We’ve all heard how important it is to keep our bodies fit. You want to be healthy and agile so you can keep your body moving for years to come. There’s no denying how important it is to keep yourself moving and grooving, but how many of us have heard how important it is to keep our minds fit and healthy? But you should know — it is important! Mind and body fitness should go hand-in-hand.
As a lifelong yogi, I’ve learned the importance of learning to create a routine that allows your mind and your body to be fit at the same time. Or at least as combined as possible. I’ve included some great options for yoga, like this great mat with yoga moves printed right there on the mat for you to see. There’s a weight belt, so you can keep your body supported while you’re working out. And there’s even a few options for outdoor melding of mind/body health like this great hiking bag!
Set the Mood
The meditative mood, that is! A great way to keep your mind fit is to meditate and Himalayan salt lamps are a great way to set the mood for your meditation. If you’re a first-timer, you might find that the more you prep your space, the easier it is to drop into meditation.
Come to a Comfortable Seat
Yoga instructors love to say “come to a comfortable seat” when they begin class, but I think it’s just as accurate to use pre-meditation. You want to get yourself as comfortable as you can without getting yourself sleep-comfy. This floor cushion is a great way to keep yourself awake and meditative, but still relaxed enough to enjoy yourself.
Jane Fonda Your Cares Away
Cardio is actually really fantastic for your mind! Especially when you do cardio that requires following instructions. You’ve got to be able to keep it moving and keep your mind on the task at hand — it’s tough stuff. these wrist weights will help you stay mentally and physically fit throughout your workouts, cardio or otherwise.
Start a Routine
Routines are a great way to care for your mind; it gives you internal structure. Yoga is a great way to connect your mind and body health through a routine that you’ll love to follow and can last you years to come. This mat even has a few suggestions for some great poses to add to your new practice!
Chaga, Chaga, Choo, Choo!
I’m in love with this coffee! Ever since I learned about the benefits of mushroom brain power, I’ve been scouting brands that have Chaga in them. But when I found this focus coffee blend, I was even more excited to see it contains lion’s mane, B vitamins, artichoke inulin, AND Chaga mushrooms! Everything you need in one delicious coffee blend that everyone can enjoy. It also comes in 100% recyclable K-cups.
Barre in the Comfort of Your Own Home
I’ve never tried barre myself, but I have plenty of friends that love it and say it’s their favorite way to stay fit and healthy. This set gives you all you need to have a good barre routine in the comfort of your own home in case you’re a little crunched for time and can’t make it to the studio.
Learn How to Meditate
Meditating isn’t easy and it’s not intuitive. It’s something you have to learn and it takes time and patience. This book is my favorite tool for beginners; it really shows you the best steps to take to learn how to let your mind go and lean into meditation.
This Bamboo Lunch Box Makes Me Smile
I’m a sucker for Japanese aesthetics so this 40oz Bamboo Lunch Box set with wooden cutlery and chopsticks was an easy sell for me. In the 90s, we would hide our lunch boxes because they weren’t cool, but now, I strut to work holding my Japanese Bento lunch box with pride! It helps me portion my food daily. I also bought the 68oz to use for picnics.
Bring Yourself a Little Peace
Singing bowls are a beautiful addition to mediation, yoga practices, or just your daily routine. They really allow you a moment of concentrated harmony that resonates until the sound eventually fades away. You could even conclude your workout with this for just a small moment of inner reflection afterward.
These Tea Bags Are At The Top Of My Tea Pyramid
If you’ve never tried loose leaf pyramid tea bags, you’re not living your best life. The pyramid tea bags have ample space for the leaves to unfurl offering better infusion and full flavor for each cup of hot tea. This turmeric ginger herbal tea is my personal favorite, but you can also try Vahdam’s Himalayan green tea or their assorted tea bag sampler if you’re feeling ambitious.
Every Yogi Should Have These
Blocks aren’t a sign of weakness! Even the best yogis like to use blocks to get themselves a little deeper into a stretch or to give them a break when they’ve been working their bodies too hard. These blocks are my fave; they give you a place to grip so you can take a little tension out of those wrists.
Stretch It Out
Wheels are great tools for anybody who wants to get a deeper stretch through their back, but they’re especially helpful for those who want to get a little deeper into a chest-opening yoga pose. These are awesome for supported fish or for helping train your back into wheel pose.
Diffuse the Tension
A great way to add a little stress and tension relief to your home is through diffusers. I like to keep mine running while I’m on my stationary bike because it’s like a little breath of refreshing, happy air that keeps me moving and grooving. It’s also fantastic for digging deeper into meditation.
Soothe Yourself with This Sound Machine
Sound machines aren’t just for babies, fun facts. I love my sound machine, I bring this little guy everywhere with me cause he’s just so easy to travel with. Turn on your sound machine and soak in the relaxation. It’s a fun addition to your savasana pose at the end of your yoga practice.
Clean Your Mat
Take this as a sign to clean your yoga mat. It’s probably pretty gross at this point. No judgement, I’ve got to clean mine, too! This cleaner works on most mats to gently clean them of your built-up sweat and they add a fresh and clean scent you’ll love getting a whiff of as you unroll.
Get Your Back and Shoulders Fit
The back is an oft-overlooked group of muscles that need a little helping hand sometimes. This figure eight resistance band is designed so you can work out those back and shoulder muscles without using one of those complicated machines. Or use both, I’m just hopeless in the gym.
Ice, Ice Baby
Ice just about anything with this jumbo ice pack. You don’t have to compromise on pain relief with this product. You can target larger and smaller places and it’s super flexible so you can wrap it around an arm or a leg to get it positioned better.
Roll Out Those Knots
Foam rollers are awesome tools and I don’t think enough people use them. I’ve added this roller to my post-workout routine so I can keep my muscles supple and keep them from cramping up on me. It’s also a great self-massage to add to your yoga routine when you’re feeling extra loving.
Get Targeted Heat or Cooling
It’s hard to properly apply heat or cold to your back when it’s sore or cramping up. This product hangs across your shoulders to soothe them and your upper back with warm relief, or cold if that’s what you need. It’s great for on-the-go or for stay-at-home pain relief, whatever your needs may be.
A Must-Have Heating Pad
Heating pads are one of my favorite things ever. Not only can they help ease those cramps that ail me, whenever they may strike, but they’re also an awesome way to treat my cats to a little something special on cold nights. Getting them off the pad is the problem.
Smooth Your Worries Away
Keep this worry stone in your pocket and I’m willing to bet good money that you’ll be surprised how often you’re stressed. And maybe you’ll see how easy it is to breathe through the stress and keep going. It’s a little meditation and self-care for a busy, on-the-go life.
Keep the Headaches at Bay
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes get a post-workout headache. Maybe it’s all the sweating? Who knows. No matter the reason, this head wrap is my favorite way to ease those headaches. Pop it in the microwave (or leave it in the freezer), wrap it around your head, and enjoy sweet relief.
This Has Got Your Back
And your front. And your neck. And your shoulders. It’s got all of you! I love wearing this at the end of a long day while I sit with a glass of wine taking some deep breaths. It’s a great pre- or post-workout treat to give you a little de-stressing moment.
Bring the Sun In
The sun has so many delicious benefits, but we don’t always have a ton of time to go out and relish in it. This circadian light helps you to get some of those mood-lifting benefits without having to step out of the house or in the middle of a thunderstorm.
Give Your Knees a Hand
Your knees take on a lot, especially if you’re a weight lifter or a runner. These neoprene sleeves are designed to give you a little extra support during your workout so you can lift or run without worrying about putting any strain on your knees.
Who Says Exercise Is Only for Indoors?
Anyone that does is just silly. Workouts are even better outside, IMHO, as long as it’s not horribly hot, of course. This daypack is a great buddy for those long hikes and you could even include your sound machine or your worry stone to take a meditation moment while you’re out there.
Try a New Workout
Working out doesn’t have to be stale and boring, but you’ve got to change it up and try new things to keep that from being true. A yoga ball can be a great way to try out something new and add a little balance to your routine, your body, and your mind.
Keep Your Balance
If you want to level-up your workout, you can try this balancing pad. It takes your everyday routine and turns the notch up on the difficulty so you can go a little deeper and get a little more out of your daily workout. I love to try push ups on this. I’m not good. But I still try!
Leggings for All Sorts of Activity
I wear leggings pretty much 24/7, but I do have workout-dedicated leggings that are a little different than my everyday leggings. These are my favorite workout leggings because they feel secure and tight and they help increase blood circulation so my legs don’t get as sore and crampy as usual.
DIY Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a great way to keep yourself fit and toned, but there’s no need to get yourself a new one if you’ve already got weights at home. Just grab this hook and you can create your own, fully customizable kettlebell to get the best workout every time.
This Belt Can Provide Some Peace of Mind
Lifting weights can add a little unwanted stress and strain on your spine and core, so it’s essential that you do the best you can to protect against that. This lifting belt does just that for lifting up to 600 pounds so you can keep gaining and growing.
Make Your Bike a Little Comfier
This works for stationary bikes and for on-the-road bikes. We all know bike seats aren’t comfortable. It’s almost as if they’re designed to be as uncomfortable as possible, but it doesn’t have to be that way! You can grab some great cushions like this one to give yourself some more comfort and padding.
This Agility Kit Will Keep You on Your Toes
Keeping yourself agile is important for your mind and your body as you age. I love going out and running a little agility course I’ve set up using this kit so I can keep myself on my toes and keep my mind just as sharp and flexible.
Add Some Support to Your Practice
The modern understanding of yoga is awesome; it’s great to really get a sweat on and work out your body. But that’s not the only understanding of yoga. Restorative poses are just as important, and this bolster is a great way to allow yourself to really relax into those poses and get the most restoration and relaxation you can.
Get the Most Out of Your Lifts
I don’t know a lot about this occlusion craze, to be honest. I’ve heard it’s a great way to really increase the muscle you’re building, but I’m not an expert. This company, however, is and they’ve created some terrific occlusion bands that are easy to use and easy to understand.
Meditate Comfortably, but Not Too Comfortably
This meditation cushion is a great way to keep yourself comfortable while you’re getting a little zen, but it’s designed to give you a little cushion and to bring your hips into alignment. It won’t be so comfortable that you find yourself drifting off, which is why it’s my favorite to use!
An Ice Pack Just for Your Leg
If you’ve got leg problems, you know how absolutely impossible it can be to properly ice it when you need to. This incredible ice pack is a sleeve you pull on and up so you can get the relief you need right where you need it.
No More Workout Guesswork
I love to work out, but it can be hard to decide what to do. This kit comes with nine different workout cards and a tracking card so you can remember exactly what you’ve worked out already and exactly what you’ve still got left to do.
An All Purpose Workout Mat
Mats aren’t just for yoga, they’re also great for using while you’re lifting weights or doing high-intensity cardio. I’ve got quite a few of these I keep around my house for a little extra cushioning under me while I’m getting my workout on.
Take Your Exercise into the Deep End
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool or to live near the ocean, this set of flippers and snorkel will give you the chance to really get into the water and get a good workout going. The flippers let you get a little deeper and the snorkel keeps you breathing, which I’ve heard is important.