/ Wellness Watch, Fall 2014

by Neera Chaudhary

Wellness Watch, Fall 2014

Oct 07, 2014

Power Nap to Power Up

Our always-on lifestyles are cutting deeper and deeper into our sleep. Well, a nap might be just what you need to counter that loss. Sleep scientists are finding evidence that naps are the solution to our sleep deprivation. While getting enough zzzs at night is the goal, power naps can provide just enough of an energy boost not only to help you power through but actually increase your alertness. Some studies have shown that naps can raise productivity during the day by 34 per cent and another found that you can reap the benefits of better cognitive function from only 8.4 minutes of sleep during the day.

The Ostrich Pillow is the perfect way to get into the napping revolution. Driven by Kickstarter and handmade in Spain, it’s a mix of pillow, bed and garment that fits comfortably over your head isolating both your head and hands for the perfect power nap. Filled with smart micro balls to adjust to your needs, it is a microenvironment where you can catch some stylish zzzs to recharge anytime and anywhere. (Ostrich Pillow, $99 CDN)

Fit to Go

Keys, cell phone, gym membership card, energy bar, some cash — without an evening clutch to shove it all in, a trip to the gym can feel like a fumble-fest.

Try stashing your goods in your sports bra with The North Face Stow-N-Go II Bra. It’s double-layer chest pocket is ideal for stowing your bring-alongs even for long fitness routines. The pocket provides easy on-the-go access for ladies with an A/B cup fit. (North Face Stow-N-Go II Bra, $42 CDN)

The Triple C Designs iPhone Strap Case has flexible straps to hold your essentials securely while you workout. The removable hand strap and stretch resistant case allows you to stash cash, cards, keys and earbuds. (Triple C Designs iPhone Strap Case, $34 CDN)

Fitness Arm Candy

Fitness bands are the latest must-have fitness gadget. These activity trackers strap onto your wrists to become mobile fitness computers. They help you keep tabs on how many calories you burn, how many steps you take in a day and even the number of quality hours of sleep you get each night.

The only activity tracking wristband on the market to sync wirelessly on-the-go via bluetooth to select iOS and Android devices, FitBit Flex tracks your steps, distance and calories burned. Just check out its LED lights to see how your day is stacking up against your goal. At night, Flex measures your sleep cycle and it has a silent alarm to wake you in the morning without waking your partner.

The Flex syncs activity and sleep data automatically anywhere, anytime and you can help track your progress by logging food and workouts. Powered by your stats, set fitness goals and stay motivated by earning badges or connecting with friends for support or friendly competitions. (FitBit Flex, $99.99 CDN)

BY NEERA CHAUDHARY
PUBLISHED IN THE FASHION & STYLE ISSUE, FALL 2014

Neera Chaudhary

Author

Neera Chaudhary is always on the lookout for the veritable wellness ingredients to feed your mind, body and soul because she knows beauty starts from the inside out. Neera helps to make sense of the science behind the plethora of prescriptions out there by sharing the essential elements for a heal...