Three Life Changing Technology Products

by The Violet Journal
Life Changing Technology

My posts may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy something through one of these links, I'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.

When you think of life changing technology, you may not think of the products I’ve included in this list. At least not when there have been so many great technological advancements over the past few decades.

But each of these three items changed the direction of my life, either by increasing my quality of life or by helping me develop as a person. They all bring such value to my life, and I can’t imagine what my life would look like without them.

 

Amazon Kindle

When I realised I should be reading more books, the first thing I did was invest in a Kindle. I have the latest version of the Amazon Kindle, although I’d love to one day upgrade to the Paperwhite or the Oasis.

Reading is great for you, and it’s enjoyable. So why was I only getting through a book every one or two months?

The answer was easy: convenience.

When you’re in the mood for consumption, it’s easier than ever to watch a TV series or movie. So reading has to be pretty damn convenient to be able to compete.

My Kindle isn’t much bigger than my phone and I take it with me wherever I go. I don’t have to worry about which book I’ll take with me – my entire library is saved to this tiny little device. If I find a new book I like the look of then I can buy it with a single click, and read it almost instantly. In fact, I’ve found some of my favourite books of all time in the daily deals section.

 

That’s cool. But why has my Kindle been so life changing?

“I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Since I bought my Kindle, I’ve been reading around a book a week – sometimes more. I’ve always been a distracted reader, so this is huge for me.

No single book has changed my life. But if you take into account the compound effect, reading has changed me for the better. Each book I finish slightly changes my perception on the world, and over time I’ve noticed a huge difference in my mood.

I’m smarter, more patient, and I see the world in a different way. All thanks to one purchase.

If you want to stay up to date with what I’m reading, check out this series where I review the books I read each month.

 

Noise Cancelling Headphones

I have a love-hate relationship with noise.

I love music, and I use it every day to relax, focus or unwind.

But there are times when it becomes too much. The sound of a ticking clock is enough to keep me up for hours, and external sounds can be enough to trigger a panic attack.

Sometimes I just need to block out all the noises around me. I knew I good pair of noise cancelling headphones would improve my quality of life, so I bought the Sony WH-1000XM3s, and they’ve been well worth the initial investment.

 

I can concentrate on my work without outside noises putting me off. I’m more comfortable in social situations that would otherwise freak me out – sitting alone in a coffee shop, for example.

I have far fewer panic attacks in public, and when I do they’re easier to deal with. Leaving the house, which was once an overwhelming task, is now something I do without thinking about: grab my headphones and go.

I spent a lot on these headphones, I won’t lie. But I’ve used them every single day for the past two years and they’re still in perfect quality. That’s around 40p a day for a life changing piece of technology – I spend more than that on coffee.

I’d recommend a good pair of noise cancelling headphones to anyone, particularly if you struggle with anxiety or sensory issues like me. If the Sonys are out of your price range then there are a huge amount of cheaper options on the market – I’ve even seen some for under £50.

 

Smart Light Bulb

If you’ve read my post on How To Cure Insomnia, you’ll know that installing warm coloured lights is my number one tip for getting a better night’s sleep. So I’m not exaggerating when I say this smart bulb I picked up for under £10 has changed my life.

Until around a year ago, my insomnia was ruining my life. I was up until around 9 or 10am every morning, and my mental health was at its worst.

I didn’t attend a single lecture in my second year of university. I missed house viewings and job interviews and I felt crippling guilt every time I let someone down. I was horribly lonely, since all my friends were asleep during the hours I was most active.

Fast forward to today, and insomnia is no longer a part of my life. Some nights it strikes and I’m up until the early hours, but it never lasts more than a day.

I’m healthier, happier, and I have more energy to do the things I love.

And while there were many factors that contributed to my recovery from insomnia, this super cheap light bulb that I bought because I wanted a cool colour changing light was one of the biggest.

Plus it’s remote control operated, so I can switch my lights off without even leaving my bed. A lazy girl’s dream.

 

Comment and Subscribe

This list is highly personal, so I’d love to know if there are any pieces of tech that have changed your life! Let me know in the comments – it would be interesting to see how everyone’s opinions differ.

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29 comments

Paige Eades June 19, 2020 - 8:44 am

I completely agree with the kindle idea – I bought one as I wasn’t reading enough due to not having any space to store the new books I was buying but now that issue is all sorted! Great post x

Paige // Paige Eades

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The Violet Journal June 19, 2020 - 8:51 am

It’s been a game changer! I always used to lose my books around the house while I was still reading them, but that’s no longer an issue 😂

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Naomi Rowan June 19, 2020 - 8:52 am

I love this. I’ve toyed with the idea of getting a kindle for ages, so I think it’s something I’ll do one day. I’d love some noise cancelling headphones, but it really is an investment, so again, one day! Thanks for your insight ☺

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The Violet Journal June 19, 2020 - 9:00 am

I get you! They’re both huge investments and I feel super lucky to have been able to afford them.

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The Queensights June 19, 2020 - 10:00 am

I like the smart light bulb! It’s the first time I heard of it. Thank you for sharing these 🙂

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Quin June 19, 2020 - 12:19 pm

Oh, yes the Kindle! I’ve been thinking about it for days already. I have a huge list of books that needs to be read already, and Kindle may be the answer for that.

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The Violet Journal June 19, 2020 - 12:33 pm

My Kindle just makes everything so easy! I find I can get through books much quicker on the Kindle than when I read physical copies.

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Katie (The Twenty Percent) June 19, 2020 - 12:28 pm

Great suggestions here. I’ve been considering getting a Kindle for a while so it’s good to here it so positively reviewed!

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Gabby June 19, 2020 - 2:51 pm

Wow, these are all incredible technology products. I’ve always wanted to buy myself a Kindle, but I’ve always been postponing.

The one product that really interested me from this list is the noise canceling headphones. They sound so perfect. I hate when I’m writing or working on my blog and I’m constantly being distracted by noises. I’m going to have to check it out and add it to my wish-list. Thanks for sharing!

Much love always,
GABBY | http://www.gabbyabigaill.com

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The Violet Journal June 19, 2020 - 3:08 pm

I put off getting a Kindle, too! I found it a strange concept when actual books exist, but now I never want to go back to physical books! And my noise cancelling headphones are such a huge help when trying to get work done.

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Allison June 19, 2020 - 4:16 pm

I’ve been having trouble sleeping bc of my anxiety but a smart bulb sounds like a great idea…will have to look into it!

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The Violet Journal June 19, 2020 - 4:22 pm

It works well for me. I set it to the warmest setting and turn the brightness right down – it’s so relaxing. Trouble sleeping is the worst – I hope it improves for you soon 😊

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Alice June 19, 2020 - 4:18 pm

I’ve been thinking about getting a kindle recently – the new sage paperwhite is calling my name

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The Violet Journal June 19, 2020 - 4:24 pm

The sage paperwhite is gorgeous 😩

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Roni June 19, 2020 - 4:24 pm

I’ve been debating whether or not to get a kindle for a while but after reading this, my mind is pretty much made up. Another convenient thing about a kindle for me is simply the fact that it’s backlit. Sometimes I want to read before bed to help me fall asleep but with a paper book I’d need to have my light on – which actually keeps me awake.

Roni♥
http://www.myelevatedexistence.com

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The Violet Journal June 19, 2020 - 4:30 pm

The backlight is such a game changer! Often when I’m frustrated and can’t sleep I’ll pick up my Kindle and start reading – it works wonders.

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Em and Jess June 19, 2020 - 6:12 pm

I totally agree with the noise-cancelling headphones, especially on planes!

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The Violet Journal June 19, 2020 - 6:28 pm

I’ve never had the chance to use my noise cancelling headphones on a plane! I hate planes, so I feel like when I next board one it’ll be magical.

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Chloë June 19, 2020 - 7:09 pm

I got to get my hands on all of these. I am just like you: I have plenty of books that I’ve never read, because they’re just to big to carry around and my phone is so much easier. When I go out, I get really anxious too from all the surrounding noises, so I already have my headphones in all of the time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t cancel all of the sound. Lately I’ve been struggling trying to get to sleep, so maybe the light might be helpful too. Thank you for this post!

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The Violet Journal June 19, 2020 - 7:49 pm

I used to walk to work with normal earbuds because I didn’t want my headphones to be stolen at work, and the difference was massive! You don’t realise how loud the world is until you completely block it out for a few months 😂

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mia June 20, 2020 - 12:01 pm

ooo this is a really interesting post! I used to have a kindle and was obsessed, but have just been using the app since travelling. Noise cancelling headphones are a great idea though!xx

mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com

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Anika June 20, 2020 - 1:35 pm

I have all three things and totally agree! My Kindle is basically my best friend, noise cancelling headphones are amazing – I don’t know how I lived without them, and I love having smart bulbs and light strips around the house. They can transform the mood! Great post 🙂

Anika | chaptersofmay.com

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Jaya June 21, 2020 - 9:27 pm

Noise blocking headphones come hand in hand with a Kindle, if you want to listen to audio books as you move about the day and get things done. I find that listening to an audio book (without the headphones) makes spring cleaning fly by!

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The Violet Journal June 21, 2020 - 10:04 pm

That’s true! I love audiobooks although I always forget I can listen to them on my Kindle.

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lifestyleseason June 22, 2020 - 11:32 am

Great post! I also have a kindle and it’s so useful! A technology product that has changed my life is my fitbit because it helps me become more active!

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The Violet Journal June 22, 2020 - 12:50 pm

Ooh I don’t have a fitbit but I’ve always been interested! Thanks for the suggestion 😊

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Aimsy June 22, 2020 - 7:38 pm

I am so with you on the kindle, buying one has definitely upped the number of books I read, and I read most nights before I go to sleep now. absolutely love that you can have loads of books and they are not taking up space in your home and weighing down your luggage when travelling.

Great post!

Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics

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Molly @ Transatlantic Notes June 22, 2020 - 11:21 pm

I’ve not used any of these but will definitely check them out — thanks for sharing!

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Brigit June 24, 2020 - 6:10 pm

I had never heard of a smart light bulb before! I will have to check this out! Thank you!!

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