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Have you been selfish lately? Probably not. The emerging wellness movement redefines the very definition of “selfish” with cognizant, continuous actions that encompass self-care and self-discovery. Its impact exceeds a few mere moments of cucumber-concealed bliss and a eucalyptus sheet mask Band-Aid solution. When unplugging is impossible and an “Eat, Pray, Love”-style sabbatical is simply out of the question, it’s imperative to create your own road map to recharge your internal battery, reignite your passions, and restore a strong sense of self in your everyday life. It’s time to enter your “Selfish Season.”
“Self-care is not selfish, in spite of the ‘Selfish Season’ label,” says psychologist and director of the Media Psychology Research Center, Dr. Pamela Rutledge. “Self-care means taking care of yourself so you can be healthy and well, care for others, and have the physical and mental energy to do all things you want to do.”
According to a September 2022 McKinsey report, about 50 percent of U.S. consumers say wellness is a top priority in their daily lives, with more than an estimated $450 billion spent on wellness products and services in 2022. That number is forecast to grow by 5 percent each year. Ingenious inventions and the latest technological innovations may be the key toward bettering your mind, body, and spirit.
There’s no playbook or hard set of rules to mastering your selfish season, but these “treat yourself” tools can be instrumental to improving your state of being, and consequently, create an efficacious impact on those around you — and what’s selfish about that.
Ahead, our editors share the top wellness gifts for yourself to get you in the spirit of Selfish Season.
The Selfish Season Shopping List
Yayoi Kusama: The Journal
Connect the dots and think outside the box. This unconventional journal by David Zwirner Books features the mind-bending artistry of Yayoi Kusama with 160 blank and dotted pages for boundary-breaking thought and deep reflection. No need to write inside the lines.
Courtesy of Amazon
Purple Restore Hybrid Mattress
One way to treat yourself on the daily? Opting for one of the best mattresses on the market that will enhance your sleep quality for more energy throughout the day and peaceful, ache-free slumber at night. Purple’s Restore Hybrid Mattress is as luxurious as it gets, with a patented GelFlex Grid and comfort foam that provides a plush, cushioned feeling where you want it and support where you need it.
Sprig Shower Infusion Starter Kit
A botanical oasis that requires no travel, the Sprig Shower Infusion Kit will allow you to cleanse your mind and body. This CES 2023 debut by Kohler infuses essential oils and skin care ingredients into your shower for a sensorial steam. Choose from the included refreshing, relaxing, and invigorating infusion pods, which are packaged in 94 percent post-consumer recycled materials.
Courtesy of Sprig
Hatch Restore 2 Smart Alarm Clock
Consider the latest version of the Hatch Restore for your Selfish Season, which is an essential for perfecting your everything sleep routine. The science-backed light and sound settings improve your circadian rhythm for the best rest and a boost of energy. The linen-lined device comes pre-programmed with calming soundscapes to help you unwind at night, too.
Courtesy of Hatch
Therabody Lounger
Reboot while you recline. Therabody’s Lounger is a state-of-the-art, zero-gravity chair that utilizes features to immerse you in a sound-bath-meets-massage full body treatment. The reclining chair places your feet above your heart for improved circulation and a relaxing zero gravity effect, too. Consider it your personal “Do Not Disturb” mode.
Courtesy of Therabody
Original Buddha Board
Skip the adult coloring book and unlock your creativity with the mess-free, endlessly reusable Original Buddha Board. Your brushstrokes will fade when the water evaporates — a way for you to practice the Buddhist art of letting go. It’s a creative outlet that doesn’t require clean up, palettes, or paint.
Courtesy of Amazon
Postcard Cabins Gift Card
Book a weekend vacation that will reboot your spirit and reconnect yourself with nature. Postcard Cabins has tiny abodes set in 25 gorgeous vistas across America. Each cabin is equipped with essentials you need to relax and unplug, plus access to a fire pit and nearby trails.
Courtesy of Getaway House
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The better-you bible. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones is a modern-day classic that will incentivize you to make small changes that have great impacts in your life. It’s been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 175 weeks straight.
Courtesy of Avery
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Meet the Authors
Adam Mansuroglu is the Director of Commerce for WWD and Footwear News, overseeing shopping content for both sites. The Brooklyn-native has written and edited countless fashion and beauty stories for publications such as Cosmopolitan Magazine, Men’s Health Magazine, Out Magazine and more for over 12 years. Mansuroglu has tested many of these Selfish Season products featured in this story, including previous versions of the Sleep Me Doc Pro System, HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket, and Hatch Restore.
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. For the Selfish Season shopping list, Sullivan interviewed experts, scoured retailers, and researched the latest wellness tech innovations.
