Six for Twenty Six: More of Martha’s Favourite Things for Another Year of Comfort, Nourishment, Reflection, Healing, Fulfillment, and Self-Care
This is Part 50 of a serial blog originally titled 'Martha Carter's Healing Journey'. Curious about the earlier posts? To start from the beginning, read Part 1.
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Happy New Year to one and all!
To celebrate the start of this New Year, here are my SIX for TWENTY-SIX!
Basically, the is a list of my most current favourite things that are keeping me cozy, comfortable, and content this year so far.
My cat Betty White loves these socks too!
1. SMART WOOL SOCKS
https://www.smartwool.com/
I have heard people rave about merino wool for years, but it is only now that I have discovered the perfection of smart wool socks! I wonder if I will ever need another kind again!?
They are soft, manage moisture, regulate temperature, and resist odors. They are comfortable and effective in any weather condition. They naturally regulate temperature, keeping feet warm in winter and cool in summer. And even better, many styles feature reinforced heels and toes for durability and targeted cushioning for extra comfort. In other words, they are great all year round and they make your feet feel great! Plus there are many fun design options.
Enjoy!
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2. TURMERIC ELIXIR
Looking for a hot, yummy beverage that isn’t coffee or tea, and doesn’t include milk of any kind? Make your own yummy turmeric elixir!
A turmeric elixir is a vibrant health tonic made by simmering (and optionally blending) fresh or ground turmeric (antioxidants), ginger (heat), black pepper (piperine to absorb the curcumin in turmeric) and lemon in water—then straining and sweetening with honey.
It's known for its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to curcumin, and is consumed as a concentrated shot, mixed with hot water as a tea, or added to drinks for an immune boost, energy, and also skin health! Plus it’s delicious.
Check out the recipe below.
How to Make a Basic Turmeric Elixir (Concentrate):
Simmer and Reduce: Gently boil water with sliced fresh turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and other spices if you desire (cinnamon, cardamon). Simmer for around 45 mins until reduced.
Strain: Strain out the solids and let the liquid cool slightly.
(option to blend the ingredients before straining)
Add: Stir in honey or maple syrup (avoid processed sugars) and lemon juice once cooled.
Store: Keep the concentrate in the fridge for up to two weeks.
How to Drink It:
Tea: Mix ¼ to ½ cup of concentrate with 8 oz of hot water.
Shot: Take a small amount (1-2 oz) ‘straight up’ for a potent dose.
Added: Mix into smoothies or warm milk.
Important Considerations:
• Medical Advice: Consult a doctor before use if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes, or take medications like blood thinners as turmeric can interact.
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3. BREATHWORK - JUST BREATHE
DAN BRULE’s website: breath mastery
For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth.
- SANSKRIT PROVERB
For the last 1.5 years, I have been doing a very simple, yet profound, 5-minute breathwork practice that has changed my life for the better. I usually do it first thing in the morning, but also throughout the day. I started it when my anxiety was up, my energy was down, and I really wanted to avoid medications. Although I had taken some breathwork classes before, I had never felt the impulse or motivation to go deeper. With life events kicking my ass I desperately looked for something to help. I came across several great breathwork teachers, but was especially drawn to the work of Dan Brulé due to his welcoming ability to keep the practice simple and accessible. His book JUST BREATHE explains the history of breathwork from many traditions, as well as the many benefits of regular practice. And then he gives detailed instructions along with access to video demonstrations of all the techniques. His enthusiasm is contagious.
As I went through the book, I tried them all.
I also went to his website and downloaded his 21-day free video series where you receive a new short breathing exercise every day for 21 days. Incredible information.
The trick is to start with one breath practice that you like and DO IT!
And if you start to practice it regularly, you will likely notice some kind of positive change right away. For example, you may feel calmer or sleep better, have less anxiety and clearer thoughts, etc. Deeper changes will show over time. At some point, the benefits will become more obvious and integrated. It is worth the effort and the wait.
The specific breathwork practice that saved me and has since stuck with me is Resonance breathing (or coherent breathing), a calming technique using slow, rhythmic breaths, to sync heart rate and breathing, activating the "rest and digest" (parasympathetic) nervous system to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve focus. It involves deep, gentle belly breaths at a consistent, slow pace, optionally guided by a pacemaker or music, helping to calm the mind and body for better emotional regulation and cognitive function.
I do it every day. Sometimes several times a day.
JUST DO IT!
(or find another one from the many choices out there that works for you)
How to do Resonant Breathing:
- 5 counts in, 5 counts out.
- Repeat 30 times. It takes 5 minutes.
- Breathing through the nose is ideal, and if you know it, apply ujjayi breath.
Posture: Sit upright in a comfortable, relaxed position, or lie down.
Inhale: Breathe in gently through your nose for about 5.5 seconds, feeling your belly expand.
Exhale: Breathe out slowly through your nose or mouth for about 5.5 seconds, emptying your lungs.
Repeat: Continue this pattern, focusing on the smooth, even flow, aiming for about 5-6 breaths per minute.
Gentle Flow: Don't force deep breaths; allow your belly to gently expand and contract.
Benefits:
Stress Reduction: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the "fight-or-flight" response.
Improved Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Increases vagal tone, a marker of stress resilience.
Enhanced Focus: Strengthens the prefrontal cortex's control over emotions.
Better Mood: Can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Versatile: Can be practiced anywhere to manage daily stress.
Introduction from the book JUST BREATHE, by Dan Brulé:
Breathwork is the use of Breath Awareness and Conscious Breathing for healing and growth, personal awakening, and transformation in spirit, mind, and body. All the breathing techniques you'll learn in this book have this definition at their core. Breathwork falls into the field of self-improvement and personal development. It is a self-help, self-healing method in alternative medicine. It is also a key to spiritual purification and self-mastery. It is the most holistic and complementary approach to health care, and it is an essential part of any genuine spiritual development program.
Buy it at your favourite bookstore or online!
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4. MUD\WTR HOT CACAO
Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate
https://mudwtr.com
Last year, I recommended the trendy mushroom coffee called MUD\WTR (MUD WATER) which I continue to enjoy regularly. It feels nourishing and is very tasty.
Recently, the company came out with their mushroom hot cacao drink and I LOVE it!
I made my first one in a big mug with hot oat milk and sipped it in front of the fire - it was heaven in a mug! As good or even better than any hot chocolate I have ever had.
Perhaps because it is ‘adaptogenic’ hot chocolate. This means that it is created from natural substances that help your body manage stress by restoring balance and increasing resistance to physical, chemical, or biological stressors. It’s a nutrient-dense superfood rich in antioxidants, fibre, and essential minerals.
Cacao is well known as an ‘adaptogenic’ plant, and has been used in ceremonies for thousands of years, starting with ancient Mesoamerican peoples who viewed cacao as a sacred gift from the gods used in spiritual, medicinal, and ritualistic practices.
Another of the ingredients is Ashwaganda, an ancient adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic medicine primarily known for helping the body manage and adapt to stress. The active compounds, called withanolides, are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The hot cacao mix also contains Lion’s Mane mushroom and Maca. Lion's mane offers potential benefits for brain health (cognition, mood, nerve repair), gut health (ulcers, good bacteria), immunity, and heart health.
Maca is an adaptogenic Peruvian root containing rich nutrients used to boost energy, libido, and fertility, and ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes.
Together, these four ingredients create a delicious tonic that supports your overall well-being, energy, and focus. Drinking it modulates the stress response system, helping to calm the nervous system and support the adrenal glands.
Seriously? Is that all?
No wonder it tasted like a hug, and even better, it’s only 60 calories per serving (plus the milk).
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
NOTE: If you are not interested in this particular brand, there are many other variations on the theme such as Harmonic Arts 5 Mushroom Chocolate.
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5. MASSAGE GUNS - any brand will do!
I have enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of massage wands for years, however, I have recently become a big fan of a massage ‘gun’. Thank you, Secret Santa! The penetrating action of a ‘gun’ takes the self-massage experience to another level!
Different from a more gentle massage wand, the ‘gun’ (I wish it had a different name) offers less vibration and more percussion, going much deeper into the myofascial and muscle tissues.The percussive action increases blood flow and can aid in recovery of specific muscle soreness, tension, and injury. In other words it is much more intense!
It is a great tool for focused, intense, deep-tissue muscle stimulation. Similar to having a dynamic, powerful massage—rather than a gentle ‘spa’ massage - the sensation is intense and exhilarating. Where this level of intensity might feel a bit aggressive done by someone else, with your own massage tool, you are in complete control of it all.
But don’t let go of your massage wand as you will still want the option of its calming vibration for overall relaxation and general muscle tension relief.
Or, get one of each!
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6. ENERGY WORK - REIKI PLUS PLUS (REIKI ++)
RECLAIM YOUR CAPACITY TO HEAL
https://www.danylyne.com/course
Suggesting energy work as one of my current ‘favourite things’ for 2026 is an understatement.
Over the last several months, it has become an ongoing exploration that is feeding my mind, body, and soul.
Recently, I followed a 9 week course called REIKI ++ : RECLAIM YOUR CAPACITY TO HEAL that opened me to a new world of awareness around my own self-care practice—a direction that I definitely want to increasingly integrate into my work in the future as its benefits can be life-changing. The course, taught by gifted teacher and energy ‘sherpa’ Dany Lyne, teaches us to root ourselves in practices that unite body, mind, energy, and spirit. A path not of fixing, but of remembering wholeness.
Diving into the teachings has not only reinforced how much I have already been applying energy awareness more than I realized, it has also given me new insight into how much more there is to learn… and apply!
I look forward to joining Dany’s next series of classes starting in February, 2026. Check it out on her website above.
In the meantime, check out Dany’s book REIKI ++ HERE.
Brief description of Reiki (pronounced ray-key)
Meaning: "Rei" (universal) + "Ki" (life force energy), developed by Mikao Usui in Japan in the 1920s, is a Japanese energy healing technique where practitioners channel "universal life force energy" (Rei-Ki) to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and holistic well-being by balancing the body's energy. It can be done in person or at a distance.
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Hope you find a few things here that resonate with you! Got any of your own favourites to share? Email us!
Wishing you all a fantastic 2026!
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