Infant

    13 Tips, Apps and Goodies to Add to Your Arsenal

    Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? That’s right, this is THE MONTH to raise awareness about and highlight the importance of mental health, though we think every month should center around our mental wellbeing — especially this year.

    Studies have shown that the mental strain of living through a pandemic is reeeeal, with reports of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression going through the roof.

    In addition to therapy, we need everyday tools to boost our moods and fight off anxiety. From journals to stress balls to elixirs, here are the things that help us recenter ourselves and find peace of mind, even in stressful situations. What is your go-to? Tell us in the comments below.

    Let That Sh*t Go Journal ~$9

    A sassy journal with writing prompts to help you let sh*t go and enjoy your life more fully (without all the BS). ~Marissa

    Blank Journal ~$16

    I always keep a blank journal on hand — usually in the drawer of my nightstand — so I can write and work through alllll my feelings and emotions whenever they become overwhelming. Journaling is my most helpful mental health tool; since I was a little girl I’ve always said that I don’t know what I truly think or feel until I write it down. ~Marissa

    Anima Mundi Happiness Tonic ~$25

    One drop a day keeps the anxiety away? I wish it were that simple… but these magical drops do help calm my nervous system and give me an overall peace of mind. ~Charlene

    Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown ~$18

    My therapist recommended this book to help me explore all the different emotions that may be arising when I feel anxious or am dealing with conflicts (which can bring on a lot of anxiety for me). It’s been quite eye-opening. ~Charlene

    Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab ~$16

    And my therapist recommended this book to me! Learn how to set healthy boundaries, say “no” to people and things that deplete you, and “yes” to yourself. This book was a game-changer for me. ~Marissa

    DownDog Yoga App ~$10/month or $60/year

    This yoga app allows you to practice yoga on your own terms — every class is fully customizable, and my favorite thing about it is that you can set up any kind of class for any length of time, because sometimes you just need a quick 10-15 minute reset. ~Brit

    Weighted Blanket ~$59

    If you’ve never tried one of these before, TRY ONE. They are so soothing and calming… ~Brit

    The Chopra App ~$69/year

    Deepak Chopra’s voice in and of itself is enough to calm my nerves, but this app is equally as helpful. It’s chock full of meditations (that you can personalize for whatever you need) and tips and tools to increase self-love and well-being. ~Marissa

    Oolong Tea ~$11

    I’m not a tea lover, but I love cozying up with a good book and a cup of Oolong tea. It has similar antioxidant health benefits as green tea, and some research has shown that it may help lower bad cholesterol and keep cardiovascular disease at bay. Who knows for certain?… but I’m happy to be a test subject! Sipping Oolong makes me feel warm and healthy! ~Marissa

    Stress Balls (or any fidget!)

    If you’re a tactile person, a fidget to mess around with can really calm your nerves. I like a good stress ball and my children’s PopIts! Hehe. ~Charlene

    5 Sense Mindfulness Exercise

    When I’m in therapy and I get overwhelmed about a thought or question, my therapist guides me through this exercise where I have to list 3 things I see, 3 things I hear, 3 things I feel, and so on. This helps me get back in the moment (as opposed to being stuck in my intrusive thoughts). ~Charlene

    Affirmation Cards ~$14

    Need a prompt to remind you what to focus on during a mentally challenging moment? These cards can be a good tool to recenter your mind onto the positive. ~Charlene