In the interests of honesty, I feel that I should tell you that I have never been a fan of shopping or buying anything that I don’t absolutely need. I am a very, very serious minimalist when it comes to what takes up space inside my house.
Having said that, I stand by the suggestions I am about to make in this post and I use all the products listed below but before you buy any of them, really think about whether you need them or not. If you think you don’t, don’t buy it because chances are you’ll never use it and it’ll turn into so much unwanted clutter.
These products are really suggestive of a lifestyle conducive to a healthier mind and body. It’s not the product in itself but what it represents that you should focus on. The start of the winter and the ending year made me want to put together this list.
Winter depression isn’t exactly a very well-understood or openly discussed issue but it is one that causes much concern to people who are susceptible to anxiety and depression. Perhaps, it’s the ending year that sends us into a panic as we think about all the life-goals we haven’t cracked yet. Or, maybe it’s the weather in itself. If you’re stressing-out about your goals, I recommend you read my post on starting the new year with a lighter heart and stress-free mind.
If you are a regular reader of this blog or even an occasional one, you must know that reading is my panacea. So far as I am concerned, there is very little reading can’t resolve.
As a child, books were the only friends I had and as an adult, they kept all my mental demons at bay. The very idea of a life without books makes me want to cry, and I am not being dramatic!
Now, if you don’t want to fill up your house with a stack of books, I suggest you get yourself a Kindle and fill it up with books you’ll enjoy. Get a nice, eclectic collection of books so you can pick and choose based on your mood. You can see my book recommendations here.
If you would prefer Audiobooks, a lot of people seem to be enjoying their audible membership.
There is a 30-day free trial and then, it’s $14.95 per month. Also, there are other digital subscriptions you can get.
(I am in favour of this one!)
If you want the whole experience without hurting your budget, simply go to your local library, get a library card, and just issue the books you want! Treat the books with respect and return them on time and we won’t have any problems. This will allow you access to considerably more books. Incorporate 30-45 minutes of reading into your daily schedule for a month and I promise, you’ll see a (wonderful) difference in yourself.
It’s not difficult at all!
If you’ve been struggling with it, you’re doing it wrong. Meditation is simply supposed to help you find relaxation within your own body. It should help you calm your energy and focus all the disruptive thoughts.
Find a guided meditation and just follow the instructions, easy!
My favourite guided meditations- All of them are available for free on YouTube.
Now, there are no products essential for this but I suggest you get yourself a meditation pillow. You can also use a cushion, I just don’t like the idea of putting cushions on the floor.
After meditation, yoga is the next best thing if you want to kill all the destructive energy inside your body. Another benefit is all that flexibility and strength you’ll have in your body. It is excellent for your physical and mental health.
Now, I am going to recommend some products because they’re important. Also, if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably pick the sexiest yoga pose and when after falling on your face 20 times, you’ll give up the whole thing!
So, I want you to spend some money on this so that you actually commit.
Get a yoga mat, the right yoga-wear, yoga blocks, and a CD/DVD that can actually teach you yoga. Don’t go the YouTube route, that’s just very distracting. All of these products are easily available in simple department stores.
When I first heard about an adult colouring book helping with anxiety, I didn’t believe it at all!
Fortunately, I got it as a gift and it blew my mind! Who would’ve thought something as simple and uncomplicated as colouring can help you relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression or perhaps, it is the simplistic nature of the activity and the focus it requires that make it so exhilarating.
I recommend you try it! The colouring book I used isn’t available online, but I bet you can find a great selection in a stationer near your home.
Your own life causing you trouble, why not escape into someone else’s world!? I am talking about having a stack of movies and shows at the ready!
Related: Content to consume for a Happier Soul
I love action films but whenever life kicks my ass, I go to my trusty comedy list. Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, and the online forums have all made it so easy. Just build a list of movies and TV-shows so that the moment you find yourself down and out, all you have to do is press play. It will give you a distraction and allow you to catch a break.
Hopefully, you already have this in your kitchen but if you don’t, I suggest you go shopping.
Related: 5 Ridiculously Easy Diet Changes With Multiple Benefits!
I like to start my mornings with Turmeric water. It’s just turmeric mixed into hot water.
Turmeric is an excellent food if you want a healthy gut, better brain health, glowing skin, or heal old wounds. If you don’t believe me, google it or better yet, ask your mom.
If you don’t want to drink Turmeric water then, drink warm water with lemon and honey first thing in the morning. You can also have herbal tea first thing in the morning. On an empty stomach, all of these ingredients work better.
Just whatever you do, don’t start your day with coffee, please! I love coffee too but on an empty stomach, it’s just not good for you.
Just get it already!
I resisted the whole planner fad for a long, long time. I caved last month and got myself a cute little weekly planner, and I have to admit, it has simplified things a whole lot. It saves time because I simply have to follow one task with another and no time is wasted thinking about what to do next. On every Sunday, I plan out the whole next week.
It also takes a lot of anxiety away because when you can see just how much work you have, you don’t waste time sweating about the uncertain future.
Also, they really brighten up my desk. The one time I enjoyed shopping!
Do you know that feeling when you indulge in a heavy, painful workout and then sit in the sauna massaging a nice-smelling oil into your body? Then, comes the hot shower and when you’re scrubbed clean, there is that mild, lingering smell that keeps you relaxed for hours and, if you can time it right, you can go to bed and slip into a deep, rejuvenating sleep.
I would get a massage but I am a germaphobe so, it’s a little bit of a challenge for me. I can do it, I just avoid it as much as I can. I do enjoy body oils though! Massaging them into the body right before the shower can do wonders. It helps ease out the kinks and it does help me relax.
I don’t have a preferred brand, I just find ones that have the best review. Check out Amazon bestsellers here.
This one you’ll have to figure out on your own but I will promise you this, it will enhance your life. Bold statement, I know but you see, those of us getting a good night’s sleep are more productive and happier than the other sleep-deprived half-humans walking around cursing everything in sight.
Just, trust me on this! Figure out what you need, research the types of pillows out there, and pick the one that suits your needs. Thank me later.
These were my 10 recommendations, share yours in the comments below. Subscribe to the newsletter and get notified on our next giveaway with some of the products mentioned here!
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