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How often do you practice mindfulness?
Put simply, mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgement, and instead embracing openness and curiosity.

Besides allowing you to slow down in your day-to-day life, practicing mindfulness also has many scientific benefits, including:

Reducing anxiety and stress

Boosting your energy

Creating a sense of calm

Regulating emotions

Enhancing creativity

Boosting concentration

Improving productivity

Encouraging connectedness

Improving sleep patters

Benefiting overall health and wellbeing

While mindfulness has its roots within meditation, it does vary from it, and instead can also be practiced through particular activities.

These activities stem from those as mundane as washing the dishes or brushing your teeth, all the way to more fun activities, such as getting creative with art and craft.

Mindfulness through creativity is perhaps one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to encourage mindfulness, so we've rounded up 20 mindful art projects that everyone from children to adults can partake in.

Ready to reap the benefits of mindfulness and create something cool?

Let's get started!

Here's a great idea for a mindfulness art activity that you can do with children. After all, mindfulness is great for humans of any age!

Coffee filter butterflies are a classic craft project that can take as little as half an hour to make. You'll want to use washable markers to get that gorgeous, blended rainbow look.

2. STRING ART CRAFT FROM DIVA OF DIY

String art is both easy and inexpensive to make, plus its repetitive nature is perfect for putting you in a mindful state.

All you'll need is a wood backing (pallet wood is perfect), wire nails, a design to sketch onto the wood, a hammer, and some string.

So easy!

Before you get too skeptical, it's true, even creating pet rocks can be a wonderful and mindful experience.

Because these rocks are painted to look like cacti, you can take time to enjoy the process, make up your own patterns, and achieve a sense of calm as you work away. You have to admit, they do look pretty adorable...

4. BLOW PAINTING WITH STRAWS FROM ARTFUL PARENT

Can there be anything more fun (or relaxing) than using a straw to blow liquid paint around on paper to create interesting designs?

This one is fun for mindfulness-seekers of all ages and you can create some incredible works of art using this easy method. It's also the perfect art activity to get you concentrating on your breathing - an element mindfulness is all about.

5. SIMPLE WATERCOLOUR MAIL ART FROM MAPLE POST

Whether you choose to decorate an envelope or a canvas, this technique is still a simple and enjoyable way to practice mindfulness through art.

You'll just need some watercolor paints and paintbrushes, as well as a fine tip black pen to pull it off. You'll be feeling like a very relaxed artist in no time!

6. DIY WATERCOLOR ART (THE EASY WAY) FROM TATERTOTS & JELLO

Speaking of watercolors, here's another watercolor art project to help you practice mindfulness.

Rather than using paints, this DIY uses watercolor pencils, meaning less mess and less chance of stuffing it up! And as for the artwork itself?

You can simply trace a picture and turn it into your own little masterpiece.

7. BEAUTIFUL CANVAS ART (IN LESS THAN AN HOUR) FROM LOVE CREATE CELEBRATE

If you can engage in a mindfulness-encouraging activity for one hour, then you're well on your way to being a more relaxed and healthier individual.

This is what makes this DIY painted canvas project so great, because you can achieve the same look in just one hour or less! Customize the colors and patterns for an artwork that you love.

8. SPIDER WEB ART PROJECT FROM LASSO THE MOON

This is a great project for children, but you can also use the same method to create some interesting art for yourself!

To make this, you simply need watercolor paper, white or light-colored oil pastels or crayons, watercolor paint in dark colors such as black, blue, and purple, and salt (for that cool speckled effect).

9. DIY BUBBLE ART FROM BUZZFEED

An art project that helps you concentrate on your breathing and mindfulness while blowing bubbles?

Count us in! To complete this arty DIY, you'll just need paint, water, dish soap, a bowl, straw, and paper or another product to put your paint on (i.e. a canvas, notebook, etc.).

What colors will you experiment with?

10. PAINT SCRAPE NOTECARDS FROM PERSIA LOU

This DIY art project idea is really easy and fun to create, plus it makes beautifully colored notecards for every occasion.

You just need a few simple supplies you may already have at home to create these fun cards, including card stock, envelopes, acrylic paints, masking tape or washi tape, an old credit or rewards card, paper towel or wipes, and stickers of your choice.

The process is very calming and will have you tuning out from your worries in no time.

11. ROPE RAINBOW WALL DÉCOR (FIBER ART) FROM PURE SWEET JOY

If getting lost in an activity that plays with fun colors and textures is your thing, then you'll love this DIY rope rainbow art project.

It requires you to use your hands a lot in repetitive motions, so is the perfect DIY for taking time out to enjoy some mindfulness while creating something gorgeous.

Pick a calming color scheme and hang your finished product in your room.

12. GALAXY COLOR BLOCKED MARBLE COASTERS FROM A KAILO CHIC LIFE

You can make yourself a set of these galaxy color blocked coasters in just one afternoon of mindful crafting!

Along with some marble coasters, you'll just need alcohol inks, painter's tape (if you want the color blocked look), gold paint pen, and disposable gloves.

Watching the alcohol inks slowly mix together is great for your mindfulness - just don't forget to concentrate on your breathing as you slowly craft away.

13. CHERRY BLOSSOM PAINTING WITH COTTON BALLS FROM PROJECTS WITH KIDS

Here's another activity you can get the kids to partake in - both for their mindfulness and creativity skills. This tutorial will teach you how to paint a beautiful cherry blossom scene using cotton balls instead of a paint brush.

Concentrate on the texture of the cotton balls, the colors, and the movement of your paint.

14. HOW TO PAINT CACTUS AND SIMPLE SUCCULENT ART FROM DELINEATE YOUR DWELLING

If you really want to get into painting for art therapy, relaxation, or mindfulness purposes, but don't know where or how to begin, then this tutorial is perfect for you.

It gives you easy, step-by-step instructions to draw or paint a simple succulent in just 1,2,3. The final product is this beautiful gold glimmering DIY cactus painted piece of artwork!

15. DIY PAINT BALLOON ART CANVAS FROM MAKEFUL

Fancy a mindfulness art project you can complete with friends?

This DIY balloon art canvas is a genius idea, as you fill balloons with paint and attach them to the canvas, before throwing darts at them to result in an artwork bursting with color.

Mindfulness is all about concentrating on what you're doing and using it as a tool to be aware of your body and mind. These skills are much-needed when it comes to aiming and firing darts!

16. DIY PAINT POUR CANVAS FROM SWEET RED POPPY

Learn how to create a stunning paint pour canvas the easy way in this step-by-step photo and video tutorial.

What makes this project so fun is there is no right or wrong way to do it; mix the colors, pour them onto the canvas and then let the paint (and your mindfulness) flow!

The end result is something incredibly calming and on-trend; you'll want to make more than one!

This art project begins by taking a stroll in the garden to pick beautiful flowers, before artfully arranging them on paper and hammering them flat.

It might sound strange, but this DIY is a great way to practice mindfulness and creativity, plus you'll be left with a unique floral artwork that you'll love.

18. HOW TO MAKE A VISION BOARD ART JOURNAL FROM ARTFUL HAVEN

The processes of collaging, drawing, and painting are great ways of practicing your mindfulness, but when you combine them with a vision board art journal, you've got yourself the ultimate activity for mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

Making a vision board art journal is also a powerful way of influencing your mind and creating your own reality.

19. MINDFUL BODY SCAN ART THERAPY EXERCISE FROM THIRSTY FOR ART

This is quite a unique art project for mindfulness, as it encourages you to get in touch with your physical self through art.

You color the body outline to represent how you feel right now - physically and emotionally, and indicate where you feel it in your body.

If thoughts or judgments come up in your mind, gently come back to your breath and your drawing.

Painting mindfulness stones, or kindness rocks, can be an easy mindfulness craft to add to a kid's camp, a classroom activity, or to do with your kids at home.

Even if you don't have children, however, we still think this activity can benefit adults too. As the blogger behind the DIY explains, "the purpose is to have a beautiful affirming stone for practicing mindfulness, calming oneself during times of stress, or as a mantra stone for meditation".

What Mindfulness Art Craft Will You Try?

There you have it - 20 art projects you can do today to practice mindfulness and achieve greater health and wellbeing.

Remember, practicing the art of mindfulness on a regular basis, even if just for ten minutes, can help you to manage stress and anxiety, achieve a better sleep, improve productivity, boost concentration, and so much more.

These DIY art and craft activities are perfect for both children and adults, or why not invite friends over and complete them as a fun group activity?

Whether you're looking to practice mindfulness through painting, collage, drawing, craft, or more - there's certainly something on this list for everyone.

Which mindfulness art activity will you be trying? We'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!

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20 Mindfulness Art Activities for Adults & Kids - Happy Body Formula

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How often do you practice mindfulness?Put simply, mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgement, and instead embracing openness and curiosity.

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GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER * A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Elle, Oprah Daily, Newsweek, GoodReads, Bookpage, Kirkus ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Bustle, Real Simple, Parade, CNN, Today, E! News, Library Journal The New York TimesLessons in Chemistry 's excellent experiment [is] quirky and heartwarming." - The Atlantic : a fish-out-of-water story about a feminist hero who never stops pushing for what's right. (I laughed out loud!)" will make you wonder about all the real-life women born ahead of their time-women who were sidelined, ignored and worse because they weren't as resourceful, determined and lucky as Elizabeth Zott. She's a reminder of how far we've come, but also how far we still have to go."New York Times Book Reviewpaints an extraordinary portrait of an unusual life in 1960s California...Irresistible, a gorgeous tribute to resilience and the many types of love that sustain us." is a page-turning and highly satisfying tale: zippy, zesty, and Zotty." Great Circle is a breath of fresh air-a witty, propulsive, and refreshingly hopeful novel populated with singular characters. This book is an utter delight-wry, warm, and compulsively readable."The Most Fun We Ever Had is a story for all the smart girls who refuse to dumb themselves down despite a culture that demands otherwise. Though a creation of the 50s & 60s, Zott is a feminist icon for our time." feels richly funny...Elizabeth Zott is a unique heroine, and you find yourself wishing she wasn't fictional: A lot of us-perhaps even Julia Child-might have enjoyed watching 'Supper at Six.'"The Seattle Times catalyzes science, cooking, and humor...Elizabeth [Zott]-determined, practical, uncompromising-shines brightest." has a winning formula."Cook, Eat, RepeatBookReporter(starred review) is a story to return to again and again." -LA Daily News"A smart, funny, big-hearted debut combining chemical elements into what seems a winning formula-one whose breakneck pace and gently ironic tone should appeal to readers of literary-commercial hits by American authors such as Katherine Heiny, Emma Straub and Curtis Sittenfeld.""Elizabeth Zott is the smart, fierce star of Garmus's witty debut...Brilliant."A Terrible Kindness
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We are glad you're here. This collection of quick activities and resources is designed to address stress and enhance wellbeing in front line workers. Select any topic to learn more.

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Prioritising happiness and kindness influences how we approach everything - including our personal lives, families, communities, schools and workplaces. It also shapes our views on public policy and helps us to consider the wellbeing of future generations too.
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Makes me want to get another dog!

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I believe in working hard to make things happen, with the understanding that some things can't be forced. You can't make those things happen: you can only let them happen.

Sounds straightforward, but sometimes I get these things confused. This happened recently, with our backyard hummingbirds.

I've lived in the same general area for sixteen years now, but I didn't realize we had hummingbirds nearby until two years ago when we moved a mile down the road, into our new house. The people who lived here before us spent a ton of time on their yard, and it showed.

The landscaping was more intricate than anything we'd lived with before. They'd planted a big butterfly bush and bright yellow lilies right by the back back, and they attracted hummingbirds regularly. That first sighting was magical. The tiny birds didn't come to visit as often as I would have liked, but they came regularly.

Flash forward two years. A month ago, I was telling my sister-in-law that we'd only seen one hummingbird all summer, quite possibly because the lilies needed deadheading and the weeds were choking the butterfly bush. We missed them. She suggested a feeder. I looked online-they were $9. $15 for the good ones. Definitely worth a try.

I hung the feeder, and we immediately spotted a hummingbird. Then another. Then nothing for a week. (I followed all your tips you shared here. Thank you!)

Then they showed up.

Nearly a month later, it's hummingbird city in my backyard. They're here all the time, sipping from the feeder, perching on the branches of the redbud tree it hangs in. We're no longer measuring their visits in seconds, but in quarter hours, maybe even hours on some days.

I thought hummingbirds were one of those things that you had to let happen. To a certain extent, that's true. You can't force them. But you certainly can give nature a nudge.

We made a small change: a ten-minute, ten-dollar change. We didn't make anything brand-new happen, but we're getting a lot more of what was already there.

Now I'm scanning my surroundings, asking myself what other simple things can I do to help the good stuff happen more often?

What else can I do, not to make things happen, but to make it easier to let the good stuff happen?

I'm thinking about cultivating the kind of relaxed, low-stakes environment at home that makes it easy to have good conversations: the kind of atmosphere that builds trust and encourages truth-telling, like when Seth Godin talks about why he makes dinner for his family every night. Or when I'm driving my kids many miles in the car. With the right environment (and without the earbuds) you still can't force a good conversation, but it's more likely that one will unfold.

I'm thinking about a million romantic comedies where I'm certain the sidekick quips about giving love a push ... but I can't think of any specific examples. (It's driving me bonkers! Help?)

I'm thinking about leaving a stack of good books by the bed, or on the coffee table, so you'll be inspired to actually read them.

I don't want to force anything, but if there's a small change that could generate big results, I want to do it .... as soon as I can figure out what it is.
Talk to me about making things happen vs. letting things happen. Have you made any small changes in your life that have helped a lot more good stuff happen? Please share in comments so we can borrow your genius ideas!
more posts you might enjoy

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Making things happen vs letting things happen - Modern Mrs Darcy

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I believe in working hard to make things happen, with the understanding that some things can't be forced. You can't make those things happen: you can only let them happen. Sounds straightforward, but sometimes I get these things confused. This happened recently, with our backyard hummingbirds.

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An 8-Year-Old Wrote a Book and Hid It on a Library Shelf. It's a Hit.

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An 8-Year-Old Wrote a Book and Hid It on a Library Shelf. It's a Hit.

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Why wait for a book deal? Now I'm questioning what I would like to do, and can do, without someone's approval or permission.

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Dillon Helbig, a second-grader from Idaho, wrote an 81-page book about his "Crismis" adventures. Now other children want to write stories.

Dillon Helbig, a second-grader in Boise, Idaho, created a rich tale about Christmas and time travel. It's in high demand at a local library and has inspired other potential juvenile authors. Credit... Susan Helbig

During his Christmas break, Dillon Helbig, an 8-year-old boy from Boise, Idaho, wrote a book that he wanted everyone to read.

He had spent a long time on it - four days to be exact - and filled 81 pages of an empty journal with a richly-illustrated tale about how he gets transported back in time after a star atop his Christmas tree explodes.

But he did not have a book deal. (He's only in second grade, after all.) So when his grandmother took him to the Lake Hazel branch of the Ada Community Library in Boise at the end of December, he slipped the sole copy of his book onto a shelf containing fiction titles.

"I had to sneak past the librarians," said Dillon, who says "li-berry" instead of "library."

Over the next month, a series of circumstances made the book one of the library's most sought-after titles and also inspired children in Boise to write their own stories.

The book, "The Adventures of Dillon Helbig's Crismis" by the author "Dillon His Self," had drawn so much attention by the end of January that 56 people were on the waiting list to check it out, said Alex Hartman, the manager of the library branch.

If every person kept the book for four weeks, the maximum borrowing time, the last person on the list would have to wait more than four years to read Dillon's tale.

Here's how it happened:

The night after Dillon surreptitiously left his book on that library shelf, he came clean to his parents, his mother, Susan Helbig, said. They called the library, thinking they could pick it up from the lost and found. But the librarians were so charmed by the book that they played along with Dillon's stunt.

"It deserves a spot on our library shelves," Mr. Hartman said on Monday. "It's a good story."

The librarians entered the book in their catalog system, but left the publisher category blank, he said. They also moved it out of the fiction section and set it alongside the graphic novels, since it has so many page-length illustrations.

As for the amount of spelling and grammar errors in the book, "I would say those would be numerous," he said.

For example, in "Chaptr 1," Dillon writes, "ONe Day in wintr it wus Crismis!"

In his "Crismis" tale, Dillon, the protagonist and the author, goes on a time-traveling adventure after the star on the tree explodes.

"Santa comes," he said, explaining the next part of the plot. After that, Dillon comes across five trees, and one of them "was like a tree portal."

The portal takes him back in time to the " first Thanksgiving " in 1621, a date that he had to confirm with his mother, Ms. Helbig said.

"His imagination is just incredible," she said.

Dillon has been writing "comic-style books" since he was 5, his mother said, but this one is certainly his most successful. The library gave him its first-ever "Whoodini Award" for best young novelist, an award they created for him.

"It's been quite the whirlwind," Ms. Helbig said.

After news of Dillon's literary triumph was reported in January by The Idaho Press and KTVB, a television station in Boise, his classmates told him that he had inspired them to write their own books.

"They said, 'It was really cool; I wish I was you,'" he said.

Children have also told Mr. Hartman, the library manager, that they, too, want to write books for the library. A local author, Cristianne Lane, has offered to work with Dillon to create a children's writing workshop at the branch.

In addition to the workshop, other big things could be ahead for the young author: Publishers have contacted the library about officially publishing the book, Mr. Hartman said. The librarians are also planning to make extra copies of the book.

"We hope that others kids are inspired by Dillon to share their stories," Mr. Hartman said.

Ms. Helbig said that, amid of all the attention her son has received, he has decided he wants to become an author.

But he has other plans, too.

"I'm going to stop writing when I'm 40," Dillon said.

And then what?

"I'm going to make games," he said.

Before he reaches middle age, Dillon has exciting plans for a sequel: "My next book,'' he said, "is going to be called 'The Jacket-Eating Closet,' based on actual events."

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An 8-Year-Old Wrote a Book and Hid It on a Library Shelf. It's a Hit.

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Dillon Helbig, a second-grader from Idaho, wrote an 81-page book about his "Crismis" adventures. Now other children want to write stories. During his Christmas break, Dillon Helbig, an 8-year-old boy from Boise, Idaho, wrote a book that he wanted everyone to read.

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Today marks the halfway point of winter. This isn't an easy month-or an easy season-for many of us. My adversarial relationship with February goes way back; I know I'm not the only one.

To collectively beat back the gloom, today we're sharing the things-big or small-that are saving us right now.

The idea comes from Barbara Brown Taylor's wonderful memoir Leaving Church. In it, she tells the story of how once she was invited to speak at a gathering, and when she asked for her topic, this was her host's request: "Tell us what is saving your life right now."

It's a good question. Most of us know what's killing us, and can articulate it, if asked. But it's harder-less natural, less intuitive, less practiced-to note what's giving us life.

We've been revisiting this question here on MMD for a decade now, always at the halfway point of winter.

Friends, this was hard for me this year. When I posed the question to myself last week, my initial answer was: not a single blessed thing. My family has been in a brutal season and it feels like the hard stuff demands my full and complete attention.

And yet. When I stopped to consider- really consider -the small things that are saving me, I made a list. It took me a week to do it, but I have it, and it's not short. This is an incomplete sampling of what I jotted down.

1. The basics. This feels almost too obvious to name and I'm going to do it anyway. Focusing on the solid foundation of eating well, exercising regularly, and sleeping plenty, as detailed in my post on what worked for me in 2021, helps.

2. Sunny days. Another basic. As I type it's pouring rain here in Louisville and we're waiting for an ice storm to roll in, but this past week we've had snow on the ground and sun in the skies, and the combination is welcome to my light-deprived eyes. The dreary days get to me over the winter, and sunshine-even when it's infrequent-helps a ton.

3. Emotional support hamsters. I already introduced you to my daughter's hamster Phoebe (if you haven't yet seen the short video go watch it, she's adorable). Last week my son had a birthday and all he wanted was another hamster friend, and Cloe entered our family. (Cloe is pronounced like "Chloe," I didn't choose the spelling, ha!) These little guys are such a delight to have around, and the two of them together? The cutest.

4. My funny kid. Readers, my kids are FUNNY. And I have one in particular who seems to be deliberately honing his skills as a young comedian, and he brings so many needed and well-timed laughs to our household.

5. Baking. For a variety of reasons, we've been baking more than we have since early pandemic days. Our household favorites are these cheddar dill scones and these lemon and cranberry scones; if you have favorite recipes to share I'd love that. I also made this apple crisp recipe for the first time in years and I can't even tell you how good it was.

6. Puzzles. I wasn't going to say it, because I always say it, but by golly, I love my puzzles. Two recent completions are pictured: Sibley Backyard Birding and Michael Storring's Cuba. (You do know we have several puzzles posts, right? Check out these favorites, and these.)

7. Bedtime chats with my girls, and phone calls with my college kid. Do I often stay up a little later than I mean to because I'm talking with my teenagers? Yes. Is it worth it? Also yes.

8. The moka pot. We've had this Bialetti coffee contraption for ages, but have never used it more than we have this past month. We're making lattes at home and delicious strong coffee (espresso-like, though it's not technically espresso); it doesn't take much time or effort yet it feels like such a luxury.

9. New projects. While I love my ongoing work, I find so much energy in a new project. It's something to tinker with, something to look forward to.

10. A great book at the right time. I recently began Elizabeth Strout's newest release on audio and devoured it in two days. I'm not sure why I waited so long to pick it up; it was one of my most anticipated 2021 releases and yet I never seemed to get around to it last year. The tone of this lovely and introspective literary novel was exactly right, and right for right now.

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What's saving your life right now? Share your own blog or Instagram post below in the comments section.
P.S. 2019's saving-my-life reflection (with a little help from Rick Steves), and my favorite and kinda-weird-to-read-right-now post on what's saving my life. Last year I wrote about laundry, really! Plus survival strategies for winter, my least favorite season.

more posts you might enjoy

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10 things saving my life right now - Modern Mrs Darcy

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Today marks the halfway point of winter. This isn't an easy month-or an easy season-for many of us. My adversarial relationship with February goes way back; I know I'm not the only one. To collectively beat back the gloom, today we're sharing the things-big or small-that are saving us right now.

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90 Self Care Activities!

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For those looking to get into self-care this year, look no further. The following list contains self-care activities that go with your level of comfort. For those who are new to the self-care game, these activities are meant to help you value the importance of the practice. For more experienced self-care practitioners, the activities outlined below are intended to force you out of your comfort zone. Ready? Let's start.

Self-Care Activities for Those Who Are Just Getting Started

If you're new to the self-care world, welcome! We're glad to have you. Through these activities, you'll learn that self-care is much more than face masks and relaxation music. In the end, self-care is about putting in the work to become a GR8ER version of you. Regardless of where you are and where you want to be, the fact that you're starting with something matters.

Keep in mind that self-care means something different to everyone. So, fine-tune this list to match what you believe self-care means to you at this moment.

1. Dance a little. Turn up the volume at work or home and dance to your favorite tunes - no judgment.

2. Drink more water. Perhaps the easiest self-care activity to try this year. If you need help in this department, here are eight ways to drink more water this week.

3. Exercise more often. You don't have to enlist for a marathon or hit the CrossFit arena to make this happen. Any form of exercise will count; even thirty minutes of walking will do.

4. Drink some tea. Embrace the benefits of drinking tea more often. Beyond being antioxidative and highly beneficial for our health, tea is another way to ramp up our water intake.

5. Paint your nails. Yes, self-care is also painting your nails and giving yourself a face mask. Let's see if we can guess your nail polish with this quiz.

6. Sleep more. We take sleep for granted. This year do your best to sleep at least seven hours a night and improve your sleeping habits.

7. Go outside. A few minutes outdoors can bring your stress levels down. Every day do your best to spend at least five minutes outside breathing fresh air.

8. Eat something you love. An instant way to pick your mood up is by eating something you enjoy. Try one of these healthier alternatives to some of your favorite cravings.

9. Have a morning routine. What we do when we wake up can impact the rest of our day. Try to set a morning routine and stick to it and see what happens.

10. Go to bed earlier. If getting your eight-to-nine hours of sleep a night is challenging, start by at least going to bed earlier. Before you notice, you'll be falling asleep earlier as well.

11. Call a friend. Self-care doesn't have to be elaborate or too thoughtful. Sometimes, calling a friend is all you need to care for your social self.

12. Clean your house. When we try to operate in a messy environment, our minds will be crowded with messy thoughts. Try to de-clutter your home so that you can de-clutter your mind.

13. Smile. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, try smiling. Keep your smile for at least thirty seconds. You'll be surprised at the difference.

14. Get some pampering. You don't have to wait for a stressful day or winning something to get some pampering. Schedule a massage or have an at-home spa day to relax.

15. Find a quote and repeat it. While affirmations can be daunting to you, a positive quote can help you get started on this practice. Find one you love the most and keep it close, try to repeat this quote to yourself daily.

16. Pet an animal. If you have a furry friend around, give them a hug, your stress levels will plummet immediately. If you don't ask a friend if you can take theirs for a walk, this can also help reduce your anxiety.

17. Indulge in a treat. Every so often, get yourself something you usually restrict. Maybe a piece of chocolate, a skincare product, or whatever "indulging" means to you.

18. Take a bath. Take a long steamy shower and just be still for a few minutes.

19. Listen to music. Find a relaxing or fun playlist to listen to for one day. Music has the power to change our mood and make us feel better instantly.

20. Take a walk. Try to schedule a five-minute walk to break up your work schedule. Walking allows you to spend time alone and clear your mind.

21. Watch a movie. Not everything has to be an elaborate self-care plan. Choose one day to sit back and watch a movie you love.

22. Breathe. We often forget about the power of breathing. The next time you feel as if everything is going badly, take a minute and breathe. You will feel better after, for sure.

23. Read a book. If disconnecting from the world is troublesome to you, try reading a book. Anything from self-care books to self-help books is always good to have around.

24. Watch the water. Is there a pond or lake near you? Go over there and stare at the water for a few minutes. Looking at water can help you relax and reduce your anxiety.

25. Organize your day. Self-care often feels like work because it is, you're working on yourself. Try to organize whatever is going to happen tomorrow to help you start creating a routine.

26. Listen to a podcast. If books are not your thing, try listening to a podcast instead to help you tune out the noise from outside.

27. Analyze your strategy. If self-care is new to you, you might have a higher risk of going down the selfish lane. Make sure to analyze your self-care and watch out for selfish red flags.

28. Work on yourself. You're already here, which means you're looking for a path to grow. Sign up for a self-development course to get some guidance.

29. Turn off your phone. It might seem very simple, but most people are so glued to their phones that the thought of not having it for an hour or two already stresses them out. Do yourself a favor and set your phone on airplane mode at least thirty minutes a day and work your way up to an hour or maybe a whole day.

30. Light a candle. The power of aromatherapy is key for many. Whether it works or not, that's up for debate. But there's little doubt, having a pleasant scent around the house is calming and soothing.

Self-Care Activities for Those Well on Their Way

You're not new to self-care, but you don't consider yourself a guru yet. Last year, you focused on learning more about the ins and outs of self-care. This year, you're ready to take your self-care practice to the next level by incorporating health care and mental health as part of your journey. It took you a while to understand it, but you're now aware that self-care is multidimensional and that if you don't look at self-care holistically, you'll be missing things.

Those at this level are not at the same stage. Some people have been well on their way to self-care for quite some time. Others just decided to start. Give these self-care activities a try and see what falls under your comfort zone and what's pushing you to achieve more.

1. Try acupuncture. An ancient remedy that can help channel your energies and soothe stress levels, as well as treat many ailments.

2. Master some yoga poses. Whether you practice it already or not, try to master some beginner yoga poses to push your body and mind to stay still.

3. Start meditating. If you're not an avid meditator, try active meditation to help you get started on this mindful practice.

4. Level your exercise routine. It's time to kick-start a solid exercise routine that works for you. Find out what type of fitness style suits you and start planning your workouts around this style. This way, you're more likely to stick with a routine.

5. Analyze your diet. Part of self-care is caring for your body from within. Take some time and find out if your diet is truly healthy or if it's time to update it.

6. Learn a breathing technique. The power of breathing is undeniable. Try to learn a new breathing technique to control your emotions and ground yourself whenever needed.

7. Start journaling. The easiest way to track your self-care journey is by journaling. Start by jotting some feelings and ideas down and work your way up to a thoughtful journal entry.

8. Measure progress. Make sure you're making strides when it comes to your journey. Look at how you're doing by tracking your goals.

9. Clean your social media. If you can't stay away from your social media accounts, make sure they're a safe place. Detox your social media to get rid of anything that might be harming your mental health.

10. Go to therapy. At this point, it's time for you to consider therapy. Move past the stigma associated with the practice and set up an appointment.

11. Call someone. If you don't feel comfortable with therapy (yet), then try calling someone. Reach out to a friend, colleague, or parent to discuss your mental health status.

12. Check your self-image. You can be trying, but if your self-image isn't in the right place, your self-care efforts won't do much. Make sure you're checking your self-image status to make sure it's a positive and healthy one.

13. Start planning. While we cannot plan for everything that happens in our lives, we can try to create some structure. Start planning your days to give yourself peace of mind and lower your anxiety.

14. Get some plants. There is so much plants can teach us about self-care. By caring for something as fragile as a plant, we can remember to care for ourselves.

15. Write down your goals. At the beginning of the week, set aside five minutes to write down your goals for the week. They don't have to be grand gestures. If your goal is getting up at the same time every day, that's more than enough.

16. Start using affirmations. Find a few affirmations that you can tap into for emotional support. Learn about the power of affirmations and how you can use them in your daily life.

17. Consider an app. If sticking to a self-care routine seems too challenging, consider a self-care app to help you stay accountable.

18. Set some "me time." Life can get hectic. There's no doubt about that. If you're committed to your self-care journey, then block some time for yourself each week.

19. Eat something healthy. Self-care isn't just about manicures, and you know that. Today, do your best to cook a healthy meal and start incorporating healthy foods into your diet.

20. Cut the sugar. On the subject of foods, start by eliminating sugars from your diet. Most refined sugars and processed foods are incredibly inflammatory to our bodies, which can result in many issues, including depression.

21. Forget about your weight. While we've been taught that the number on the weight scale means everything, it does not. Instead of looking at your weight, look at your health to determine how you're doing.

22. Be grateful. Make sure to practice gratitude towards those around you and your progress. Set a few minutes to write down three things you're grateful for.

23. Watch out for burnout. Sometimes we try to do more than we can, eventually struggling with burnout. Watch out for the burnout signs and be mindful of how you're spending your time.

24. Read a self-help book. It's likely that through your self-care journey, you've become aware of specific areas of improvement. Find a self-help book to help you progress in these areas.

25. Let go. As we continue to grow, we have to make room for our new self. While it might be difficult, we have to let go of the baggage we all carry if we want to push ourselves forward. Consider what the things you want to release to help you walk more comfortably are.

26. Write something to yourself. The next time you sit down to journal, instead of writing how you feel, write a thank you note for yourself.

27. Try a new workout. Step out of what you know with a new workout routine. Sign up for a fitness class that you wouldn't usually go to.

28. Learn something new. When we keep pushing ourselves to learn something new, there's nothing that can stop us. Find a new set of skills or language you'd like to learn and commit to it.

29. Check your gut health. It turns out your gut health dictates everything else in your body. Take some time to see if your gut is healthy and see what needs to change.

30. Do something out of your comfort zone. Our comfort zone is warm and, well, comforting, but the magic happens when we step out of it. Give it a try.

Self-Care Guru Level Activities to Try

If you've made it to this group, this means you're fully aware of the importance of self-care. You've been through the trenches and back, and you value self-care as much as you value your health. While you're still on a self-care journey, you make it a priority to fit some sort of self-care activity in your weekly plans. This year, you're determined to make self-care part of who you are and, without a doubt, expand on your activities to those that once seemed too daunting to try.

Keep in mind that your level of self-care "guruness" is not the same as everyone else. Don't feel forced or pushed to try something you don't feel comfortable with yet.

1. Elevate your meditation practice. You're ready to take on meditation at a deeper level. Try moving on from those five-minute sessions to long thirty minutes to an hour meditation session.

2. Embrace breathing. Learning a new breathing technique is challenging at first. However, you're willing to learn different ones to use while you work, when you're struggling with an anxiety attack, or when you're ready for bed.

3. Next level yoga. You've mastered the beginner poses and are finally understanding the purpose of the yoga practice. Now, you're ready to try new poses and maybe consider a yoga retreat.

4. Frequent therapy sessions. To you, going to therapy with yourself or as a couple is part of your self-care routine now. Every so often, you make sure to visit your therapist and check-in with yourself.

5. Evaluate your relationships. Through your self-care journey, you're now able to recognize toxic behaviors. Go through your list of family and friends and see if you're keeping toxic relationships. But don't stop there. If you're ready to forgive toxic people in your life, go ahead and do it.

6. Have a mental health checkup. Beyond therapy sessions, you should be fully aware of the state of your mental health. Now and then, practice a mental health checkup to make sure you're not dismissing any red flags.

7. Join an exercise challenge. You're more than ready to make exercise part of your daily routine. If you're still struggling with finding the right groove, try joining a workout challenge to help you get started.

8. Challenge yourself. Speaking of challenges, this is your moment to challenge yourself to achieve more. Don't think too small or too big, pinpoint that one area that you're dying to improve and set your mind and heart to make it happen.

9. Make journaling a routine. By now, you're an expert at journaling. From what you eat, how you feel, what you did, and beyond, your journal is your safe place to practice self-reflection.

10. Try a digital detox. Once you've detoxed your social media to protect your mental health, consider if it's time for a digital detox. Whether you're ready to go digital cold-turkey or want to start easing into it, time away from your devices will soothe your soul.

11. Learn to relax. People believe that resting is as easy as 1-2-3, you know better. This year make it your priority to learn the art of relaxing once and for all.

12. Go outside. Spend time outdoors doing an activity that you love. Breathing fresh air, as well as being surrounded by nature, can have a positive impact on your mental health.

13. Volunteer. There's nothing better than the art of giving. Overall, giving makes us feel good about ourselves, and at the same time, we're helping others.

14. Ask for help. Move away from the stigma of asking for help. As a self-care guru, you need to become fully aware of the importance of reaching out for help when you need it. There's no shame in seeking help.

15. Visit your doctor. As I said, self-care is not just about relaxing and pampering. Visiting your doctor, asking the right questions, and making sure your health is on point is the most important self-care activity you can try.

16. Set a routine. We're creatures of habits, and the only way to develop healthy habits is by having a routine. Find the best way to establish routines that you'll stick to and make sure to update them accordingly.

17. Overhaul your diet. It's time to realize that what you eat impacts how you feel. Overhaul your diet and get rid of anything messing up your gut, impacting your mental health, and even affecting your well-being.

18. Love yourself. Being a narcissist, to a certain extent, can be healthy if you know your limits. Loving yourself is the greatest act of self-care you can do. Make sure you're always checking your self-esteem levels.

19. Take a mental health day. Today, we're told that we must keep going no matter what. That's the opposite of self-care. Realize the importance of taking a mental health day to regain perspective and work on yourself.

20. Say "no." At this point, you should know that saying "no" is a powerful act of self-care. Whenever you don't want to do something, feel free to say "no" without guilt.

21. Analyze your self-care. Hey, the fact that you're a self-care guru doesn't mean that it's always perfect. Be mindful of the red flags pointing that your self-care routine has turned selfish.

22. Consider a retreat. Maybe you're ready to be alone, connect with strangers, and openly work on your self-care a few miles away from home.

23. Check your vitamin levels. That's how granular we want your self-care practice to be. Almost everyone around you has a vitamin deficiency. Who's to say you don't, too? Something as simple as checking your vitamin levels is a powerful act of self-care that means you genuinely care.

24. Practice positive talk. Do you talk to yourself? If you do, make sure you're using positive affirmations and positive self-talk to keep on improving.

25. Take an Epsom salt bath. The power of salts in pretty amazing. And yes, sometimes self-care means taking a hot bath or shower and disconnecting from everything and everyone around you for a few minutes.

26. Be honest with yourself. Are you honest? Find out who you genuinely are and check in with your true self every so often.

27. Care for yourself. While this might seem obvious, I mean care for yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally because those are all very different forms of self-care.

28. Manage your finances. Most people don't make this connection. But, managing your finances is a powerful act of self-care that brings peace of mind.

29. Educate yourself. There's so much around self-care that expands beyond its traditional definition. Make sure you understand the difference between self-care, selflessness, and self-healing.

30. Continue practicing conscious self-care. Make sure that no matter where you are in your self-care journey, you continue to practice intentional self-care.

There you have it. No matter if you're just getting started or you're an official self-care guru, we're glad you are here. Here at GR8NESS, we're all exploring the world of self-care together and little activities here, and there will get us a step closer to a GR8ER us, whatever that means to you at this moment. Keep working on your self-care journey with us when you create an account.

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90 Self-Care Activities to Start in 2021

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For those looking to get into self-care this year, look no further. The following list contains self-care activities that go with your level of comfort. For those who are new to the self-care game, these activities are meant to help you value the importance of the practice.

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Sometimes all you can do is breathe and know that you are still breathing. One breath at a time. Just getting through this breath. And then the next one. And the next.

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Are you breathing?
The Practice:
One breath at a time.
Why?
[If for you the breath is associated with trauma and discomfort, you probably shouldn't try this practice in its form below. But you might adapt it to something that is more nurturing for you, such as a saying or image.]

Breathing brings you home. Body and mind twine together in the breath. As soon as you become aware of breathing, you're in your body. Speed up the breath and there's new energy. Slow it down and you calm down. Inhale and oxygen surge into your brain while the arousing sympathetic nervous system activates and accelerates the heartbeat. Exhale and activate the soothing peaceful parasympathetic nervous system, so the heart beats more slowly. In the breath you are home in this moment, this Now.

The breath feels like life inside. No wonder it's been traditionally linked to spiritual matters. To "inspire" is to inhale - to "in spirit," to uplift.

The breath is always available as an object of attention, whether formally in meditation or informally as a way to recenter yourself. Track the breath in yourself and know yourself more deeply. Track the breath in others and know them more deeply.

If all else fails and your mind is screaming in pain or blown open in chaos, there is still the breath. Sometimes all you can do is breathe and know that you are still breathing. One breath at a time. Just getting through this breath. And then the next one. And the next.

Plus, in the knowing of breathing, there is awareness of awareness, not metaphysically or cosmically but as a refuge - if need be, of last resort. Try it: breathing here and now, recognize that awareness is a field or space in which contents come and go, such as the sensations of breathing. You can see directly that no matter what arises and passes away, awareness remains, undamaged and unstained, like the sky that is never harmed by the storm clouds passing through it. When times are terrible, try to be the observing, the awareness, to get some space from the pain and sustain a sense of being intact in your core. You can do this as well when times are good, which will help you both to stay in the sweet spot of enjoying without tipping into the suffering of wanting, and to strengthen your grounding in awareness for when things fall apart.

How?
So far, I've always described these "Just One Thing" practices with an active verb, such as "take in the good," "give thanks," or "find strength." I could have done the same here, with "take one breath at a time." But this one felt different. It's not just that we take a breath. Sometimes the breath takes itself. Sometimes it takes us. When the mind and body are really quiet, there's hardly any talking at all.

Whenever you like, find the breath and stay with it through one inhalation and exhalation. You could notice its sensations in your stomach, chest, or around the upper lip. Or the internal sensations inside the throat or in the diaphragm. Or sense the breath in the chest altogether.

Next, see if you can rest your attention in the breath for three full cycles of inhaling and exhaling. Then how about ten full cycles, from beginning to end? Distracting thoughts may nibble at your attention but disengage from them while sinking more and more deeply into the breath. And if you like, let go of counting and simply give over to the breath, breath after breath.

Somewhere in here, as you become more present in the breath, more absorbed in it, you could experience breathing as the whole body, the whole body breathing.

Try this at night, as you're falling asleep, resting as a body breathing. Or if you wake and can't easily return to sleep, soften the edges of your mind out into only breathing. Breathing blurs out into the quiet of the night.

Be breathing as you do things or have them. One breath at a time while dressing, eating, driving, talking, washing, cuddling, writing.

Or simply be breathing. Nothing else to do, no one to be. The simplest job in the world. One breath at a time.

What a relief!

Know Someone Who Could Focus More on Their Breath?

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To know yourself more deeply, track the breath inside yourself. Inhale, oxygen surges into your brain and activates and accelerates the heartbeat. Exhale, you activate the soothing peaceful nervous system. In the breath you are home in this moment, this Now.

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I Took an Anti-Burnout Reading Vacation (and You Should Too) | Book Riot

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By setting up a list of rules that kept me grounded, I pressed the “restart” button on my hyperactive, anxious brain.

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Spiced Chickpea Stew With Coconut and Turmeric Recipe

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Spiced chickpeas are crisped in olive oil, then simmered in a garlicky coconut milk for an insanely creamy, basically-good-for-you stew that evokes stews found in South India and parts of the Caribbean While the chickpeas alone would be good as a side dish, they are further simmered with stock, bols…

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https://aubreyskitchen.com/lions-mane-mushroom-recipes/

My wife and I made these this week and they were delicious!

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Published: · Modified: by · This post may contain affiliate links

These Lion's Mane Mushroom Recipes will blow your mind, featuring a Vegan Mushroom Crab Cake so delicious you won't believe it is meatless!

This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through this link (at no extra cost to you).
If you have been hearing about a popular new ingredient called a lion's mane mushroom (hericium erinaceus), you are not alone! Sometimes referred to as a lion's head mushroom, this mushroom is popular in vegan and vegetarian recipes. It is absolutely delicious and provides an amazing hearty and firm texture, very similar to crab. It is mild in flavor and is an excellent vehicle to take on the different flavors that you are cooking with.

Cooking this mushroom is also surprisingly easy! It can be prepared in a number of ways including pan sauté, oven roasted and grilled! I want to share with you some of my favorite lion's mane mushroom recipes, including my absolute favorite: vegan and vegetarian mushroom cake!

Why this recipe works

If you have ever wondered how to cook lion's mane mushroom, I will teach you how!

This mushroom is super easy to work with, takes on the flavor you are cooking with and is super delicious even with basic preparations. If you are a vegetable lover, you will love my Roasted Asparagus and Roasted Beets.

The mouth feel and texture is hearty and serves as an excellent meat or seafood substitute in many vegan and vegetarian recipes.

Ingredients in this recipe

Fresh Lion's Mane mushroom

Egg or flax egg: To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Allow to sit refrigerated for about 10 minutes to thicken.

Panko breadcrumbs: I love panko breadcrumbs in this recipe but you can also use regular breadcrumbs.

Onion: Sweet onion recommended.

Mayonnaise or Vegan Mayonnaise: If you are enjoying the vegan version of this recipe, I recommend this Vegan Mayonnaise.

Worcestershire sauce

Old Bay seasoning: If you don't have old bay seasoning, you can use Cajun seasoning or Italian seasoning for a slightly different (but still delicious) flavor profile. You might also love my Tempero Baiano Brazilian Spice Blend.

Dijon mustard: You can also use course ground mustard.

Parsley

Salt and pepper

Oil (to fry cakes): Canola, vegetable or olive oil all work well.

Optional Garnish: Lemon wedges.

How to make this lion's mane mushroom crab cake

1. Hand shred mushroom into small pieces resembling texture of flakey crab.

2. In large bowl, combine egg, mayonnaise, onion, Worcestershire sauce, old bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, parsley (finely chopped), salt and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.

3. Mix in mushroom until fully incorporated.

4. Mix in Panko breadcrumbs until fully incorporated.

5. Form mixture into 3-4 equal size round flat patties (about ½ to ¾ inch thick).

6. Heat oil in sauté pan on medium/high heat.

7. Cook patties for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Should be golden brown and cooked throughout.

8. Add optional garnish, squeeze of lemon and enjoy!

Other lion's mane mushroom recipes

This mushroom is super versatile and mild in flavor, making it an excellent choice for many lion's mane mushroom recipes. Some of my favorite lion's mane mushroom recipe preparations include:

Pan Sautéed with butter

Oven roasted with olive oil or butter and seasoning of choice

Grilled

Vegan crab cakes (my favorite!)

For some other more creative preparations, you can enjoy mushroom powder in a mushroom latte, lion's mane tea or coffee or mushroom paste in a soup or pasta sauce.

Health benefits

An article published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health indicates that " Hericium erinaceus a culinary and medicinal mushroom is a well established candidate for brain and nerve health." It cites that studies support "neurite outgrowth and neuronal health benefits" and could assist health problems and cognitive abilities in an aging population. To read the full article: Neuronal Health - Can Culinary and Medicinal Mushrooms Help?

Many companies sell lion's mane in different forms such as supplement as capsules, pills, powder or extract.

Where to buy

You may be lucky enough to live in area where this mushroom is available in your grocery store or local farmer's market. However, if you don't live in area where lion's mane is sold fresh, you have a few options.

Buying online is one option. There are a number of companies online that will sell and ship to you. I purchased my mushrooms on Etsy because of the additional Etsy protections should anything go wrong with your order. The price for this product can vary quite widely so if you are able to purchase fresh, you can avoid shipping costs.

Another option is growing them yourself. This is becoming very popular and you can purchase lion's mane mushroom kits on Amazon and Etsy. You can also purchase the dried version on Amazon. The dried version is excellent in soups and rehydrated in pastas.

FAQ and expert tips

How to store lion's mane mushroom?

Store fresh lion's mane mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Does Whole Foods sell lion's mane mushroom?

Some Whole Foods locations sell fresh lion's mane mushrooms, as well as other derivative products such as lion's mane powder, capsules or coffee/tea. You can search by location on the Whole Foods website.

Looking for other delicious healthy recipes?

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You can also comment below. I LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, a 5 STAR RATING is the ultimate compliment as food is my love language!

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These Lion's Mane Mushroom Recipes will blow your mind! Featuring a Lion's Mane Mushroom Crab Cake so delicious you won't believe it is meatless!

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The most delicious chocolate chip cookies -- created by a MN baker!

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The original Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookie, as featured in the NYTimes .
This recipe first appeared in myVanilla Bean Baking Book, and was the inspiration for the ENTIRE CHAPTER of pan-banging cookie recipes in my 100 Cookies cookbook!

Originally I thought to include a different chocolate chip cookie recipe in this book. It was my go-to cookie, one I had made for years at Bordertown Coffee. I began working on a thin and crispy version, and along the way it evolved into this recipe.
The cookie falls somewhere in the middle of gooey and crispy, with edges that shatter in your mouth and a center that is soft and full of chocolate. My family loved it so much that my original recipe hasn't seen the light of day since. Meet our new house cookie. TROUBLESHOOTING
1. What even is pan-banging? Bakers tapping their cookie pans in the oven isn't new, of course, but the pan-banging technique I use here is unique in that the pan is tapped in the oven every few minutes, creating ripples on the edge of the cookie. This creates two textures in the cookie: a crisp outer edge, and a soft, gooey center.

2. Why won't my cookies ripple/wrinkle? I've found that flour can often be the culprit, and it seems that high-protein flour won't allow for as much spreading and wrinkling. I use Gold Medal Unbleached All-Purpose Flour in my cookies, and find that works best.

3. Why are my cookie bottoms greasy? I prefer to think of the cookies as "exceptionally buttery". There is extra butter in these cookies, which helps them spread, and crisp on the bottom. I remove my cookies from the pan when they are cool enough to handle, and let them continue cooling on a wire rack, which helps them stay crispy.

4. Can I use less sugar? The granulated sugar helps with spreading and also helps with crisping. If you decrease the sugar, you won't have the same type of cookie. If you do want to play around with decreasing amounts, start with 2 or 3 tablespoons, and continue to decrease each time you make them until you find your sweet spot (pun intended).

5. Can I switch out some of the granulated sugar for brown sugar? You can, but your cookie won't be as crispy - it will end up with a chewy texture.

6. Why should I use aluminum foil? I find that aluminum foil helps the cookies spread a bit more and creates a slightly crisper bottom. But parchment paper will work well, too.

7. Can I refrigerate the cookie dough? Cookie dough can be refrigerated overnight before using. Shape the dough into balls and cover with plastic wrap before chilling, and then bring it to room temperature before baking (when the cookies are chilled solid, they won't ripple as well). Cookies that spend a night in the fridge will also have a more developed flavor, but also have a bumpier finish.

8. Can I use European butter? Yes! But note that using European butter will make the bottom of these cookies even more buttery.

9. Can I add more ingredients to the dough (nuts, other chips, m&ms, etc)? Yes, but note a few things: too many add-ins (chocolate, toffee, nuts, etc.) will prevent the dough from spreading as it should.

10. Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate? Yes, but note that chopped chocolate spreads much better than chocolate chips.

11. Can I use alternative flours (i.e. almond, oat, buckwheat, etc)? You can't swap out all equal parts all-purpose flour for an alternative flour. If you would like to substitute some alternative flour for the all-purpose, start with 1/4 cup (about 50 grams) and slowly increase each time you make it, until you find your perfect ratio.

12. Can I make these gluten-free or vegan? I haven't played around with the recipe in either direction, but I have seen many people on Instagram successfully do so (sorry, I know that isn't helpful). If you do make it successfully either way, comment below on what worked for you!

13. What ingredients do you use? I use Land O'Lakes unsalted butter and Gold Medal Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, almost exclusively. I use a variety of grocery store brand granulated sugar, brown sugar, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract. For chocolate I use a mix of brands: Ghiradelli Semi-Sweet baking bars and Trader Joe's bittersweet baking bars are great grocery store brands. Valrhona feves (I like Caraibe) and Guittard baking wafers are wonderful higher-end options. I use a mix of all of them.

14. Why are my cookies burning on the bottom? Make sure your batter is completely combined - doing a final few stirs with a spatula will help make sure everything is evenly combined and mixed. Having a medium-weight baking sheet makes for even baking (I use these from Nordic Ware). Sometimes your oven temperature can be the culprit - using an oven thermometer each time you bake will help you make sure it is correct.

15. How do I get my chocolate to pool on top? Place a piece of chopped chocolate directly on top of each cookie dough ball before going into the oven (Vahlrona feves work well for this) will make a nice pool as they bake.

16. What kind of baking sheet should I use? I use a medium-weight half sheet pan (12 by 16 in [ 30.5 cm by 40.5 cm]). I find heavier-insulated baking sheets don't ripple as well.

17. What if I can't fit my baking sheet in my freezer? It's okay! You can put the dough balls on a small plate and freeze them, then transfer them to the baking sheet when you are ready to bake.

18. Will this technique work with other cookie recipes? Not necessarily, and not in the same way. Cookies that are made to be thick and gooey won't ripple when tapped in the oven, although doing so may help to set the edges.

19. Do I have to bang the pan outside the oven? No, you don't! As stated in the recipe, I lift the side of the baking sheet up about 4 in [10 cm] and gently let it drop down against the oven rack, so the edges of the cookies set and the inside falls back down.

20. Do you have more pan-banging cookie recipes? Yes! I have Ginger Molasses Cookies and Molasses Espresso Cookies. Here's a Gluten-Free Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. And my cookbook, 100 Cookies, also has a whole chapter of Pan-Banging recipes.

Purchase my book, 100 Cookies. (affiliate link)

More Pan-Banging Cookie Recipes:

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Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookies (The Original Recipe)

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The original Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookie, as featured in the NYTimes . This recipe first appeared in myVanilla Bean Baking Book, and was the inspiration for the ENTIRE CHAPTER of pan-banging cookie recipes in my 100 Cookies cookbook! Originally I thought to include a different chocolate chip cookie recipe in this book.

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I listened to this book on audio and LOVED it. Highly recommend!

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"A sweet and savory treat." -People

"An impressive feat of narrative jujitsu . . . that keeps readers turning the pages too fast to realize just how ingenious they are."-The New York Times Book Review, Editor's Pick
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Lager Queen of Minnesota, Kitchens of the Great Midwest is a novel about a young woman with a once-in-a-generation palate who becomes the iconic chef behind the country's most coveted dinner reservation.

When Lars Thorvald's wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wine-and a dashing sommelier-he's left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. He's determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter-starting with puréed pork shoulder. As Eva grows, she finds her solace and salvation in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to hydroponic chocolate habaneros, each ingredient represents one part of Eva's journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional feast that's a testament to her spirit and resilience.

Each chapter in J. Ryan Stradal's startlingly original debut tells the story of a single dish and character, at once capturing the zeitgeist of the Midwest, the rise of foodie culture, and delving into the ways food creates community and a sense of identity. By turns quirky, hilarious, and vividly sensory, Kitchens of the Great Midwest is an unexpected mother-daughter story about the bittersweet nature of life-its missed opportunities and its joyful surprises. It marks the entry of a brilliant new talent.

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Kitchens of the Great Midwest: A Novel [Stradal, J. Ryan] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Kitchens of the Great Midwest: A Novel

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I'm listening to this book through the app Libby, which is available to anyone with a library card!

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The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business a book by Charles Duhigg

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This instant classic explores how we can change our lives by changing our habits. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal - Financial Times In The Power of Habit, award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of s…

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Through our Wellbeing Program, you can access the Sanvello app, addressing depression, anxiety, and other common mental health issues. This is an article talking about some great reads and rituals to add to your self-care.

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If you're like us, curling up with a riveting book on a chilly day is one of the best antidotes to the winter "mehs." Not only does losing ourselves in an engaging read feel good - it actually good for us. Studies show that reading can reduce stress, improve brain function, and foster a sense of human connection and empathy.

We know it's not always easy to carve out downtime, but consider giving yourself a few minutes of reading time when you want to calm down or boost your mood. Not sure what to read? We went straight to our mental health coaches to ask what feel-good books they both love and recommend and we're sharing all the highlights with you.

Favorite feel-good books

When Breath Becomes Air - "This non-fiction book focuses on hope, joy, acceptance, and allowing oneself to see the bigger picture that life has to offer. It allowed me to reflect on not only my current circumstances, but also my previous experiences and the things that I was holding onto and just needed to let go." - Carolyn

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life - "On a personal level this book has been a necessity. I've never struggled with taking my work home with me, but I absolutely tend to give too much of myself to others or I am a little too transparent. At 30-something, I am finally realizing that setting boundaries is me showing myself the kind of love, compassion, and care that I need to thrive. Respecting myself enough to not tolerate certain treatment allows me to give more of myself to the people, activities, and outlets that fill me up rather than deplete me." - Natalie

A Grown-Up's Guide to Kid's Wiring- "I'm a mom of (soon to be) four boys and they each have their own personality. This book has been one that has really made sense to me, and I find it helpful to understand not only my high energy child, but all my kids for who they are, not who I want them to be. While this is focused on children and has been invaluable as a parent, I think this is a gem for ALL relationships." - Natalie

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear - "This book is all about tapping into the courage to be creative, especially if you are a writer. The author, Elizabeth Gilbert, asks 'Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?' and then later shares, 'I'm talking about living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.' The book is all about embracing and making space for fear as part of being brave and connecting to a creative and more fulfilling life. I step away from reading this book feeling inspired to look past fears and to be brave!" - Carrie

Sophie Kinsella books - "I enjoy Sophie Kinsella's books and it's actually hard to pick one or two because I like all of them. They make me laugh out loud, are fun to read and help me relax. They usually are a mix of comedy, romance and at times psychological insight." - Pamela

Awakening the Buddha Within - "This book talks about the fundamentals of Buddhism and how to start making the journey to enlightenment. He shares, 'How does a Buddha feel? Completely comfortable, at peace, and at ease in every situation and every circumstance with a sense of true inner freedom, independent of both outer circumstances and internal emotions.'" - Carrie

Tuesdays with Morrie - "Although this book discusses someone fighting a terminal illness, it was inspirational to me. Sometimes we just need a little perspective and wake-up call and, for that reason, this book is life-changing." - Carolyn

Our coaches' self-care reading rituals

"Reading books allows my mind to focus on something other than my overthinking tendencies. During COVID, I turned to my KINDLE. I can check out books for free via my library," shares Carolyn. "As I have gotten older and more interested in the world around me I have begun reading memoirs of influential people in history or celebrities that I find interesting, but most often I can be found reading a who-done-it thriller with a solid detective leading the way. Bonus points if the murder mystery has humor included!"

"Between being a mom, cleaning, cooking, and working full-time, my daytime hours are completely full, so I can't sneak in my reading until the house is quiet. Reading allows me to escape for a bit and get lost in a world entirely not my own," says Natalie. " I take my time when it comes to the more 'self-help' style books. I highlight and take notes and then journal about the concepts and how they can make me the best person I can be."

"Reading is self-care to me. I love reading before I go to sleep at night. On weekends, you'll find me reading first thing in the morning, sitting in my chair with a cup of coffee and my cat and dog curled up with me," says Carrie. " I take a book with me everywhere so that I can pull it out and read it even just for a few minutes. So I'm reading while I'm waiting to pick up my daughter from ballet or sitting at the doctor's office, instead of mindlessly scrolling on my phone. If you're just starting a reading routine, it can be helpful to link this new habit with something you already do in your day without much thought."

We hope you find something on this list that inspires you to sit down and catch your breath while diving into a soon-to-be-favorite book. If you have recs, we'd love to hear them so please share in our Inspiration Community.

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If you're like us, curling up with a riveting book on a chilly day is one of the best antidotes to the winter "mehs." Not only does losing ourselves in an engaging read feel good - it actually good for us.

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An excellent book about a fearless female in science!!

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GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER * A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Elle, Oprah Daily, Newsweek, GoodReads, Bookpage, Kirkus ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Bustle, Real Simple, Parade, CNN, Today, E! News, Library Journal The New York TimesLessons in Chemistry 's excellent experiment [is] quirky and heartwarming." - The Atlantic : a fish-out-of-water story about a feminist hero who never stops pushing for what's right. (I laughed out loud!)" will make you wonder about all the real-life women born ahead of their time-women who were sidelined, ignored and worse because they weren't as resourceful, determined and lucky as Elizabeth Zott. She's a reminder of how far we've come, but also how far we still have to go."New York Times Book Reviewpaints an extraordinary portrait of an unusual life in 1960s California...Irresistible, a gorgeous tribute to resilience and the many types of love that sustain us." is a page-turning and highly satisfying tale: zippy, zesty, and Zotty." Great Circle is a breath of fresh air-a witty, propulsive, and refreshingly hopeful novel populated with singular characters. This book is an utter delight-wry, warm, and compulsively readable."The Most Fun We Ever Had is a story for all the smart girls who refuse to dumb themselves down despite a culture that demands otherwise. Though a creation of the 50s & 60s, Zott is a feminist icon for our time." feels richly funny...Elizabeth Zott is a unique heroine, and you find yourself wishing she wasn't fictional: A lot of us-perhaps even Julia Child-might have enjoyed watching 'Supper at Six.'"The Seattle Times catalyzes science, cooking, and humor...Elizabeth [Zott]-determined, practical, uncompromising-shines brightest." has a winning formula."Cook, Eat, RepeatBookReporter(starred review) is a story to return to again and again." -LA Daily News"A smart, funny, big-hearted debut combining chemical elements into what seems a winning formula-one whose breakneck pace and gently ironic tone should appeal to readers of literary-commercial hits by American authors such as Katherine Heiny, Emma Straub and Curtis Sittenfeld.""Elizabeth Zott is the smart, fierce star of Garmus's witty debut...Brilliant."A Terrible Kindness
"In Garmus's debut novel, a frustrated chemist finds herself at the helm of a cooking show that sparks a revolution. Welcome to the 1960s, where a woman's arsenal of tools was often limited to the kitchen-and where Elizabeth Zott is hellbent on overturning the status quo one meal at a time."
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"Strikingly relevant...Darkly funny and poignant... Lessons in Chemistry Philip Galanes , The New York Times Scott Simon, NPR Frank Bruni

"The most delightful novel I read this year-fresh and surprising-was , The New York Times
- Washington Post Lessons in Chemistry ] fizz like hydrochloric acid on limestone. Elizabeth Zott does not have 'moxie'; she has courage. She is not a 'girl boss' or a 'lady chemist'; she's a groundbreaker and an expert in abiogenesis...To file Elizabeth Zott among the pink razors of the book world is to miss the sharpness of Garmus's message. Lessons in Chemistry
"Elizabeth Zott is going to be an important character to a lot of people . . . Absolute chemistry."
- - People Magazine Lessons in Chemistry Oprah Daily Lessons in Chemistry Maggie Shipstead , author of

"Feminism is the catalyst that makes [ Lessons in Chemistry Claire Lombardo , author of
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The Queen's Gambit
"Between the outrageous sexism and the bitter misfortune that thwart our heroine at every turn, this may not sound like a comic novel, but it is. Full of charm, energy and hope-and featuring a really great dog-it's one to savor."
, Elizabeth Zott swept me away with her intellect, honesty, and unapologetic selfhood. Lessons in Chemistry Rachel Yoder
"Darkly funny and poignant, , author of Nightbitch "A fun, feminist charmer, Bonnie Garmus's novel
- Lessons in Chemistry follows singular single mother Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist in a man's world-1960s America-as she becomes an unlikely cooking-show host and the role model her daughter deserves." Martha Stewart Living
"It's the world versus Elizabeth Zott, an extraordinary woman determined to live on her own terms, and I had no trouble choosing a side. Lessons in Chemistry
- Lessons in Chemistry Christian Science Monitor
Lessons in Chemistry Minneapolis Star Tribune
- Real Simple - Historical Novels Review
Minnesota Public Radio News
"On par with Beth Harmon of Nigella Lawson , author of "Garmus' writing is extraordinary, and her insightful commentaries on life, religion, bigotry, misogyny and stupidity result in passages that are absolutely worth sharing...Be prepared to laugh, grieve, and root for Elizabeth." -
- Kirkus "Indefatigable and formidable, Elizabeth pushes the bounds of how women and their work are perceived in this thoroughly engaging debut novel." "Like a woman-centric "Mad Men"...A witty and sharp dramedy about resilience and found families...Readers won't be able to get enough of Elizabeth and her makeshift family. Lessons in Chemistry - BookPage "While the novel focuses on serious themes of misogyny, feminism, family, and self-worth, it never gets didactic. The characters are rich and original, the story sarcastic and humorous, and the novel with all its twists and turns, difficult to put down. Zott is aloof and amazing, rational and revolutionary. Like Garmus, you may even find yourself channeling Elizabeth, asking 'Now what would Elizabeth Zott do?'" - Sunday Times -
"[A] delightful debut...Elizabeth Zott, Garmus' unflappable heroine, is no cheerily lilting [Julia] Child...[Garmus] skillfully moves her narrative forward and backward, filling in the empty spaces in Elizabeth's story. It's a novel full of dark moments...and yet Mail on Sunday - Jo Browning Roe
- , author of
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- Nina Stibbe , author of Reasons to Be Cheerful

"[Garmus] presents a rollicking feminist tale full of humor and hope even as she doesn't shy away from life's ugliness. Clever and sharp,
-
"A bold, smart, and often hilarious look at the value of so-called women's work."
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"Garmus tells a familiar story in a completely original voice in her delightful debut novel...Zott is an unforgettable protagonist, logical and literal and utterly herself...The novel deftly mixes comedy and tragedy, with only one very clear villain: the patriarchal culture of mid-20th century America, the days of which are numbered because of women like Zott...For those who admire a confident, bone-dry, and hilarious authorial voice, this novel achieves the difficult task of being both sharply satirical and heartwarming at the same time."

"[An] energetic debut...A more adorable plea for rationalism and gender equality would be hard to find."
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"A fabulous novel. Compelling, satisfying, a real page-turner."

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Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel [Garmus, Bonnie] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel

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Cute Kid Sings Bob Marley - Three Little Birds

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Many of us have a special photo, place etc that fill us with awe. Remember to savor these

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Same place different season

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Zion National Park, Jan 25, 2019

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Spring is coming and for all of those green thumbs out there, here's a fun read! It also has a link to find out what Zone your garden is in!

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Occasional warm days in February are a teaser for spring, so we understand if you're starting to daydream about the garden you'll plant when it's closer to summer. But there's no need to wait-you can get started on some of your spring gardening tasks right now.

Mark your calendar

The exact dates to plant, harvest, and do other gardening chores will vary according to your local climate. That means you should look up your area's USDA plant hardiness zone if you don't know it already. Higher numbers are warmer: Northern Minnesota is zone 3, and the southern tip of Florida is zone 11.

Then look up your zone-or, better yet, check with your local university's cooperative extension -to find out what you can plant when. At the very least, mark your calendar with the date that you can expect the last frost of the season. Many plants shouldn't be planted outdoors until after the danger of frost has passed.

Look up the plants you'd like to grow-the specific varieties, like "Scarlet Nantes," not just "carrots"-and see how many days they require to germinate and from planting to harvest. Work backwards to figure out what you'll need to plant when.

Take inventory

Consider what you'd like to grow this year, and figure out whether you have all the supplies and equipment you'll need. What seeds and seedlings will you need to buy? Do you need to replace any tools? Rent a rototiller? Stock up on fertilizer and mulch?

Start your tomato seedlings

Work backwards from your planting dates for tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-weather crops to figure out when you can start planting seeds indoors. Some plants grow well from seeds plopped in the ground in May (like squash and beans), but others (like tomatoes) really benefit from getting an early start indoors so they'll be big and healthy when planting time rolls around. The colder your climate, the shorter your outdoor growing season, so northern gardeners tend to start more seeds indoors than people in warmer southern climates.

Prep your garden beds

You can start getting your hands dirty as soon as the ground can be worked, which usually also means the snow has melted and you're only expecting light flurries and frosts from then on.

As soon as you can, get out there and pull up any dead plants, weeds, and leftover stakes or cages. The next step, once you can get a shovel into the ground, is to prepare the soil with any fertilizers or amendments you might need, and set up any new planters or beds. Now is also a good time to get a soil test (at your local extension or by using an at-home test kit) if you aren't sure what, if anything, you'll need to add to the soil.

Plant early-season crops

This is the fun part, and one that many folks overlook. While you may need to wait a few months to plant your warm-weather crops, plenty of vegetables love cold weather and can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked.

Lettuce is one of these, and it gives nearly instant gratification, since you can start enjoying baby lettuce in just a few weeks. Carrots, radishes, spinach, potatoes, and peas can go into the ground now or very soon, and you'll be able to eat a whole homegrown salad before your neighbors have even gotten their tomatoes in the ground.

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Do These Things Now to Prep for Your Spring Garden

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Occasional warm days in February are a teaser for spring, so we understand if you're starting to daydream about the garden you'll plant when it's closer to summer. But there's no need to wait-you can get started on some of your spring gardening tasks right now.

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40+ Easy and Creative Halloween Crafts for Kids That You Can Make as a Family

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Get your kids in the Halloween spirit with these easy-to-make Halloween crafts for kids.

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Take care of You. You're worth it

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because you're worth it

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Friendly February-Action for happiness

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"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop quotes from BrainyQuote.com

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Julie found this video. Backed by science, how to become happier? Gratitude!

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An Experiment in Gratitude | The Science of Happiness

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The Realities of Resilience in the Face of Burnout

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The Realities of Resilience in the Face of Burnout

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Dr. Tai Mendenhall put on a webinar that is really applicable and helpful!

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Civil Service and P&A Senates Present: The Realities of Resilience in the Face of Burnout

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This is the library from action for happiness

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Cultivating gratitude even in hard times

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Cultivating gratitude even in hard times

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Gratitude — You Do Matter: Supporting the Front Line

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Thanks Sandra Koch for sharing!

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Positive Psychology in a Pandemic, with Martin Seligman, PhD

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Thanks Sandra Koch for sharing!

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The Positive Psychology Podcast - Bringing the Science of Happiness to your Earbuds with Kristen Truempy

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The science of the good life, huh? Sorry this is not about booze, sex and rock n'roll (or whatever is en vogue right now). In fact we talk about a lot of things that tree huggers would love: appreciation of beauty, gratitude, positive emotions, relationships and well, love.

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Thanks Sandra for sharing!

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Today it's an honor to have Dr. Sean Carroll on the podcast. Dr. Carroll is a theoretical physicist at the California Institute of Technology. Recently, Carroll has worked on the foundation of quantum mechanics, the arrow of time, and the emergence of complexity. He has been awarded prizes and fellowships by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, among others. Dr. Carroll has given a TED talk on the multiverse that has more than 1.5 million views, and he has participated in a number of well-attended public debates concerning material in his latest book, which is entitled "The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself." - The meaning of "post-existentialism" - What is "poetic naturalism"? - What is the fundamental nature of reality? - Do "tables" and

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In each episode, we talk with inspiring scientists, thinkers, and other self-actualized individuals who will give you a greater understanding of yourself, others, and the world we live in. Scott Barry Kaufman explores the depths of human potential and tries to get a glimpse into human possibility in every episode.