In case you're new: Thankful Thursdays is a series in which, every Thursday, I write about one thing I'm thankful for. Whether it's something as grand as the time we live in, or as specific about the way , nothing is off limits. Check out my intro post for more on why I'm doing this, and how it might help you too.
While I genuinely believe in and would love to explore the benefits of gratitude, I also see this series as a chance for me to have a bit of fun. I love shining light on the unconventional, and introducing people to wacky shit that can surprisingly improve your life, even if in small ways.
As teased last week, I’m talking, of course, about these bad boys:
Judging by some quick Googling, they seem to go by a variety of names, like “lazy glasses” or “relaxing glasses”. I’m not even sure whether they have a standardised, common name, as it’s not exactly a common household product. But let me tell you, friends, that I couldn’t imagine life without them.
There are two main reasons for this:
- Sleep
Falling asleep used to be a real struggle. As a teen, I’d lie in bed, barely tired, kept awake by thoughts of embarassing shit I pulled that day or exciting stuff coming up on the weekend. It probably didn’t help that I’d often have an afternoon giant can of energy drink. But even on non-caffeinated days, it took me ages to fall asleep.
Until, that is, 14th August, 2012, when my Amazon package arrived. I didn’t even have sleep in mind when I bought these. I was swayed more by the idea of being comfortable; being able to lie flat in my back and still watch Breaking Bad or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And I love them for that too. No more neck strain or propping myself up in weird positions as I watch my favourite shows and movies – just lie back, as if staring at the ceiling, and relax.
But as I did just that, I soon came to learn the even more important beauty of these things: they help me sleep. It’s crazy just how big the difference is between propping my head up on some pillows and wearing these. Propped up, I’ll eventually get tired, but with these, I feel like I just get knocked out. Most nights, I could be watching the most gripping movie, and within 10-45 minutes, I’ll be unable to keep my eyes open.
The best part is that, with my laptop on my legs, I don’t have to get up to turn off a TV and “lose my tired”. I shut down, put my glasses to the side, and start to drift off. The lights are already out, and I’m watching on the lowest brightness. Routine is an important part of falling asleep, and these babies have become a vital part of my bedtime routine. Of course, the act of shutting down and putting my glasses aside requires some focus, but not so much that it stops my “sleep momentum”. Most nights, I’ll then be asleep within 5-20 minutes. Sometimes, there’s a danger I fall asleep with the glasses long enough to be considered a late nap, affecting my night sleep. But I’ve gotten better at catching myself get tired and switching off before my brain does.
Over the years, I added various other things to my sleep repertoire: no more energy drinks and less caffeine overall, reading close to bedtime, and blue light filters on all my devices, and many more, each of which we’ll explore in due time. They each help me sleep, but my point isn’t that the glasses do all the work, just that they contribute. Whenever I’m somewhere without them, I struggle falling asleep that little bit more. I can’t imagine my life without them.
2. Conversation starter
This one’s really just a bonus, a novelty, and yet, it’s resulted in some very happy memories. First, these are among my first choice for any time there’s some variation of show and tell. We had one at work just the other day, I whipped these out, and was easily the star of the show.
The best moments, however, are the least expected. I admittedly love showing off my wacky shit. But nothing beats those moments when I have friends over, and one of them looks through my things in the background, and I suddenly here “Dude, what the fuck are these?!”
I love explaining, with a straight face, what they are and how they help me, while everyone else loses it when I try them on. I’ve inspired the odd mate to get their own pair this way. One time, tripping balls, we took turns wearing them while walking to the local shop for some sweets. It felt like some reality-based video game, where you see your lap and your sense of balance and orientation is all fucked up. I crack up just thinking about it every now and then. It’s a source of joy, until the day I forget. Good times were had. All for the low, low price of 20€.
Where can I get them?
If I’ve inspired you as much as I did my friends, I’m afraid I don’t have a straightforward answer. I bought mine on Amazon back in Germany nearly 10 years ago. While the product page still exists, it says it’s unavailable, and seems to have been for a while. I know my friend got a different model, but found the field of view to be narrow compared to mine.
If you don’t mind a different pair, a quick Amazon search found several with great ratings. I’m sure you could find good ones that are dirt cheap. If you take the plunge, let me know, as mine are falling apart and I’d love a good new pair.
Coming up next Thankful Thursday: My SPFX “Elder” mask. You’ll find out what that mean next time – I could post a picture now, but it might give you nightmares. Google at your own risk.
This week, dear reader, I ask of thee: what wacky, unconventional things are you grateful for?