I’ve been using the Clarisonic Mia2 for a couple of months now and I’ve seen a definite improvement in the appearance of my pores and brightness of my skin. It does a really great job at removing my makeup and exfoliating. I can’t imagine living without it now. — CD
Last year I started using a Salux Japanese Nylon washcloth, and I won’t ever go back. No other product has made me feel this clean before. It exfoliates, but it’s not as rough as some gloves or loofahs I have tried, and I use the one labeled “super hard.” — CDfor
Blotting sheets are a savior when my face gets oily and I don’t want to ruin my makeup. Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets are cheap and portable. But if you find yourself in need and without, just use a sanitary toilet seat cover — they work just as good. — CD
I’ve installed inexpensive bidets in the toilets at my house, and I’m sorry I can’t bring them with me when I travel. But I have recently started carrying a DUDE Wipe packet in my pocket. The packet resembles a condom packet, but it contains a flushable single wipe. It’s unscented and is treated with vitamin E and aloe. — MF
The civilized way to floss is to use a long-handled floss bow so you don’t keep putting your fingers deep into your mouth. I’ve been using a Reach Access Flosser for many years, now rebranded as Listerine Ultraclean Reach. Rinse after use, and replace the cheap tiny bow as needed. — KK
GUM Soft-Picks do a better job than toothpicks or floss for cleaning food and plaque from between my teeth. The soft green brush pushes out all the gunk without hurting. I buy the version that comes with the travel cases. — MF
I love Brené Brown’s exercise of repeating “Pain, pain, pain, pain, pain,” to instantly release yourself of the fight or flight mentality. I first heard it in her Men, Women, and Worthiness talk (which I highly recommend), but the full embarrassing story behind it can be read here. — CD(
A good practice in empathy I like is copying someone’s body language to get a glimpse of what they’re feeling. Sometimes taking notice is enough, but if you mimic a person’s posture or positioning you might be able to understand them better. — CD
I often refer back to this Reddit LifeProTip that describes the three parts of an effective apology. (1) Acknowledge how your action affected the person; (2) Say you’re sorry; (3) Describe what you’re going to do to make it right or make sure it doesn’t happen again. Don’t excuse or explain. It’s amazing how easy this is to forget so I have it saved and pinned in my iCloud notes. — CD
Greatist has gathered an extensive list of websites, hotlines and apps to help find support when you are in need. All the resources are either free or cheap. This list was published in 2015, so it might be a little outdated, but I have yet to find a more recent, comprehensive list like this. — CD
Doing breathing exercises are easier for me if I can focus on something visually. Xhalr.com is perfect for that. It’s also helpful if you want to discover different types of yoga breathing. — CD
This infograph by Happify is a great reminder to check in with yourself and your current priorities. It lists 5 instant ways to boost happiness, and the one that always works for me is to send a quick note to someone thanking them for something they did. Always puts me in a better mood. — CD
I got the idea to make a worry list from this Forbes article on organizing your feelings. I keep a sticky note on my laptop and when something is bugging me I add it to the list and mentally shelve it until later. By the end of the day, most of it doesn’t matter and then I get to cross it out and that feels great. — CD
Pixel Thoughts is a simple website that just wants to help. Type whatever you’re stressed about into the star and watch it fade away into the universe, while relaxing music is played and you’re reminded that everything will be okay. Works better on desktop, but there is an app. — CDkeep
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