Finding wellness in your home during COVID-19 can feel a bit daunting. After many months of staying inside, I have found that shifting your space can make all the difference in supporting yourself - and your mental sanity. Before we get into the art of wellness at home, I would like to introduce a social media account that has been getting me through it. As we all know, our society has become media-driven, and it’s nice to have reminders of our self-worth when consistently comparing our lives to those who post perfected images of their own.
I highly recommend following @wetheurban on Instagram, a black-owned digital platform celebrating inclusivity, self-love, and marginalized voices.
Along with this particular Instagram account, the Calm App has helped with daily meditation practices and sleep stories to put my mind at rest. A 2019 study examining the effectiveness of this app in reducing stress in college students found that not only did it reduce stress, but it improved mindfulness and self-compassion. It can help you unwind and refocus your attention.
While shopping isn’t the answer to all your health challenges, some beautiful products can improve your everyday wellbeing at home.
Sunlight is an essential ingredient for a healthy lifestyle, but many of us don’t get the bright light that we need to experience its benefits. A HappyLight brings the daylight indoors by emitting a full, bright light that safely mimics sunlight without harmful UV rays. This effect is potent on rainy days when there's not a ray of sunshine in sight. The HappyLight allows you to get your healthy dose of bright light no matter what’s happening in the sky. Simply put, a HappyLight is like sunshine in a box.
Along with a Happy Light, it’s important to notice where you’re receiving sunlight within your home from the outdoors. Windows and doors can transform a home, and Marvin creates beautiful spaces with each that imagine and create better ways of living. As their story states, “As people spend more time indoors, we recognize that our work isn’t just about building better windows and doors—it’s about opening new possibilities for how people live, work, think and feel inside a Marvin space.” Studies also show that natural daylight is proven to elevate energy and boost moods.
Another recommendation to “liven” up a space are Snake Plants. Snake plants absorb CO2 and convert it into oxygen. They’re a great plant to place in your bedroom because they’ll improve the air quality as you sleep. Snake plants also work to remove xylene, toluene, and trichloroethylene from the air in your home. Not only are they good for your being, but they are stylish too!
In the months I’ve worked from home, these products have increased my productivity and wellness. I simply could not live without my Blue Light Glasses. Blue light blocking glasses have specially crafted lenses that block or filter out the blue light given off from digital screens. The lenses claim to protect your eyes from glare and help reduce potential damage to your retina from prolonged exposure to blue light. Since we stare at screens all day, these are a must-have.
Along with blue light glasses, I like to indulge in writing in my journal as much as I can. If you feel as if you don’t have enough time during the day - no problem, I’ve got you covered. The Five Minute Journal has been great since I am on a tight schedule - and it lets your mind take a reset. Numerous studies have found that journaling can inspire great creativity, boosts your memory, and relieves stress. It also improves your immune system and boosts your IQ.
Last but not least, I stumbled upon a company called Moon Juice this past year, and they are great. Moon Juice bridges the world of alchemy and biology for functional benefits. They make adaptogenic supplements, skincare, and foods - but my most favorite has been Brain Dust. Brain Dust® is an adaptogenic blend of Lion’s Mane, Ginkgo, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, Astragalus & Maca that targets stress to support mental stamina, alertness, and concentration - and it’s vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and caffeine-free. It pairs well with any tea, coffee, smoothie - all you have to do is blend 1sp per serving, and you’re good to go!
Taking steps to increase your wellbeing during this time may feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that your mental health comes first. Every day, we might try to remember how vital our spaces are for our inspiration and productivity - so why wouldn’t you want to make the best possible place for yourself? Let’s start now!
Taylor Abrams is a college senior and proud daughter of Michela O'Connor Abrams.