Nota bene: All products in this article are independently selected and vetted by InsideHook editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Much of the country knows this winter has been brutal so far. Here in New York, we’ve had the worst snowstorm the city has seen in 10 years. And with freezing temps and early sunsets comes big time seasonal affective disorder. This is the first winter in which I’ve desperately sought out tools and practices to help combat SAD, and worn proper layers, and generally tried to make the seemingly endless season less miserable overall.
The Best Gifts for the Wellness Guru From HigherDOSE
Give the gift of a spa from the comfort of your own homeIn my quest to find products that may create contentment during these cold (read: frigid) months, I came across HigherDoses’s Infrared PEMF Therapy Mats. What’s PEMF therapy, you ask? Great question. PEMF therapy uses pulses of electromagnetic waves to stimulate cellular rejuvenation. While it aids circulation, reduces inflammation and provides pain relief, it’s also proven to be a significant mood booster and even a form of treatment for medication-resistant depression. I tried both the Infrared PEMF Pro and Go mats from HigherDose.
Specs
Sizes: Pro (43 pounds), Go (11 pounds)
PEMF Levels: Level 1 (deep sleep), Level 2 (calm and center), Level 3 (meditation and creativity), Level 4 (focus and problem solving). Each level mimics healing frequencies found in nature.
Go vs. Pro
So, what on earth does it feel like to lie on a PEMF therapy mat? The answer is basically nothing. You simply turn the Infrared Heat on to your preference (I’ve never gone past Level 2, as it gets warm quickly), set your PEMF setting (each session lasts 20 minutes), and you’re good to go. It’s not the most comfortable mat to sit against, so HigherDose mentions that you can place a towel between you and the mat (I am eyeing this Shearling Cover they offer to feel most luxurious). I’ve personally found it comfortable enough once the Infrared is on to not feel like I need a layer between.
The PEMF Go Mat is like it’s own workhorse—small enough to strap to your desk chair, mine has a permanent spot there. While working, I typically stay on PEMF Level 3 or 4, which helps me stay locked in. I also enjoy Level 2 on days in which the weather is so heinous I can’t make it outside.
The PEMF Pro Mat is the end-all-be-all of mood PEMF mood boosters due its exclusive additional feature—negative ions! The HigherDose website defines negative ions as “like nature’s mood enhancers—tiny, charged particles often found in places we feel most alive, like waterfalls, forests, and oceans. They help neutralize harmful, positively charged ions emitted by electronics and urban environments, working to naturally detoxify the body and promote relaxation.” While I use the Pro Mat less frequently—having it set up for yoga, meditation or naps—I find that this is the mat that really helps my winter blues most. When using, I go for Levels 1 and 2 with negative ions.
What Works
The Infrared Is a Divine Combination
The Infrared heat really is the cherry on top of the work the PEMF Therapy Mat is already doing. Whether you’re working, taking a nap, doing yoga or meditating, the Infrared adds a layer of additional healing and muscle relief. Speaking of layering…
They Can be Layered with Red Light
You can easily down on the PEMF Mat and underneath a Red Light Mat. The addition of red light speeds up recovery time on achy joints or sore muscles, boosts collagen and generally feels transcendent.
What Needs Work
It’s Quite Heavy
The HigherDose PEMF mats are chock full of layers of crystal, charcoal and clay, which detox and ground the body. This means they are doing the work they say they are, and it means they have a bit of weight to them. I don’t move mine around too much—The PEMF Pro Mat has a set up in my bedroom, and the Go Mat stays at my desk.
Final Thoughts
The HigherDose PEMF Mats, particularly the Pro Mat with the benefit of negative ions, have made a huge difference in my day-to-day outlook. Being in the depths of this winter, and consequently in the depths of Seasonal Affective Disorder, makes that mood boost feel quite drastic in the best sense.
Shop the HigherDose PEMF Pro & Go Mat:
Why We Love It: Perfect for meditations, yoga sessions, naps or evoking deep sleep, this mat also utilizes negative ions to enhance mood.
Why We Love It: Small enough to fit on your desk chair, and safe enough to use all day, this mat easily layers into and elevates your daily routine and productivity.
Why You Should Trust Us
InsideHook is committed to the highest standard of independent, unbiased and trustworthy product journalism. With a team of field experts and industry veterans who routinely research and test new products, we offer in-depth and cutting-edge coverage, with the specific intention of delivering accurate, relevant and honest reviews of products we endorse and often personally use. We may earn a small affiliate commission when you purchase products through our links, but items featured are always independently selected.
Meet your guide
More Like This
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
