Contributed post.
Whenever we aim to make a change in our lives, it’s easy for us to wait until the perfect time for it to happen. Of course, there’s a little wisdom in this. If you’re about to climb Mount Everest, it’s probably best to wait until you have the right equipment, a good night’s sleep, and a healthy breakfast in you before you give it a shot.
But the truth is that if you let schedules and dates dictate your forward growth too much, it’s easy to let perfect become the enemy of good and wait until all the stars align before you begin. But the truth is that the stars may not ever perfectly align. If you live a busy life and have responsibilities and stresses (who doesn't!??!), there will always be something delaying your action or distracting you. For this reason, it’s important to recognize that no fitness start is or should ever be perfect. Starting now is the best possible time you could begin, health and energy permitting. Moreover, starting now might feel more comfortable than trying at some vague “tomorrow,” instead, in that your new pursuit may feel more digestible and comfortable with your renewed effort. Let’s consider why that’s the case, and how to get started with such motivation in mind: Pushing Through That Initial Ennui Feels Wonderful There’s a great deal of confidence and a sense of self-worth that comes from starting your fitness journey. Even if this begins with a walk outside, you’d be surprised just how comfortable and confident you feel in your new return, startingly quickly. Many people delay their fitness journey because they might not feel like getting active right now. But the mental journey from ennui to pushing through your sense of tiredness to feeling wonderful at the end of a small run can be wonderful, and it may help you think more clearly and feel better than you have in months, maybe years. So, consider this a challenge, one you get to implement on your own terms. You’ll thank yourself twenty minutes from now. You Can Plan A Digestible Schedule & Start Very Small You’d be amazed at how little effort you can implement to begin with, and how quickly that snowballs into fitness momentum. For example, the Couch to 5K plan is designed around intervals of running and walking, so that you only run at a light pace for sixty seconds, then walk for ninety. This can be quite easy for an able-bodied person to start with, and you can reduce the intensity if you need to. But do this for three days, and then your next session you’ll find that your cardio starts to adapt. In other words, starting small can accrue massive changes very quickly, and that’s a wonderful outcome for many. You Only Need To Make A 1% Improvement In the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, he notes that the best athletes in the world and even top minds at organizations like NASA focus on squeezing 1% improvements in everything they do. They don’t make massive systemic changes every single time they try something new, but they innovate on practiced wisdom and the understanding of the past. You can do that too. Perhaps if you’ve disliked cycling on a spin bike, you could try yoga instead. Maybe, instead of keeping up with a perfect gym schedule, you just try to go one more day a month. Maybe this time you’ll use a different service that helps you gain muscle while losing fat, because you found the last guide you used was a little outdated or less informative than it could have been. A 1% improvement helps you make that next 1% improvement, and before you know it you’ve sustainably improved by 50% compared to last year. You’ll Be Lapping Everyone On The Couch Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what you do. If you focus on good lifestyle habits, especially a collection of very small ones, you’ll be lapping everyone on the sofa. For example, perhaps you’ve cut out alcohol to only twice a month compared to four times a month last year. Well, that’s 24 times you didn’t drink compared to last year, which is absolutely a health benefit. Moreover, if you keep going, you’ll be much better than you were last time. You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone else, just who you were before now. This way, you can feel a sense of progression even if someone younger than you is running three triathlons in one day. This helps us feel a sense of dominion over our own lives, instead of feeling subject to the experiences of others. That, in itself, can give us the motivation to keep going. With this advice, you’re certain to understand that no fitness start is, or could be, perfect. But you’ll keep going regardless.
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I've been working from home for a few years now, like many of you, so I wanted to share some of my favorite items (some purchased, some provided for review), as well as some on my must-buy-soon wish list! I'm calling this my roundup of products for a healthier home office, but these would also be great additions to your out-of-home office, or even in your house or apartment, for a healthier mind, body, and spirit.
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Responsival. Below you'll find affiliate links. As a Renpho, Thrasio, & Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking these links. Ya girl's gotta fund her family's travels somehow - thank youuuuu for understanding ;) So, let's get to the list!! 
1. Cubii compact seated elliptical machine
Have you seen Cubii before?? IMO it's the best under desk exercise equipment on the market. Hands down. They have a few models, I was sent the Cubii Total Body+ which is a tiny elliptical machine that you use while sitting down!! It also has resistance bands included!! You download their free app and can access tons of workout videos, classes, and it'll track your workouts, of course. It's really easy to set up and use, and it's honestly an amazing full body workout - great to use under your desk, while working (or taking a quick TikTok break), or while watching TV. Don't believe me?? Watch my demo video below - I'm out of breath with burning thigh / calf / butt muscles in just a few minutes! Cubii FTW!!! 
Photo credit: Amazon (TechOrbits)
2. Sitting to Standing Desk
It may come as a shock but sitting at your desk for hours upon hours is NOT good for our health (read about it on this Mayo Clinic post). But you're in luck because there are several ways to do less sitting, even while working! TechOrbits makes a great electrical standing desk that adjusts height from 28" to 48" to quickly and easily go from a great sitting desk to an amazing standing work space!! Alternatively, if you can't or don't want to upgrade your entire desk, you could add something like this TechOrbits standing desk converter that sits atop your desk or table. While you're at it, why not use a stool that allows you to sit at a regular desk or perch at your standing desk, like this BonVIVO standing desk chair that adjusts from 26 to 33 inches, with 10 degree tilt and 360 degree swivel. 
3. Blue Light Blocking Glasses + Bulbs
Blue light from screens and lighting can cause eye strain, difficulty falling asleep, and other health issues, so consider investing in some blue light blocking technology! It can be as easy as having a special blue light blocking coating added to your next pair of prescription glasses - Warby Parker has some great ones! And if you don't need corrective lenses, you can get a cute non-prescriptive pair. Check out NY Mag's 2023 list: "The 6 Very Best Blue-Light Blocking Glasses here"! You may even consider adding a floor or desk lamp with this blue light blocking Amber bulb to use when working after dark.
4. Air Purifier
Whether you're sensitive to odors, mold, dust and other impurities in the air, or you just want to make sure your home and office are as clean and healthy as possible, a good air purifier is a must. You can get a nice budget-friendly HEPA air purifier like this one by VEVA, or go for a super smart one with all the bells and whistles that is super pretty to boot, like the CleanForce Rainbow that shows you exactly how clean your air is, automatically adjusts air refresh speed, and lets you control everything from an app (watch my demo above)!
5. Humidifier / Diffuser
Keeping your air clean is one thing, keeping it at the right humidity level to prevent mold growth while keeping your skin and mucous membranes healthy is another! I love this HuPro smart humidifer, watch my demo video above! It shows you the current humidity and will will run for 30 hours on a single (top loading) tank to maintain the desired humidity level you set. It has a remote, 360 degree nozzle, and has a built-in aroma therapy tray, so it'll work as an essential oil diffuser as well!! Hello 2 birds 1 stone!! If you want a separate essential oil diffuser, why not get one that also acts as room decor? This one that looks like potted flowers is just so cute!
6. Ergonomic Mouse, Keyboard & Chair
According to this article on Business.com, "repetitive strain injuries take a long time to develop, they also typically take a long time to treat". So do yourself a favor and invest in ergnomic office gear to help you avoid such injuries in the first place!! We're talking:
7. Eye Massager
If you suffer from eye strain, migraines, or stress, this heated eye massager from Renpho is a must. It folds in half for easy storage in your office desk drawer, bedside table, or carry-on bag. It has gentle rolling and squeezing pressure, warms up, plays relaxing music, ahhhhh it's really a nice way to take a little meditative break from work (or set the timer and lay down with it for a nap!). You can find it on Amazon or get 10% off with my affiliate code USJP10 on their website!
8. Under Desk Foot Massager
I dunno if this one is for "health" per se, maybe mental health?? I received this Cloud Massage Shiatsu heated food & calf massager to review over 2 years ago and it is like, my #1 must-have under my desk while working. I literally use it a minimum of 3 times a day. It feels SO good!!! You can use it on your feet (it rolls, squeezes, vibrates, and warms) or you can change the angle and lay down to massage your calves!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Get itttttttt!!! 
Photo Credit: Amazon (Egofit & UREVO - both linked below)
9. Standing Desk Treadmill
Besides getting in some extra steps and cardio, using a treadmill while working may actually lead to increased productivity!! This is a great under desk treadmill by UREVO (above right image), you can even stand it against the wall when not using it. Or if space is limited, go for this extra short treadmill by Egofit (above left image). 
10. Smart Watch
Whether you go for the latest Apple Watch, FitBit, a more budget-friendly smart fitness tracking watch alternative, these can do wonders for helping you both in and out of the office. They can keep track of your steps, send you reminders that you've been sedentary too long and it's time to get up and move, lead you through meditative breathing, measure your blood pressure and pulse ox, let you know how well you are sleeping, give suggestions on a better evening routine and bedtime, and so much more!!
I hope you found this roundup helpful!! If you did, or if you have any great items to suggest, I'd love for you to leave a comment below!!
When you want to lose weight and/or get fit, there are many ways to go about it. Believe it or not, you can do it without forking over thousands of dollars for equipment and memberships! I'm going to share with you my favorite FREE fitness apps and some very budget-friendly products I'm loving these days on my own weight loss journey!
Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional - PLEASE discuss any diet or fitness plans with your doctor! Safety first guys!!. Also, this post contains some affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.
First, watch my video for all the deets!! Then get the links and my personal weight loss and weight / fitness maintenance schedules below!
My Favorite FREE Apps for Fitness & Weight Loss:
i.e. the apps I'm currently using and loving!! Available for iPhone and Android!
My Weight Loss Routine:
My Weight Maintenance Routine:
Related Posts:
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About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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