Here at SELF, we’re big believers in the power of wellness products to help us feel a little better—whether they be skin care to add to our self-care routine, tech that helps us do the things we love (but more easily), a healthy snack that gets us through the day, or fitness gear that keeps us moving. This is especially true right now as we continue to cope with the stress of living through the pandemic and recover from a traumatic start to the year. So, much as always, January’s installment of our Best of Wellness series (in which we recap all of our wellness favorites month to month) focuses on products that gave us some much-needed relief.
(Note: This list includes a mix of samples sent to us for free for testing and stuff we purchased recently, but everything listed is only here because we actually really like it.)
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Papier
I finally started a journaling practice this year, but more importantly, I started doodling. Growing up, I spent my days painting, sketching, and excelling in all of my art classes. But gradually I placed more importance on academics, internships, and figuring out my writing career (bad choice, TBH). Drawing always provided a fun release for me, and it allowed me to express myself creatively through something other than writing. When I had the opportunity to try this personalized notebook from Papier, I knew it would be the fuel I needed to start drawing again. The bright, sunburst pattern is inviting and looks great on my desk, and the blank pages are the perfect canvas. Whether I’m sketching my plants or writing my name in bubble letters like it’s 2006, doodling in this notebook has proven to be one of my new favorite de-stressing hobbies. —Sarah Madaus, editorial assistant
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Food52
As the proud renter of my first one-bedroom apartment, I’m happy to announce that I can finally stop hiding my nice kitchen stuff from roommates and actually use it. One of my first acts as a person living alone was to try out this paring knife from a Food52 mailer that I’d had scuttled away. Folks, it rules. I’m not a food expert by any means, but I love the way this little guy handles vegetables, slices through garlic like butter, and makes it easier to prep all my home-cooked meals. The Japanese steel blade is so sharp that I frequently worry about maiming myself, and the only downside is that recently I started seeing some scratches on the surface. This time, there’s only one person to blame. —Lori Keong, senior commerce editor
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Lululemon
I just starting indoor cycling a few months ago after a stress fracture sidelined me from running, and I quickly realized my running shorts don’t cut it on the bike: They are definitely too short, which leads to some uncomfortable rubbing on the saddle. So I decided to buy some bike shorts, but I knew that the normal, longer length would be a little much on my 5-foot frame. These Lululemons, though, are the absolute perfect length. They’re long enough that they don’t chafe at all, but short enough so they don’t reach my knees. They’re also really soft, nonconstricting, and high rise without sitting too far up. Added bonus: Two deep pockets that could easily hold a phone—perfect for when I can finally hit the gym again (the longer length makes them perfect for in-public squatting, too, since they don’t do that embarrassing ride up). —Christa Sgobba, associate director, fitness and food
Available in sizes 0 to 14.