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Whether you’re working out or winding down, these finds will help you make the most of the season.
There's something about September that feels like the real start of the New Year. Even if you don't have school-aged children, the beginning of the scholastic year — and the change of season that comes with it — ushers in that “clean slate” feeling. Maybe you're ready to reprioritize healthy habits after a carefree summer. Perhaps your kids are back in their classrooms — or college dorms — and you finally have some time for self-care. It could be that this is the year you'll master multitasking (and time management!) as you dash from dance rehearsal to soccer practice. Or maybe you're wanting to take advantage of exercising outdoors now that the weather is crisp and cool.
Wherever you fall on this spectrum, the right tools can help you make the most out of the season and meet your wellness goals. From a smarter scale that helps you track your progress to a candle that encourages you to regain focus, we have the must-haves that should be on your shopping list this fall.
The number reflected on the screen of a scale is only one indicator of your overall health, but if it’s one you want to start tracking as you work towards your newly set wellness goals, it can be a worthwhile tool. This one is a reliable — and easy to use — addition to your routine. The sleek design (it’s made of durable tempered glass) and advanced technology in the scale impressed our engineers and testers. Rachel Rothman, the Good Housekeeping Institute's Executive Technical Director, reports, “Our testers agreed the large backlit display on this Good Housekeeping Seal-backed scale was easy to read and they loved the aesthetic, noting it looked great in their bathrooms.”
If the new season has inspired you to become more in tune with your body, this Bluetooth-enabled scale is an upgrade in the right direction. It measures bodyweight, body fat percentage, body water percentage, and bone and muscle mass — and you can connect it to your phone and sync to a free scale app or your WW app (if you're a member) to monitor your progress over time. “In our review, we found it to be both accurate and precise, so it will reliably provide you metrics if desired to help you track your wellness goals,” notes Rothman.
Early fall is almost perfect sleeping weather. While we get some refreshingly cool nights and mornings, summer heat and humidity can linger long into the autumnal season. These smart sheets help maintain your body temperature so you can get a more restful, less sweaty night’s sleep. The threads are embedded with the brand's 37.5 technology (inspired by the ideal body temperature — 37.5° C) which uses particles from volcanic minerals that capture infrared light (heat) from the body and sop up moisture before it even hits the skin’s surface. The sheets heat or cool, depending on your personal needs, helping to keep your bed's climate at the optimal temperature and humidity level.
The hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season can leave you feeling frazzled, especially when the rush of after-school activity and homework begins. Carving out quick moments of self-care can go a long way in helping you feel calm. These tablets are like bath bombs for your shower — ideal when you don’t have time for a long soak. Place one in your shower basin and get an essential oil-infused steam to help melt stress as you get clean. Bonus: The eucalyptus scent works wonders for those seasonal allergies, too.
Want to improve your focus during the busy fall season? Light a rosemary-scented candle while you work. Research has shown the aromatic scent can improve speed and accuracy in those performing specific tasks. This small-batch candle, which combines rosemary's invigorating scent with sharp, clean pine, feels just right for cozying up for the cooler season.
A summer full of saltwater, chlorine, and sunshine can take its toll on your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and dull. If you don't have time for a trim, this lightweight, fast-absorbing silky serum delivers a much-needed dose of moisture and helps repair frayed strands so hair looks healthier, smoother, and shinier. What split ends?
Brisk fall mornings call for layers you can shed as you work up a sweat during a walk or jog. The high-performance, moisture-wicking zip-up has openings on both arms for your watch or fitness tracker and two hidden side pockets so you can keep your hands free. The style, which comes in eight colors, has a chic cowl hood design to keep you prepared for wind or rain.
Whether you're getting back into the groove of a regular fitness regimen after a summer hiatus or are taking the change of seasons as a sign to revamp your home gym, a foam roller is an essential tool. Key for recovery, a roller can help prevent injury, reduce soreness and inflammation, improve mobility, and even optimize future performance. This one features a durable, textured design that helps you target tight muscles and knots, and withstands repeated use without losing its shape.