I enjoy the occasional Joe Rogan rant, because he can be very enlightening. Thankfully, this video on Happiness is short and straightforward, and surprisingly uplifting. Personally, I struggle with “[Happiness is] not having all your ducks in a row,” so this video is a good reminder. — CD
Sticking one bare foot outside of the covers definitely helps me when I wake up in the middle of the night and want to fall back asleep ASAP. Here is a video about it. — CD
There are a lot of mood tracking apps out there and most are free, but I have yet to find one as easy to use and well-designed as Moodnotes ($4.99, iPhone). You can customize to the app to check in with you as many times a day as you want, and your level of participation can be as little as adjusting a smiley face from frowning to grinning, to journaling and learning about common “thinking traps” and practices to avoid them. It also provides insights/stats about your moods over time. — CD
We bought this heated Shiatsu Massager more than a year ago, and it has definitely been put to good use. We keep it plugged in right next to the couch and use it every night. The arm handles allow you to adjust and place the massage nodes directly on hard to reach muscles. — CD
After each session of floating in a sensory deprivation tank I find myself walking out deeply relaxed, with zero tension in my body and a slightly-high feeling. Here’s a directory of float tanks near you. — CD
If you’ve ever had a panic attack or prone to anxiety, a weighted blanket can be helpful but pretty pricey. A free alternative if you’re ever in need is to take a shower with a towel wrapped around you. The towel will be made heavy by the water and the calming effect is that it feels like a warm hug. — CD
I find that walking a labyrinth is a much simpler way for me to meditate than sitting. I stand at the entrance and contemplate my issue or question, then after some deep breathing and when I feel ready, I enter. As I walk through the winding path toward the middle, I imagine myself shedding all fears and doubts, so that when I arrive at the center I physically feel lighter and open for clarity. — CD
I try to set aside time to meditate every day. The easiest and quickest way for me is to play positive affirmations the morning while I shower. My favorite is a gratitude meditation that helps me focus, remember what’s important and gets me excited for the day. The narrator’s accent makes it very soothing to listen to and the 9-minute length helps me keep my showers short. Here is a free version on YouTube. — CD
I’m a meditation-app junkie and have spent many dollars and downloads searching for the perfect one. I would recommend any app by Meditation Oasis. I use iSleep Easy (there is a free version) at night, which lets me create playlists of guided meditations and pair it up with either a background instrumental or nature sounds, with separate volume controls for each. My emergency go-to for quick and re-energizing naps is the 13-minute Deep Rest meditation, available on the Relax and Rest app. I usually start to doze off at around minute 10, but I come to feeling as if I had taken a super long nap, and without that awful groggy feeling. Individual apps range from $1.99-$5.99, but you can purchase bundles, which I suggest, because once you try one you’ll definitely want the others. — CD
A new habit I’ve picked up is to put my fork down between bites. Originally this was a weight-loss tip — and it has helped me eat less — but also it’s helped me relax while eating, and I enjoy my meals more. — CDduration
I used the Way of Life app (iOS, Android) to make a habit of making my bed. The simple app lets you set up a list of habits you want to make or break. Once a day you touch a red X or a green checkmark to record your success or failure. It took me about two years to get to the point where I don’t think about making my bed. I just do it. It’s free if you track three or fewer activities. The full version, with unlimited activities, is $5. — MF
I hacked up a death countdown clock to show me how many days I have left to live. I went to the actuarial tables for life expectancy to determine how old a typical person my age will live to, and then input that date into the Date Countdown website. It shows me that I have an estimated 6,300 days to live. Each day that small sum really focuses me. (BTW, your longevity increases over time because of science, so every few years you need to adjust your due date.) — KK
I feel great after I stretch my back with a foam roller like this one. It loosens me up right away and using it in the morning helps me be mindful of my posture all day long. — CD
Yoga Studio by Gaiam are like mini-yoga classes in your pocket. You can choose from 65 videos, varying in duration of 15-60 minutes. I’m still in beginner mode and the 15-minute videos go by so fast! The app is available on Android and iPhone. — CD
In 2012 I bought an $25 pull-up bar that hangs from a door frame. When I started, I wasn’t able to do a single pull-up. After a week I could do one pull-up. A couple of months later I was able to do over 10 pull-ups. I still can. — MF
I am a minimalist. What is the least amount of exercise I can do with max benefits? Answer: Just seven minutes of calisthenics. For the past several years I’ve been using a 7-minute workout app on my phone, which is also great for traveling. There are many versions to choose from, but my favorite app is free, no upsell: Johnson & Johnson’s Official 7-Minute Workout. — KK
The simplicity of Period Tracker (iOS, Android) makes it an ideal app for logging and tracking my menstrual cycle. I appreciate the minimalist monthly calendar view and ability to add journal entries to each day. — CD
I was recently in between health insurance providers and couldn’t get in to see the doctor before my birth control pills ran out. l signed-up for Nurx (took less than 10 minutes), and within 3 days, they sent me a 3-month supply in the mail — no charge. For those without insurance, options start at $15 per month. — CD
I struggle with sinus issues, and it’s easy to mistake a sinus infection for a cold. When over-the-counter meds aren’t working for me, I go back to using a nasal rinse. It instantly relieves pressure and makes me feel better. This is the one I use. — CD
I’ve been taking nettles leaf capsules for over 20 years to deal with my allergies to dust and pollen. My wife and daughter use it too. All of my dubious friends who try it also become true believers. I buy the 100-capsule bottles of Nature’s Way and take 4-6 every few hours during allergy season. — MF