As a dedicated self-experimenter, I frequently have conversations with people regarding which health interventions have the best return on investment. This is an interesting question given that I have spent multiple thousands on emerging health tech over the past decade, with extremely variable success. On the positive side, I have found (often inexpensive) tools and tactics which have really levelled up my rest and recuperation.
As a working scientist, I try to ground my experiments in the available scientific literature and will provide references here for those who would care to read them. As a further filter, in this article, I will detail only those things which worked so well that they have become integrated into my daily routines.
I receive no income from the links below and provide them to save you googling!
The Oura ring – ($299-399; passive tracking of valuable data)
I was one of the initial adopters of the Oura ring, with many people at work commenting (some positively!) on what looked quite a lot like costume jewellery over the first year. I now have multiple years of data over a couple of models of the ring and feel very comfortable recommending it to friends and family.
I previously have owned multiple generations of the Apple watch and various fitbits, but was always frustrated that wearing them to bed was uncomfortable. As a scientist, I love the data that the Oura produces passively 24/7 to generate an overall picture of my wellbeing.
The Acupressure Mat – (~$20; rapid relaxation induction)
The Posture corrector ($27; relieves back pain and corrects desk hunchback)
The Relief and Relaxation CBD cream ($37; the only CBD product I found value in)
The Meditation App ($0 then ~$10 per month; Headspace was effective for me as a beginner)
Think Live Grow 