Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 7 mai 2018
The 6 Things I Do Every Sunday to Stay Healthy All Week
My Sundays are definitely not a day of rest. Far from it. It's the one day I devote to getting everything ready for my healthy week ahead. Take a glimpse into my Sunday. It may sounds a little nuts to jam-pack this much on a weekend day, but it sets me up for success. I know that if I don't plan ahead, I'm looking at skipped workouts and bowls of cereal for dinner.
Morning Workout
An early morning workout is a must for me on Sundays, not only because I teach a 9 a.m. Power Vinyasa class, but even if I didn't, I'd still make it a priority to get in a workout first thing. It energizes me all day, ensures I don't skip out, and gets me into the working-out mindset I want to continue throughout the week.
Meal Planning
I used to head to the grocery store with a big list of healthy foods. I found that not only would I grab things that never got used (RIP bunches of asparagus), but since I had no set plan, every day was a little stressful trying to scramble healthy meals together. Oftentimes I'd get home from picking up the kids at 5 p.m. and just make pasta and a bag of frozen veggies because it was easiest.
Now I take time to plan out my meals. Breakfast is simple - just a protein and greens smoothie or overnight oats. Lunch is a big salad, and I do something basic but healthy for each dinner of the week.
Here's an example of my weekly dinner plan:
Sunday: Potato Leek and White Bean Soup
Monday: Quinoa and Black Beans With Green Beans and Broccoli
Tuesday: Tofu, Veggie, and Rice (or Farro) Stir-Fry
Wednesday: Maple-Cumin Lentils Over Spaghetti Squash
Thursday: Avocado Pasta With Edamame, Tomatoes, and Roasted Cauliflower
Friday: Black Bean, Corn, and Roasted Sweet Potato Burritos
Saturday: Homemade Pizza With Roasted Mushrooms, Red Peppers, Tomatoes, Basil, and Tofu
I even write it out on a big chalkboard that I keep in my kitchen, so I can quickly glance at it in the morning and know what I need to do to get dinner done later.
Grocery Shop
Once I know what I'm making, I hit up the local grocery store as well as Trader Joe's (I love its marinated tofu and dairy-free mozzarella shreds!). I bring the kiddos along so we can not only spend time together, but so I can also teach them about healthy eating. I find if they help choose what to throw in the cart, they're more likely to eat it.
Meal Prep
Once I get home and put the groceries away, it's quite a scene in my kitchen with cutting board, knives, tons of glass containers, and veggies laid across my counter. I make 10 salads for the week (want the hubs to eat healthy too!); cut up sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and red peppers for roasting; and cut up onions and other veggies for the stir-fry, as well as white potatoes (for that evening's soup). I also cook up one cup of quinoa and one cup of rice to use for dinners later that week. Getting done whatever I can on Sunday makes a huge difference at 5 p.m. when I need to make dinner for my famished family. If I have time, I'll also prep overnight oats for the week or freezer smoothie packs.
Gym Bag Ready
Aside from regular laundry, I make a point to wash all the workout clothes I'll need for the week: sports bras, tops, running and yoga bottoms, and socks. If I'm really on the ball, I'll fold and put these things in my drawers so I can easily grab them for early a.m. workouts.
Workout Schedule
Workouts don't just happen for me since I work and have a family and house to take care of. I have to set aside time, and since my schedule can be different from week to week, it helps to look ahead and jot down on my calendar workout "appointments." It's typically a run with some TRX and yoga from 6 to 7 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, then a longer run with my mommy-runner friends on Saturday morning, and yoga Sunday mornings. If it's written in ink on the calendar, it's more likely to happen.
Full-Body Fitness Quickie: 20-Minute Cardio HIIT Workout
This killer HIIT workout will burn major calories while cutting some seriously sleek abs. By mixing plyo moves with core-centric planks, we keep your heart rate up and your entire body working with every move. And let us remind you, HIIT workouts are designed for you to push yourself and go at 90 percent of your personal max (emphasis on personal, you be the judge of your exertion level - but you do get rest periods! And to time those rest periods, we recommed the Simple Interval Timer app. It's free and easy to use.
Directions
Warmup: Do each warmup exercise for 30 seconds, and repeat the warmup circuit a total of three times. Then take two minutes to work out any kinks you're feeling with some dynamic stretches for you quads, hamstrings, hips flexors, and shoulders.
Workout: Repeat each three-exercise circuit twice; perform each exercise for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds before moving to the next exercise. Rest one minute between the circuits.
Cooldown: Take three minutes to stretch your legs and shoulders.
The 1-Second Hack That Will Improve Any and Every Exercise
Sometimes working out can be the best thing in the world. You feel great, you look great, and your hard work pays off in the form of the results and dream body you've always wanted. But in the real world, things don't always work that way. In fact, it takes a very long time and a lot of hard work to see the results that you want.
Aside from doing the work, being diligent in the gym and the kitchen, and staying committed to the process, there are very few other ways to get the body that you want. But there is one secret that most trainers and specialists don't advertise to just anyone. What is that secret, you ask? Pausing at just the right time when you're lifting. That's right! Stopping, and knowing when to do it during your workout, is the difference maker for many people seeking the same results as you are!
Here's How to Do It
Every exercise has a concentric and eccentric part. What does all that science mean? Simple: there's an up (concentric) and a down (eccentric) part to almost all the exercises you've followed your whole life. The key to this simple trick is to focus on the eccentric movement, or, in simpler terms, the downward motion of each set.
According to certified personal trainer Kendal Wood, CSCS and coauthor of Core Fitness Solution, "Many people allow the weight that they carry on the second part of each rep to simply swing down, and lose a lot of the benefits of the exercise in doing so." Wood told us that just letting the weight fall is only half of the exercise.
"Instead of dropping the weight, lower it to the start position slowly," said Wood. That's a normal rep. But if you want to take advantage of this key pointer for better results, you have to know when to put a pause in your rep! Halfway down through the lowering process, you should pause for a one count. "This ensures that you harness all your muscle to hold the weight at its weakest point," said Wood. "And only greater benefits come from that extra exertion."
Why Does It Work?
The answer to this is quite simple: more effort, more precise care to the movement, and total control of your muscles through each rep causes better results because there's nothing for your body to do but tone and tighten up. As Wood told us, "Doing this pause method for one of each set you do for every muscle group every week is almost like doing two sets instead of one." And being able to do two exercises in the space you planned to do one is a great way to ensure better results!
What It's Really Like to Use Reusable Menstrual Pads During Your Period
Nobody likes a stressful mess, especially when they're dealing with their period. Luckily, D'Vaughn McCrae at YourTango has tried reusable menstrual pads and is here to tell the tale.
I'm not proud of everything that happened here.
If you've ever thought about trying reusable menstrual pads, you might not have talked about it with your friends first. There is a lot of shame around menstrual periods. It's not uncommon to grow up with people who act disgusted or freaked out by them as if they're NOT one of the most normal things in the world. Is anyone else totally sick of that?
I have not used pads since my early period days, and I really had no intention of ever going back since they were total failures for my inexperienced flowing youth. AKA: Leak-throughs galore! I carried a sweatshirt with me every day just in case. They were messy and risky. Unpredictable and bulky.
The only "good" that came from it was that I never worried about getting cold in class, and sometimes I had an excuse to leave school early. Tampons were my first menstrual revolution.
Menstrual cups were my second menstrual revolution, and I haven't turned back since.
Disposable menstrual goods have been an interest of mine since I learned how many downsides there are to disposable menstrual products. Women spend thousands of dollars on period supplies throughout their menstruating life, it's yet another contribution to landfill, and many of them have chemicals that can be harmful. Those were enough reasons for me to give a menstrual cup a shot, and I didn't regret it.
It actually made me more accepting of my period, which can be hard to overcome considering how many period jokes are floating around, and they seem to be something to be ashamed of . . . even though they're natural and every woman deals with them.
Reusable products are definitely something to try out, especially since there are so many options now, and they keep growing.
Since I've grown quite comfortable with my menstrual cup, and it proved to be significantly more awesome than tampons, I decided to see how cloth pads compared to disposables. Although the idea of a cloth pad isn't exactly new, it's not a common practice for modern women because of the inconvenience factor.
Periods are inconvenient enough as it is. If a woman has a heavy menstrual flow, they may not even be practical. But given the fact that cloth pads are eco-friendly, it was worth a shot.
I haven't worn a pad since my early-menstruation days, but I figure: hey, there's got to be SOME reason why plenty of women still choose them over tampons! Plus I love trying new things anyway.
Here are some of the pros I found during my first try with reusable menstrual pads:
1. They don't actually feel like diapers.
One of the things I hated most about pads was the fact that I could always feel them the way I imagine I would feel a diaper. I used Hesta Organic Cloth Pads and I didn't feel like I was wearing anything but my trusty, comfy, period granny-panties. One point for reusable pads there!
2. There was zero (yes, zero!) leakage.
Pads and I rarely got along. They just didn't have my back! I would have blood leak through my jeans and not notice until one of the lovely girls in my class would whisper: code red. I always needed a sweatshirt to feel safe so I could wrap it around my waist in case of an emergency. But these babies sopped up that junk before it could dribble anywhere. My pants AND underwear came out of it unscathed! Another point for reusable pads!
3. The pads don't make it look like you're going to drown in blood during the heavy days.
I have a pretty heavy flow for my first couple days - no, that's not TMI.
Anyway, with heavy flow comes a heavy (messy) responsibility. Since the pads I used wouldn't sop up the mess as instantaneously as I would have liked, it would spread throughout the pad so the stain looked HUGE, which used to gross me out back in the day. But I noticed that with these cloth pads, my heavy days wouldn't look so huge in comparison, even though I was bleeding the same amount. It's a small thing, but it somehow made dealing with it much more tolerable.
4. Surprisingly, they don't smell weird.
Periods stink, literally and figuratively, with disposable menstrual products. Blood, gooey uterus slough, and heat make a great breeding ground for some stinky stuff. I hated this with a passion. It was one of the big reasons I traded in my tampons for my menstrual cups, and it seems to be the same case for pads.
5. They're easier and more comfortable to manage in your underwear.
Damn sticky wings. This isn't super hard to begin with, but having the flexibility to adjust to a different position without a struggle is a nice little luxury.
6. The pads are really cute.
Cuteness makes everything better. They generally have cute designs AND, for our convenience, you can fold them up all neatly, so they look like a nice little package instead of trash.
7. It made my period seem WAY less stressful than usual.
Just like with menstrual cups, they made my five days of gore fly by with ease. I haven't dreaded the mess that comes with my period in years, and this stuff just feels easier to deal with, since they last longer and work better and I don't have to worry about stuff like toxic shock syndrome (yes this is rare anyway but I'm kinda paranoid).
Of course, as with all things good, there were some cons to using cloth. Here are the main points, including a few pro-tips:
Con: They're a bit too "hands-on" for me during my heavy days.
If you're like me, you don't like noticeable stains, even on things that no one else will have to see. In order to get the stains out of these pups, you have to soak them in water and wring them out repeatedly. And THEN throw them into the washing machine with cold/lukewarm water.
Since I would use three pads a day for the first two days, I have to say, I felt like a six year old going: Ew!
I'm cool with blood. I'm cool with vaginas. I'm cool with the goo of the uterine wall. Really! But for some reason, wringing it all out of cloth was just . . . Ugh.
Obviously, there wasn't that much blood. Just enough to stain the water a little. Okay, here's a pro tip that I should have thought of sooner: Use rubber gloves.
A ton of you are probably thinking: ew, you didn't use rubber gloves? To which I would like to respond: I was trying to be one with nature, OK? Yeah, OK, it was dumb. Whatever. I was really out of it, OK? I was alone and confused and just wanted to take a shower and sleep!
Fine, it was still dumb.
Rubber gloves definitely would have made the situation less gross for me, but I still can't say I'm a fan of using any kind of pad on my heavy days.
Con: I don't like feeling my period. At all. And in these, you do.
When trying these out, I was quickly reminded of how often I would feel that gushing from my vagina onto my pads, and how paranoid it would always make me. It made me feel like I needed to jump into a shower immediately. And just being aware of every time something leaked out was enough to make me run to the bathroom to make sure these things were working.
Despite the revisited feelings of puberty, I haven't written them off. They were easy to put on and comfortable. I've been using my menstrual cup for a couple years now, and I love it, but towards the end of my period, putting it in doesn't seem like it's worth the effort considering how light my flow is at the end. Too little to justify a whole cup, too much to go unprotected.
So I'll be switching up my routine. First two to three days will be the cup, and last two to three days will be with the pads. Not that you need to know that. But I figured it was a good enough chance to remind everyone that you can do whatever you want to make shark week as pleasant as possible.
If you're now convinced you want to give these a try yourself, here are some pro-tips to help you not make rookie mistakes while saving some money:
1. Don't buy too many.
I had three regular size pads, and three overnight pads, and it was easy to make those last for five days.
I washed a couple each night, and let them dry overnight. If they weren't finished drying, I'd leave them to dry for the rest of the day. No matter what, I always had two pads available. It was a simple cycle, so don't think you need 20 pads for one cycle the way you normally would with regular ones.
2. Make sure you're wearing them right.
This sounds obvious, but every pad is different. Some pads have designs on both sides, some only have a design on one, some are reversible so you can use either side, some only go one way. After wearing my pads for the first day, I realized I was wearing them upside down.
I had thought that I would want the patterned side up so the blood would blend in with the design, and the directions said "smooth side up" which was both sides . . . but then I took a minute to actually rethink it and realized that even though it was working fine, it was wrong. So yeah.
Reusable menstrual products aren't for everyone, especially for the particularly squeamish. Don't feel bad about this. Your period is hard enough without adding environmental guilt on top of it. So if you feel like you can, do, if you feel like you can't, consider/try, if you feel like you absolutely can't, then you just do you, boo.
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
2 Trainers Tell Us Why Kettlebells Are Way Better For Fat Loss Than Dumbbells
It's easy to get stuck in a routine of movement when you're working out regularly. As much as you love working out with dumbbells and the barbell, there are so many other things you could be doing at the gym to improve your fitness. We spoke to two different trainers about why the kettlebell should be part of your workout program, especially if you're trying to lose weight.
POPSUGAR asked Marcus Martinez, master kettlebell coach at Onnit Academy, what the biggest benefit is of using the kettlebell regularly. "Fat loss, for sure," he told us. "Kettlebells are just like any weighted implement in that they can create strength, build muscle, and give the user an incredible training experience, BUT (and it's a big but) the real power in the kettlebell lies in the ability to transition seamlessly from movement to movement. This makes it ideal for nonstop circuits and flows that will absolutely burn through body fat like a flame to butter."
Because you don't have to stop what you're doing to transition between movements, you end up fitting in more work, which means you burn more calories. "This helps activate more musculature, which in turn means more calories burned, which means clothes fit better," Marcus said. "That sounds pretty good to just about anyone."
Eric Leija, senior kettlebell specialist at Onnit Academy, confirms that kettlebell workouts, particularly kettlebell flows (where you move continuously from one move to the next), are great for weight loss. "Incorporating kettlebell flows into your fitness routine can help you maximize your overall fitness by allowing you to work on various fitness components all at once," he told POPSUGAR. "Kettlebell flowing enhances your endurance, strength, and mobility and allows you to explore different movements to keep your routine fun and challenging."
More than just burning extra calories, kettlebell workouts offer a great deal more than dumbbells or barbells ever could. "Kettlebells do a great job at bringing up weak areas and helping your body communicate as one rather than just an assortment of muscles," Marcus explained. Moving through different planes and combining various movements requires more from your body, so you have even more room to improve and grow. Your overall fitness will improve pretty quickly, and you'll feel stronger and more agile than ever.
You're Definitely Going to Want to Wash Your Water Bottle After Reading This
The beauty of the reusable water bottle is that it's just that - reusable. You can repeatedly head to the water cooler or faucet to fill it up, but when your bottle continually stays wet, it doesn't have the chance to get a proper cleaning. Since bacteria love a moist, dark environment, it's good to get in the habit of cleaning your bottle every night - or at least every few days. Here are some ways you can get rid of the germs and grime.
Throw it in the dishwasher: Some bottles are dishwasher safe, so check the bottom of your bottle or the brand's website to make sure. Kleen Kanteen Classic stainless-steel bottles and glass bottles like those from Lifefactory and bkr are dishwasher safe, as well as some products from Nalgene and Camelbak.
Wash it with warm soapy water: Pour out any leftover liquid, add a few drops of dishwashing soap and some warm water, screw on the top, and shake for a minute or so. It's smart to invest in a bottle brush like this so you can scrub deep inside your bottle, especially if it has a narrow mouth. Thoroughly clean the cap and straw as well and allow to air-dry overnight.
Use vinegar: This all-natural cleaner is great for killing certain germs and bacteria, but it isn't effective at killing everything such as the flu virus. If you're OK with that, use this method: after washing with soapy water, rinse well, and fill your bottle one fifth of the way with white vinegar. Fill the rest with water, let it stand overnight, and in the morning thoroughly rinse it out.
Use a weak bleach solution: If you're really worried about germs, nothing stands a chance against a little bleach. It's perfectly safe to drink from a bottle that's been cleaned with a weak bleach solution - it can even be used to sanitize baby toys and bottles. Make a bleach solution using one tablespoon of bleach per one quart of water. Fill your bottle, screw on the top, and allow to sit for two minutes. Pour out the solution and allow it to dry out completely.
Use water bottle cleansing tablets: Many companies make this type of product, including Camelbak ($12 for eight), or you can also get away with using effervescent denture cleaning tablets such as Efferdent. Just fill your bottle with water, drop the tablet in, and allow to dissolve and sit for 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the product's directions). Then rinse and enjoy your clean bottle.
3 Ways Morning Workouts Will Change Your Life
Since joining (re: falling head over heels for) the Tone It Up program, I've found myself becoming more and more of a morning person. While an 8 a.m. wake-up call used to feel excruciatingly early and like a sick form of punishment, I find myself feeling surprisingly comfortable at 5:55 a.m. lately, thanks to the TIU concept known as a "bootycall." And not in the way you're thinking.
A "bootycall" (like a wake-up call for your booty . . . get it?) is a morning workout. While you can absolutely work out in the evening on this program, TIU's trainers Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott constantly emphasize the importance of morning workouts specifically, and for good reasons. Here are a few that they shared with us.
It Helps With Weight Loss
Karena told POPSUGAR that "Getting your workout done first thing, after your body has been in a fasted state, means that you'll tap into your fat stores!" So by getting up a little earlier, you're priming yourself for weight-loss success. Remember to fuel up with protein afterward!
It Keeps You On Track
"Working out in the morning guarantees that you will fit it in your day!" Katrina said. She had previously mentioned to POPSUGAR that prioritizing workouts in the morning was their number one rule for this very reason. "Studies show that if you don't exercise first thing, you're more likely to miss your workout later." At the end of the day, you're likely exhausted from work, school, commuting, and any emotional stresses you've endured in the past 12 hours - so give yourself the time in the a.m. before the day gets away from you.
It Uses Your Stress Hormone
Your body is ready . . . for workouts in the morning. Did you know that the stress hormone cortisol is higher in the morning? This hormone also helps break down fat for fuel, meaning you'll power through a workout - and like Katrina said, your fat stores. Also, it's important to cool down properly - too much cortisol (from not cooling down) can actually store fat in the belly region.
7 Ways to Break Up With Your Late-Night Snacking Habit
What's wrong with a little late-night snacking? It may seem like noshing on a small something is no big deal, but those calories can add up, especially if you're spooning ice cream from a container or eating mindlessly out of the pretzel bag. And while the long-believed rule that eating in the evening will lead to weight gain is a myth, consuming more daily calories than you burn will definitely make it harder to stick to your weight-loss goals.
People often snack for two reasons - they're hungry or it's a habit they can't seem to shake. To handle both these issues, adopt these tips to help change your unhealthy late-night snacking ritual.
1. Follow the Three-Hour Rule
If you're limiting calories to drop pounds, be careful not to feel so deprived by the end of the day that you can't help but make and inhale an entire batch of brownies. Keep yourself energized and satiated by eating every two to three hours (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with two snacks in between). It'll prevent that famished feeling from sending you into the kitchen after dinner.
2. Fiber and Protein Are Your Best Friends
Every time you eat, be sure it offers you fiber to keep you feeling full longer and protein to sustain your energy levels. Go for fresh produce, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and lean protein. This is especially important for the last meal of the night so you'll feel satisfied and hunger pangs won't have you reaching for a huge handful of chocolate chips.
3. Indulge a Little
Have a sweet tooth? Depriving yourself will make you go crazy with nighttime cravings, and we know what that can lead to. So allow yourself a small treat once a day, such as a couple squares of dark chocolate, or try these 150-calorie healthy dessert recipes to avoid feeling guilty about indulging. And keep the junk foods that tempt you out of your house because they'll call to you even if you're not hungry.
4. Sip This
If you eat out of habit and you're not really hungry, keep a glass of water or a warm cup of decaffeinated tea close by to keep your hands and mouth busy. It'll also fill you up, keeping hunger pangs at bay.
5. Make It Known
Willpower can only be so strong. If your roomie or significant other is snacking on a bowl of popcorn, it's practically impossible to listen to them munching without wanting to munch too. Tell everyone you live with that you want to stop eating before bed and to help by not surprising you with special treats or, if possible, to not eat in front of you. By setting a good example, you could inspire them to break their habit too.
6. Give It a Week
Plopping yourself on the couch in front of the TV is a common way to unwind after a long day, but if you're used to holding the remote in one hand and something to eat in the other, it'll be a tough habit to break. Avoid places and situations that cause you to eat late at night by switching up your routine. Take a walk after dinner, do a quick workout video, read a book or knit to keep your hands busy, or call a friend. It'll be tough for the first week, but once you break the cycle of eating out of routine, not snacking at night will become your new habit.
7. Plan Ahead
If you're OK with eating a little something but just don't want to eat something unhealthy, preplan a good-for-you snack. Have bananas in the freezer ready to be made into this vegan ice cream, make this snack that tastes like strawberry cheesecake, or keep this chocolate hummus in the fridge next to a container of cut-up fruit. Whatever you snack on, keep it under 150 calories, and be sure to allot for those calories when planning out the rest of your day.
Runners, Please Don't Skip This After Your Next Run!
You just finished an awesome run, but before you strip down and enjoy a much-deserved shower, stretch out your tired muscles. It will not only feel amazing, but will also keep your muscles supple and can help prevent injury. Here are eight essential stretches to do after a run to target your lower back, quads, hip flexors, and hamstrings.
5 Things My Therapist Didn't Tell Me About Depression (That I Wish I Had Known)
Depression is far more complex than many of us think. Jed Diamond from YourTango reveals some of the hidden causes of this mental health disorder that you may not have already known.
Your doctor has probably never told you this.
Like millions of others in the US and throughout the world, I've been depressed a lot in my life and I've taken medications to help relieve the hopelessness, irritability, and lack of energy that plagued me.
In 2004, I wrote a book, The Irritable Male Syndrome: Understanding the 4 Key Causes of Depression and Aggression, that gathered the information I had discovered in 35 years as a psychotherapist. But since then, I've learned something new about the hidden causes of depression and have written a book about it.
I'll tell you more about what causes depression in this article.
Let me tell you a more about my own experiences. I've always been successful in my professional life, but my personal life has been challenging. I met my first wife in college, fell in love, got married, and we had two beautiful children.
The stresses of work combined with the stresses of raising a family drew us apart, and I became more irritable, angry, and depressed. We tried therapy, but we continued to drift apart and eventually divorced.
I thought I'd feel better once I was out of the relationship, but I felt lonely and depressed. My doctor prescribed an anti-depressant. I wasn't alone.
More than 30 million Americans over the age of 12 are taking antidepressants. Though how universally suitable antidepressants are remains in question, it's estimated that the global depression drug market will be worth $16 billion by 2020.
I wasn't sure if taking drugs was helping my depression but it was quick and easy to take a pill rather than delve more deeply into what was really bothering me - I wasn't seeing my kids as much as I hoped, and I had lost my passion for work.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do in life, and I realized many of the friends we had when we were married turned out to be more connected to her than me.
When I talked to my doctor about these issues and questioned whether taking antidepressants was my best option, he gave me a lecture about why depression was a brain disease and how the antidepressant helped increase serotonin levels in my brain.
"Keep with it," he told me, "Your symptoms will improve over time."
I wasn't convinced and I kept taking the drugs for a while, but as I did, I began to learn some things that have totally changed my understanding of depression.
Here are five things I've learned about the causes of depression that can help you, too:
1. Depression is not just one thing.
We all want a quick fix and a simple solution to our problems. Drug companies simplify things by showing us pictures of little dots flowing between the nerve cells and when we take an anti-depressant there are more of them.
Making it simple may sell more drugs, but it isn't always the most helpful. Depression is complicated. It requires different approaches, not a one-pill-fixes-all approach.
2. Depression involves our connection with people or our lack of connection.
I found one of the best ways of alleviating depression was to reach out and help someone else who may have been in need. When we help others, we feel better about ourselves and the world looks a little brighter. I also reached out to friends more and asked for help.
It wasn't easy to do when I felt down and just wanted to stay in bed, but when I did it, I felt better.
3. Depression may be a normal reaction to living in a world out of balance.
Depression may be a brain disease in the sense that everything in our lives is related to what's doing on in our brains, but it's more than that. It's pretty clear to most people that we are living in a world out of balance.
We're heating the planet, using up resources faster than we replenish them, polluting our air and water, killing off species, increasing conflict between men and women as well as between countries, increasing poverty, and perpetuating huge discrepancies in wealth. Taking a pill won't cure those problems.
4. Depression has roots in early family trauma.
As a health-care researcher, I was shocked to discover that research linking childhood stress to adult illness began in 1996 with the Kaiser Permanente-CDC Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study). Since then, over 1,500 peer-reviewed studies have replicated these findings.
The research was a true eye-opener for me. Two-thirds of Americans report experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These include obvious sexual and physical abuse, but also stressors that many consider as normal - growing up with divorced parents, living with a depressed or alcoholic mom or dad, having a parent who belittled or humiliated you - or simply not feeling as if your family had your back.
People who'd experienced four such categories of childhood adversity were twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer and depression as adults who didn't have ACEs.
5. Depression can be caused by a deeper wound.
I always knew my father had a "nervous breakdown" and was hospitalized when I was five years old. Until I read the ACE studies, it never occurred to me that growing up without a father in the home could have a lasting effect on my physical, emotional, and relationship health and potentially be the cause of my depression.
Could there really be a connection between my lost father and my irritability, anger, and depression? It turns out, the answer is a resounding "yes".
I've since learned that millions of men and women grew up in homes where the father was distant, absent, rejecting, or dysfunctional. But we often discount the past, do our best, grow up, and get on with our lives. We fail to recognize the connection between our childhood wounds and our adult problems.
However, once I realized that the father wound was connected to my depression, my shaky self-esteem, my problems in my relationships, and my anger, I was able to make huge changes in my life.
I'm no longer anxious and depressed. I've been happily married now for 38 years. And I've written a new book, My Distant Dad: Healing the Family Father Wound, which will be out in June of this year.
Jed Diamond is a licensed psychotherapist with a Ph.D. in International Health and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
29 Protective Styles That Will Save You Hours of Styling Time
Think of all the things you could do if you didn't spend hours doing your natural hair each week. Hell, I could have become a five-star chef in the time I've spent twisting and blow-drying my strands! But this Spring, I'm taking a totally new approach to wash day and embracing protective styles. Luckily, #teamnatural on Instagram has provided plenty of updo inspiration to keep me supplied with ideas for months.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Summer Braids For Black Girls
A protective style is any coiffure configuration that keeps your ends safely tucked away. These hairdos require very little daily upkeep and help strands stay moisturized. On top of all that, the looks also promote hair growth since you're not pulling and yanking (causing shedding). Not to mention, your fingers are less likely to fall into early arthritis due to constant twisting.
10 Inspiring Bloggers Who Redefine Society's Beauty Standards
This year, we've been inspired by some incredible beauty influencers who've documented their journeys to self-love on Instagram and YouTube. Whether they've faced a rare disease or celebrated their body hair (or lack of hair!), these 10 bloggers don't let their unique looks let them feel any less beautiful and encourage us to be confident in our own skin, too.
Get to know the new faces defying conventional beauty standards, ahead.
This Is the Perfume You Should Be Wearing, According to Your Zodiac Sign
I plan my relationships, career, and life in general around the zodiac, because I am millennial scum. Just kidding - the horoscope is just fun, y'all. Perhaps you share a similar love of your star sign so much that you want to smell like it. If so, congratulations! One fragrance brand makes perfumes for all 12 zodiac signs.
The label is called Zodica Perfumery, and it just might become your latest obsession. Whether you're an Aquarius, Virgo, Leo, or anyone in between, you can pick up a bottle ($75) or spritzer ($40) of what the universe (or more specifically the fragrance chemists at Zodica) thinks you should be wearing.
Every scent is anchored by a one-word "intention" that inspired the different notes. For instance, Capricorn's theme is "Hustle," so it contains spicy whiffs of white tea, yuzu, mandarin, clementine, white lavender, fresh sage, water lotus, and musk to keep you on your toes. Meanwhile, "Charm" is the name of the game for Libras, whose flirty scent is made of Georgia peach, tropical mango, ripe raspberry, and jasmine. If you're a Scorpio, you're encouraged to let your "Passion" run wild via smells like patchouli, must, pomegranate, apricot, tuberose, and sandalwood.
What's more, each perfume comes with a poem that the brand encourages you to "speak when wearing [the fragrance] to unleash the inspired intention into the universe." This is all in an effort to "mindfully manifest your day." Someone call Marky Mark and also the Funky Bunch, because I am feeling the good vibes right now.
9 Eyebrow Gels That Will Give You the Best Arches Ever
I take pride in perfecting my eyebrows every day. Whether I'm drawing them on with a pencil or applying powder, the one thing that always pulls them together is using a setting gel. This finishing makeup comes in both clear or tinted choices that you can find to match your hair color. It helps hold and form your shape, keeping brows in place throughout the day. We rounded up a list of popular picks from brands like E.L.F., Glossier, and MAC. Find yours ahead.
The Dry Shampoo Method I Use to Wash My Hair Way Less Often
Washing my thick hair takes forever and is one of my least favorite chores. I've tried every dry shampoo, clarifying shampoo, and technique under the sun to try to extend my time between washes, and I've finally got my routine down. It works so well that several of my coworkers have been shocked when I revealed I hadn't washed my locks in four or five days.
The most important discovery is that I've finally found a dry shampoo that really absorbs all of the dirt and oil from my head. After reading several recommendations of the DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo ($23) on the Sephora Beauty Insider Community, I quickly switched over to this spray and will never go back.
Keep reading to find out how I successfully put off washing my hair to once or twice a week - without it looking like a greasy mess.
You'll Go Starry-Eyed Over These 17 Celestial Tattoos
Need a little tattoo inspiration? Look to the stars, of course! If you love celestial elements like moons, galaxies, and constellations, we rounded up our favorite ink ideas. Check out these pretty options and consider them for yourself.
These 5 Chemical Exfoliants Will Leave You Smooth From Head to Toe
If you haven't experienced the complexion-altering benefits of chemical exfoliants, it's time to start now. The popularity of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) have soared over the last few years for the ingredients' ability to improve the texture of your skin, eliminate acne, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
When searching the Sephora Beauty Insider Community for new chemical exfoliants to add to my routine, I stumbled upon the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial ($80) and was totally impressed by the reviews. I decided to try it out for myself and will never turn back - it's amazing.
Check out some of my favorite chemical exfoliants to use from head to toe to keep my skin smooth and radiant.
8 Beauty Trends You Can Actually Rock This Spring
Fashion Week may work a year ahead of schedule, but that doesn't mean you can't grab some of the beauty trends and work them into your world right now. Honestly, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to fashion and beauty, and we say run with inspiration wherever you find it! From bold neon makeup and glittery lids to understated glamour and sheer hues, we're showcasing eight beauty trends from FW18 runways that we predict will be on neighborhood sidewalks in the coming months.
11 Travel-Ready Cosmetic Bags For the Jet-Setting Beauty Addict
Every time I travel, I already know half my suitcase will be dedicated to cosmetics. From face creams, to toners, and then all my makeup, there are so many necessities I can't leave behind. Don't make the mistake of stuffing your products into plastic bags that might rip and leak. Instead, buy cosmetic bags that are easy to travel with and will last you for years. Check out some of these vibrant choices.
Don't Travel Overseas With the Wrong Hair Dryer - Shop These 7 Dual-Voltage Picks
If you're traveling abroad, there are so many important things to think about, from finding the perfect camera to making sure you have the right converter for power outlets. One thing we often overlook is our hair tools. In America, we use about 110 or 120 volts for our electricity, and in Europe, the volts used are twice as high, from 220 to 240. So if you try to use your US-made dryer overseas, it will most likely result in you blowing a fuse and often ruining your dryer.
To prevent this, many brands are now making travel-friendly dryers that come with dual-voltage options. These choices feature a button on them that you can simply switch back and fourth to change the amount of electricity they need. Take a look at our top picks.
If You're a True Makeup Junkie, You'll Want One of These 11 Tattoo Ideas
Whether you love playing around with beauty products or you're a makeup artist, getting a tattoo is a genius way to make your passion permanent. We rounded up some gorgeous ink ideas that include lipstick, eye shadow brushes, and much more. Check them out and feel inspired!
According to a Top Makeup Artist, These Are the Looks You Should Try This Summer
Who better to give your makeup a shake up than the woman responsible for some of the most memorable looks of the past 20 years? We drafted in Lisa Eldridge, pro makeup artist and Creative Director of Lancome Makeup, to create the looks that she thinks will lead the way when it comes to beauty trends this year. Whether you're brave enough to tackle a bold festival brow trend, or looking for something a little more subtle for daytime, you'll find something to suit. Plus, for each look, we tapped Lisa for the pro tips that'll help you to take your look to the next level. Keep reading, and get ready to ditch that tired old palette in favor of something a bit more exciting!
16 Texts Only a Best Friend Can Send
You and your BFF just get each other. That's why when you text them something random, like "Do you ever feel awkward when you wash zucchini?" they won't have to think twice before answering "OMG yes. Yes I do." In a universe full of strange, weird humans, you've found the one person you can be 100 percent honest with. Read on to see 15 hilarious texts that only a best friend can send.
How to Recycle Your Old Laptop Like a Responsible Adult
If you've got an old laptop that you no longer use, do yourself a favor and get rid of it ASAP. If it's still functioning, you may be able to earn a gift card in exchange - but know that it's only depreciating as it sits in your closet. Regardless of what it's worth, finally crossing this off your list and freeing up some clutter is guaranteed to be very satisfying.
But if you're planning on throwing it away, make sure that you don't toss it in the garbage like any other piece of trash. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you're avoiding air and water pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions by safely recycling or donating your unused electronics. So do the environment and yourself some good by properly getting rid of your laptop with the following steps below.
Step One: Back Up Your Computer
Store your files on an external hard drive or back up your data using iCloud if you have a Mac.
Step Two: Sign Out of Everything
Go the extra length to protect yourself. Sign out of all your applications, make sure none of your login information is stored in your keychain, and wipe your hard drive. Here's the full guide to deleting everything off your computer.
Step Three: Recycle Your Device at an E-Waste Location.
- Apple Recycling Program: Apple accepts old devices online at any Apple store. If your Mac or PC has any monetary value, you'll receive an Apple gift card in the amount it's worth. To receive an instant quote online, enter your device's serial number on this page. Include your payment method and shipping information and in three to five days, you'll get prepaid shipping supplies sent to your door. Ship it back and wait five to eight business days for your refund!
If your laptop has any value, you also have the option of trading it in for credit toward a new Apple product.
- Gazelle: Gazelle is another reliable buyer that will take your old devices. Similar to the process above, all you have to do is enter your laptop's serial number and ship it to its processing center using the prepaid shipping supplies they've sent to you.
- Best Buy: You have the option of dropping off your old laptop at any Best Buy store for proper disposal.
- Staples: If your computer has any value, you have the option of trading it in store for a Staples eCash Card, or sending it in through an online process.
- Goodwill: Drop off your laptop to any Goodwill collection center. According to its site, "One working computer given to Goodwill is worth 5.3 hours of career counseling."
- Find a local drop-off center in your area: Do a quick search to see if any nearby stores accept e-waste. Many manufacturers, office supply retailers, and even hardware stores will be able to take your laptop off your hands!
Not Enough Free Space? What to Delete on Your iPhone
Our smartphones are the center of our digital universe, and they hold lots of data: text messages, photos, browsing history, etc. If your iPhone's storage is at capacity, then follow these simple steps to make room for more data.
Identify What's Taking Up the Most Space
Find out what your problem areas are before deciding what to delete.
- On the iPhone, head to Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage to view how many gigabytes you have available. Tap into "Manage Storage" and you'll see a lost of apps by how much storage they occupy - Photos & Camera is likely to be at the top of this list.
- On a Mac or PC, plug the iPhone into a computer and open iTunes to click on the phone icon and view storage broken down by Apps,TV Show, Music, Movies, Photos, and Other. Hover over one of these categories with your mouse to view details. "Other" represents settings, calendar events, notes, browser cache, email, email attachments, and more nonmedia data.
- If Other makes up an overwhelming amount of iPhone storage, then there may be an issue with corrupted data. If you've tried deleting all of our suggestions and there is still lots of Other storage, then consider restoring your iPhone.
- Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes, have backed up the device, and have synced content with your computer. Connect the iPhone to your computer, and in the Summary section under the phone icon, click on Restore iPhone. This returns the iPhone back to factory settings.
Delete Unnecessary Data
While this seems like a no-brainer, there may be some unlikely suspects on this list:
- Delete photos
- On the iPhone, do this in your camera roll. On the Mac, connect your iPhone and open Image Capture (default on all Apple computers). Select photos to delete, and select multiple images by holding down the command key while you click on the photos.
- Text messages
- Call history
- Voicemail
- Safari browsing history (Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data)
- Unused/outdated/redundant contacts
- Turn off app notifications
- Delete and reinstall email account to get rid of attachments cache
- Unused apps (long press any app icon on the homescreen and tap the "x" button on the top left of the icon)
- Completed reminders
- Books
- Movies
- Video
- Reduce locally stored music for "offline" listening in music streaming apps
Possible Preventative Solutions
Nip the full-memory problem in the bud next time around. Since photos are typically the biggest problem, download the Google Photos app, which compresses, backs up, and stores unlimited high-quality photos and videos for free, meaning you can delete them from your Camera Roll.
Reduce what is synced to your phone. Consider syncing selected playlists or genres rather than the entire music library, and deleting podcasts, movies, and TV shows after you've finished watching them.
Have a space-saving tip not listed here? Let us know in the comments!
21 Ink-credible Science-Inspired Tattoos
The careful line-drawing and stippling techniques of science illustration make them a natural starting point for incredible tattoos. Students and admirers of the sciences are flying their geek flags high with skin art of meaningful molecules, anatomical drawings, and space exploration's most historic events. So in the name of science, we've rounded up some of the best body ink inspired by chemistry, space, and the natural sciences.
10 Cult Quotes That Need to Be Included in Your Wedding
We draw a lot of inspiration from TV and film for our real-life events, so if you and your betrothed are passionate about a certain show or nerdy interest, then there's no reason to leave it out of your wedding day. Don't want to go all-out for a themed wedding? Consider incorporating these words of love into your wedding vows or readings for a subtle touch of geekery.
13 Lego Wedding Ideas You'll Want to Copy
Just like there are Star Wars weddings and superhero weddings, there are Lego weddings that guests will always remember. For fun but classy inspiration, check out these ideas that you'll want to copy ASAP.
30 Ways to Show Your Love (That Don't Cost a Thing)
When a relationship is shiny and new, it's easy to be intentional because you want to make sure they know you care and that you're invested. You want to show you're interested in them and the things that matter to them. Over time, though, it can be easy to just assume they know you love them and stop showing your love in clear ways.
Here are 30 ways to show your love that don't cost a thing! Reignite the flame and make it clear how much they mean to you.
The 6 Most Important Issues in the World, According to Millennials
We all know that millennials have a lot of feelings. It's that abundance of feelings that countless brands, marketers, and entrepreneurs have seized upon, crafting their products to the needs of the 20-something, shifting their messaging to be more in line with the ideals that millennials embrace. But while it's easy to identify and target a specific demographic, success among a particular generation is far less frequent. It can be incredibly difficult to separate what a group cares most about from what it is they want others to believe is their raison d'être - and those two sentiments are not always in line with one another.
As the first age group to enter maturity with access to the internet and social media, millennials have a unique brand of public persona that can sometimes be completely independent from an individual's true feelings. As a result, it's hard to predict what apps will be popular with millennials a week from now - let alone what global issues they find to be of most concern. That is, until the Global Shapers Survey came along.
Now in its third year, the World Economic Fund's annual poll measures the pulse of millennials on issues ranging from economic inequality to climate change and everything in between. The nearly 25,000 participants in the 2017 survey came from 186 different countries, and those involved were asked questions pertaining not only their city or town, but also about the world they live in.
Ahead, we've highlighted the top six issues that matter the most to millennials, according to this year's study. For a more in-depth look at what these findings mean, check out the full report or head over to the Global Shapers site for more information.
16 Texts Only a Best Friend Can Send
You and your BFF just get each other. That's why when you text them something random, like "Do you ever feel awkward when you wash zucchini?" they won't have to think twice before answering "OMG yes. Yes I do." In a universe full of strange, weird humans, you've found the one person you can be 100 percent honest with. Read on to see 15 hilarious texts that only a best friend can send.
How to Recycle Your Old Laptop Like a Responsible Adult
If you've got an old laptop that you no longer use, do yourself a favor and get rid of it ASAP. If it's still functioning, you may be able to earn a gift card in exchange - but know that it's only depreciating as it sits in your closet. Regardless of what it's worth, finally crossing this off your list and freeing up some clutter is guaranteed to be very satisfying.
But if you're planning on throwing it away, make sure that you don't toss it in the garbage like any other piece of trash. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you're avoiding air and water pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions by safely recycling or donating your unused electronics. So do the environment and yourself some good by properly getting rid of your laptop with the following steps below.
Step One: Back Up Your Computer
Store your files on an external hard drive or back up your data using iCloud if you have a Mac.
Step Two: Sign Out of Everything
Go the extra length to protect yourself. Sign out of all your applications, make sure none of your login information is stored in your keychain, and wipe your hard drive. Here's the full guide to deleting everything off your computer.
Step Three: Recycle Your Device at an E-Waste Location.
- Apple Recycling Program: Apple accepts old devices online at any Apple store. If your Mac or PC has any monetary value, you'll receive an Apple gift card in the amount it's worth. To receive an instant quote online, enter your device's serial number on this page. Include your payment method and shipping information and in three to five days, you'll get prepaid shipping supplies sent to your door. Ship it back and wait five to eight business days for your refund!
If your laptop has any value, you also have the option of trading it in for credit toward a new Apple product.
- Gazelle: Gazelle is another reliable buyer that will take your old devices. Similar to the process above, all you have to do is enter your laptop's serial number and ship it to its processing center using the prepaid shipping supplies they've sent to you.
- Best Buy: You have the option of dropping off your old laptop at any Best Buy store for proper disposal.
- Staples: If your computer has any value, you have the option of trading it in store for a Staples eCash Card, or sending it in through an online process.
- Goodwill: Drop off your laptop to any Goodwill collection center. According to its site, "One working computer given to Goodwill is worth 5.3 hours of career counseling."
- Find a local drop-off center in your area: Do a quick search to see if any nearby stores accept e-waste. Many manufacturers, office supply retailers, and even hardware stores will be able to take your laptop off your hands!
Not Enough Free Space? What to Delete on Your iPhone
Our smartphones are the center of our digital universe, and they hold lots of data: text messages, photos, browsing history, etc. If your iPhone's storage is at capacity, then follow these simple steps to make room for more data.
Identify What's Taking Up the Most Space
Find out what your problem areas are before deciding what to delete.
- On the iPhone, head to Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage to view how many gigabytes you have available. Tap into "Manage Storage" and you'll see a lost of apps by how much storage they occupy - Photos & Camera is likely to be at the top of this list.
- On a Mac or PC, plug the iPhone into a computer and open iTunes to click on the phone icon and view storage broken down by Apps,TV Show, Music, Movies, Photos, and Other. Hover over one of these categories with your mouse to view details. "Other" represents settings, calendar events, notes, browser cache, email, email attachments, and more nonmedia data.
- If Other makes up an overwhelming amount of iPhone storage, then there may be an issue with corrupted data. If you've tried deleting all of our suggestions and there is still lots of Other storage, then consider restoring your iPhone.
- Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes, have backed up the device, and have synced content with your computer. Connect the iPhone to your computer, and in the Summary section under the phone icon, click on Restore iPhone. This returns the iPhone back to factory settings.
Delete Unnecessary Data
While this seems like a no-brainer, there may be some unlikely suspects on this list:
- Delete photos
- On the iPhone, do this in your camera roll. On the Mac, connect your iPhone and open Image Capture (default on all Apple computers). Select photos to delete, and select multiple images by holding down the command key while you click on the photos.
- Text messages
- Call history
- Voicemail
- Safari browsing history (Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data)
- Unused/outdated/redundant contacts
- Turn off app notifications
- Delete and reinstall email account to get rid of attachments cache
- Unused apps (long press any app icon on the homescreen and tap the "x" button on the top left of the icon)
- Completed reminders
- Books
- Movies
- Video
- Reduce locally stored music for "offline" listening in music streaming apps
Possible Preventative Solutions
Nip the full-memory problem in the bud next time around. Since photos are typically the biggest problem, download the Google Photos app, which compresses, backs up, and stores unlimited high-quality photos and videos for free, meaning you can delete them from your Camera Roll.
Reduce what is synced to your phone. Consider syncing selected playlists or genres rather than the entire music library, and deleting podcasts, movies, and TV shows after you've finished watching them.
Have a space-saving tip not listed here? Let us know in the comments!
21 Ink-credible Science-Inspired Tattoos
The careful line-drawing and stippling techniques of science illustration make them a natural starting point for incredible tattoos. Students and admirers of the sciences are flying their geek flags high with skin art of meaningful molecules, anatomical drawings, and space exploration's most historic events. So in the name of science, we've rounded up some of the best body ink inspired by chemistry, space, and the natural sciences.
10 Cult Quotes That Need to Be Included in Your Wedding
We draw a lot of inspiration from TV and film for our real-life events, so if you and your betrothed are passionate about a certain show or nerdy interest, then there's no reason to leave it out of your wedding day. Don't want to go all-out for a themed wedding? Consider incorporating these words of love into your wedding vows or readings for a subtle touch of geekery.
13 Lego Wedding Ideas You'll Want to Copy
Just like there are Star Wars weddings and superhero weddings, there are Lego weddings that guests will always remember. For fun but classy inspiration, check out these ideas that you'll want to copy ASAP.
30 Ways to Show Your Love (That Don't Cost a Thing)
When a relationship is shiny and new, it's easy to be intentional because you want to make sure they know you care and that you're invested. You want to show you're interested in them and the things that matter to them. Over time, though, it can be easy to just assume they know you love them and stop showing your love in clear ways.
Here are 30 ways to show your love that don't cost a thing! Reignite the flame and make it clear how much they mean to you.
The 6 Most Important Issues in the World, According to Millennials
We all know that millennials have a lot of feelings. It's that abundance of feelings that countless brands, marketers, and entrepreneurs have seized upon, crafting their products to the needs of the 20-something, shifting their messaging to be more in line with the ideals that millennials embrace. But while it's easy to identify and target a specific demographic, success among a particular generation is far less frequent. It can be incredibly difficult to separate what a group cares most about from what it is they want others to believe is their raison d'être - and those two sentiments are not always in line with one another.
As the first age group to enter maturity with access to the internet and social media, millennials have a unique brand of public persona that can sometimes be completely independent from an individual's true feelings. As a result, it's hard to predict what apps will be popular with millennials a week from now - let alone what global issues they find to be of most concern. That is, until the Global Shapers Survey came along.
Now in its third year, the World Economic Fund's annual poll measures the pulse of millennials on issues ranging from economic inequality to climate change and everything in between. The nearly 25,000 participants in the 2017 survey came from 186 different countries, and those involved were asked questions pertaining not only their city or town, but also about the world they live in.
Ahead, we've highlighted the top six issues that matter the most to millennials, according to this year's study. For a more in-depth look at what these findings mean, check out the full report or head over to the Global Shapers site for more information.
The Completely Addictive Method of Grilling Steak
The reverse sear method for cooking steak is arguably one of the best indoor techniques, and a similar concept can be applied when grilling steak outdoors on a charcoal grill. Instead of slow-cooking in the oven, the steak is first smoked (positioned away from the charcoal), and instead of searing on a skillet, the steak is finished directly over the charcoal for just a few minutes on each side. You're left with perfectly juicy steak and a crisp exterior, no burnt bits or accidental overcooking. You can do this, grill master, you.
Here's what you'll need:
- A charcoal grill
- Hardwood lump charcoal
- Gelled alcohol
- Stick lighter
- Barbecue tongs
- Mesquite wood chunks (or any other type)
- 2 (12-ounce) strip steaks (at least 1-inch thick)
- Ghee or clarified butter
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Watch Salma Hayek's Adorable Daughter, Valentina, Grow Up Before Your Eyes
Mexican actress Salma Hayek and her French businessman husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, are the definition of a power couple, and their daughter, Valentina Paloma, is a gorgeous blend of them both. And because her parents are famous, Valentina, who is now 10 years old, has subsequently grown up in the limelight.
A star since birth, she has been on the guest list for big red carpet movie premieres and high-profile art exhibitions and has even made the occasional appearance on Salma's Instagram in front of her over 6 million followers. Here, see her go from too-cute baby to fashionable kid - all with her beautiful mom by her side.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Totoro, Soot Sprites, and Forest Spirits: 40 Enchanting Studio Ghibli Tattoo Ideas
There are no words that accurately describe the experience of watching Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli films, so let's just leave it at "enchanting." Filled with breathtaking artwork, captivating storylines, and beloved characters, Ghibli movies are perfect tattoo fodder - beautiful enough for anyone to appreciate, yet specific enough that only fans will truly understand.
If you're aching to get inked, check out these 40 gorgeous ideas inspired by your favorite films . . . or if going under the needle isn't your speed, simply appreciate the creativity of others' body art!
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