Apps We Love

In this modern and technologically dependent time, we rarely don't have our smart phones next to us. When we're bored, need to kill time, want to connect with people, keep updated on the world around us, we look at the little phone in our laps. Convenience is key, and we rely on smart phones for the convenience of meeting our needs immediately. App development has responded to our growing needs and for each want: there's an app for that. So how about the want to feel better? 

Walden Living is online in many places: Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, twitter, and this blog. Our goal is to make finding the right resources easier. So, we will be using, reviewing, and recommending apps for you to use that we actually find helpful! We'll keep updating this post as we find new apps or get tired of old ones!

So lets start it off:

Happify

This is an app I like because it feels very individualized. There is also a website: Happify.com - which advertises itself as: Cutting-edge science-based activities and games to overcome negative thoughts, anxiety, and everyday stress. The app, and the website allow you to chose a track- what do you want to work on? (some are free and some charge)

• Cope Better With Stress
• Mindfullness Meditation for Everyone
• Motivate Yourself to Succeed
• Cure Stress, the Mindfulness Way
• Conquer Your Negative Thoughts
• Bounce Back from a Breakup
• Get Unstuck
• Feel Better About Your Body
• Find Your Calling
• Caregivers: Your Wellbeing Matters
• Overcome Your Insecurities
• Build a Stronger Marriage
• Fuel Your Career Success
• Uncover Your Potential Through Mindfulness
• Get Out of a Rut
• Chronic Illness, Beautiful Life
• Mindfullness at Work: The Modern Secret to Success
• Overcome Anxiety: The Superstress Solution
• Reclaim Your Happiness
• Rewire Your Brain for Happiness
• Find Peace Through Positive Mindfulness
• Meditation: Learn to Love Yourself and Others
• Find More "Me" Time
• Relationship Turmoil Ends Here
• Happiness Shortcuts for the Ultra-Busy
• Real Happiness: The Meditation Transformation
• Happiness Starts with Self- Knowledge
• Get Tough and Know Your Grit
• Instantly Connect With Anyone
• Motivation Tricks to Get Fit
• Stop No-Win Comparisons to Others
• Defeat Loneliness
• Defeat Your Inner Critic
• Raise happy, Resilient Kids OR Raise happy, Resilient Teens
• Nurture Your Body and Soul
• Get Energized About Your Job
• Kick- Start Positive Change
• How Money CAN Buy Happiness
• Find More Love and Friendship
• Explore the Art in Happiness
• Boost Your Happiness and Spread Positivity
• Painless Parenting
• Happiness for Introverts
• Empty Nest, Full Life
• The Friendship Improvement Project

Wow that's a long list! But see what I mean when I say it feels more individualized? They also give you an assessment so they can recommend tracks so you don't have to chose- then when you've accomplished one you can switch to another! The app also sets measurable goals so you are actually working towards improving your life. Lastly, there is a good mixture of activities- so its not all meditation, mindfulness or self reflection. There are even fun games- but they always explain what the goal of the game is and how it will help you. 

I definitely recommend this app :)

Meet New People in Your Area

Have you moved to a new place recently? Have you been isolating from the outside world? Are you simply ready to meet some new people? Here are a few ideas on how to meet new friends and grow your social and support circle:

-Meetup is a great tool for joining in on activities in your area. Search through the categories  (dinner and movie, hiking, coffee shops, etc.) and find a meetup that fits your interests - see if that time works for you and commit to going! The best part about this website and app is that others in the group are there for the same reasons you are: to make new friendships.

-Local Classes: Take a fun class at a community college near you. Bond with others while developing a new skill. Try pottery making, calligraphy, cooking, ballroom dancing - you will be surprised at all of the exciting classes your community has to offer!

-Volunteer: Connect with people who have the same passions as you and feel good while helping others! Check out Volunteer Match for an easy way to find volunteer opportunities near you.

-Support Groups: Sometimes the best friendships are made with those who have had similar life experiences. Join a support group and meet people who understand your challenges. One option is NAMI connection for people living with mental illness - check it out to find your nearest support group.

-Challenge Yourself: Maybe you say hi and start a conversation with someone on the bus, on your lunch break, at the grocery store. Challenge yourself by getting out of your comfort zone. Start small - smile at a stranger or compliment somebody's shirt in the elevator. Work your way up to starting a conversation and asking a new acquaintance to coffee!

Welcome 2016!

We're reposting this from last year, but it's so helpful to take some time to organize your thoughts and set goals. How can you get where you're going if you don't know where that is?

8% of new year's resolutions are accomplished - let's change that. 

What was your New Year's Resolution? Start exercising more? Exercise less? Cook More? Make taking care of yourself a priority? Manage your time better? Manage your budget better? Get out of the house more? Be Happy?

Why not start living the life you want? 

All your goals are within reach, but you may need a little help to get there. Walden Living is here to help, and this blog is here to help organize your recovery and your resources for support!

Get involved in your community, do something you enjoy, and become engaged in you own life.

NEDAwareness Week Day Seven: Parents

• Parents don’t cause eating disorders. They can be a major part of recovery. 
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Parents do not cause eating disorders. They are in a unique position to help identify eating disorders early, seek professional help, and support a child through the recovery process. It is also important to note that eating disorders are not a choice - they are not "just a phase" or an attention-seeking behavior. Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses that are best treated with a support system that includes the family. Parents also need to practice self-care when caring for a loved one. Recovery is possible, but it can be a trying experience for both the individual and their family members.

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Hope and Support:
Hope for Parents
Parent Toolkit

NEDAwareness Week Day Six: Medical Professionals

Eating Disorders are often overlooked/misdiagnosed by medical professionals. Learn the signs & share! 

Physicians and medical professionals can play an integral role in educating and assisting individuals who may be struggling with eating disorders or at risk for developing these illnesses. Due to a lack of education about the complexities of eating disorders and the range of behaviors and symptoms associated with them, physicians often overlook warning signs or misdiagnose eating disorders. These mistakes take a toll. More than 2/3 of youth with an eating disorder have not gotten treatment. Without education, physicians may miss an opportunity to stabilize a condition until appropriate treatment can be arranged.

For More Information Read Here:
What's Up Doc? - Stay in the know about the realities of eating disorders
Guide to Recognition/Management
Screening and Managing Eating Disorders - A guide for medical professionals