Energy-wise, my 2021 wrapped up on a less than an ideal note. Don’t get me wrong: I loved the quality time with my family over the holidays and the much-needed break from real-life obligations (like wearing pants, for example). But after reflecting on how I was feeling at the end of the year, I realized I was a distracted mess. I had fallen into the trap of making my life seem one way (organized and productive) when really, I was hanging on by a thread. But it’s the blank slate of a new year, and I’ve committed to shifting my mindset. Instead of making decisions based solely on how others will perceive me, I’m paying attention to my thoughts and energy and letting them guide me toward a high-vibe life. So if you’re looking for tips to save time on the “have to’s” to free up your bandwidth in 2022, keep reading. I’ve rounded up the best tools and resources for finding balance and getting back into alignment this year.
We’re all familiar with the old money-can’t-buy-happiness adage, but it’s true that when we’re intentional with our purchases, the things we surround ourselves with can positively transform our lives. When we find a workout routine that checks all the boxes (effective, accessible, fun), we’re more likely to commit on the reg. If a planner comes into our lives that make checking off our to-do’s a task we can look forward to, we start to feel more energized by our workday. And when a meal prep or delivery service makes healthy eating easy and inspiring, we begin filling our plates with colorful, nutrient-dense ingredients that help us live our best lives. Day in. Day out.
So in the spirit of aligning our purchases with our wellness, productivity, and happiness goals, I rounded up a curated list of 12 things that are helping me save time in 2022. And while I’m famous for hyperbole, it’s not a stretch to say that every single one of these products, subscriptions, and memberships has changed my life. Here’s to hoping they offer the same for you.
Feature image by Michelle Nash
Papier Rise & Shine Wellness Journal
Despite being a writer, I’ve never had a journaling routine. I’m someone who thrives on structure, and while a blank page isn’t as intimidating when I have an assignment guiding my way, tracking my thoughts and feelings is a bit more of a challenge. Solution? This wellness journal. Its pages provide prompts and space for daily check-ins and helps you track things like sleep, meals, and even how much H20 you’re guzzling. This journal came into my life toward the end of 2021, and I’ve kicked off every morning of the year so far putting pen to paper. The habit is helping me start every day feeling proud of the healthy routines I’ve brought into my life and makes it easier to continue to commit to things that help me feel my best.
While I’d consider myself on top of my eat-the-rainbow efforts, when things get busy, I’m less mindful about meal prep. Enter: Daily Harvest. My experiments with food delivery companies run the gamut. I’ve tried literally all the big name brands, and none have delivered quite like Daily Harvest (see what I did there?). I’m not lying when I say you can literally never get bored with all the options they offer. Smoothies, Soups, Harvest Bowls, Oat Bowls, and the best dairy-free ice cream Scoops you’ve ever tasted.
Their newest offering that I’m low-key obsessed with? Harvest Bakes. These ready-to-bake dishes are packed with all the veggies and are friendly for every eater out there (think: plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free). I’ll whet your palate even more. You can choose from four flavor options like Cremini + Smoked Paprika Ropa Vieja and Chickpea + Coconut Curry. Recyclable packaging? Check. Flexible deliveries? Check. Perfect for the days when I can’t be bothered to do more than turn on the oven? Check, check, and check.
Use code CAMILLE to get up to $40 off your first box.
Lunya Washable Silk Weighted Sleep Mask
I never bought into the sleep mask craze until this silky and luxurious pick came into my life. If you know Lunya, you’re well aware that their pajamas are just about the softest thing your skin will ever touch—and this mask is no different. 2022 is all about overhauling my sleep routine and waking up feeling refreshed and ready to take on my day. I’m not lying when I say that as soon as this mask comes into contact with my face, I’m out like a light.
Wilde House Paper Monthly List Notepad
I’m an odd, Type A person who loves mapping out a good daily, weekly, and monthly plan. I feel instantly at ease with everything laid out before me. There’s something to be said for transferring your tasks from the abstract, disorganized space of your head and letting a planner do the work of keeping track of things for you. This minimalist, thoughtfully designed planner even gives you space to set intentions in various areas of your life (love, spirit, nutrition, exercise—basically all bases are covered). Trust me: Your desk isn’t complete without this planner.
When my fridge is full of fresh and vibrant fruits and veggies, consider me inspired. Add to that a collection of beautifully-designed, reusable glass containers and my fridge is my confirmed happy place. This bundle includes all of W&P’s internet-famous canisters, bottles, and bowls. I cannot stress how pretty they make my meal-prepped and leftover juices, smoothies, and soups. Healthy eating made extremely efficient, and easy.
Moglea Playa Painted Sketchbook
You know you’ve found your ideal journal when it serves a functional purpose and fulfills all of your wildest aesthetic dreams. Just by looks alone, it’s clear that this sketchbook fits the bill. The hand-painted abstract matboard cover is motivation enough to get your thoughts, notes, and whatever you need to write on paper, and it’s the perfect accessory for any desk no matter your style. Major inspiration ahead.
U Brands Pastel Black Ink Pens (Set of 12)
Here’s a truth I’ve adopted since I was a wide-eyed middle schooler: pretty pens are a non-negotiable. Even in our hyper-virtual world, there’s something incredibly satisfying about the tactile sensation of writing by hand. And while you might be able to type more words per minute than you can write, there’s a science to back up the benefits of going analog every once in a while. Writing by hand can improve your memory and ability to process information. Not only that, but it also engages your creativity and stimulates certain neural pathways in a deeper, more meaningful way. So while productivity can, of course, be a good thing, there’s plenty to be said for slowing down and enjoying the pleasure of a beautiful pen.
When the pandemic first hit, walks were my ultimate escape. Not only could I enjoy a little fresh air, but the possibility of seeing even just one other person was enough to make me giddy. And while my social life has since improved, my love of walks has held strong. To bring a little intensity to my daily strolls, I began incorporating the viral Bala Bangles into my routine. They add just enough resistance (you can choose from one or two pounds) without giving me 80s-mom vibes. The Bala Bars are perfect for my at-home workouts too, and their sleek design means they fit perfectly with the rest of my home’s minimalist aesthetic. If you need pretty workout equipment to motivate your routine, first off, same. Second? You need Bala in your life.
Proof that it’s possible to fall in love with a blender. I’m going to be honest with you, and say that it took months of strategically-placed Instagram ads and endorsements from my favorite influencers to finally get me to bite the bullet. But when I did, it was clear that the Beast Blender would hold its place high on the list of my best purchases of the year. Some blenders focus on function more than appearance, but this one does both to perfection. It looks beautiful on my countertop and makes it easy to pack plenty of nutrients into a single smoothie. As someone who lives on her own, I’ve even started using it to blend up single servings of my favorite soups for lunch and dinner. Fast, easy, and vibrant meals? Yes, please.
Open Movement and Meditation Subscription
I’m a bit of a workout junkie. I’ve gone through phases of falling hard for cycling, being in love with barre, and connecting with my inner calm through yoga. Basically, if you have a conversation with me for at least 10 minutes, odds are I’ll tell you about my favorite workout du jour. But when I started a free trial of Open, I knew I found something I’d commit to for the long haul. Open has it all: Pilates-based workouts, mindfulness meditations, guided breathwork, and even cardio sequences that get your heart pumping. The platform is beautiful, the instructors strike the perfect balance between being authentic and motivating, and the workouts keep my energy up all throughout the day. If you’re wanting to start a workout routine that offers plenty of variety, is set to inspiring and beautiful music, and is easy to come back to, try Open. ASAP. Immediately. Right now.
When I was still going into the office, my bento box was my life. It made preparing my midday meal a breeze and helped me remember to leave ample space in my lunch for a healthy serving of veggies. Nowadays, like many work-from-homers, there’s no need to take lunch with me on the go, but I haven’t abandoned the meal prep routine. If there’s anything that’s helped me stay sane throughout the past two years, it’s keeping consistent with my noontime break. This traditional, but modern bento box makes it easy for me to throw together a colorful and inspiring lunch the night before. When the hangries start to kick in come 11:55 a.m., all I have to do is walk about five feet to the fridge, open the door, and sit down for a blissful and rejuvenating middle-of-the-workday break.
Voluspa Limited Edition Boxed Candle
At first glance, it might seem odd that I’m including a candle in this list of things that help me make the most of my time, but stay with me. Living in Portland, Oregon I’ve sought out every solution for getting through the cold and rainy season. And truly, nothing has helped more than weaving the Danish concept of hygge into all aspects of my life. Candles are undeniably cozy, but more than that, I’ve also found that by lighting a match and burning a candle, I’m able to focus and get deep into my work. Maybe it’s the calming effect of the flame or just the intention of the act itself—whatever it is, I’ve found that I’m far more productive with a candle nearby. That’s just the magic of mood lighting.
