My Ultimate Toolkit for a Healthy, Productive Lifestyle | No Nonsense November (11/26)
A curated guide of tools, tech, and mindsets that support a sustainable, balanced, and productive lifestyle.

In a world of endless choices, finding the right tools to support a healthy and productive life can feel like sifting through noise. Over time, I’ve curated a toolkit that keeps me consistent, focused, and in tune with my goals — tools that enhance my daily routine rather than add unnecessary complexity. Whether it’s the apps on my phone, the tech I use, or the mindset frameworks I lean on, these resources have become essential in my journey toward a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. Today, I’m breaking down everything I rely on to make my health and productivity sustainable — not just for the short term, but as part of a lasting routine.
Consider this a guide you can return to whenever you need a boost, some new inspiration, or a structured approach to building your own toolkit. Bookmark it, save it, and dive into the sections that speak to your goals.
No Nonsense November is a month-long challenge I’ve committed to, aimed at stripping away distractions and focusing on what truly drives growth. Each day, I’m sharing insights that cut through the noise, whether in health, productivity, or personal development. Day 10 is about sharing the core tools and resources that make my lifestyle sustainable, creating a practical foundation anyone can use to fuel their own goals. Check out the full breakdown here:

1. Health & Fitness Apps
This category covers the essential apps I rely on to maintain a consistent approach to health and fitness. From nutrition tracking and hydration to step counts and performance analysis, each app helps build a comprehensive picture of my health. With detailed tracking, data insights, and goal-setting features, these tools make it easier to monitor and stay on top of my fitness journey, especially while managing a busy schedule.
Nutrition & Health Tracking
• Lifesum - is my go-to for tracking daily calories and macronutrients, like protein, carbs, and fats. With a built-in barcode scanner, it makes logging food incredibly simple, recognizing items from various countries and pulling from an extensive database, including user-submitted and often team-verified entries. Lifesum helps me stay aligned with my nutrition goals, ensuring I hit the right balance of calories and nutrients each day.
• Waterllama - is my essential tool for tracking hydration. With its minimalist design, it focuses solely on helping me stay hydrated without any extra clutter. The app offers a variety of drink options, giving me a more accurate picture of my hydration from different beverages. Simple, straightforward, and effective — exactly what I need to keep my daily water intake on track.
• Step Tracking: Pacer, Steps+, Steps App - to keep track of my daily walking and mileage. Each app offers unique features that enhance my tracking experience, from detailed trends and insights to helpful widgets and route analysis. Together, they give me a well-rounded view of my activity levels, helping me stay consistent with my movement and fitness goals.
• Strava -I use Strava to track all my physical activities, including running, walking, hiking, cycling, and boxing. With support for a wide range of activities, Strava is my go-to app for housing all my fitness data in one place. It provides detailed insights, trends, and specifics for each workout, making it easy to monitor my progress and stay on top of my fitness goals.
• Apple Health - Apple Health is arguably my most used app, as it serves as the central hub for all my health metrics. All the apps I use, from fitness to nutrition trackers, sync data here, providing a comprehensive view of everything I need to know about my body and mind. From sleep and exercise to nutrition and more, Apple Health consolidates it all, giving me easy access to a holistic overview of my wellness.
2. Productivity Apps
In the realm of productivity, I prioritize tools that allow me to streamline, organize, and automate my tasks. These apps help manage everything from writing and brainstorming to everyday communications and content organization. Each app here has become indispensable for staying focused, reducing distractions, and optimizing time management. Together, they provide a cohesive workspace, making my workflow as efficient and straightforward as possible.
Essential Productivity Tools
• Arc Browser - is my go-to for its minimal resource usage and speed, making it ideal for my MacBook. Its ability to run smoothly while keeping my workflow efficient is key. My mind operates much like a filing cabinet — ideas are stored in categories and genres, each requiring its own organized space. Arc’s unique feature of creating multiple profiles and dedicated workspaces allows me to categorize tabs based on specific projects or interests, keeping everything clean and easy to access without compromising performance.
• Obsidian - is my personal knowledge manager (PKM) and a powerful tool for storing and organizing my thoughts, knowledge, data, journals, research, and more. It serves as my ‘second brain,’ allowing me to consolidate everything in one place instead of scattering information across multiple documents. Its innovative graph view reveals connections between documents, enabling me to link ideas across various aspects of my life seamlessly. With Obsidian, I can capture every thought and insight, keeping them accessible and interconnected. Stay tuned, as I have extensive articles on my Obsidian setup and workflows coming soon!
• ChatGPT — is one of my most versatile tools, transforming how I work, write, and learn. As my go-to assistant, it helps me brainstorm ideas, generate and refine content, and tackle complex research. It’s also a fantastic collaborator for structuring articles, offering title options, and helping me stay consistent with tone and style. Beyond writing, ChatGPT assists me with coding questions, meal planning, fitness schedules, and even as a thought partner for more philosophical conversations. It’s my productivity booster, constantly adapting to my needs — from managing my creative projects to optimizing day-to-day routines. Whether I’m drafting content or troubleshooting a technical challenge, ChatGPT brings precision, creativity, and efficiency to the table every time.
• Google Photos - is my go-to for cloud photo storage, providing affordable options for gigabytes — even terabytes — of space to keep all my pictures and videos securely stored. It’s the ideal solution for offloading media from devices, freeing up storage while preserving memories. The advanced search feature is incredibly helpful, letting me easily find specific moments from any time. With Google Photos, it’s like having a personal time capsule that holds my life’s memories, organized and accessible whenever I need them.
• MyMind - is an incredibly unique and essential tool I use as my web clipper across devices. A web extension and a phone app allow me to save articles, links, and ideas effortlessly so I can revisit them anytime. Instead of cluttering my notes or creating massive documents, I save things to Mymind and know they’ll be waiting for me when I’m ready, making it a seamless tool for managing information without the extra steps.
• Google Sheets - is indispensable for managing the considerable amount of data I handle in both personal and professional contexts. With its powerful calculation and data organization tools, I use it to sum, average, and analyze large datasets, allowing me to dive deeper into any aspect I need. Whether for tracking personal metrics or managing professional projects, Google Sheets is my go-to for efficient and structured data management.
• Gmail - has been my go-to email app for a few key reasons: its highly accurate search capabilities, seamless integration with other Google Suite apps, and its efficient tagging and organization features. While I haven’t explored many alternatives, Gmail was my first choice and has consistently delivered everything I need, so I’ve never felt the urge to switch.
3. Entertainment & Social Media Apps
The apps in this category are essential for both engagement and content sharing across platforms. As a creator, I use these to connect with audiences, monitor feedback, and analyze performance metrics. Each platform allows me to tailor my engagement strategies while ensuring I stay current with audience preferences and content trends. In addition to social media, apps like Medium and Substack provide spaces for deeper, long-form writing, allowing me to express and share ideas on a larger scale.
Platforms for Content & Engagement
• Medium - the platform where you’re reading this article and also where I find a lot of inspiration from other creators. The app lets me easily track my stats, discover new articles, and stay connected with a community of writers and readers, all in one convenient place.
• Substack - I’m currently experimenting with this platform, planning to use it as a place for premium content. Here, I’ll be sharing deeper insights, more extensive guides, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. It’s where I aim to go beyond the basics, offering readers a richer, more comprehensive view.
• Twitter - to share all my written content, from announcements to concise micro-articles in the form of threads. It’s a versatile platform that lets me connect with readers, stay in touch with others in the industry, and discover relevant topics. It’s a great space to engage with fellow creators and keep up with trending discussions.
• Bluesky - As a competitor to Twitter, I started using Bluesky because of its minimalist layout and streamlined interface. It offers a refreshing experience without the overwhelming content overload, giving users more control over the feed and the type of content they see. It’s been a great addition to my toolkit for connecting with a like-minded audience.
• Threads - Another Twitter competitor, this one run by Instagram, has found its way into my toolkit, though I don’t use it extensively. It’s worth mentioning as I do post there occasionally and see potential for cross-platform synergy in the future, especially if I expand my content on Instagram. Threads offers a smooth connection with the Instagram ecosystem, making it a handy platform when I’m ready to broaden my reach.
Music Distribution
• Spotify for Artists - is an essential tool for tracking how our music is performing on one of the biggest streaming platforms. It provides insights into listener demographics, engagement trends, and overall performance metrics for each song we release. This app helps us understand our audience better and fine-tune our approach, ensuring that our music resonates and reaches listeners who appreciate our work.
• Apple Music for Artists - is where we monitor the performance of our tracks within the Apple Music platform. It allows us to see detailed listener insights, track engagement metrics, and analyze where our music is being streamed. This app gives us valuable data on our Apple Music audience, helping us understand our listeners and tailor our releases to meet their preferences.
• YouTube Studio - is essential for managing all aspects of our YouTube content. From real-time metrics on video performance to audience insights and engagement stats, it covers everything. This app also makes it easy to manage content, track trends, respond to comments, and optimize uploads, all in one place — keeping our YouTube channel organized and growth-focused.
4. Health Tech & Equipment
When it comes to physical health, specific devices can make a significant difference. This equipment supports my fitness and nutrition by simplifying daily health routines. From tracking body weight and food measurements to preparing meals quickly and efficiently, these tools bring precision and convenience into my health journey, helping maintain consistency even on busy days.
Health-Focused Devices
• Smart Scale for Body Weight - I use a smart scale to monitor my health metrics and track progress toward my fitness goals. Unlike a regular scale, a smart scale syncs automatically with Apple Health and provides additional insights via its mobile app. This extra data helps me get a comprehensive view of body composition and trends, making it easier to stay on top of my health journey.
• Food Scale - essential for daily nutrition management, especially for foods without listed weights or when following recipes. Whether I’m portioning ingredients for home cooking or assessing portions from restaurants, the scale helps me maintain accurate intake and keeps me aligned with my nutritional goals. It’s invaluable for anyone serious about tracking diet and macros effectively.
• Smoothie Blender - my go-to for making quick, nutritious smoothies and protein shakes. It’s an affordable, versatile appliance that allows me to whip up a refreshing smoothie or post-workout shake in minutes, making it ideal for anyone looking to add convenient, healthy options to their daily routine.
• Air Fryer - The air fryer is a game-changer for making healthier meals at home. It’s perfect for achieving that crispy, delicious texture without needing much oil, allowing me to enjoy my favorite foods guilt-free. It’s quick, convenient, and ideal for meal prep or when I need a fast, balanced meal.
• Water Filter Dispenser - Having access to cold, filtered water is essential for staying hydrated. This dispenser ensures I always have fresh, clean water available, free from impurities. It’s a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to buying bottled water, helping me easily keep track of my daily hydration goals.
• Grill Press - This appliance takes all the effort out of grilling. Just place the food on, and it cooks both sides evenly without needing to flip. It’s a time-saver and guarantees consistent results, making it perfect for quick, hassle-free meals.
5. Productivity & Fitness Tech
The tech in this section includes devices that enhance both work productivity and fitness tracking. I rely on these gadgets to help bridge the gap between work, fitness, and everyday life. Each device plays a unique role: from enhancing my workouts to keeping me connected on the go. Together, they add value to both my professional tasks and fitness routines, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Everyday Tech for Work & Training
• iPhone 13 Pro Max - My essential all-in-one tool for communication, productivity, and entertainment on the go. With its impressive battery life, powerful camera, and seamless integration with all my Apple devices, it keeps me connected and efficient throughout the day.
• Apple Watch Series 9 - My go-to for tracking health and fitness metrics. It keeps tabs on everything from heart rate and activity rings to specific workout data, making it an essential tool for monitoring progress and staying motivated throughout my fitness journey.
• MacBook Pro M1 - My powerhouse for productivity. Its speed and efficiency let me handle everything from content creation to multitasking across apps without a hitch. With a battery that keeps up all day, it’s my go-to for work, writing, and managing my projects seamlessly.
• iPad Air 13-inch - My versatile, on-the-go device and perfect second monitor. Whether I’m using it for quick notes, sketching out ideas, or extending my workspace, it’s lightweight and powerful, ideal for staying productive wherever I am.
• Apple Magic Keyboard & Mouse - These essentials offer seamless functionality across my Mac and iPad, providing a smooth, responsive typing and navigation experience. Their connectivity and ease make switching between devices effortless, boosting productivity without interruptions.
• AirPods Pro - Given that most of my tech is Apple, these are a perfect fit. The noise cancellation is outstanding, allowing me to tune out distractions and focus, whether working or relaxing. Plus, they switch seamlessly across all my Apple devices, making multitasking smooth and hassle-free.
• AirTags - These little trackers are essential for keeping tabs on my essentials like keys and wallet. With Apple’s Find My network, I can quickly locate anything I might misplace, which is especially useful when I’m on the go or traveling. They bring a level of peace of mind to my daily routine.
• Garmin Forerunner 55 - My go-to backup sports watch for those intense, long hikes or runs. Its minimal interface is designed for efficiency, providing a highly accurate accelerometer and pedometer, which I trust for tracking longer distances. The extended battery life is a standout feature — far exceeding my Apple Watch on extended trips — allowing me to rely on it for longer physical events without worrying about recharging.
6. Essential Gear & Equipment
The gear and equipment in this category are essentials for travel, daily routines, and specific activities. From personal grooming to adventure gear, these items help me stay prepared and organized regardless of location. Each piece has been chosen for its functionality, durability, and practicality, allowing me to focus on my goals without being weighed down by unreliable equipment.
Lifestyle & Travel Essentials
• Phillips Sonicare Toothbrush - This electric toothbrush is my standard for maintaining optimal oral hygiene. Its powerful sonic technology ensures a deeper, more effective clean compared to manual brushing, helping me stay consistent with high dental care standards.
• Phillips One Blade - My go-to for all my shaving needs. Its versatile design makes it perfect for precision trimming, shaving, and styling, keeping everything neat and well-groomed with ease.
• Water Floss - A powerful addition to my dental routine, the water flosser cleans deeply between teeth, reaching spots traditional flossing can miss. It’s perfect for maintaining gum health and achieving a fresher, cleaner mouth feel every day
• Fujifilm X-T30 with a 35mm lens - My travel companion for capturing candid moments and close-up shots. The 35mm lens brings out incredible detail, making it perfect for documenting everyday scenes and unique finds during my travels, rather than vast landscapes. It’s all about capturing the details that make each experience memorable.
• DJI Action 3 - My go-to for capturing high-quality footage of activities and sports. Its durability and clarity make it ideal for documenting all kinds of action, ensuring I don’t miss a beat during my workouts, hikes, or any adventure that needs a solid video record.
Running & Travel Gear
• On Cloudmonster Running Shoes- A must-have for any serious runner, these shoes offer the perfect blend of comfort, support, and responsiveness. They’re built for distance, helping me hit my stride with ease and tackle long runs without compromising on comfort.
• Decathlon Evadict Camel Pack - A comfortable and compact pack perfect for storing all the essentials I need during my runs, keeping hydration and gear easily accessible.
• Gomatic Navigator Pack 32L - Recently diving into the world of one-bag travel, I found this pack to be ideal for fitting all my essentials. Its thoughtful design and ample space make it perfect for week-long trips, ensuring I have everything I need without the bulk.
• Boundry Supply Errant - My go-to utility backpack for everyday carry and quick weekend trips. Designed with a tech focus, it features several well-organized compartments, making it perfect for keeping essentials and tech gear secure and accessible on the go.
• Tomtoc Navigator - A compact daily backpack with just the right amount of space for my camera gear and iPad — ideal for day trips when I need a streamlined, lightweight carry for essentials
Healthy Habits & Daily Practices
In addition to all the tools and tech that keep me productive, these daily habits are the foundation of my health and well-being. From intermittent fasting to creating digital boundaries, these practices ensure I’m energized, focused, and mentally clear. Each habit plays a key role in maintaining balance, supporting my fitness goals, and allowing me to consistently perform at my best.
Intermittent Fasting
I practice intermittent fasting daily, following an 18-hour fast, which keeps me focused, reduces unnecessary snacking, and aligns well with my fitness goals. This approach has helped me sustain energy throughout the day without the sluggishness that often comes from overeating.
7.5 Hours of Sleep
I’ve found 7.5 hours to be my perfect sleep duration. Not too little to feel tired but not so much that I feel groggy. It helps me stay sharp, focused, and ready to tackle each day without feeling fatigued or over-rested.
Daily Sport or Movement
Every day includes some form of sport or movement — weekends are reserved for lighter activities like walks to keep myself active without burning out. This consistent physical engagement helps maintain my energy, clears my mind, and keeps my body in top shape.
Supplements: Vitamins & Electrolytes
To stay balanced and on top of my nutrient intake, I supplement with vitamins and electrolytes. This keeps my body well-hydrated and ensures I’m meeting daily nutrient needs that my diet alone might not cover.
Limited Technology Windows
Much like intermittent fasting, I practice “tech fasting” by not using technology during the first and last hour of my day. It creates mental clarity in the morning and helps me wind down at night. Additionally, no tech in the bedroom ensures that sleep remains undisturbed by screens and distractions.
Taking Regular Breaks
I prioritize taking breaks to stay mentally refreshed and avoid burnout. Even on busy days, stepping away for just a few minutes helps me recharge, refocus, and return to tasks with a clear mind.
Each of these habits serves as a foundation for maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle, creating a routine that supports both physical and mental well-being. Next, we can explore the core mindsets that keep me grounded and motivated.
Mindset Practices & Core Mental Models
Beyond the physical tools and habits, my approach to productivity and personal growth is deeply rooted in key mental models and frameworks that shape my perspective. These practices keep me aligned with my values, resilient through challenges, and focused on meaningful progress. Each linked piece explores an element of my mindset, offering insights I rely on daily to maintain clarity, foster creativity, and navigate life’s complexities with purpose.
Key Articles for a Productive and Balanced Mindset
Below are the cornerstone articles that capture the mental frameworks I practice daily. Each piece provides insight and actionable guidance that I return to for grounding and growth:
• Mastering Time: Letting Go of the Overwhelm to Focus on What Truly Matters
This article tackles time management at its core, offering strategies to eliminate distractions and focus on meaningful priorities. It’s a roadmap to finding clarity amidst life’s demands by aligning time with your deepest values.

• The Poker Principle: Betting on People Without Losing Yourself
A guide on maintaining emotional boundaries in relationships, this piece explores how to invest in people without losing yourself. It provides insight into balancing emotional connections with self-preservation for healthier, sustainable relationships.

• Breaking Free from Decision Paralysis: A Guide to Confident Choices
This article delivers a toolkit for overcoming decision fatigue and building confidence in your choices. Through practical steps, it empowers readers to break free from indecision and approach life’s choices with greater clarity and purpose.

• Rebuild, Resurrect, Rise: 5 Sports to Overcome the Darkest Days
Focused on the healing power of sports, this piece explains how physical activity can boost mental resilience. It’s a personal look into the sports that helped me find clarity and strength through some of life’s toughest moments.

• Unlocking Limitless Knowledge: How ChatGPT Became My Invaluable Learning Partner
In this article, I share how ChatGPT has become an indispensable partner in my productivity and learning. It explores the many ways this AI tool helps me stay organized, solve problems, and gain knowledge across diverse areas.

• The Dollar-a-Day Method: A Beginner’s Guide to Financial Peace
This financial model encourages a simple yet powerful approach to savings through small, consistent steps. It’s a practical guide for anyone looking to build financial stability without feeling overwhelmed by large commitments.

• The Power of Metrics: How Measurable Data Can Shape Our Success and Well-being
By tracking key metrics, this article discusses how measurable data can provide clarity in personal and professional growth. It emphasizes the role of data in helping us make informed, impactful decisions across different areas of life.

• A Lifetime of Insomnia: How I Found the Solution
This deeply personal piece recounts my journey to finding sustainable solutions for insomnia. It offers insights and strategies that can be a lifeline for anyone struggling with sleep, revealing practical steps that can improve rest and recovery.

• Beyond the Daily Grind: Debunking the Myth That Daily Consistency Is the Key to Success
Here, I challenge the traditional notion that daily routines are the only path to success, proposing flexibility as a more balanced approach. This article is a reminder that growth often requires adaptability, rather than rigid daily routines.

Final Thoughts
Creating a life that aligns with your values, ambitions, and well-being is more than just adding tools to a toolkit — it’s about building habits, establishing frameworks, and choosing resources that empower you to navigate life’s complexities with confidence. Each app, piece of tech, and mindset practice in this toolkit is more than just a tool; it’s a commitment to staying grounded, evolving, and reaching for the best version of yourself. The path to a healthy, productive life is rarely linear, but by continuously refining our routines and adapting our resources, we create a foundation that fuels us for the long haul. Remember, the goal isn’t to overwhelm yourself with every tool but to find what truly enhances your journey and resonates with your unique path.
So, as you explore these resources, take what aligns, adapt what resonates, and continue building a toolkit that works for you. Growth is a journey, and the power of having a reliable toolkit lies not just in what it contains but in how it evolves to meet your changing needs.
Thank you for diving into this guide. I hope it inspires you to refine and build your own toolkit, one that supports your lifestyle and aligns with your goals. Each tool and practice shared here has helped me create a sustainable routine, and my wish is that it brings value to your journey, too. If today’s article sparked any thoughts, or if you’d like to share your own toolkit essentials, feel free to reach out at me@mostly.media. For more in-depth insights and future updates, join me on Substack, Twitter, and Ko-fi. You can also check out yesterday’s article and follow along:
