Some of My Favorite Things
I don't know one woman who feels like there are enough hours in the day. No matter what the circumstances there is never ONE day when I get through all of the things on my to-do list. Therefore, when I find something that makes my life easier and helps fight depression and anxiety, it is a real lifesaver.
Below are some things that for me are MUST haves. Whether it is my favorite mediation app or an appliance that makes it easier to put a meal on the table, the following things have made a real difference in my life. I would call them my self-help, anxiety and depression supporters.
Mindful.org
Mindful.org is a public benefit corporation dedicated to sharing the gifts of mindfulness through content, training, courses, and directories.
I subscribe to Mindful magazine and I find it really helpful. It has insightful articles on mindfulness that I turn to quite often. I also subscribe to the Mindful newsletter and love the daily mindful minute email that I receive each day. It is a great reminder to help bring some mindfulness into my day.
The Mindful website has lots of content including guided meditations, articles, and videos on how to bring mindfulness to every area of your life. It is well worth a visit.
Vitamix
Did I really need to spend this much money on a blender?
The answer is YES! This is no ordinary blender. This is a supermachine. I had always wanted one and many years ago my husband told me to just go and buy it.
Let me tell you it really lives up to the hype. I use it to make fresh almond butter, smoothies, acai bowls, frozen cocktails, sorbet and even soup! Once you use a Vitamix you will never want to use another blender again. Even my 14 year-old daughter uses it to make recipes she finds on TikTok.
I saved money on mine by buying a certified reconditioned machine directly from the Vitamix website.
Click here to see more about a certified reconditioned Vitamix.
Pressure Cooker
If my electric pressure cooker broke I'd be out the door buying a new one immediately. (Actually I own two for this very reason.)
If you don't have one, get one as soon as possible. I swear cooking for your family will never be the same. I can whip up so many dishes in half the time it normally would take me using a stovetop; some in only seven minutes!
You can find electric pressure cookers in most major stores, including the big-box stores. You can also find many on Amazon. com. If you are cooking for four or more I would recommend one that is at least five or six quarts.
Click here to see the T-fal model that I currently own.
Insight Timer
My meditation practice got much easier and way more consistent when I started using this free meditation app. It gives you free access to thousands of guided meditations, music tracks and talks by well-known mindful teachers such as Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield and Thich Nhat Hanh. It also gives you a free customizable meditation timer.
MyYogaWorks.com
When I can't get to a live class, this site gives me access to over a thousand online yoga classes of all types and levels. Plus I can view them on my computer, tablet or phone. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I can jump on my mat anytime and anywhere.
The Mindful Way through Depression
Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness
I've rewritten this opening sentence about ten times because I don't know how to properly express how much this book (and the practice it lays out ) has impacted my life. For the very first time I understand why I have had so many recurring episodes of depression. I also can see why daily meditation has helped me. If you have ever experienced depression you will find this guide on achieving emotional balance indispensable. Written by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal and Jon Kabat-Zinn.