I was busy in March, not so much doing THINGS but shifting the way I’m approaching my mental health maintenance. There are a number of approaches below, from a regular dose of CBD, to a book that had me questioning much of what I knew about my anxiety disorder, to an app that teaches you HOW to meditate in a way that strengthens your mind like a muscle. All that is included in today’s roundup of things I loved in March, plus a little frivolity and beauty, because I never discount how much those things can do for our spirits too.
READ
The Anatomy of Anxiety by Ellen Vora, M.D.
$24
My ears perked up at Dr Vora’s explanation of her term “false anxiety.” It’s a polarizing way to define the physical and environmental factors that contribute to a likeness of anxiety, rather than a pure chemical imbalance. This is not an easy line to toe and I read her book with some hesitation.
Ultimately, what I loved about this book was how she was able to hold multiple truths of an experience with anxiety at the same time, while challenging the ways we’ve treated mental illness in Western medicine. It reflects her unique experience and training, both as a licensed psychiatrist and functional medicine expert. As I learn how to listen to my body more intently, I find I have a clear understanding of how my lifestyle contributes to swings in my mood, irritability, and physical symptoms. I am thankful for her work.
CALM
Equilibria Daily Gummies (gifted)
$58
I’ve been consistently taking these gummies daily for about a month and really like them so far. In the past, when I’d tried CBD, I’d only use it when I was feeling especially anxious. I’ve found the ritual of taking these every day has helped me even more.
CHOP
Material The reBoard Cutting Boards (gifted)
$35
I’ve been using Material products for a couple of years now. I just donated my old cutting boards to make room for an array of brightly colored Material cutting boards, which are made of recycled materials. They are thin enough to store in a shallow drawer and the assortment of colors makes it easy to color-code for different tasks—cutting aromatics, leafy greens, and meat—so food stays fresh and free of lingering odors.
BRIGHTEN
Lumify Eye Drops
$12+
My kids like to tell me that my eyeballs are cracking. Lumify gets rid of that lovely bit of feedback!! These eye drops are a game changer for us tired folks. And if you’re looking a bit tired, even if you’re lucky enough to be one of the few who are caught up on sleep, these drops sap the tired redness from your eyes in just a minute.
FLAVOR
Fante’s Garlic Slicer Grater
$8
Have you ever had a recipe tell you to thinly slice garlic and you think, BUT HOW?? This is how. I found this tiny mandoline-esque garlic slicer at a local hardware store and it works like a charm.
DECORATE
Lulu & Georgia x Sarah Sherman Samuel Checkerboard Rug (gifted)
$498+
Not only is the quality and design of this rug top-notch, but the ENTIRE collection is also stunning. We added it to our peach room and I love the way the checkerboard pattern in a beautiful ochre color ties the space together. WAY TO GO, SARAH!!!!!!
MEDITATE
FitMind App
$11.99 per month subscription (free to download)
This recommendation might not feel like a natural Wit & Delight fit, not because it has to do with mental health and wellness but because it’s a bit niche! I found it through an Instagram ad and made the purchase after reading reviews from neuroscientists and psychologists who praised its scientifically proven methods for practicing awareness, meditation, and mindfulness. If you’ve found apps like Calm or Headspace to be simplistic and crave more guidance and learning, FitMind is the app for you. I completed the 30-day meditation training program and can confidently say I have an entirely different understanding of how to use these techniques in my day-to-day life.
My biggest takeaway is that bringing the mind back to awareness IS meditation. And that means you can practice any time, anywhere, not just in a quiet moment when conditions are “perfect” for meditation.
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Kate is currently learning to play the Ukulele, much to the despair of her husband, kids, and dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
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