Resources

Resources To Help You Be Amazing

Navigating your wellness journey may come with a few twists and turns. That’s ok. But it can also be made a whole lot easier with a little education, guidance and the right tools. Maybe even an app! And let me tell you – help is a good thing! The resources listed below are all ones that I’ve found useful and personally recommend. They’ve helped me in my own wellness journey and I hope they can help you as well.

I update this list frequently with “the latest and greatest” resources I find, so I recommend bookmarking this page for your future reference and convenience. And if you have a resource or tool that you think I should add, I’d love to hear about it. 

Note: Some of the resources on this page are free and some are affiliate links for products that I wholeheartedly believe in, support and buy myself. If you decide to purchase any of these products through these links, I will earn a small commission and you will have my sincere thanks! I have personal experience with these products (which is why I recommend them), but please only purchase the products you feel would be useful to your own wellness journey. 

 

Books


These brilliant books have been instrumental in guiding my path to wellness. I’ve listed my “Top 8” here, but I have too many favorites! So I’ve linked to tons more below in The Downshiftology Store. Including the best cookbooks ever!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Paleo ApproachThe Paleo Approach, Sarah Ballantyne

I was blown away by this book. Sarah delves heavily into the science of autoimmune disease and offers solutions, through diet and lifestyle modifications, to reverse your chronic disease cycle. Consider The Paleo Approach the encyclopedia of autoimmune diseases. And then some!

Practical-Paleov2Practical Paleo, Diane Sanfilippo

Practical Paleo is part health education, part nutritional wisdom + recipe book all rolled into one. It’s the whole paleo enchilada! And, if you haven’t yet subscribed to Diane’s Balanced Bites podcast, you must subscribe today. Diane is funny as heck and tackles all your questions related to health. 

Why-Do-I-Still-Have-Thyroid-SymptomsWhy Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal?, Dr. Datis Kharrazian

This book will be life-changing in how you understand thyroid disease. Hashimotos and hypothyroidism are frequently misdiagnosed. If you’ve been told that you don’t fit the “classical” definition of thyroid disease, but your little voice (and symptoms) say otherwise, this book has your name on it.

Why-Zebras-Don't-Get-Ulcers Zebras Don’t Get UlcersRobert M. Sapolsky

Stress is quite possibly the biggest trigger of chronic diseases. Yet many of us still don’t fully grasp what is and isn’t “normal” in terms of functional stress. Well let your eyes be opened! This book delves into the physiological stress response with cutting-edge research, practical advice and oh-so-funny witty humor.

 

 LIFESTYLE & INSPIRATION

The Gifts of ImperfectionBrene Brown The Gifts of ImperfectionBrene Brown

This book is a life-changer, quite literally. Brene, through a level of brilliance and compassion, delves into the beliefs of who, what and how we think we should be. And why we think that way. Reading this book will light a spark in you, I promise. And you’ll feel like your bestie is guiding you along the way.

The Desire Map, Danielle LaPorte

How do you want to feel? Really feel? Not something we tend to think about, or place high importance on, right? We go through life doing, chasing goals…not really thinking about when we reach those milestones, how we’ll feel. Once Danielle breaks you open (and trust me, she will) you’ll look at your life through an entirely new lens.

The 4-Hour Workweek, Timothy Ferriss

I first read this book back in 2009, when it first came out. And I’ve re-read it more than a half a dozen times since….because it’s just that freakin’ good! Timothy gets you to think differently. To approach life differently. And he’ll show you that with a little mindset change, how you really can achieve the life you’ve always wanted.

 

You-Can-Heal-Your-LifeYou Can Heal Your Life, Louise Hay

This book is an oldie but a goodie as Louise’s message is timeless! If you’ve never read it, do yourself a favor and purchase it today. The book highlights the connection between our thoughts, emotions and health. Can changing our thought patterns drastically improve our life? Read it to find out!


Tech Tools & Apps

While many times I’m reminding you to get away from your computer, phone, or iPad …’cause you need some mama nature and oxygen…there is a flip-side. And it’s this. When used appropriately, technology can actually help to make your wellness journey easier.

Here are a few tools and apps that I’ve personally used:

Sunrise Alarm Clock: I would be lost without this! Mimicking the sun rise, this alarm clock naturally wakes you from your sleep cycle with a gradual increase in light. Trust me, waking refreshed (vs shocked awake) makes all the difference in your day.

Headspace AppThe creme-de-la-creme app for guided meditations. With numerous tracks to choose from, Headspace will have you deep breathing and relaxed in no time. It’s also not half bad to listen to Andy Puddicomb and his British accent.

Day One Journal App: Journaling has never been so easy. Day One allows you to record your thoughts, everyday moments and simple pleasures ,no matter where you’re at. While I still love my Moleskin, sometimes you just need the convenience of your phone for journaling.

Diet Controller App: I have used this app for a long time. Before my autoimmune craziness, I used it to help me lose weight. Then I realized it was the perfect historical food log to track my food sensitivities. If you’re trying to keep track of what you eat and the impact on your body, try this one out. 

Relax Melodies App: You know I love me some good sleep! But sometimes it’s hard to find that Zen when you’re lying in bed, staring at the ceiling (and the sheep are no where to be found). Enter the Relax Melodies app. With ambient sounds and melodies, you’ll be relaxed and sleepy in no time. 


Food & Ingredients, Kitchen Appliances, Gadgets (+ more!)

Thrive Market is a specialty online retailer of wholesome products at wholesale prices. Why do I love Thrive Market? All of their products are clearly labeled (gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, paleo and more!) – which makes it easy to find the right foods to fit my dietary needs. What’s more? There’s free shipping on all orders over $49! So now, it doesn’t matter if you live right next to a Whole Foods or in the middle of Alaska – everyone can have access to healthy, nourishing products.

And if you really want to know everything I use to maintain my wellness, well here you go! It’s the whole shebang! Everything from the exact appliances I use every day to the hard-to-find ingredients and travel gear that make living a healthy, radiant life that much easier. And you know I’m all about making life simple!