giftable items yet, Ecotools Boho Luxe Duo Bamboo Make Up Brush Set, is one you’ll want to keep all for yourself. Made of recycled, cruelty-free materials, these double-sided brushes are as posh as they are durable.

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Bonus: They come in a fabulous artsy bag that you’ll want to carry everywhere.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JBYN2M8″]Get it on Amazon for $17.21.[/link-button]

30. A Book to Change Your Life: How to Live Plastic Free

It’s the little steps that can go a long way. Noticing the items you use and purchase when it comes to meals, beauty products and others, can give you an idea of what habits you need to change. Simply put: How to Live Plastic Free by the Conservation Society will teach you everything you need to know about cutting back on your plastic pollution.

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The chapters guide you through your morning routine to the time you go to bed. After all, saving the planet begins with the small choices we make today.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Bonaccorsi-Marine-Conservation-Society/dp/1472260899/”]Get it on Amazon for $10.18.[/link-button]

31. Power your smartphone using the sun’s rays.

We’re not asking you to give up your iPhone, but you can choose to consume less energy with the Anker PowerPort Dual USB Solar Charger, which allows you to charge all your devices with the power of the sun.

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Pro tip: Use it as an excuse to get some much-needed rays and explore the outdoors. The charger is good for smartphones and tablets.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerPort-Charger-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8″]Get it on Amazon for $49.99.[/link-button]

32. These Mood-Enhancing Solar Powered Lights

Brighten up your patio for a garden party or just chill out in the moonlight with these energy-saving and environmentally friendly LED fairy lights. Put them out during the day for 6 to 8 hours of charging time and have them light up for about 8 to 12 hours after.

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These whimsical fairy string lights don’t just look pretty, they’re also mood-enhancing (in our opinion). Pro tip: Pair them with a warm firepit for maximum coziness effect.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lights-String-Firefly-Insert-Regular/dp/B07BF6BP8Z”]Get it on Amazon for $15.43.[/link-button]

33. These Classic Bamboo Sunglasses

Beach season might be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your stylish shades. Tree Tribe Bamboo Sunglasses is environmentally kind, and the classic frames basically look good on everyone.

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They also offer UV400 protection and float in water! Another perk to your purchase: Tree Tribe plants 10 trees for every sale.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013AYIXZQ”]Get it on Amazon for $48.42.[/link-button]

33. Swap out your plastics for these Earth-friendly toothbrushes.

If you look around, you’ll start to see all the ways plastic has seeped into your life. Even your toothbrush is made from plastic. The good news is that we can now check another item off our list of swaps: GoWoo’s 100 percent natural bamboo toothbrush is here to make this transition seamless with their biodegradable super soft nylon bristles (which are especially great for sensitive gums).

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Not only are they sustainable and renewable, this set of four brushes will help you lead a green life without relinquishing quality (they also come in some pretty jazzy colors).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/GoWoo-100-Natural-Bamboo-Toothbrush/dp/B075CTRSJK”]Get it on Amazon for $12.25.[/link-button]

34. Go green and hang up your clothes in style.

When you open your closet, what’s hanging inside? If the answer is plastic, High Grade Lotus Wooden Hangers offers the perfect solution with their elegantly hand-crafted hangers.

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Each one comes wrapped in a clear, grooved vinyl grip so your clothes don’t slip off. They’ve also been sanded to a smooth, splinter-free finish.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/High-Grade-Lotus-Wooden-Hangers/dp/B075FBQB2W”]Get it on Amazon for $21.99.[/link-button]

35. This Eco-Friendly, Chill Out Dinnerware

Plastic plates may be an easy, convenient option for dinner parties, but let’s face it: They are bad news for the environment. Swapping to Frondware’s disposable palm leaf plates gives you the best of both worlds: scrub-free nights and a guilt-free conscience.

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Each pack of this biodegradable dinnerware comes with 100 9-inch plates. But even more impressive? They’re created by hand from the leaves of fallen palm fronds, which means no trees were harmed or cut to make them.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Frondware-Eco-Friendly-Biodegradable-Compostable-Alternative/dp/B07DXHGWB7″]Get it on Amazon for $39.99.[/link-button]

36. Greener Office Supplies

Confession: I’m all about office supplies. There’s nothing quite like picking up new notebooks and sticky notes to make me feel more productive (and somewhat nostalgic). Which is why I was stoked to discover Onyx and Blue’s Recycled Green Eco Friendly School Office Supplies Kit.

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The packaging is made from sustainable materials such as recycled, unbleached carton printed with soy-based ink, and comes with all kinds of goodies: pens, pencils, sticky notes, index cards, a notebook with bamboo paper, and natural rubber bands.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Recycled-Sustainable-Materials-Friendly-Supplies/dp/B07CWGN69W”]Get it on Amazon for $49.99.[/link-button]

37. Create a word garden with these sproutable pencils.

After writing down your masterpiece, instead of tossing out your pencil, you can literally plant it and watch it grow! The Original Sprout Pencil Set is 100 percent eco-friendly and made with only natural and biodegradable materials.

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They contain eight graphite pencils tipped with see capsules for growing herbs like thyme, basil, and flax. Another reason for you to finish up that big writing assignment!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sprout-plantable-graphite-pencils-friendly/dp/B07932F8M8″]Get it on Amazon for $14.95.[/link-button]

38. These Plastic-Free Stick Swabs

Don’t let wax buildup keep you glued to plastic (pun intended). Keep yourself fresh and clean with these Eco-Friendly Bamboo Stick Swabs that are both disposable and biodegradable.

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Each pack of three includes 1,500 swabs and is made out of tough bamboo material so that the handle bends without breaking.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQ6R7V0″]Get it on Amazon for $16.99.[/link-button]

39. An Elegant Lunch Box That Won’t Harm the Planet

A greener option to store your lunch is now here with this sustainably made stainless steel lunch box. Perfect for both kids and adults alike—the container holds more than six cups of food in its leak-proof compartment. Feel free to wash the lunchbox without fear of it rusting or eroding with time (the lunch box comes with a lifetime guarantee).

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Bonus: You also get the added perk of stainless steel utensils (score!).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Ecofriendly-Lunchbox-Leak-Proof-Compartment/dp/B07FK58W3Q”]Get it on Amazon for $25.49.[/link-button]

40. The Gift Wrap That Keeps on Giving

When birthdays and celebrations come around, give your loved ones the Gift Wrap That Grows and Blooms Colorful Wild Flowers. While most wrapping ends up as waste in landfills, this eco-friendly alternative is made from 100 percent recycled paper and embedded with hundreds of wildflower seeds.

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Easily one of our top favorites on this list, each box contains four large flowering seeded gift wrap, six gift cards, and a bundle of natural raffia.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Grows-Blooms-Colorful-Flowers/dp/B0091NS0YK”]Get it on Amazon for $14.99.[/link-button]

41. Do away with plastic bottles with this solid shampoo bar.

Finally, a way to nourish your mane without hurting mother nature. With Organic Conditioning Shampoo by Très Spa, you’re getting a naturally biodegradable and vegan-friendly treat.

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All of their products are made from organic plant oils like clary sage and pink grapefruit that will help keep your hair looking shiny and lustrous. Handcrafted in small batches, Très Spa makes going green a delightfully relaxing and luxuriating experience.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYQDYXQ”]Get it on Amazon for $12.[/link-button]

42. Dry off your dining ware with these reusable dish towels.

Keep things clean and green with Full Circle Tidy 100 percent organic cotton dishcloths. Made with non-toxic dyes and soft, absorbent cotton, these towels are tougher than they look; plus, their little loops give you that extra bit of scrubbing power.

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Use the set of three to keep your dishes and glassware shiny and dry, then toss them in the washing machine after.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZJL51G”]Get them on Amazon for $7.99.[/link-button]

43. The Motivational Shirt That Keeps You Going

Last but not least, we know saving the planet is no easy feat, which is why you need a constant (friendly) reminder of what’s at stake.

HealthyWay
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Keep it real with this “There is no Plan B.” shirt that’s 100 percent cotton and machine washable. Even better, give it out to family and friends (the Earth needs as many environmentally conscious helpers it can get).
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Earth-Day-Planet-Tshirt/dp/B06Y1BMG1J”]Get it on Amazon for $16.99.[/link-button]

Categories
Healthy Relationships Wellbeing

Are You Dating A Narcissist? Here's How To Tell And What To Do

Have you ever found yourself wondering if your partner is a narcissist? The truth is, if you have to ask yourself that question, the answer might be yes.
Narcissistic traits are often difficult to spot at first and can even seem magnetic and charming in the beginning; attraction to narcissists is often instantaneous, mysterious, and almost addictive. Unfortunately, you might not know you’re dating a narcissist until you’re already deep into the relationship.
We all might act a little selfish sometimes, and that’s just human. But being a little bit selfish is different from having a narcissistic personality disorder. “We’re all on the spectrum, and we all have narcissistic traits, but most of us don’t live in a narcissistic space,” says Shirani M. Pathak, relationship counselor, couples therapist, and founder of Center for Soulful Relationships of Silicon Valley. “Narcissists are very charismatic at first, and we are drawn to them. On the other hand, once you start to get more comfortable and familiar, you start to see the orange and yellow flags, and then it becomes time to reevaluate.”
Being in a relationship with a person with narcissistic personality traits or even full-blown narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can have a toxic effect on the relationship and on your own mental health. Ultimately, dating a narcissist can lead you to feel like you are inadequate in some way; narcissists have a grandiose sense of self, and that can project itself negatively on you, making you feel as if your partner does not think you are good enough to match up to their exaggerated sense of greatness.
[pullquote]The first step to healing is to form a deep, empathetic understanding of what causes narcissism.[/pullquote]
But rest assured, there are ways to make the situation better. It is important to keep in mind that dating a narcissist is nothing to be ashamed of or to feel guilty over, nor is having narcissistic personality disorder. Of course, you likely did not plan to love someone with narcissistic personality disorder, just as your partner did not plan to have the disorder. But there is hope, and you can have a healthy and fulfilling relationship—it may just take a little extra work.
And if you ultimately decide that this is not the right relationship for you, that is nothing to be ashamed of either. Leaving a person with narcissistic characteristics is not always easy, but it is often the right move for women who feel like they are stuck.

Signs of a Narcissistic Personality

It’s not always easy to spot the symptoms of narcissism. The condition is deeply associated with egocentrism, meaning you may notice your partner considers their opinions or desires more important than yours. To take it one step further, the National Library of Medicine defines a person with NPD as someone with excessive self-importance, an intense preoccupation with themselves, and a lack of empathy for others.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some telltale signs of a narcissist. He or she will have an exaggerated sense of self-importance as well as a sense of entitlement, and they require constant, excessive admiration. He or she will also expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it.
“Narcissists present themselves to the world as ‘I am larger than life,'” says Pathak. “One thing to pay attention to is how your partner treats waitstaff. If you’re on a date, watch how they respond to the waiters. This will tell you a lot about how this person really is. Narcissists think the world needs to cater to their needs or that the world revolves around them.”
A narcissistic person will talk a lot about themselves and tend to dominate the conversation. Favorite topics are their accomplishments or achievements, and they often focus on looks and putting others down to elevate their own sense of self.
In the beginning of relationships, narcissists are quick to fall hard and fast, and they may be overly flattering to make you feel special. Of course meeting someone who’s charming and totally into you feels good, but a person with narcissistic personality disorder will often treat you this way only to get what they want out of you.
Narcissists are apt to become impatient or angry when they aren’t treated uniquely, and they frequently have significant interpersonal problems. They will often react with rage or try to put the other person down in an attempt to make themselves seem superior. They tend to react poorly to stress and adapting to change. Depression and moodiness are common when they fall short of perfection.
People with narcissistic personality disorder also tend to make their partners feel constantly in the wrong or like they are “crazy.” If you have pointed out issues you see within the relationship, and your partner is consistent in telling you that you are wrong and often has you questioning your own motives in scenarios where you know yourself to be level-headed, that is one of the best ways to know they’re a narcissist. “This is a denial of your reality or your version of the truth,” says Pathak.

Causes of Narcissism

While it can be incredibly frustrating, painful, and confusing to be in a relationship with a narcissist, the first step to healing is to form a deep, empathetic understanding of what causes narcissism.
It is important to recognize that narcissists may be dealing with emotional wounds from their past, says Pathak. “Because they have this grandiose way of being, and because of the way they present themselves to the world, with an over-inflated ego, it is difficult to forget that what they are covering up is a very fragile, wounded self-esteem deep down inside.”
It’s not entirely clear what causes narcissism, but it is often the result of psychological or physical trauma that can stem from childhood, resulting from intense coddling to neglect or abuse. If a child experienced manipulative parents growing up, this could also be a cause.
“Narcissism can sometimes be the result of physical neglect or abuse,” says Pathak. “It is associated with emotional wounds that are too painful to look at, and if you ask them about it, they will deny any difficult upbringing or difficult experiences because the defense mechanism is that strong. It will not let them acknowledge there is pain that they are covering up.”

Changing a Narcissist

So, can narcissists change? Well, the answer is both good and bad. The good news is yes, absolutely, people with narcissistic personality disorder can experience successful treatment. The bad news is that their partners can’t often convince them to seek help.
“Narcissists are absolutely capable of change, but it is not something you as the partner can tell them they need to do.” says Pathak. Narcissists have to come to this conclusion on their own, which is true of most humans and their issues. Nobody wants to hear from someone else that they have to change. The desire to change always has to come from within.

How Dating a Narcissist Affects You

Often narcissism can have a negative impact on a partner in a romantic relationship. According to a study conducted by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, narcissism was found to be negatively related to commitment. The study shows that this was a result of the narcissists’ perception of alternatives to their current relationship. Narcissists often report less commitment to their ongoing relationships, always with the notion that there might be someone “better” out there waiting for them.
[pullquote align=”center”]“Women can make relationships with narcissists work with a lot of gentle love and care for themselves.”
—Shirani M. Pathak, relationship counselor and couples therapist[/pullquote]
“Dating a narcissist can make things for yourself, as the partner, worse. It can lower your self-esteem, and, again, make you feel as if you’re crazy for questioning anything,” says Pathak.
On the other hand, she says, it can help to bring about change. “There comes a point sometimes when people realize that the pain no longer works for them. As long as you do what [you need] to take care of yourself, and recognize that the status quo does not work for you, that’s when you can get the support to make the catalyst for great change.”

Having a Healthy Relationship With a Narcissist

Yes, it’s possible. Just because you are in a relationship with a narcissist does not mean that you need to end it. There are ways for you to handle yourself in situations so that your mental health is not compromised and your needs are met. But this relationship model will not work for everyone, so it is important to recognize yourself and to listen to your inner voice to determine whether it is right for you—and to honor yourself if you realize that it ultimately is not.
“Women can make relationships with narcissists work with a lot of gentle love and care for themselves,” says Pathak. “The perfect attraction for a narcissist is to someone with a wound that is complementary to their wound. We all have our own emotional baggage, but there are some personalities that end up being the perfect puzzle piece that fits so well in this beautifully orchestrated relationship dance with a narcissist.”
Often people who are attracted to narcissists tend to have low self-esteem or struggle with issues of depression or anxiety. They meet this charismatic, charming person who is drawn to them, and they start feeling incredibly special—until they then find themselves too far in.  
“The best way to be in relationship with someone with those tendencies is to make sure that you are doing your own work and getting the support you need to nurture and grow your self-esteem. When you have low self-esteem, that is likely how you got into the relationship in the first place, and when you’re always the one feeling ‘crazy,’ it will make you feel worse.”
Boosting your own self-esteem is the first way to start to change. Sometimes the narcissist in the relationship will notice and recognize that they need to change as well, in order to not lose you.
“It’s about trusting that if the relationship is meant for you, then it will do its thing. We all want to be loved unconditionally, but that does not mean we accept unacceptable behavior or violate our own boundaries and further perpetual abuse,” says Pathak.

How to Break Up With a Narcissist

Unfortunately, people with narcissistic personality disorder aren’t always going to be willing to do the work to change. And it’s unlikely that being in a relationship is what will push them to do the necessary work. As the partner, you do not shoulder the burden of having to change, fix, or save someone. Your priority should always, first and foremost, be to yourself and your own well-being.
So if you decide that this relationship is not benefiting you or making you feel good, that is entirely okay, and there is no reason to feel any sense of guilt or abandonment, even though you might feel that way knowing the emotional damage that underlies your partner’s narcissism.
“Leaving a narcissist should always be done with love and kindness, as should any breakup,” says Pathak. “Always take ownership for your part, and never make it about the other person.” She stresses that this does not mean being dishonest, but instead to say that the relationship does not work for you, and that it’s time to end it. “Keep it short and sweet. At this point, [narcissists] will be triggered and defensive, and there’s no sense in having a conversation with a wounded person who is getting more activated. Have the kind conversation with as much simplicity as possible.”
If you want to speak to someone regarding your situation, or if your partner’s narcissism is negatively affecting you, professional help is always available. Psychology Today has a directory that can help place you with a licensed, certified therapist in your area, and there are many types of therapy you may benefit from.

Categories
Favorite Finds Hearted Wellbeing

The Best Travel Accessories For Your Next Adventure, Based On Your Zodiac Signs

Travel styles are as vast as the stars in the sky. Some travelers jet off in search of a whirlwind adventure that’s completely unlike anything they can have at home. Others crave little luxuries that give them a sense of home when they’re in faraway lands. And then there’s the social sightseer, who somehow makes friends at every destination she visits.
How do you know which type of traveler you are?
Surprisingly, your astrological sign reveals a slew of clues about how you like to explore the world—along with the ideal travel accessories to pack for your journey. With limited space in your carry-on bag, are you better off bringing along a pair of noise-canceling headphones, a sleeping mask, or a neck pillow? We consulted the stars to help you figure out. Here are the best travel accessories you can find on Amazon based on your zodiac sign.

Aries: She’s a bold, ambitious traveler who’s always up for a challenge, and dreads mundane chores.

1. Never waste time untangling cables.

Nothing frustrates an Aries quite like boring, time-consuming tasks—like untangling a rats’ nest of cables. The Travelon World Travel Essentials Tech Organizer will save her a major headache when she needs to dig out a charger.

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With two zippered pockets and two open pouches, the organizer’s simple design makes it easy to store all of your adapters and cables. Plus, you can see exactly what you have to work with—leaving Aries more time to spend on her next big adventure instead of rummaging for her spare batteries deep inside her backpack.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Travel-Essentials-Organizer-Peacock/dp/B078Y4BTH4″]Get Travelon World Travel Essentials Tech Organizer on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Get the camera that can capture all your adventures.

Whether she’s cliff jumping in Acapulco, taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, or riding a dune buggy through the desert in Dubai, Aries lives in pursuit of adventure. She can capture every adrenaline-fueled moment with the GoPro Hero5, a palm-sized camera that shoots 4k video and 12-megapixel photos.

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The portable, durable camera is waterproof to 33 feet, includes video stabilization technology, and automatically uploads your pics and videos to the cloud. Plus, with all of the attachments and cases, you can outfit this tech toy with whatever gear you need for your next thrilling getaway.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MT0TJOM/”]Get GoPro Hero5 on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Your wardrobe’s always ready with this.

Unpacking at her hotel might be one of the least fun parts of traveling for an Aries. She just doesn’t have the slightest interest in carefully folding and hanging all the garments. Fortunately, with the Travelon Deluxe Packable Shelves, she doesn’t have to!

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This innovative travel accessory allows you to fold all your clothes and pack them in your suitcase with ease. When you’ve arrived at the destination, simply pull out the shelves and hang them in your closet. Your outfits will stay perfectly organized and wrinkle-free, saving you the monotony of unpacking.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Packable-Zippered-Compartment-Organizer/dp/B007XAIFC0″]Get Travelon Deluxe Packable Shelves With Zippered Compartment on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Taurus: Pleasure is high on the list of necessities for this relaxed traveler who craves creature comforts and a sense of security.

1. Try a neck pillow that won’t cramp your style.

Wherever Taurus goes, she’ll want to get there in the most comfortable way possible. That’s easier said than done when flying coach, but the Sleeper Scarf 2-in-1 Travel Scarf And Inflatable Neck Pillow can help. There’s no need to drag a regular neck pillow all around the airport.

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Instead, just drape this light, breathable scarf around your neck. And when you need something puffy on which to rest your head during a long-haul flight, the scarf will automatically inflate into a comfy pillow. It’s the closest thing Taurus will get to the first-class ticket she deserves when she’s traveling on a budget.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sleeper-Scarf-Inflatable-Traditional-Inflate/dp/B0749N4M9B/”]Get Sleeper Scarf 2-in-1 Travel Scarf And Inflatable Neck Pillow on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Soothing Sounds for a Good Night’s Rest

Rest and relaxation are high on the list of priorities for comfort-seeking Taurus. Nothing throws her off quite like a night of tossing and turning on a trip. The LectroFan Micro Wireless Sleep Sound Machine And Bluetooth Speaker is exactly the thing she needs for guaranteed shut-eye. The portable white noise maker includes four white noise variations, five distinctive fan sounds, and the calming ambience of the ocean that will lull you to sleep.

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One full charge of the built-in battery offers up to 16 hours of sounds from the machine (or six hours of music streamed via Bluetooth). Never again will a thumping nightclub or traffic-riddled street keep Taurus from getting her beauty rest.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/LectroFan-Wireless-Sound-Machine-Bluetooth/dp/B01LBVLBKY/”]Get LectroFan Micro Wireless Sleep Sound Machine And Bluetooth Speaker on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. The Worry-Free Way to Protect Your Stuff

The only way a Taurus can get completely into vacation-mode is when she knows that her belongings are safe and secure. A set of TSA-Approved Cable Luggage Locks will protect her valuables.

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The nice thing about these locks is that they’re not at all bulky—the thin cable can easily slip into standard-sized zippers and lock holes while securing the contents of most suitcases, carry-on bags, and backpacks. Here’s to keeping your stuff safe, without lugging around a heavy lock.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Approved-Cable-Luggage-Re-settable-Combination/dp/B01NAOEBZ0″]Get TSA-Approved Cable Luggage Locks on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Gemini: The always-busy Gemini spreads her interests over a variety of pursuits. She’s a playful, curious social butterfly who never has trouble finding a friend.

1. Share your favorite tunes with your new travel buddies.

The highly social Gemini will almost always make a few new pals on the road. And even when she needs some down time, she doesn’t want to isolate herself to get it. That’s why she’d benefit from tossing the AmazonBasics 5-Way Multi-Headphone Splitter into her suitcase.

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When she’s ready to zone out with a movie, a podcast, or her favorite playlist, she can share it with up to four other friends at the same time through this useful gadget.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-5-Way-Multi-Headphone-Splitter/dp/B0716ZWX4K/”]Get AmazonBasics 5-Way Multi-Headphone Splitter on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Exercise anywhere with a portable yoga mat.

Sometimes struggling to stay focused, Gemini can get thrown off from her exercise routine when she’s on the road. Fortunately, the portable yoga mat in the Sugarmat Travel Set will help her keep up with her practice when she’s on the go. The ultralight, thin mat has a synthetic suede top designed to resemble the swirls of a crystal.

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It folds up perfectly into a sassy pouch that reads, “Sugar how you get so fly?”—just the burst of confidence she needs to invite some folks out to brunch after their Vinyasa’s over.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sugarmat-Designed-Montreal-Non-slip-washable/dp/B07CL41Z7S/”]Get Sugarmat Travel Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. The Gadget That Breaks Down Language Barriers

Language barriers are no match for inquisitive Gemini, whose favorite travel accessory might just be the TT Easy Trans Smart Language Translator. The handheld voice translator can help you carry on two-way conversations in 52 languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Italian, and Arabic. It can also help you pick up key phrases in a foreign language and learn to pronounce them like a native speaker.

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Language barrier? What language barrier? Gemini will be able to connect with anyone she wishes with the help of this smart tool.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Language-Translator-Electronic-Bluetooth-Languages/dp/B077MXFZLH/”]Get TT Easy Trans Smart Language Translator Device on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Cancer: Intuitive cancer is a creature of habit. She’s sensitive to whatever environment she ends up in, so she needs travel accessories to make hotel rooms feel more like home.

1. Candles to Warm Up Each New Hotel Room

Cancer can pick up on the energies of a room right away. Packing a few travel-size aromatherapy candles from Chesapeake Bay can help her manifest the exact atmosphere she needs to feel at ease.

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This set contains four small jars themed around key moods, including joy and laughter, reflection and clarity, peace and tranquility, and balance and harmony—each of which have their own signature scent. Light one when you’re settling into a room and let the calming aromas blanket the entire space.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Chesapeake-Bay-Candle-Scented-4-Piece/dp/B01N1T6D36/”]Get Chesapeake Bay Candle Mind & Body Small Scented Candle Gift Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Your aching feet will thank you for buying this ball.

A little self-care goes a long way toward helping Cancer feel her best on the road. Rolling her foot out on the Saj Mini Relaxation Foot Massager might be just what she’s looking for to give her body a little TLC. It simulates the feeling of a soothing trigger-point massage, easing tension and pain.

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What can be better than that after hiking up a mountain or exploring a new city all day? Plus, a massage with this spiky ball puts her on the fast-track to chill-out mode—no expensive spa treatment necessary.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Saj-sAHHHj-Ball-Single-Reflexology/dp/B076HFKKNS/”]Get Saj Mini Relaxation Foot Massager on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Slip on these headphones to tune out the stress.

Sounds as subtle as a dripping faucet, travelers walking through the hall, or a noisy TV next door can ruin sensitive Cancer’s sleep. A pair of AcousticSheep SleepPhones can help her maintain a calm atmosphere while she’s catching some Zs. The thin headphones rest comfortably inside a snuggly headband that you can slip on when you crawl into bed.

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Then stream your most relaxing playlist or ambient noises via Bluetooth from your smartphone or laptop. They’re like magic for frequent fliers who need to find a way to rest on cramped flights, and for stressed-out globetrotters who like to create a meditation sanctuary wherever they are.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AcousticSheep-SleepPhones-Bluetooth-Headphones-Rechargeable/dp/B00EZ4L5GU/”]Get AcousticSheep SleepPhones on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Leo: When Leo travels, she brings the party with her. This theatrical character is beloved by other travelers for her vivaciousness and extreme loyalty.

1. Stream your party playlist just about anywhere.

Party girl Leo’s always down to get down. She’s constantly on the lookout for a party, and when she can’t find one, she starts her own. The Polk Audio Portable Speaker allows her to stream her most dance-worthy playlist wherever she wants to boogie, whether it’s on the beach, in the park, or at the hotel.

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This tiny (yet mighty) speaker is also capable of balancing its volume with your immediate surroundings, meaning you’ll always be able to hear the tunes without annoying bystanders. Party on, Leo.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-BITB-Boom-Black/dp/B01HIS5NIA/”]Get Polk Audio Portable Speaker on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Take selfies shamelessly with this tripod stick.

A selfie stick is just the device Leo needs to capture photos of herself in all her vacation glory. She has no fear of being perceived as vain. In fact, she lives to have the spotlight shine brightly on her. But the standard stick just won’t cut it for this sign—she needs the DOKRO Selfie Stick With Tripod Stand so she can set up the perfect shot and snap it from afar using the Bluetooth-enabled remote control.

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The dramatic Leo will love having the ability to take dozens of selfies in a variety of poses, without fear of judgment from her more reserved pals.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DOKRO-Extendable-Bluetooth-Android-Blackberry/dp/B07F9QFNYZ/”]Get DOKRO Selfie Stick With Tripod Stand on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. A Sunhat with That Old-School Hollywood Glamour

Leo doesn’t just want to see new places—she wants to look the part of a traveler with a true zest for exploring. That’s why she pops on a wide-brimmed sunhat whenever she’s on an adventure. This foldable, floppy hat is embroidered with the eye-catching phrase “Hello, sunshine!” that will help Leo stand out from the crowds at the beach. (Not to mention the fact that it’ll look absolutely amazing in her Instagram photos.)

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And if Leo’s ever ready to tone down her look, she can just fold up the hat and stow it in her bag—no need to lug around an extra accessory.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Foldable-Floppy-Travel-Packable/dp/B078LSZ5CZ/”]Get Women’s Foldable Floppy Travel Straw Hat on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Virgo: Logical and practical, Virgo takes a systematic approach to everything does, including her travels. She’s diligent and dedicated to the art of perfection.

1. A Reusable Bottle Without the Bulk

You’ll never see Virgo going through disposable plastic bottles on her trips. (She’s too concerned about the damage they do to the environment.) But you won’t see her with those heavy aluminum bottles, either. (They add way too much weight to her bag.) Instead, Virgo stays hydrated with the Bubi Silicone Water Bottle.

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The squishy bottle can be filled with up to 22 ounces of water to sustain you on a hot day. And when you’re done with it, just roll it up and stuff it into the attached carabiner clip until you’re ready for a refill. It’s light, sturdy, and fits well into Virgo’s practical approach to packing.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBC4ZUU/”]Get Bubi Silicone Water Bottle on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. The Ultimate Bag Organizers

Virgo’s obsessed with perfecting her packing strategy. She’s pared down her packing list to the bare minimum and has started rolling (instead of folding) her clothes. But to take her minimalist packing to the next level, she’ll need a set of Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes. They give her three separate storage containers to keep her gear sorted and organized.

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They squeeze the air out from in between garments so she can condense her stuff into a smaller suitcase. And they have cool nature-themed designs that will inspire her journeys. That’s a triple win in Virgo’s book.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Well-Traveled-Compression-Packing-Cubes/dp/B07664WLQ3/”]Get Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. A Towel That a Minimalist Won’t Mind

Virgo rarely brings anything from home that she can get on the road. While she typically relies on hotels to provide her towels, she makes a big exception for this one from Sand Cloud—for one very good reason: It doubles as a bag! She loves being able to stash her sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, and other essentials in the lightweight backpack, then rolling it out into a blanket when she’s ready to sunbathe.

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And just because the towel is multipurpose doesn’t mean it skimps on quality. This handmade design is made entirely out of Turkish cotton, so you know it’s soft, absorbent, and durable.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sand-Cloud-Mint-Towel-Blanket/dp/B06W5VBSFJ”]Get Sand Cloud Mint Baja Towel Blanket Bag on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Libra: Libra travels in search of balance and harmony everywhere she goes. She’s a connoisseur of the finer things in life.

1. A Skincare Kit to Help You Look Fresh

While other signs may look at travel as an opportunity to leave their standard makeup and hair routines back at home, you won’t see Libra looking anything less than her best. That’s why she travels with the Daily Concepts Spa To Go kit.

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With its cleansing wash, gentle exfoliating scrub, purging mask, nourishing lotion, and washcloth, this kit helps Libra keep her complexion bright and fresh—even after a red-eye flight.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Concepts-Spa-To-Go/dp/B01GJ7YMGA/”]Get Daily Concepts Spa To Go on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. A Watercolor Kit to Use When Inspiration Strikes

Libra’s got a thing for good art, and she seeks it out every time she travels. When inspiration strikes at a museum or gallery, she even likes to create some of her own designs. Fortunately, the Field Artist Pro Travel Watercolor Kit contains everything she needs to create watercolor paintings on the go.

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The travel-friendly kit easily slides into a purse, so Libra can have it at the ready next time she wants to capture a scene by hand.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Field-Artist-Pro-12HP-WATERCOLOR/dp/B01N7KV2DI/”]Get Field Artist Pro Travel Watercolor Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. A Scale to Keep the Peace

Few things will frazzle harmony-seeking Libra more than getting called out by a gate agent over the weight of her bag.

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A luggage scale will help her make sure her bag doesn’t exceed any of those pesky limitations from the airlines, so she can board the plane without a hitch.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-EL15-Digital-Luggage-Scale/dp/B0186K8T9O/”]Get AmazonBasics Digital Luggage Scale on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Scorpio: Scorpio values her privacy and her control when traveling. She hates being derailed, and instead prefers to pursue her passions with a sense of empowerment.

1. A Shield from Prying Eyes

The Zoppen Multipurpose RFID-Blocking Travel Passport Wallet will help Scorpio maintain her privacy when she’s away from home. It can hold her passport, credit cards, boarding pass, cash, and everything else she might need as she gets from point A to B, and it has a built-in shield to prevent thieves from stealing her personal info.

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Once she has it, she’ll never travel without it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Zoppen-Mulit-purpose-Blocking-Passport-Organizer/dp/B07CWKLS16/”]Get Zoppen Multipurpose RFID-Blocking Travel Passport Wallet on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. Travel Bottles for Your Favorite Toiletries

If you think Scorpio’s okay with using whatever shampoo’s available at her hotel, you’ve got another thing coming. She demands control over everything she’s putting on her body. These Kitdine Portable Soft Silicone Travel Bottles make it easy for her to take along her favorite toiletries, so she doesn’t have to worry about dry skin or frizzy hair when she’s away from home.

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Plus, these TSA-approved bottles are reusable, so you never have to buy the overpriced travel-size versions of your favorite products again.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kitdine-Portable-Silicone-Travel-bottles/dp/B00WO69JOQ/”]Get Kitdine Portable Soft Silicone Travel Bottles on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Travel Planner to Capture Every Detail of a Trip

Scorpio likes being in control of her schedule and travel plans. The Erin Condren Travel Petite Planner helps her keep all of the nitty gritty details of her trips in one organized place. The book offers places to jot down your packing list, travel to-dos, flight info, hotel details, weather, outfit of the day, must-see sites, and just about anything else you’d like to record on a trip.

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Sure, you could do it all on your phone—but there’s never a risk of running out of battery with an old-school notebook, and that’s just the control that Scorpio thrives upon.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Condren-Travel-Petite-Planner/dp/B07D3YCCNX/”]Get Erin Condren Travel Petite Planner on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Sagittarius: Wanderlust-fueled Sagittarius has the most frequent flier miles of all the signs. She maxes out her vacation time every year, and never returns to the same place twice.

1. A Power Adapter That Works Almost Anywhere

With so many trips to keep track of, Sagittarius can’t be bothered fumbling around with a sack of different power adapters to find a particular one. She’s better off relying on a Universal Power Adapter that will give her electronics some juice any place she visits.

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This one works in more than 150 countries.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Universal-HAOZI-International-European-Countries/dp/B074CRS574/”]Get Universal Power Adapter on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. A Passport Holder with a Mantra

Sagittarius collects just one thing: passport stamps. The Nomad Lane ‘Just Go’ Standard Passport Wallet will protect her most important documents in style. The RFID-blocking wallet can hold up to two passports, along with SIM cards, credit cards, and boarding passes.

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What’s more, it’s got a beautiful vegan leather shell with a simple outline of the world—the perfect reminder for Sagittarius to press forward on her next adventure.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Nomad-Lane-Standard-Passport-Wallet/dp/B07F93RFVF/”]Get Nomad Lane ‘Just Go’ Standard Passport Wallet on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Bag Tags That Just Won’t Quit

It’s no secret that the airlines don’t exactly treat your luggage with the utmost care. Durable luggage tags, like these rose gold ones, will stand up to all kinds of abuse Sagittarius’s luggage might endure on her adventures.

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It also hides her personal details behind a discreet airplane icon—it’s there if her bags get lost, but it won’t reveal her contact info to other nosy travelers along the way.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Luggage-ACdream-Leather-Travel-Pieces/dp/B071CDKDF5/”]Get Rose Gold Luggage Tags on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Capricorn: A climber at heart, Capricorn never gets distracted from her goals, whether that’s trekking to one of the world’s highest peaks or just having the most relaxing vacation ever.

1. Socks to Hit the Trails

Goal-oriented Capricorn’s bound to hit the trails whenever she can on her travels. A pair of well-made socks, like the FITS Light Hiker Socks, will aid her journey. These socks promise to stay in place, cushion the heel, wick away sweat, and keep her cozy—even on a challenging hike.

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This is one travel accessory that will stand up to all the physical challenges this persistent traveler takes on.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/FITS-Light-Hiker-Socks-Titanium/dp/B07BVS1K88/”]Get FITS Light Hiker Socks on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. A Spare Charger to Juice Up Your Devices

With her work-hard, play-hard mindset, Capricorn can sometimes find it hard to step away from a pressing assignment—even when she’s traveling. The ZMI PowerPack Portable Charger will ensure her essential devices have enough power to let her finish up every last outstanding task on her to-do list.

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This portable charger is super slim, yet can charge an iPhone 7 almost four times—perfect to help Capricorn keep busy on her journeys.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ZMI-PowerPack-Smallest-Ultra-Compact-Separately/dp/B06XRVHDLM/”]Get ZMI PowerPack Portable Charger on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Headphones for Supreme Focus

When Capricorn’s got a goal in mind, she has no tolerance for anything that might distract her from achieving it. These Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones will silence any distracting sounds and help her focus on whatever needs to get done.

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The battery allows for 20 hours of uninterrupted wireless use (40 hours if you plug the headphones in!). Break these headphones out and you’ll be able to focus on the details of your planning, finally get through that novel, or focus on a flick.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bose-QuietComfort-Wireless-Headphones-Cancelling/dp/B01E3SNO3E/”]Get Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Aquarius: A non-conformist at heart, Aquarius takes pride in forging her own path. She’s free-spirited, humanitarian, and spontaneous.

1. Pretty Postcards for Snail-Mail Surprises

Known for getting caught up in the moment, Aquarius can sometimes struggle to stay in touch with her friends and family back at home. Taking along a pack of postcards, like this vintage travel-themed set, will ensure she has all the necessary supplies to jot a quick note to her loved ones when she’s far away.

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Plus, she’ll love switching over to snail mail instead of using email like everybody else.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Postcard-Vintage-Posters-Aviation-European/dp/B071ZB36RQ/”]Get Vintage Travel Posters Postcard Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. An Instant Camera for a Rebel Photographer

Aquarius despises conventionality—she’s over the idea of taking millions of pics on her phone and posting the gems on social media. The Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera will give her the chance to go analog in a digital world.

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She can snap photos of all her adventures and print them instantly—all from one compact device. And should she wish to sneak back on Instagram once again, she’ll be able to download all her favorite images right from the camera.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Instant-Digital-Printing-Technology/dp/B015JIA97Q/”]Get Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. Sleep anywhere with these silk travel sheets.

A traveler as free-spirited as go-with-the-flow Aquarius needs to be able to plop down anywhere. Fortunately, these mulberry silk travel sheets from Brave Era allow her to do just that. They fold up into a handy pouch no larger than your smartphone. And when you’re ready to use them, simply spread them along any flat surface.

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Voila! You’ve got a portable bed that’s just as comfy as what you’ve got back at home.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRF32D8/”]Get Brave Era Naturally Hypoallergenic Silk Travel Sheets on Amazon here.[/link-button]

Pisces: Pisces is a compassionate traveler who has a lot of wisdom and can occasionally get caught up with her emotions.

1. A Journal to Record Your Journey

Travel is a time of deep personal growth for many people. As a sensitive sign, Pisces in particular will benefit from processing her experiences by journaling in the Moleskine Voyageur Traveler’s Notebook.

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With ruled, dotted, and blank pages, the notebook offers plenty of opportunity for Pisces to practice free-form expression in whatever way resonates most with her. She’ll love reflecting back on the thoughts and ideas she had on the road once she gets back home.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Voyageur-Travellers-Notebook-Nutmeg/dp/8867326155/”]Get Moleskine Voyageur Traveler’s Notebook on Amazon here.[/link-button]

2. An Audrey Hepburn-Inspired Sleep Mask

The vivid experiences of the day can keep Pisces up for hours at night. The Fitglam Natural Silk Sleep Mask will help her wind down without distraction when she’s turning in at night.

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Just slip it on when you’re ready for bed and let the woes of the world fade away naturally.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Fitglam-Natural-Sleep-Eyelashes-Patterns/dp/B01HPODBJK/”]Get Fitglam Natural Silk Sleep Mask on Amazon here.[/link-button]

3. A Quick-Dry Towel with Lunar Energy

A water sign, Pisces is never too far away from the river, lake, or sea. A quick-dry beach towel, like this one from DryFoxCo, will help her stay dry and comfortable once she’s done splashing around.

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Plus, the heavenly moon design will look gorgeous spread out onto the sand and inspire Pisces to tap into her inherent wisdom.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YXSTPF/”]Get DryFoxCo Quick-Dry Reversible Microfiber Beach Towel on Amazon here.[/link-button]