If Oprah Winfrey is the queen of living her best life, then we’re all just loyal subjects trying to figure out how to royally thrive. You’ve seen her , effortlessly glowing as she talks about kindness, self-reflection, and saving the planet, all while casually sipping tea in a garden straight out of a Pinterest board. But can regular folks like us, armed with student loans, endless TikTok scrolling, and a dangerous addiction to avocado toast, actually follow Oprah’s path to ethical living? Spoiler alert: Yes, but with a little tech-twist.
Let’s break it down, step by ethical step.
1. Start With Mindful Consumption
Oprah preaches about intentional living, and that starts with being mindful of what you consume, whether it’s food, fashion, or the next Amazon impulse buy. She’s all about buying quality over quantity and supporting brands that align with your values.
Tech to the Rescue: Download the Good On You app, which rates fashion brands based on their environmental and ethical practices. It’s like having Oprah’s inner conscience in your pocket, whispering, “Are you sure about that polyester jumpsuit?”
For groceries, apps like Too Good To Go help you rescue surplus food from local eateries at a discount. Saving the planet and your budget? Oprah-level move.
2. Practice Gratitude
Oprah has kept a gratitude journal for decades, and she swears by its ability to shift perspectives and improve mental well-being. Sure, your idea of journaling might currently involve venting on Instagram Stories, but let’s elevate it.
Tech to the Rescue: Use apps like Five Minute Journal to jot down daily gratitude entries. It’s quick, easy, and comes with prompts to keep your thankfulness game strong. Prefer the tactile experience of pen and paper? Go digital-ish with a Remarkable 2 Tablet, the sleek e-ink notebook that makes you feel like you’re living in Oprah’s world of intentional sophistication.
3. Embrace Sustainability
Oprah’s lifestyle embraces Mother Earth like a favorite cashmere throw. From owning a vegetable garden to investing in renewable energy, she’s big on making sustainable choices.
Tech to the Rescue: You might not have Oprah’s acres of farmland, but you can grow your own veggies with Click & Grow Smart Gardens. These countertop gardening systems are perfect for small spaces and beginner green thumbs. Plus, nothing says “I’m thriving” like Instagramming your homegrown basil.
For energy efficiency, try smart plugs and bulbs like Philips Hue or Kasa Smart to reduce power usage and set the mood for your nightly Oprah-inspired reflection sessions.
4. Give Back, Oprah Style
We all remember the iconic, “You get a car! You get a car!” moment. While most of us aren’t in the position to hand out sedans, we can still give back in meaningful ways.
Tech to the Rescue: Platforms like Kiva let you lend as little as $25 to support entrepreneurs worldwide. Or download Charity Miles, an app that donates to your chosen cause every time you walk, run, or bike. Essentially, you’re transforming your hot-girl-walks into altruistic Oprah moments.
5. Curate Your Space
Oprah’s homes are the epitome of calm, inspiring spaces. While the rest of us might be working with IKEA basics and hand-me-downs, a few tweaks can elevate our environments.
Tech to the Rescue: Consider a Dyson Air Purifier, which doesn’t just clean your air, it screams “I’m fancy and I care about my health.” And smart diffusers like Vitruvi Move let you fill your home with Oprah-level soothing scents, minus the multi-million-dollar price tag.
6. Feed Your Mind
Oprah’s book club is legendary for a reason: She’s all about learning, growing, and opening her mind to new perspectives. While you might not be able to sit down for a wine-fueled book chat with her, you can still channel her literary vibes.
Tech to the Rescue: Subscribe to Audible or Libby for access to thousands of books and audiobooks. Bonus: Libby is free if you have a library card. Who knew ethical living could also save you cash?
7. Stay Balanced with Wellness
Oprah’s wellness game is strong. She’s an advocate for meditation, exercise, and checking in with yourself regularly. If you’re rolling your eyes, thinking, “Yeah, right,” hear me out.
Tech to the Rescue: Meditation apps like Headspace or Calm make it easier to zen out for a few minutes a day. For fitness, wearable tech like the Oura Ring or Apple Watch helps you stay on track without obsessively counting calories. Remember, it’s about balance, not burnout.
The Final Word
While we may not have Oprah’s billions or her Midas touch, her path to ethical living is surprisingly relatable with the right mindset and a little tech-savviness. By making small, intentional choices, from supporting sustainable brands to practicing gratitude, you’re not just following in Oprah’s footsteps; you’re carving out your own ethical journey. And hey, if all else fails, just remember: Oprah loves bread, and so do we.
Now go forth, young grasshopper, and live your most Oprah-inspired life, one ethical app at a time.
