Home health products: 8 essentials for a 2024 body and mind overhaul
It’s a new year and for many, that means a renewed dedication to optimising one’s health.
While many people struggle to incorporate large changes into their daily life, I’m proof positive that even the most habit-resistant person can build new routines that they maintain for the long-haul.
When I was diagnosed with a debilitating autoimmune condition a number of years ago, I set about - with the help of a naturopath - changing the way I eat, sleep, move and live. And that meant incorporating small, manageable changes into my daily regime. Last year I published a blog listing my five favourite natural health products that are probably already in your cabinet or pantry.
This month on the Barfly Blog, I’m shortlisting my favourite home health products that are both budget-friendly and effective.
This is not a sponsored post. I simply enjoy recommending products that I believe in and that have helped me on my health journey.
Whether you’re suffering from aches and pains, need the motivation to work out, are suffering from dreaded “tech neck”, are rethinking what you hydrate your body with, or simply just want to get an unbroken night’s sleep, read on.
Acupressure Mat
I’ve been an acupressure mat convert for 15 years, and can’t sing the praises of this budget-friendly home health product loudly enough.
Often marketed as a Shakti mat, an acupressure mat is essentially a modern (less risky) bed of nails. Without the nails. When you lay or stand on this mat, depending on your targeted area, hundreds of little plastic spikes go to work promoting renewed blood flow to that region, which works to ease inflammation and improve cell turnover. Acupressure mats have been used across the world for thousands of years, and I find great relief from the tension I carry throughout my body by laying on mine for 15-30 minutes every day or so.
Initially, you may feel a little uncomfortable laying on yours, but eventually you can’t feel much discomfort beyond the warmth that comes from increased blood flow throughout your body. I always feel a renewed sense of energy and wellness after I use mine. I’ve owned a few different brands in my time, but my current acupressure mat is from Muscle Mat Australia. I’ve even purchased my father one, which he uses daily. The best part is Muscle Mat’s acupressure mats also come with an acupressure neck cushion, so you can work away at those neck knots while letting your lower half reap the benefits at the same time.
A common acupressure mat FAQ…
Do you use an acupressure mat shirtless / sans pants or while wearing clothing?
Some people can’t handle the intensity of the mat without a barrier of clothing, however you do build up a tolerance to it very quickly. I always use mine while wearing underwear / topless. It’s more effective and targets the parts that need it more directly.
2. Dumbbells
Dumbbells - not diamonds - are a girl's best friend, especially as you age and you begin to notice “bingo wings” starting to take shape, and the effects of gravity take hold. Trust me, I’m there.
Even if you can only lift light dumbbells, or only have 15 minutes a day to dedicate to a dumbbell workout, it’s far better than nothing. I like a heavier dumbbell - mine are 4kg each - and I can work up a sweat and get in a solid workout with my pair in no time. When I first started out using dumbbells, I wasn’t entirely sure where to begin. This guide to women’s dumbbell workouts was (and still is!) a lifesaver.
3. Yoga mat
Whether you’re actually doing yoga on it, or simply using it to get in some deep morning stretches, a good quality yoga mat is a must.
I prefer a thicker mat, and while I can’t remember where I purchased my own (I believe it was an Aldi budget buy!) my trusty bright purple yoga mat is thicker than most, and not only provides added support, but has stood the test of time. Three years and counting. Standing on hard surfaces to exercise isn’t wise, and a good quality yoga mat not only provides added support for your joints, but can be easily wiped down after a sweaty workout.
4. TENS machine
Lauded by physios, chiropractors and osteopaths for a long time, the humble TENS machine (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is now an in-demand home health product that you need in your cabinet. These nifty little portable devices target knots, soreness, tightness, aches, pains and inflammation through sticky electrode pads that you apply to your desired area, via tiny electrical currents.
My TENS machine is also an EMS machine (electrical muscle stimulation). I purchased it from CareMax Australia two years ago, and the only ongoing cost is very occasional new sticky pads which are cost effective. It has endless modes and intensities, from gentle through to rigorous, and in addition to general muscle pain, it’s brilliant for period cramps.
Make sure to always buy a high-quality, accredited TENS machine and always read the instructions first.
5. Neck stretcher
A neck stretcher isn’t just an affordable home health product, but it’s portable, doesn’t take up much space and most importantly - is a game changer for those suffering from “tech neck”.
In a world where we are all constantly staring down at devices, and many people - from children through to seniors - are developing hunched backs and spinal / neck curvature, it’s important to work against this dangerous modern phenomena. A neck stretcher stretches your cervical spine back the other way, taking pressure off all of the important discs and joints that make your spine such a marvel.
Even 15 minutes a day laying on a neck stretcher (often marketed under other names) can revolutionise your spinal health. My neck stretcher was purchased off Amazon for a steal.
6. Ice packs (and heat packs)
A simple, cheap, compact and effective home health product that you’ll always find a need for is the trusty ice pack. As my autoimmune condition is marked by chronic heat intolerance and sweating, my freezer is jam-packed with these, in all kinds of sizes and variations.
I have standard ice blocks, ice packs you can wrap around your neck or muscles, a facial ice roller and even an ice eye mask, a blessing in summer and not only good for cooling me down, but calming inflammation of my eyes and eyelids. I’m an ice pack queen, and I’m discerning. So the above linked products are what I use (again, not an ad, I just like to shout out great products!), and recommend. Of course, you always need ice packs lying around for injuries, aches, strains or bruises, so it’s wise to have a variety on hand.
Similarly, heat packs are brilliant for tired muscles. I use a standard wheat pack that is long enough to wrap around joints, or a simple yet effective hot water bottle. $5 well spent each winter too!
7. Water filter
Arguably my favourite home health product purchased in the last year - and one I can’t believe I didn’t own a decade ago - is my water filter jug. Tap water is full of toxic chemicals, with additions like arsenic, chloride and formaldehyde regularly found in samples, in addition to fluoride. A good-quality water filter will remove most of these harmful inclusions. No, boiling water isn’t the same as filtering water, and doesn’t remove these chemicals - only bacteria.
Once you convert to filtering your drinking water, you cannot and will not, go back. The taste is so much cleaner and fresher, there’s no weird odors, and it encourages you to drink a lot more water throughout the day. Now, I even filter my pet’s water, use filtered water to make ice and the next step is to install water filters on taps throughout my home, including in the shower, laundry and kitchen.
Don’t scrimp on this one. Budget water filters are low-quality and most of their reviews speak for themselves. My Brita Marella Water Filter Jug is easy to learn how to use, requires a new filter monthly (these work out to be about $5 each when purchased in bulk), and Brita’s Maxtra refills fit most models. Brita is an industry leader in water filtration, and the cost of refills (and the actual jug) are a small price to pay for the benefits you reap.
Oh, and if you’re confused how to set it up and change its cartridges, so was I. This guy on YouTube has an easy-to-follow tutorial which set me up at the beginning.
8. High-quality bedding
The power of an exceptional mattress and high-quality pillows cannot be understated. I spent years sleeping on mattresses that were sub-optimum - including having springs sticking into my back - and it affected every part of my sleep, mood and daily life. I never scrimped on pillows however, and to this day I regularly clean mine, invest in new ones seasonally, and prioritise a sturdy set that aren’t too high, aren’t too flat, and are just right.
Only recently did I buy a decent mattress for the first time, and sleeping on it has revolutionised my sleep. Before, I would wake up throughout the night, suffered from hip and back pain, and padded overlays only intensified these issues. Now, my current mattress, which didn’t cost a fortune, is right in that sweet spot before soft and firm, and I sleep through the night without waking. My hip pain disappeared too! You sleep a third of your life, so investing in quality bedding is a non-negotiable.
What’s next?
In 2024, I plan to expand my home health product collection by purchasing an air purifier, so next year I may have to update this blog once I can give a thorough verdict.
Stay tuned for more health blogs in the future, including guides to supplements, an essential in my day-to-day life and something that should be in yours too.
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