Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest impacts. Swapping out your desk chair with a more comfortable option or even soaking in the tub after a long day can make a world of difference when it comes to how your body feels. But if you aren’t sure what changes to make, don’t worry: I’ve identified a variety of mistakes that can make your body feel like it’s aging too quickly, along with their corresponding solutions.
From soothing acupressure mats to ergonomic computer mice, this list is filled with remedies for nearly any kind of ache or pain that could leave you feeling 10 years older than you actually are. Keep scrolling for more.
Mistake: Sleeping in odd positions at night
Fix: This knee pillow that helps keep your spine properly aligned
Cushy Form Knee Pillow
Pop this knee pillow between your legs at night, and it can help keep your spine properly aligned so that you wake up with fewer aches and pains. It’s filled with soft memory foam, allowing it to contour to the shape of your body for extra comfort — and the removable cover can even be tossed in the washer for easy cleaning.
Mistake: Always forgetting to floss your teeth
Fix: This water flosser that makes it easier than ever
Aquasonic Aqua Flosser
Flossing is incredibly important, which is why I’m a huge fan of this water flosser. It’s easier to use than regular floss, as the angled jet tip helps you reach into the awkward spots in the back of your mouth. And with three cleaning modes to choose from, even people with sensitive gums shouldn’t have any trouble using it.
Mistake: Avoiding pricey acupressure appointments
Fix: Lying down on this acupressure mat
ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat
Don’t have time for a professional acupuncture appointment? Not a problem — try lying down on this acupressure mat instead. Thousands of raised points dig deep into sore muscles, helping alleviate soreness without any needles required. It can also help stimulate blood flow. And when used prior to bedtime, it may even help you relax.
Mistake: Not giving your back enough support when seated
Fix: Placing this helpful pillow between your back & the chair
Xtreme Comforts Lumbar Back Support Pillow for Office Chair Cushion, House Chair Cushions, & Car Truck Seat - Memory Foam Office Chair Back Support w/ Adjustable Strap - Help Improve Sitting Posture
Sometimes all a sore back needs is a little extra support, which you can easily give yourself with this pillow. It’s ergonomically designed to support your lumbar — and the adjustable strap on the back also helps ensure that it doesn’t shift out of place when in use.
Mistake: Wearing thin socks that lack any support
Fix: These compression socks that help stimulate blood flow
Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks
Stretchy, supportive, and breathable — these compression socks hit all the right notes. Not only do they provide extra arch support, but they can also help alleviate pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis. Plus, the moisture-wicking fabric helps keep your feet dry if you start to sweat.
Mistake: Craning your neck to sleep in uncomfortable positions
Fix: A pillow made specifically for side sleepers
CushionCare L Shaped Pillow Side Sleeper Pillow
Why not grab this pillow that’s specifically made for side sleepers? The L-shape is designed to contour along the natural curve of your neck and shoulders, keeping you comfortable all night long. Plus, the memory foam filling contours to the shape of your body for added comfort.
Mistake: Ignoring your haircare when you’re sleeping
Fix: These satin pillowcases for an overnight & gentle haircare step
Love's cabin Silk Satin Pillowcase
Skipping these satin pillowcases with your bedding is sort of like skipping a haircare and skincare routine because it prevents dry skin and hair breakage. The machine-washable fabric has a secure closure and won’t wrinkle, so they’ll feel super smooth and gentle on your skin and hair all night.
Mistake: Letting poor posture strain your back
Fix: A posture corrector you can wear underneath clothes
Modetro Posture Corrector
Wear this posture corrector underneath your clothes, and it can help keep your spine properly aligned as you go about your day. It works particularly well if you’re trying to slouch less — and the breathable material is unlikely to leave you sweating. One reviewer even wrote, “I used it while doing yard work. And I do not have the usual neck, upper back pain.”
Mistake: Standing on hard floors for long periods of time
Fix: This anti-fatigue mat that helps cushion your joints
Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat
Standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time can put stress on your legs, making this anti-fatigue mat a smart buy. Its nonslip surface helps keep you stable — and unlike some mats, this one is designed so that the edges won’t start to curl up over time. Choose from more than 10 colors, as well as four sizes.
Mistake: Not drinking enough water
Fix: This giant bottle that reminds you to stay hydrated
AQUAFIT Motivational Water Bottle
If you’re having trouble remembering to drink water throughout the day, consider grabbing this giant bottle. Time markings on the outside remind you to take a sip every two hours, while two leakproof lids help keep you safe from spills. Choose from more than 10 colors, including a gorgeous shade of dark blue.
Mistake: Hunching over when typing on your computer
Fix: A laptop stand that raises your keyboard up
Adjustable Laptop Stand with 360 Rotating Base, OMOTON Ergonomic Laptop Riser for Collaborative Work, Dual Rotary Shaft Fully Foldable for Easy Storage, Fits MacBook / All Laptops up to 16 inches
Instead of hunching over your laptop when working, why not alleviate some stress off your back with this stand? It’s designed to fit laptops from 11 to 16 inches and only takes a few short minutes to put together. Plus, the aluminum frame is incredibly sturdy.
Mistake: Carrying an uncomfortable duffle or laptop bag
Fix: This seriously padded backpack with a USB port
Laptop Backpack for Women Travel Backpack BAGSMART 15.6 Inch Computer Back Pack with USB Charging Port School Bookbag for College Work Business, Black
Swap out every one-shoulder duffle, laptop bag, and or even those uncomfortable crossbody bags with this quilted backpack because it has seriously padded straps to balance out the weight on both of your shoulders. It’s also topped off with a bunch of tidy pockets, a laptop sleeve, a suitcase strap, and even a USB port on the outside.
- Available colors: 7
Mistake: Forgetting to take care of your wrists at work
Fix: This desk set with plenty of wrist-supporting memory foam
Premium Wrist Rests for Keyboard and Mouse Pad Set - Memory Foam Cushion, Black - Ergonomic Wrists Hand Arm Rest Support for Laptop Computer Desk and Gaming - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief
This memory foam set is such an easy way to help out your wrists at work, so they won’t hurt hours after you log off for the day. This non-slip set gives you a bunch of cushioning in front of your keyboard and, of course, when you’re using your mouse.
Mistake: Forgetting to regularly moisturize your skin
Fix: This hydrating cream with a unique ingredient
SeoulCeuticals 97.5% Snail Mucin Repair Cream
This skin cream features a high concentration of snail mucin filtrate paired with other ingredients like shea butter, organic aloe, and vitamin E — it’ll leave your skin feeling moisturized and help it appear brighter overall. It’s non-comedogenic as well to not clog your pores.
Mistake: Not getting enough sleep at night
Fix: This silky sleep mask to block out light
Beckham Hotel Collection Silk Sleep Mask - Pack of 2, 100% Mulberry Silk Sleeping Mask for Women and Men with Adjustable Strap - Blackout Eye Mask for Sleeping & Travel - Grey
If you’ve been having trouble sleeping at night, this sleep mask will block out light, allowing you to drift off much more easily. It’s made from 100% mulberry silk, and the adjustable strap allows you to achieve a comfortable fit.
Mistake: Not treating itchy, irritated skin
Fix: This body wash that’s designed to soothe & moisturize the skin
Remedy Soap Tea Tree Body Wash (2-Pack)
You don’t have to live with itchy, irritated skin — this body wash contains ingredients like tea tree, peppermint, and various vitamins to soothe irritation, eliminate odors, and lock in hydration. It can be used anywhere on the body, including your feet or face as needed. The two 12-ounce bottles will last you a long time.
Mistake: Letting stress affect your mood
Fix: A diffuser that can fill your room with soothing aromas
InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser
Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to this diffuser, and it’ll send calming puffs of mist floating throughout the air to help ease your mind on stressful days. The best part? Its water reservoir is large enough to keep it running for up to eight hours, and you even have the choice of eight different LED colors when setting the mood.
Mistake: Not soothing your sore muscles
Fix: Using this massager to help ease pain
Cryotex Handheld Massage Gun
Not only is this massager perfect for extra-sore days, but the intensity is also adjustable up to 30 levels. Each order includes six interchangeable massage heads, making it great for use all over your body — and the rechargeable battery lasts for up to six hours before needing to be plugged in again.
Mistake: Putting too much stress on your knees
Fix: These heating pads that can help soothe pain
REVIX Microwave Heating Pad
Whether your knees or elbows are feeling sore, these heating pads might be able to help. Two elastic straps on the inside help keep them from shifting out of place — even if you bend your joints. Plus, the ultra-cozy Dutch fleece fabric feels incredibly soft against the skin.
Mistake: Simply using lotion to tackle dry & callused heels
Fix: These little moisturizing half-socks to take care of painful heels
NatraCure Moisturizing Heel Sleeves
These little half-socks are the comfiest way to take care of dry and painful heels. The stretchy cotton fabric has moisturizing gel built-in with vitamin E, aloe vera, and therapeutic oil to help out calluses. Wear them a few times a week, and the mesh on top will keep you cool while you moisturize your heels.
Mistake: Using massagers that aren’t effective on your body
Fix: This muscle roller that’s shockingly versatile
URBNFit Muscle Roller
Everybody has individual tastes when it comes to how they prefer their massage, which means this muscle roller is definitely worth a look. It’s made from a combination of tough polypropylene and steel, allowing you to put a ton of pressure on it without having to worry about any permanent warping. The best part? Each order includes a massage guide to help you get the most out of it.
Mistake: Ignoring your shoulders when they ache
Fix: A neck massager with a soothing heat function
Deep Kneading Neck Massager with Heat
A sore neck and shoulders are no match for this massager, as its soothing heat function works to melt away all sorts of aches and pains. Eight deep-kneading nodes reach deep into sore muscles, and the intensity is adjustable up to three levels. And at less than 4 pounds, it’s portable enough for you to use at the office.
Mistake: Uncomfortably bending over for chores unnecessarily
Fix: This extra-long scooper set to easily clean up your yard
Pawler Pooper Scooper
Scoop up pet waste, fallen leaves, garden debris, or whatever else ended up in your yard with this scooper set; the tools each feature a 36-inch long handle so you don’t need to bend over uncomfortably to use them. The large tray can hold a lot at once (meaning you’ll need to make fewer trips to the trash). And the rake is ideal for uneven surfaces, while the spade is best for the flat ground.
Mistake: Not wearing supportive shoes
Fix: These comfortable shoe inserts that’ll mold to the shape of your feet
PEDAG Plantar Fasciitis | German Made | Arch Support Orthotic Insoles Inserts for Men and Women | Heat Moldable Shoe Inserts | Medium and High Arch | Foot Pain Relief | Anti Odor | Women US 9 / EU 39
With their thin, low-profile design, these orthotic inserts can fit into nearly any pair of shoes, making them much more supportive for comfortable wear. The inserts mold to the shape of your feet — and the arches can even be tweaked using a hairdryer. Easily trim the inserts to ensure they fit, though there are more than 10 size options in the listing to get you started.
Mistake: Sitting at a desk chair that promotes poor posture
Fix: Swapping it out with this exercise ball instead
URBNFit Exercise Ball
If your back quickly starts to ache when sitting at your desk, consider swapping out your chair with this yoga ball. It forces you to engage your muscles in order to sit up straight, leaving you with better posture while simultaneously giving you a light ab workout. It has a weight limit of up to 600 pounds.
Mistake: Not making time to remove your makeup with a clean cloth
Fix: This makeup-removing set to have clean removers handy
Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads (20-Pack)
With this bulk makeup remover set, you won’t have to reuse a mascara-stained washcloth that you’ve definitely used one too many times because they’re easy to throw in the wash. These cotton and bamboo pads are also small enough for light makeup days and reinforced enough for a serious eyeliner look.
Mistake: Accidentally damaging your hair with elastic hair ties
Fix: A 3-pack of silk scrunchies that are gentler on your strands
Celestial Silk Mulberry Silk Scrunchies for Hair (3-Pack)
Made from 100% silk, these hair scrunchies are much gentler on your locks to help prevent frizz, breakage, and hair loss — plus, they won’t crease your hair. There are three sizes to pick from in the listing depending on your hair length and thickness, as well as various colors based on your personal style.
Mistake: Sitting on top of your feet when you get antsy at work
Fix: Elevating your feet on top of this foot rest instead
5 STARS UNITED Under Desk Foot Rest
This rest is designed with a curved top that lets you situate your feet at whatever angle is the most comfortable — and you can even adjust the height from 4 to 6 inches. Choose from four colors: black, dark blue, dark gray, or a medium gray knit.
Mistake: Straining your eyes to read in the dark
Fix: A book light that runs for hours & hours
Vekkia Rechargeable Book Light
Don’t strain your eyes trying to read in the dark — instead, use this book light to make your life a little easier. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to 70 hours, and the brightness is adjustable up to three levels. You can also switch between three different light temperatures: cool white, warm white, or warm yellow.
Mistake: Letting hammertoes or other toe issues worsen
Fix: These gel separators that can help to straighten out your toes
Toe Separators Hammer Toe Straightener - 4-Pack Big Toe Spacers Clear - Gel Spreader - Correct Crooked Toes - Bunion Corrector and Bunion Relief - Pads for Overlapping, Hallux Valgus, Yoga - Clear
If you deal with hammertoes, crooked/bent toes, or other similar foot issues, you may benefit from wearing these toe separators. They’re made from a cushiony gel material, and they’re specifically designed to align your toes while minimizing rubbing and friction. The set comes with four of them for less than $15, so it’s a low-cost option.
Mistake: Not making your shower as relaxing as possible
Fix: These steamer pucks that release soothing essential oils
Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers (6-Pack)
Place one of these steamer pucks over the drain in your shower, and it’ll release soothing essential oils as it dissolves, similar to how a bath fizzy would work. Their colors shouldn’t stain your tub, nor will they leave behind any residues once completely dissolved. Each order includes six scents.
Mistake: Pretending your work chair isn’t uncomfortable
Fix: A seat cushion that contours to the shape of your body
Xtreme Comforts Desk Chair Cushion
If your office chair is too flat for comfort, this seat cushion is a total game-changer. It’s filled with soft memory foam that contours to the shape of your body, helping encourage proper posture so that your back doesn’t start to ache. Plus, the nonslip bottoms work to keep it from shifting out of place.
Mistake: Starting your hair with a super harsh brush every day
Fix: This uniquely-shaped brush to painlessly take care of your hair
Crave Naturals Detangling Hair Brush
Stock your haircare drawer with only this detangling brush, and you won’t be tempted to use a way-too-harsh brush in the morning. The unique and ergonomic detangling shape is topped off with painless plastic bristles that can even increase hair circulation. Plus, this fun little brush has the best shape and size to pack with your travel toiletries.
Mistake: Saving your moisturizer instead of reaching for it every day
Fix: A bulk hyaluronic moisturizing cream that’s easy to scoop
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
There’s no need to be stingy with moisturizing with this fragrance-free moisturizing cream (even though it has hyaluronic acid in it) because it comes in a bulk bottle. The creamy formula with three essential ceramides even comes in tub-shaped packaging, so you can quickly scoop out a ton of this protective lotion after each shower or before bed.
Mistake: Ignoring aches in your neck or shoulders
Fix: This microwavable heating pad to minimize soreness
TheraPAQ Neck and Shoulders Heating Pad
Pop this heating pad in the microwave for a minute and a half (then for 30-second intervals beyond that until you achieve your desired temperature), then drape it over your neck and shoulders for soothing relief. It’s filled with unscented clay micro-beads that retain heat well for extended use. If you prefer a cold compress, this pick can be placed in the freezer as well.
