Over the past year, I’ve leaned into rituals that bring both comfort and balance—whether that’s easing sore muscles after a workout, winding down with a calming cup of tea, or finding little ways to infuse my space with positivity. These simple additions to my daily routine have made all the difference in how I feel, both physically and mentally. Here’s a look at the wellness essentials I’ve been loving lately.
Recovery: Hypervolt by Hyperice
Let’s start with my number one. Since I work out nearly every day, muscle recovery is always at the top of my wellness list. My most worthwhile investment so far has been the Hypervolt by Hyperice, a powerful percussion massager that melts away soreness, tension, and knots in minutes.
What I appreciate most is its versatility—I’ll use it after a workout, while sitting at my desk, or even during a Netflix binge. Unlike some bulkier massage guns, it’s surprisingly quiet (definitely less disruptive than a Theragun), which makes it perfect for everyday use. If you’re someone who pushes their body regularly or just deals with tight muscles from long hours at a desk, this tool is a game-changer.
Yoga Mat: Meow
With gyms and studios now requiring everyone to bring their own mats, I decided to upgrade mine—and discovered Meow, a local brand that I instantly fell in love with. Their mats are eco-friendly, made with a 100% natural rubber base and a cork top, which means they’re sustainable, durable, and kind to your joints thanks to the extra cushioning.
Beyond the practicality, what makes this brand truly special is that a portion of each purchase supports local animal shelters. I love knowing that something I use for my own wellbeing also gives back in a meaningful way. A yoga mat may feel like a small purchase, but when it elevates your practice and supports a cause, it becomes a piece of your wellness journey.
Essential Oils: Neal’s Yard Remedies
I’ve developed a full-blown love affair with essential oils, especially during quarantine when creating a nurturing home environment felt more important than ever. My go-to has been Neal’s Yard Remedies, a brand known for their organic aromatherapy blends.
I’ll add a few drops into my living room diffuser during the day or into a humidifier with a night light before bed—it instantly transforms the space and noticeably improves the quality of my sleep. On days when I need a little extra support, I dab a drop onto my wrists and let the scent work its calming magic. Lately, I’ve been alternating between the Meditation and De-Stress blends, both of which feel like a hug for the senses.
Spiritual Cleansing: Laverne Me
I’m a firm believer in keeping not just our bodies, but also our spaces, energetically clear. That’s why I was so excited to stumble across Laverne Me, a UAE-based site that has become my go-to for spiritual essentials.
Here, I stock up on incense sticks, white sage, and Palo Santo wood—all staples in my space-cleansing rituals. Lighting incense or sage feels like pressing the reset button; it helps me clear stagnant energy and bring a sense of calm and renewal to my home. It’s such a simple practice, but one that makes a huge difference in how a space feels.
Herbal Tea: BRW Society
My love for herbal tea truly began after a trip to Japan a few years ago, where tea drinking is a ritual of presence and mindfulness. Since then, I’ve made it a nightly habit to enjoy a fresh, loose herbal blend before bed—it feels almost meditative.
During quarantine, I discovered BRW Society, a local brand with an amazing range of teas, including some playful blends inspired by cocktails like Moscow Mule. But my two personal favorites are firmly rooted in wellness:
- Organic Yoga – a warming, spicy blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.
- Organic Snooze – a soothing mix of rosehip shells, lemongrass, chamomile, lemon verbena, blackberry leaves, and orange peel.
Both are made from organic ingredients and have become staples in my evening routine. There’s something about the ritual of brewing a pot of tea that feels grounding, and each sip is a gentle reminder to slow down.
Beauty Balm: Erbaviva
Finally, a little beauty find that doubles as wellness. While browsing The Saffron Souk—our local answer to Etsy, and admittedly a little addictive—I came across Erbaviva, an organic skincare brand with the most beautiful balms.
One of my favorites has been their Sniffles Balm, technically formulated for babies, but an absolute lifesaver during flu season. It’s natural, soothing, and such a refreshing alternative to harsher medicated products. Small but mighty, it has earned a permanent spot in my wellness cabinet.
Closing Thoughts
What I love most about this collection of products is that they go beyond the surface—they’re not just “things” but little rituals that bring balance into my daily life. The Hypervolt helps me recover and keep moving, the Meow yoga mat grounds my practice, Neal’s Yard oils infuse my space with calm, Laverne Me keeps my energy light, BRW Society teas give me a nightly ritual, and Erbaviva balms remind me that even small, natural swaps can have a big impact.
Wellness isn’t about grand gestures or expensive retreats—it’s about the small, thoughtful choices that add up to a healthier, happier life. And right now, these are mine.
