Hello friend,

I hope you are well. The Dropping Levels for Stress and Anxiety toolkit series will return tomorrow.

Today I wanted to let you know that I’ve updated the Resources page with a few new links:

Mental Health and Mesothelioma – I find the resources here helpful not just for cancer patients, but for anyone struggling with mental health. The tips on living with the diagnosis echoed tips I’ve heard and used for handling depression and anxiety. Acceptance of a diagnosis, preparing to battle your way out of the Chamber of the Ordeal, finding enjoyment in the little things, seeking support, and setting boundaries for communication – all great advice for whatever health or mental health battle you are facing.

Day One app – I’ve been using this app for a streak of 1,682 days as of April 9, 2024. I like this journaling app because it has a low annual fee ($34.99), allows me to have multiple journals (kind of like Microsoft OneNote, but better organized for journaling), and allows me to include a lot of media (I like to include photos and screenshots I took that day). I also really like the daily prompts and the occasional journaling challenges. I like the features of premium – unlimited journals; sync across multiple devices (so I can update on my phone or my computer); unlimited photos, videos, audio recordings, drawings, and more. The new “Shared Journal” feature has been great for tracking the weekly “What worked” discussion I have with my sister – it lets us both see the notes.

Migraine Buddy app – As my migraines have become more frequent over the years, this tool has been especially helpful in tracking my headaches – exhaustion, tension, and full-on migraine. I really like the included air pressure monitoring and the monthly and quarterly reports.

Weighted Blankets – We have three in my house. I find they don’t trigger my touch aversion when I’m overwhelmed, which allows me to have the comfort of pressure against me even when I can’t handle the touch of my sister or my dog. I find I sleep better when I use one and laying under the biggest one we own has helped me calm down from high anxiety spikes many times over the past few years.

Apollo Neuro – This is can be worn as a bracelet, as my sister prefers, or around the ankle, as I prefer. It’s an odd tool, in that it utilizes vibration in specific patterns to target focus, boost energy, assist with meditation, and even ease headaches and nausea. It’s definitely an investment, but I’ve used it for several years now and it has helped not only with lowering stress levels and overwhelm, but has also helped me recover more calmly in the midst of a high anxiety spike and even in the midst of a full-on panic attack. I recommend waiting for a sale or buying refurbished – save money when you can, right?

The above links are not sponsored, I’m just sharing what I’ve found useful. I hope you find them useful as well, though no worries if they don’t seem like a good fit for your journey.

TTFN!

Love,

Katie