These days, it seems like “wellness” is just code for “let me make you feel bad about the state of your life and health so that you will buy something from me.” Consumer wellness culture is rampant, and hacks you can buy on Amazon or through an influencer’s shop on TikTok or Instagram are omnipresent. So, I’m extremely skeptical when someone tells me I can spend just a little bit of money (on a recurring basis, of course) and meaningfully change my life—or the wellbeing of my family. 

Except, this isn’t entirely true. I’m actually a sucker for quick-fix life hacks, and when the promise of less stress or better sleep or a nicer looking playroom that makes my kids’ play more magical comes my way, I at least consider it. I love to do research, but when the reviews line up and the hype crosses a tipping point, I usually hit purchase. Sometimes I’m disappointed. Sometimes (often), I’m intrigued but eventually fall off using whatever the product is, and it lies forgotten in a closet that remains locked shut 23.5 hours a day. But every once in a while, I stumble across the real deal. And then I can’t help but shout from the rooftops about my discovery. 

And all of that is why I pride myself on being a genuinely reliable resource to help you sift the nonsense from the purchases that will actually have value for you—not passing fads, not useless junk, and not widgets that try to convince us we can replace human connection with stuff, but meaningful life improvements for you and your family. So, I’ll come back to you every few weeks with the good stuff that I’ve tested and tried and can honestly stand behind. And if there is science to back it up, that’s the platonic ideal—and I’ll break it down for you. And a hope and dream that every once in a while, we can buy just a little bit of happiness. 

1: LMNT or Liquid IV

Sometimes you just need more water (here’s exactly how much you need each day, according to the Mayo Clinic), but so often, I find that I've chugged 100 oz of water and still feel parched. That's when a hydration mineral mix really does change the way my body feels. I like the citrus flavor, and I also sometimes enjoy putting a quarter of a chocolate flavored pouch into my cold brew in the mornings. Bonus points if you can enjoy your cold brew with a friend or your partner, for a hit of oxytocin.

2: Creatine

You want a creatine monohydrate powder here, but the brand you choose doesn't matter. We all know at this point that creatine helps with muscle mass and bone density. But it's been shown to help with cognitive function as well, which is extremely appealing to me—particularly as a dairy-averse vegetarian who has a tough time getting enough creatine in my diet otherwise. (Meaning if you eat a fair amount of red meat, you can probably skip this one.) But honestly, I do feel the recovery window after a workout shorten a bit when I use this religiously. (A full breakdown of the benefits and risks over here at the Cleveland Clinic.) 

3: Mouth tape

If you or your partner snore, and a CPAP machine isn't the answer for you, this might be it. My husband was an early adapter here, and as much as I've bullied him over the years for it, it's actually been a game changer. And even our dentist swears by it. I don't really think the brand that you use matters. And it’s as much a gift to the person or people who share your bed, as it is for you. Because when one person doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. And when one person snores, the whole family suffers.

4: A soft, snug eye mask

Since you probably won’t find yourself on the same sleep timeline as your family every night (both going to bed and waking up), a mask helps you optimize your own sleep for your schedule. I use the free brushed cotton eye mask that came with my last purchase of sheets from Parachute, but Quince and Lunya both make a nice washable silk version, and if you want one that's weighted, the one from Bearaby (which makes a beautiful weighted throw that I sleep inside at night—as though it were a 30 lb fortress setting me apart from my husband and the kid who inevitably comes into our bed around 3 a.m. each night).

5: A meditation app

Calm (proud members of the Panasonic Well Partner Collective!) has a series of Matthew McConaughey sleep meditations that my friends swear by. Do it with your partner, especially if you often feel like you’re ships in the night and wish you could go to bed at the same time. Even a once-a-week shared meditation and bedtime could mean a powerful change for your family. Similarly, Peloton has some with Denis Morton that are an entirely different vibe but pretty great. I would not suggest you subscribe to Peloton just for the meditations, but if you have the bike already...this Reddit thread should clarify the appeal.