Stuck in a mental or physical rut? There's no reason you have to stay there. Research shows that a few simple lifestyle changes can help you cope with stress, feel healthier and sleep better.
Check out some of the best starting places below—along with recommended natural products that can help you stick to your new, positive habits in style.
Practice yoga.
It’s no surprise that getting your “om” on can increase muscular strength and flexibility. But a growing body of research finds that regularly practicing yoga can reduce stress, improve sleep and support overall well-being. Here are the tools you need to make your downward dog its deepest yet.
Jade Yoga Travel Mat
Never miss a practice, thanks to this superthin yoga mat (it’s just ⅛-inch thick), suitable for packing into backpacks or suitcases. Plus, it’s made from natural rubber tapped from rubber trees—not synthetic PVC or EVA.
Maggie’s Organics Cotton Long Jacket
A perfect post-yoga cover-up. Throw on this supersoft cardigan to maintain that oh-so-awesome yoga glow. We love Maggie’s for its commitment to sourcing fair-trade cotton.
Temple Turmeric Pure Fire Tonic
It's like yoga for your body! Perk up after savasana with this slightly spicy, Ayurvedic-inspired beverage, packed with organic turmeric, apple cider vinegar, ginger, lemon juice and even 1 billion CFUs of probiotics.
Clean better.
Need a reason to ditch conventional cleaners? The Environmental Working Group found that 53 percent of cleaning products it assessed contained ingredients known to harm lungs, and many others had carcinogenic chemicals, such as 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde and even chloroform. Choose instead these cleaning products that work just as well as their mainstream counterparts and are safe to use around children and pets.
Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner
This award-winning cleaner is made almost entirely with ingredients derived from plants like corn and coconut. Designed to bust through grime on walls, floors, countertops and more; lemon, orange and sage extracts lend a pleasant scent.
B&N Laundry Half Felted Goat Milk Soap Stain Stick
This stain stick works wonders on smudges ranging from splattered ketchup to grass stains. Made with a natural blend of goat’s milk, olive oil, lye, borax, coconut oil and orange peel extract. Apply the soap; then use the felted side to scrub the stain out.
Poppy’s Naturally Clean Dishwashing Liquid
Put a dab of this plant-based soap on your sponge, and your dishes will get sparkly. Made with castile soap, glycerin, sea salt and essential oils like grapefruit and tea tree.
Meditate daily.
Ample research says that meditation is worth the time. Studies show meditation may reduce pain, mitigate ruminating—which is associated with unhappiness—attenuate anxiety and more. But starting a meditation practice can be tricky. You can attend a fancy, all-inclusive retreat that offers guidance, lodging and healthful meals, but you could spend up to $600 per night. Or, you could develop a home practice, using these insightful products.
Headspace App
Perfect for meditation newbies. Download this app for no-frills guided practices that focus wandering minds in just ten minutes. Sign up, and you’ll receive ten free practices, or subscribe for $12.95 per month for in-depth, daily sessions.
TEDTalks Audio Podcast
This podcast provides weekly inspiration from top researchers, designers, artists and activists. A great way to start your morning, these provocative sessions will help you set an intention for your day.
Hugger Mugger Zafu Meditation Cushion
Don’t let tight hip flexors impede your meditation ritual. This comfy, round pillow—filled with organic buckwheat hulls—is just the right height to help you focus on quieting your mind.
Eat plant-based.
The verdict is in: Eating a mostly plant-based diet can protect against cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. And although vegan diets are typically associated with sacrifice, there is a bevy of innovative, healthy products that makes foregoing meat, eggs, honey or dairy easier (and delicious).
Lightlife Organic Three Grain Tempeh
Made with USDA Organic fermented soybeans, barley, brown rice and millet, this whole-food meat substitute provides 16 grams of protein per serving, plus 6 grams of fiber and meaty, mushroomy flavor.
Phoney Baloney’s Coconut Bacon
Want the smoky, robust flavor of bacon bits? Reach for these delicious coconut chips, which are doused in a bacony flavor of organic tamari, maple syrup and liquid smoke—made with hickory concentrate. That Cobb salad and loaded baked potato will finally live up to your standards.
Follow Your Heart High Omega Vegan Ranch
Enjoy your favorite childhood dip again with this delicious dairy-free ranch dressing, made instead with ingredients like non-GMO canola oil, soy protein, mustard, apple cider vinegar, flaxseed oil and lemon juice.
