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I don’t know about you, but freelance writing is a dream job for me. That doesn’t mean it’s without its downsides though. Long hours stuck behind a desk can’t be good for anyone, but when you work from home alone you don’t have the benefit of co-workers to entice you to get up and take a quick break or go out for lunch (you know, little things that remind your blood to circulate).
To keep myself feeling as good as possible day in and day out, I have a few health and wellness products I just can’t go without. Today I’d like to share them with you and get some of your health and wellness picks that might be perfect for freelancers. Here are my top picks, including photos of the actual items I use when possible:
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Credit: FijiWater.com
Water — Okay, so it’s simple, but it’s a must-have. I used to practically live on diet soda. It wreaked havoc on my teeth, my waistline, and my mood over time though. Now I’m off the soda completely and on just water for a while (even going coffee-free temporarily). I’ve never felt better or more alert. There has to be a bottle of water on my desk at all times. When I’m dehydrated, I’m beyond miserable (not to mention unproductive). And let me just say — Fiji water is my favorite. I don’t care that some people hate the company or say it’s awful and irresponsible for anyone to drink bottled water. It would be far more irresponsible to not give my body the water it needs. I fall into a group called “supertasters,” and to put it mildly, I am very sensitive to the taste of my water. I cannot drink any tap water, even filtered. I can’t even stomach most bottled waters. There are very, very few I like. Fiji water simply tastes the best. Glaceau’s SmartWater is tolerable. And oddly enough the store brand bottled water from one of our grocery chains beats out all of the typical well-known, mass-consumed brands. But green enough or not, I stand by Fiji water for simply putting out something that actually makes me want to stay hydrated. You’ll just have to forgive me this indiscretion if you’re one of the anti-bottled water folks.
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Credit: Jean Scheijen (via Sxc.hu)
Tennis Balls — You need tennis balls. Put them under your desk. Trust me. When you’re feeling a little bit stressed or tense under pressure, give yourself an easy foot massage by rolling your feet over the tennis balls (you don’t have to stop writing to do this). I’m actually such a huge fan of this that I recently wrote an article on the topic for a client. It’s cheap, and I really can’t recommend it highly enough. I always buy mine either in a pet section or pet store though (tennis balls made for dogs to play with are firmer and better for a foot massage). Another perk to buying them at the pet store is that you can often get them in several different sizes (the really small ones are great for deeper massages in the arch of the foot). I keep three under my desk — a pair of tennis balls slightly smaller than a typical one, and then a more typically-sized, but firmer one to use if my feet are sore after a workout or something.
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Credit: Walmart.com
Pilates Magic Circle — I’m completely in love with my magic circle. You can find them made of metal, plastic, or rubber, and you can get them for as little as around $10. If you haven’t seen them, they’re just rings with padding on the sides. You squeeze them for toning and use them in other pilates exercises (I just use mine for the toning though). For as simple as they are, I didn’t expect much when I bought mine recently. But I already see a difference in my arms after just a few weeks (and you need your arms healthy if you’re typing all day). You can use these to tone your leg muscles while sitting at your desk, or you can work on your arms when you need to take a break for a few minutes. I grabbed a cheap plastic one at Walmart when I was in there one day just because I’d never seen one before and thought “heck, why not?” I’ll probably upgrade to a metal one for more resistance soon, but it’s fine if you’re just starting out (even has some exercises right on the band itself.
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Credit: Walmart.com
Exercise Bike — I know not everyone is going to run out and buy an exercise bike, but I love mine. I hop on early in the morning and it perks me up and gets me ready for the workday. Better yet, it’s a great way to spend some of your lunch break (you can always just go out for a walk though – any cardio will help to wake you up and get you through an afternoon slump). In the mornings I like to set my laptop next to me when I’m the bike and hook it up to my TV through an HDMI cable. This way my eyes are in front of me on the TV (and not straining to the side, since I can’t put it on my lap when I’m exercising), and I can read email and such that way to multi-task — big fan of multi-tasking. This is another one of those things I just randomly picked up when on a Walmart run (funny when I go in for cat food and cleaning products and come out with exercise equipment). The one pictured here is the one I’m using. I picked it up because it was cheap ($134 online, but it was about $100 in the store), and I figured if I didn’t end up using it then it wouldn’t be a huge loss (as opposed to buying an expensive bike and letting it sit there). I’d say I’m ready to upgrade this now too, but frankly it’s pretty impressive for what it is — extremely sturdy despite the price, and really easy to assemble. So I’ll stick with it.
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Credit: GNC.com
Oregano Oil — Let me be clear. I’m not telling everyone to go get oregano oil, not promising any health benefits, etc. I’m not a doctor, and don’t play one in the blogosphere. But I will tell you what it’s done for me and why I’m a huge product evangelist (I’m a big fan of natural healing in general actually, but this is my favorite natural product). Back in college I used to get constant throat infections (strep throat, bronchitis, tonsilitis — you name it, I probably got it at least a handful of times). The doctor kept putting me on antibiotics — so much so that they ceased to work (even the heavier-duty ones). Someone I trusted recommended that I try oregano oil when I got a case of strep that wasn’t responding to meds. A few drops in a teaspoon of honey twice a day and the strep was gone. I couldn’t believe it. After doing more research, I found out it was supposedly good for other things (including counteracting viruses, unlike commercial medications). To put it mildly, I’ve only had one full-fledged cold in the last 7 years since I started taking it, and that was when I ran out. So yes, I love the stuff. I swear by it. If I believed in “miracle cures,” this would be it. So while I certainly don’t expect it to be a must-have item for most freelancers, it truly is for me. I always get mine at GNC (only place nearby to get it), and usually get the one pictured here (it comes in capsules too for people who can’t handle the strong taste, but the oil dropper’s better if you also want to use it topically). Another brand I’ve liked is Oreganol. Frankly, I can’t afford to constantly take time off because of colds and sore throats. Because of this, I don’t have to. But again, please don’t just run out and try something because it’s worked for me. It’s always best to run it by your doctor first, especially if you’re on other medications or supplements.
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Credit: Amazon.com
Nature Sounds Alarm Clock — It might sound strange to list an alarm clock here with health and wellness products, but I’d say this qualifies. I use a Timex nature sounds alarm clock, and can’t imagine going back to any other kind. What’s so great about it? Well, it wakes you up gradually so you wake up a bit more refreshed (and less pissed off at the loud beeping in your ear as you were in the middle of that incredible dream). While the exact model I use isn’t available anymore, the one pictured is very similar (from the same company and with the same functionality). Here’s how it works. First, you can choose to listen to nature sounds as you go to sleep (set on a timer, so they’ll automatically turn off). If you have a tough time getting to sleep when you’re worried about the next day’s workload, it might be beneficial (and you don’t need a separate sound machine). Then you also get to set your alarm. You can still wake up to the radio or a typical buzzer if you’d like, but you can also go with gentler sounds. For example, I use a chimes setting that reminds me of church bells. It starts off very softly, and gradually gets louder. You wake up a bit more relaxed that way, because you eliminate that sudden “jolt” in the morning. Despite the “softer” approach, it’s still incredibly effective. I’ve also found that, over time, I’ve started waking up better even without the alarm clock. Easing into the mornings became second nature, and now my body’s it’s own clock (great except for when I want to sleep in on the weekend!). I still use it if I take a nap or have an odd sleep schedule for some reason, and highly recommend getting one.
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Credit: Amazon.com
Lumbar Support — When you’re at a desk typing for hours, you run the risk of getting a sore back. I see absolutely no reason to buy an ergonomic chair, especially when not everyone’s back will line up with them quite the same. I much prefer adjustable lumbar cushions (probably because I’m quite tall and never seem to “line up right” with the ergonomic chairs personally). I have several lumbar pillows, and by far my favorite is a mesh lumbar support that slides over the back of my office chair (because it’s easy to adjust and doesn’t slide around as much as a pillow does). While the one pictured isn’t my exact model, it’s almost identical. They’re also rather inexpensive, so there’s no reason not to get one. The benefits to your back are very noticeable. I used to have back pain all the time. Now I never do. For less than $20 or so? I don’t know about you, but I’d say your back health is worth it.
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Credit: Amazon.com
A Good Pair of Sneakers — Okay, so I’m really more of a flip-flop kind of girl, but you need to have sneakers on hand when you’re working at home. Ideally, you’ll wear them when you’re working. This way you can literally just stand up and go for a quick walk when you need a workout or just need to clear your head and focus. I won’t begin to recommend a specific brand or style for you, since it’ll depend on how you use them (walking, running, hiking, etc.). The ones pictured here are the running shoes I just ordered last night (have to order my shoes most of the time because I wear a size 12 — yeah, nuts I know). I’m hoping they fit and don’t have to be exchanged, because there aren’t a lot of options in my size, and because I’m itching to start a new training program but need the new sneaks first. If you have a favorite brand or style, feel free to share them.
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Credit: Amazon.com
Scented Candles — Not only am I into natural healing, but I’m a total aromatherapy junkie. I have more oils, candles, and incense than most people will probably burn in a lifetime. Candles are my favorite. I find that various scents affect my mood and how productively I work. For example, I burn pine candles when I need to perk up and be more productive. I get an amazing amount of work done when pine scent fills the room. When I need to work on something more creative and I need to really focus on it, I burn cinnamon or cinnamon apple candles, which do the trick. Before bed I often burn either lavender or pumpkin scented candles to help me unwind so I’m well-rested and good to go the next morning. Scents work well for me based on pretty typical associations in aromatherapy, but you might find that other scents work better for you. I’m a big fan of Yankee Candle, and especially their balsam & cedar ones (they’re generally out around Christmas, but we have a Yankee Candle outlet near me where I can get them at odd times of the year). You certainly don’t need to spend that much on candles though. Cheaper ones work just as well. It’s just about choosing the right scents.
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Credit: chiru (via Sxc.hu)
Plants –If you saw my past post where I shared a photo of my work space, you know that I like to surround myself with plants. While sadly my bonsai didn’t make it (I want to try an evergreen option next, as my office area is usually bitterly cold — work better that way), I do still keep two bamboo plants and a money tree on my desk. First of all, they’re calming. There’s just something about having a bit of nature there in the workspace that’s nice. They do more than serve as lovely things to look at though. They also clean the air. Since chances are that you’re spending a lot of time in a perhaps-small space as you work each day from home, having some plants around probably isn’t going to hurt on the health front (unless of course you’re allergic). Just be careful if you have pets. A lot of houseplants can be poisonous to them. And you certainly don’t have to stick to “greens” like I do. A vibrant potted flower (like a gerber daisy) might be just what you need to brighten your mood.
My schedule is pretty much always insane. Between client work, my own sites, and other writing projects I used to barely find time to sleep. Over time I’ve tweaked my habits and my environment to make work more productive, comfortable, and far less stressful. The products I’ve shared here have helped to make that possible. I hope you have similar luck, either by giving these a try or finding other options that work for you. If you find anything interesting, I do hope you’ll leave a comment and share your gem with the rest of us. 
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About the Author: Jennifer Mattern
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TAGS: freelance writers, freelance writing, Freelancing, health, wellness, work at home, work from home
Great post, Jen. I never thought about tennis balls. With all the walking I do in NYC, the tennis ball idea sounds like a great idea for those seemingly constantly aching feet.
I also like the idea of wearing the sneaks while you write. I usually write in my bare feet at home (I hate wearing shoes in the house because I feel like a clod LOL), but sometimes the act of putting on the shoes just to take the dog for a walk or go to the store requires more effort than I want to bother with.
I get no light in this apartment (not one ray EVER!) so plants are tough, even the ones that thrive on no light. But I need some back in here.
I love candles but I never think about them. Will definitely check them out. (Also a big fan of the pine and cinammon/apple varieties.)
The tennis balls are amazing. Years ago I broke my left foot in several places. They put me in a walking cast for a while where all of my weight was supported by my plantar fascia (tissue in the arch of your foot). It’s been consistently sore ever since — always tense. The tennis balls give better relief than even a professional massage does. It was recommended to me then by my physical therapist, and I’ve used it ever since.
I love being barefoot. I hate the constriction of shoes. That’s why I wear flip flops year-round. But I find that I’m more likely to actually workout if I put sneakers on first thing. Then once I’m done with the workout, I can kick them off again.
Have the same problem with light. All of my windows are north-facing, and I get pretty much no natural light. The bamboo and money tree have done really well though anyway. And I find that a dim-able halogen desk lamp helps too.
Thanks for the recommendations of the bamboo and money tree. I have a special floor lamp that emits 350 watts of that simulates sunlight. It helps but I need a different desk lamp. The one I have just doesn’t cut it so I’ll check out the halogens. Haven’t had one in years.
(P.S. I’m with you on flip-flops/sandals. Though we’re thankfully about to enter fall and winter, so “real” shoes here I come. I will miss shorts.)
I tried a natural spectrum light first, and found that it didn’t give me enough light to work. So I went with a halogen. The plants respond really well to it, and I love that I can dim it to work in the early morning or evening hours or turn it up. I like flexibility.
Do you have a particular lamp that you recommend? Preferably one that doesn’t get too hot and has decent light. The selection on Amazon is a bit overwhelming.
All halogens get pretty hot. That’s a perk of using one you can dim though — you control the heat depending on how high you turn it on. The one I use is from Staples. I don’t see it on the site (bought it in-store), but it’s a black metal gooseneck style with a silver knob to dim and raise the light.
Thanks. I didn’t even think about checking Staples. Doh!
I am definitely going to make a trip to Target and pick up a few tennis balls this week… I have never thought about using them to massage my feet! I think I’ll also check out the magic circle and the lumbar cushion. I constantly have back pain, and I have tried almost everything to help but nothing seems to work long term.
You’ve given me three things to put on my shopping list this week Jen!
I haven’t tried a lumbar cushion, but when my back is aching from too much time in the chair, I just oh-so-gracefully drape myself over my exercise ball. It’s amazing how it will stretch out those kinked muscles.
I’m just laughing at the thought of what my dog would do if I started keeping tennis balls under my desk. He would LOVE that tip! (Oh, but wait, I don’t actually have a desk at home–I sit on the floor with my laptop on a bed tray. Nevermind.)
Now I’m curious about Oregano Oil!
I love water too, but I drink La Croix. It’s carbonated and they have it in several flavors, such as orange (my fave), lemon, lime and berry. Yum!
@Denise – Just don’t complain to me if you spend too much.
Those are all good picks. And the magic circle is my new best friend. I lost three lbs last week (not water weight, as I’m not at the beginning of the weight loss phase), and that was despite stopping my cardio until the oral surgery stuff’s all finished up. Just toning, almost exclusively with that. Really makes a difference (not to mention just feeling good).
@Jim – I have to keep my exercise ball deflated because my cats like to pop them.
So they’re never just sitting by and handy for me to do that on a whim. But that does sound like it would help!
@Deb – That’s one of many reasons I don’t let my cats in my office area with me anymore. The younger one keeps finding “treasures.” He then buries them under my living room chair (tore a hole in the lining underneath so he can make it a club house lol). Every time I move the chair, I find things I thought I lost (tennis balls, my sunglasses… not just little things lol).
@Catherine – I don’t like carbonated water, but I do like to sometimes flavor my water with some lime. Sometimes it’s just nice to have the change.
Jennifer, I just came across your blog recently and love it! I have one addition to make for your fitness must-haves: I have a desktop alarm widget (i use opera’s widgets but you can get any widget with any browser) to remind myself to look away from the computer screen every 20 mins at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds (the 20/20/20 rule of preventing eye strain). It really helps with preventing dry eyes, blurry vision and headaches for me!
Great tip Salma! I don’t really think about my eyes nearly enough, so that’s a good reminder.