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 9 juillet 2018
Why Too Much Happiness Can Actually Be a Bad Thing, According to Science
When I was younger, my dad always used to tell me to be moderate in everything I did, and a BIG part of that was emotions. I would come running up to him with an A+ grade or the trophy for first place in a competition, and all he would do was smile gently and tell me to take everything lightly and not make a big deal of it. My 6-year-old self did not agree. But now, after passing through so many highs and lows throughout adulthood, I'm wondering whether there was any truth to what he said.
So, is too much happiness really a bad thing? Here's what I found out.
You Might Lose Your Creativity Boost
According to Mark Alan Davis's 2008 meta-analysis of the relationship between mood and creativity, when people experience intense, overwhelming happiness, they lose out on the creativity burst you get from moderate happiness.
What's more, psychologist Barbara Fredrickson has found that too much positive emotion - and too little negative emotion - makes people inflexible in the face of new challenges.
You Might Become More Reckless
Another study found that happiness can lead to reckless behaviors, which makes sense - haven't you always been less inhibited and more carefree when happy?
But think about this from another point of view and it can be dangerous.
Studies show that excessively happy people tend to engage in riskier behaviors and disregard threats, including excessive alcohol consumption, binge-eating, and drug use.
Even if all this seems a bit extreme, on a smaller scale, there's a good chance you'll regret some decisions you made when you were on a happy high.
You Might Be Less Productive and Driven
Happiness generally leads to a deep feeling of satisfaction, signaling to us that our goals are being fulfilled, so we generally tend to slow down and become more laid-back.
But negative emotions exist for a reason. Without the push that anger or unhappiness gives you, you might never get the motivation to keep going. After all, if you're content, why would you?
And studies back this up: Maya Tamir of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that happy people played worse than angry people in a competitive computer game.
You Might Become Gullible
Another study shows that happy people tend to be more trusting and gullible compared to their pessimistic counterparts. That's not to say that you should always go with the glass-half-empty approach, but maybe a bit less extreme?
You Might Become Unhappy
Yup, you heard that right. When you're experiencing intense joy, its only natural to seek more of it, a primitive response rooted in the evolution of mankind. However, the pursuit of happiness almost always leads to unhappiness. Research shows that the more one strives to be happy, the less likely they are to obtain it.
Iris Mauss of the University of Denver conducted a study in which people who read something that celebrated happiness felt worse than people who viewed something that never produced happiness at all. Researchers suggest that when people expect to feel better and don't, they may experience more negative emotions as a result of feeling as if they had failed.
Once the High Is Over . . .
Have you ever felt that underwhelming emptiness after you're done leaping up in joy? Like everything in the world suddenly seems disappointing in how trivial it is? Well, that's not just in your head. When you are excessively happy, you set high standards for situations that can induce happiness: everyday occurrences will cease to make you smile. To back this up, psychologists from the University of Massachusetts and Northwestern University in Illinois compared the levels of happiness between lottery winners and ordinary people.
There was no difference in overall happiness between the two groups; however, lottery winners were significantly less likely to take pleasure in everyday activities such as receiving a compliment and talking with a friend. They began to compare everything with the happiness of winning the lottery, and thus, nothing could keep up. This kind of happiness doesn't last forever, and when it's done, you might end up feeling worse than before.
So What Now?
Well, the point of this certainly isn't to tell you to be unhappy for the rest of your life. After all, extreme negative emotions certainly aren't doing you any favors either. Maybe, just maybe, what all of us need to consider is the moderate path: neither too much positive emotions nor too many negative emotions. And researchers are considering this too - that maybe pursuing happiness isn't the best idea. Instead, we should allow happiness to come by as a reward in the pursuit of another goal.
Imagine a life in which you never feel euphoric, but you never feel depressed either. All that's left behind is a sustainable, peaceful calm that you only experience when you're on stable emotional ground.
In the long term, sustainability is what we're looking at, and perhaps the moderate approach is best for sustainable happiness to last us through all the highs and lows throughout our lives.
Why Too Much Happiness Can Actually Be a Bad Thing, According to Science
When I was younger, my dad always used to tell me to be moderate in everything I did, and a BIG part of that was emotions. I would come running up to him with an A+ grade or the trophy for first place in a competition, and all he would do was smile gently and tell me to take everything lightly and not make a big deal of it. My 6-year-old self did not agree. But now, after passing through so many highs and lows throughout adulthood, I'm wondering whether there was any truth to what he said.
So, is too much happiness really a bad thing? Here's what I found out.
You Might Lose Your Creativity Boost
According to Mark Alan Davis's 2008 meta-analysis of the relationship between mood and creativity, when people experience intense, overwhelming happiness, they lose out on the creativity burst you get from moderate happiness.
What's more, psychologist Barbara Fredrickson has found that too much positive emotion - and too little negative emotion - makes people inflexible in the face of new challenges.
You Might Become More Reckless
Another study found that happiness can lead to reckless behaviors, which makes sense - haven't you always been less inhibited and more carefree when happy?
But think about this from another point of view and it can be dangerous.
Studies show that excessively happy people tend to engage in riskier behaviors and disregard threats, including excessive alcohol consumption, binge-eating, and drug use.
Even if all this seems a bit extreme, on a smaller scale, there's a good chance you'll regret some decisions you made when you were on a happy high.
You Might Be Less Productive and Driven
Happiness generally leads to a deep feeling of satisfaction, signaling to us that our goals are being fulfilled, so we generally tend to slow down and become more laid-back.
But negative emotions exist for a reason. Without the push that anger or unhappiness gives you, you might never get the motivation to keep going. After all, if you're content, why would you?
And studies back this up: Maya Tamir of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that happy people played worse than angry people in a competitive computer game.
You Might Become Gullible
Another study shows that happy people tend to be more trusting and gullible compared to their pessimistic counterparts. That's not to say that you should always go with the glass-half-empty approach, but maybe a bit less extreme?
You Might Become Unhappy
Yup, you heard that right. When you're experiencing intense joy, its only natural to seek more of it, a primitive response rooted in the evolution of mankind. However, the pursuit of happiness almost always leads to unhappiness. Research shows that the more one strives to be happy, the less likely they are to obtain it.
Iris Mauss of the University of Denver conducted a study in which people who read something that celebrated happiness felt worse than people who viewed something that never produced happiness at all. Researchers suggest that when people expect to feel better and don't, they may experience more negative emotions as a result of feeling as if they had failed.
Once the High Is Over . . .
Have you ever felt that underwhelming emptiness after you're done leaping up in joy? Like everything in the world suddenly seems disappointing in how trivial it is? Well, that's not just in your head. When you are excessively happy, you set high standards for situations that can induce happiness: everyday occurrences will cease to make you smile. To back this up, psychologists from the University of Massachusetts and Northwestern University in Illinois compared the levels of happiness between lottery winners and ordinary people.
There was no difference in overall happiness between the two groups; however, lottery winners were significantly less likely to take pleasure in everyday activities such as receiving a compliment and talking with a friend. They began to compare everything with the happiness of winning the lottery, and thus, nothing could keep up. This kind of happiness doesn't last forever, and when it's done, you might end up feeling worse than before.
So What Now?
Well, the point of this certainly isn't to tell you to be unhappy for the rest of your life. After all, extreme negative emotions certainly aren't doing you any favors either. Maybe, just maybe, what all of us need to consider is the moderate path: neither too much positive emotions nor too many negative emotions. And researchers are considering this too - that maybe pursuing happiness isn't the best idea. Instead, we should allow happiness to come by as a reward in the pursuit of another goal.
Imagine a life in which you never feel euphoric, but you never feel depressed either. All that's left behind is a sustainable, peaceful calm that you only experience when you're on stable emotional ground.
In the long term, sustainability is what we're looking at, and perhaps the moderate approach is best for sustainable happiness to last us through all the highs and lows throughout our lives.
Beyoncé Found the Sexiest Minidress to Wear This Summer and We're Drunk in Love
Beyoncé is enjoying some much-needed family time. The singer, who's currently on the On the Run II tour, posted a couple of cute pictures of the duo relaxing by the water with their ever-so-stylish daughter Blue Ivy. For their family trip, Beyoncé chose a vibrant minidress by Temperley London that featured a flattering ruffle hemline. The "Drunk in Love" singer showed off her amazing figure in the flirty number that also had a plunging neckline.
This isn't the first Beyoncé has worn Temperley as she was pictured in a Victorian-inspired dress by the British brand too. Bey finished her Summery look off with a pair of PVC Ritch Erani Clara Sandals ($525), gold hoop earrings, and round sunglasses. Read on to get a closer look at her full ensemble and buy her exact dress, as well as more affordable versions, ahead.
If You Can't Tell Where Hailey Baldwin's Outfit Is From, You Must Not Be Looking at Her
Hailey Baldwin made it abundantly clear where her matching denim ensemble is from. The 21-year-old model recently stepped out in NYC with her rumored boyfriend Justin Bieber wearing logo-emblazoned denim separates by Versace. Hailey completed her nostalgic '00s-style outfit with a ribbed crop top, gold hoop earrings, and crisp white Reebok sneakers.
Though Hailey's exact outfit isn't available online, Versace currently offers a similar logo outfit in a lighter denim wash for a casual combined total of $2,600. The opulent Italian brand isn't the only one hopping on the ostentatious trend: Balenciaga, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ksubi are among the other bands also producing logo denim. If you're like, "what logo fatigue?," shop a few similar selections ahead.
Jennifer Lopez Is Pretty in Pink in a Subtle, Yet Oh-So-Fun Swimsuit
According to Jennifer Lopez's Instagram, she is loving life and enjoying some downtime with her man, Alex Rodriguez, and their combined family. The 48-year-old superstar posted a photo lounging on the beach with Alex, and our eyes couldn't help but instantly land on her swimsuit.
Jennifer ditched her usual ultrasexy bikinis for a hot pink one-piece, big sunglasses, and a fedora - the look was so casual yet so glamorous. Are you surprised though? It's J Lo! The woman could literally wear anything and still look fabulous. Keep scrolling to see Jennifer in her bright look and shop similar designs.
These Are the Best - and Least Expensive - New Beauty Products of July
We get it - your two-week-long soul-searching trip to Phuket, Thailand, won't pay for itself. Luckily, you can still keep up with the latest beauty launches without maxing out a credit card. We tested hundreds of new makeup, skin-, and haircare items and hand-selected the ones worth your precious moolah.
What to Wear to All of Those Summer Weddings Right Here
Wedding dress codes come with a lot of stipulations - don't go too short, don't go too flashy, and please, please don't wear white (ecru, eggshell, or cream!). But besides the obvious dos and don'ts, the "what to wear" to your friend's wedding isn't always an easy question to answer. Thankfully, we have 30 solutions - or rather, 30 perfect dresses for any number of Summer weddings left on your calendar. From the casual backyard wedding to your fanciest black-tie nuptials, we've got you covered. Just scroll to shop your way through our favorites and solve your wedding-guest outfit drama now.
- Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley
If You Think Kourtney Kardashian's Bikini Is Sexy, Just Wait Until You Notice This Tiny Little Detail
Kourtney Kardashian has been serving some serious outfit inspiration during her never-ending Italian vacation, and we won't lie by saying that we haven't been enjoying every minute of it. Over the past few weeks, the reality TV star has been wearing some of the sexiest swimsuits she owns, but it's her newest bikini that we'll be remembering for months to come.
During another boat outing to celebrate her daughter's birthday, Kourtney posed in what looks like a simple, peachy-brown two-piece - until you zoom in, that is. As it turns out, the triangle-style design features tiny gold spots which glow in the sunlight, perfectly highlighting the 39-year-old's tan. Read on for a second glance at Kourt's incredible bikini, then shop similar options we found to help you make a statement on your next vacation.
Build-A-Bear Will Have First-Ever "Pay Your Age Day" and We're Already in Line
If you happen upon a Build-A-Bear Workshop with your kids, you might be inclined to distract them so as not to be suckered into purchasing another $25 stuffed animal. But if you happen upon a Build-A-Bear Workshop this Thursday, July 12, you are going to want to step right up to claim your plush plaything.
That's because the retailer is hosting, for the first time ever, a "Pay Your Age Day." As part of this one-day-only deal, guests who visit any store in person can pay their current age in dollars for any make-your-own furry friend, including popular licensed characters, like those from Star Wars, Marvel, and even Trolls.
It sounds too good to be true, but it's very real: if your child is a year old, you pay $1.
It sounds too good to be true, but it's very real: if your child is a year old, you pay $1. Bringing a nine-year-old? That'll be $9 for a stuffed unicorn. What's more, for that one day, none of Build-A-Bear's guests will be a day over 29 years old – meaning, no matter their age, guests will pay no more than $29 for any furry friend in the store. A shopper who is 40 years old, for instance, will only pay $29 for a $35 stuffed animal. (Just don't get too gluttonous: outfits, sound machines, accessories, and scents are all sold separately.)
So what's the catch?
To participate in the Pay Your Age Day, parents or guardians need only enroll in the complimentary Build-A-Bear Bonus Club rewards program, and a valid email address and name are the only requirements! The other bit of fine print is that the person wishing to pay his or her age must be present at the time of purchase, but why wouldn't you want to bring your kid along for the once-in-a-lifetime experience?
If, however, the lines are expectantly long at your Workshop of choice, the store will even allow shoppers to purchase a furry friend unstuffed and return to "build" it another, less busy time.
So, cancel your plans on July 12, grab some spare change, and bring your baby to a Build-A-Bear!
Prince Louis's Godparents Have Been Announced
Ahead of Prince Louis's christening, which will take place at Chapel Royal in St. James's Palace later today, Kensington Palace has announced details of his six godparents. Prince Louis will have one more godparent than sister, Princess Charlotte, and one less godparent than older brother, Prince George. The godparents were chosen from Prince William and Kate Middleton's closest friends and family. Here's the whole list:
Lucy Middleton
Lucy Middleton, is one of Kate's cousins. She's the second cousin to be given the honor: Adam Middleton is Princess Charlotte's godparent.
Nicholas van Cutsem
Nicholas van Cutsem has been friends with Prince William since childhood. William and Kate attended his wedding in 2012.
Laura Meade
Laura Meade is a close friend to both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, they were neighbors when the family was living in Norfolk. James Meade, Laura's husband, is godfather to Princess Charlotte.
Guy Pelly
Guy Pelly is one of Prince Harry and Prince William's closest friends. He threw Prince William's stag do before his wedding to Kate in 2011.
Harry Aubrey-Fletcher
Harry Aubrey-Fletcher has been a friend of Prince William and Prince Harry since prep school.
Mrs Robert Carter (Hannah Gillingham)
Hannah is one of Kate's closest friends. William and Kate attended Hannah's wedding to Robert Carter a year after their own wedding.
As expected, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aren't among those chosen ones, as William and Kate have always chosen to avoid immediate family when choosing godparents. However they will attend the christening, alongside Prince Charles and Camilla, Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton, her brother James, and her sister Pippa and her husband James Matthews.
Paging Jennifer Lopez - Gucci Just Debuted a New York Yankees Collection!
Whenever Jennifer Lopez steps on a stage, the chances of her rocking New York Yankees gear are pretty high. She was doing it even before she started dating former Yankees player Alex Rodriguez, and now she rocks his number, too. Gucci just released the perfect collection for her and any Yankees fan.
The luxury brand released a line of baseball caps, beanies, and wool scarves that features detailed embroidery and patch details. The items retail from $340 to $590 and are absolutely gorgeous. We're calling it now: we think Jennifer is going to be rocking these soon. Keep scrolling to get your hands on one (or all) of these accessories.
Queer Eye's William and Shannan Are Now Married and My Heart's a Puddle on the Floor
Three cheers for another Queer Eye wedding! After the hit show's first season, AJ and Drey tied the knot, as did Tom and Abby, and now William and Shannan are officially representing for season two.
Basically, when the Fab Five help someone, they don't just change the person's fashion, grooming, or eating habits, they end up changing their life. For William, this meant assisting him with an epic movie-themed proposal for his then-girlfriend Shannan. I didn't think anything could top their unforgettable engagement, but their heartwarming wedding photos are a strong contender. William recently shared special moments from the couple's wedding day on June 16 on Twitter, and wow, my heart's a puddle on the floor. He and Shannan married in a private sunrise ceremony on Amelia Island, surrounded by their family.
After William shared the news, fans were quick to congratulate the happy couple, including Queer Eye's own Antoni Porowski. So, who will be the next duo to say walk down the aisle? I'm looking at you, Jason and Beth.
Ashley Greene's Wedding Day Looked Like a Straight-Up Fairy Tale - See the Pics!
Congrats are in order for Ashley Greene and Paul Khoury - the couple tied the knot on July 6 in an outdoor ceremony in San Jose, CA, surrounded by family and friends, and judging by the photos, it looked like so much fun. Guests such as Eiza González, Josh Duhamel, Evan Ross, Lauren and Aaron Paul, and Brittany Snow, had the opportunity to sip martinis, play games (life-size Jenga, anyone?), and mingle with a pony. How cute!
Ashley and Paul got engaged back in December 2016 on a trip to New Zealand and they looked absolutely blissful when they made things official. The bride absolutely glowed in her wedding dress, chatting with guests and posing for pictures. Ahead, see snaps from their magical celebration, and gather some wedding inspiration for any nuptials in your future.
Beyoncé and JAY-Z Sneak in Some PDA During Their Romantic Lake Como Boating Trip
If you love getting vacation inspiration from the Carters, it's time to take note: when in Italy, do like Beyoncé and JAY-Z do and take a boating trip around Lake Como. On the heels of their family getaway in France, the powerhouse husband and wife recently snuck in a little "couples time," in the midst of their On the Run II tour stop in Italy. The couple turned up the romance, getting some rest and relaxation by the water, with a little PDA along the way. If you're on the fence about taking your own Summer PTO, check out Jay and Bey in the pictures ahead. Their cozy getaway is evidence of well spent time off.
Hailey Baldwin Wears a Huge Engagement Ring in the Bahamas After Justin Bieber's Proposal
Welp, a ring makes it pretty official, everybody! Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin were spotted in the Bahamas shortly after news broke about their surprise July 7 engagement and she's definitely sporting a massive rock. According to Twitter user Azy Manzur, his friend met the couple on their getaway and shared a photo, including a shot of Hailey's left hand.
The couple have yet to confirm anything, but their parents have been sharing cryptic messages on social media as news of the proposal spreads. The singer and the model dated between 2015 and 2016 and maintained a friendship afterward, rekindling their relationship last month. While Justin and Hailey celebrated with more vacation time and drinks, Justin's ex Selena Gomez appears unfazed in NYC. Congrats are in order for the happy couple!
Chris Pine's New Show Is Based on a Real Hollywood Mystery, and It Looks Creepy as Hell
If you're finding the wait for the Wonder Woman sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, unbearable, then we have some good news. Director Patty Jenkins has teamed up with Steve Trevor Chris Pine on a new TNT series, which also features Wonder Woman's Connie Nielsen, as well as India Eisley, Jefferson Mays, Dylan Smith, Jay Paulson, and more.
The limited series, I Am the Night, follows the real-life story of Fauna Hodel (Eisley), a young woman who discovers she was given away at birth who begins investigating her past. Her journey to the truth comes with a number of shocking realizations, however, when it's revealed she shares a connection to infamous Hollywood gynecologist Dr. George Hodel (Mays) and the 1947 Black Dahlia murder. Along for the ride is Jay Singletary (Pine), a former Marine and current down-on-his-luck reporter/paparazzo who helps Fauna unravel the convoluted web of lies that surrounds her in hopes of reviving his career with her story.
Sam Sheridan and Monica Beletsky penned the six-episode series, which is based on an autobiography cowritten by Fauna Hodel, One Day She'll Darken. Jenkins directed the pilot of the series and will also serve as an executive producer with Pine. I Am the Night isn't due out until January 2019, so in the meantime, watch the eerie trailer above.
See the Sweet Photos of Gal Gadot Wearing Her Wonder Woman Costume to Visit a Children's Hospital
Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot earned some serious superhero points by visiting a Virginia children's hospital dressed in her full movie costume on July 6. The patients and staff of Inova Children's Hospital in Falls Church, VA, were delighted when Gal arrived in her onscreen counterpart's iconic red, blue, and gold armor . . . and the photos will warm your heart!
The mother of two, who has been hard at work filming Wonder Woman 1984 in Washington DC and causing lots of fan buzz with the first few photos from the set, channeled her inner Wonder Woman to pose for photos and make plenty of sick kids smile. Check out pictures from Gal's hospital visit ahead - Diana Prince would certainly be proud.
A Royal Carriage-Load of Sexy Prince Harry Pictures to Gaze Upon
While his royal schedule is always packed, 2018 may be Prince Harry's busiest yet. His wedding to Meghan Markle may have been the most important event on his calendar, but he's also kept busy with plenty of polo matches and charity functions, among other royal engagements.
With Harry in the spotlight even more than usual this year, we have been treated to plenty of photos of the handsome prince that are royally swoon-worthy. From his cheeky smile to his smoldering stare, here are 76 reasons 2018 is Harry's hottest yet.
Before Meghan and Kate's Royal Friendship, It Was All About Diana and Fergie
While the developing friendship between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle is making headlines, there was another pair of royal sisters-in-law who caused a stir over 30 years ago: Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson. It may be well known that the two were a support system for each other after they both married into the royal family, but did you know they were actually friends prior to entering "The Firm"? Or that Diana was actually the one who set up Fergie with Prince Andrew? Keep scrolling to learn all about the duo's friendship.
The 60 Cutest Pictures of Prince George
Even though Prince George was only born in July 2013, he's already led a pretty eventful life. He's gotten to meetUS presidents, had an adorable first day of school and joined his little sister, Princess Charlotte, at Trooping the Colour parades, family weddings, and royal tours around the world. We love getting a glimpse of the future king being a normal kid (as normal as he can be, anyway), so we've rounded up his best pictures.
- Additional reporting by Britt Stephens
You Won't Believe These 25 Netflix Documentaries Are Real
Once you're done binge-watching Queer Eye season two (and bawling your eyes out), you might be in the mood for an addictive, fascinating look at other true events. With so many amazing documentaries on Netflix, covering everything from true crime to sushi chefs, there's no shortage of entertainment for your night in. These 25 films will leave you spellbound and wondering if these storylines could possibly be real.
Craving More of The Kissing Booth? Watch These 25 Shows Instead
The Kissing Booth landed on Netflix in May, and it immediately became a cult hit. Elle's sweet friendship with Lee, and her smoldering romance with his older brother Noah, singlehandedly made teen romantic comedies a thing again.
While the genre has been languishing at the box office since its last revival in the early '00s, it's been thriving on the small screen. If you're looking for shows that will make your heart skip a beat the way it did when Noah's lips met Elle's at the school carnival, showcase life-long friendships as beautifully as the movie's opening montage of sweetness did, and add in a dash (or a cup) of high school drama, then you've come to the right place. These 25 shows feel like they were made for fans of The Kissing Booth.
20 Photos That Show How William and Harry Have Embraced Camilla as Their Stepmom
When Camilla Parker Bowles married Prince Charles in April 2005, she not only got a husband but also expanded her family. Camilla shares daughter Laura and son Tom with ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles, and Charles has two sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, from his marriage to Princess Diana. The royal family often attends official events together, and while Camilla doesn't seem to have as much fun with William and Harry as she does with Kate Middleton, it appears the brothers have certainly accepted Camilla as their stepmother. Read on to see some of their best moments together.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch: What the Cast Is Up to 15 Years Later
It's hard to believe Sabrina the Teenage Witch is more than 20 years old! The series first premiered in 1996 on ABC, but continues to live on in our hearts and on Hulu. While no one can hold a candle to Melissa Joan Hart's Sabrina Spellman, the iconic series is getting ready to be introduced to a whole new generation. Netflix is in the midst of adapting the Archie Comics series into a brand new show titled The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and it's bound to be way spookier than the original. As we gear up for the series, see what the original cast is up to now.
25 Selena Gomez Video Moments So Sexy, You Won't Be Able to Keep Your Hands to Yourself
When it comes to sexy music videos, Selena Gomez definitely knows how to bring the heat. The 25-year-old singer can work those camera angles unlike any other, and don't even get us started on her sultry facial expressions. From "Come and Get It" to "Good For you" to "A Year Without Rain" (yes, we're going way back), we've rounded up some of Selena's steamiest, sexiest video moments of all time. Trust us, even you won't be able to keep your hands to yourself.
Could Avengers 4 Introduce Us to Stature? It Looks Likely
While Ant-Man should be a recognizable character after his big-screen debut in 2015, his part in Captain America: Civil War, and the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp, one future superhero has been overlooked despite multiple appearances. As the daughter of Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, the role of Cassie Lang has so far been filled by Abby Ryder Fortson, but that may be changing soon. Reports claim that Emma Fuhrmann, who is seven years older than Fortson, will be taking over the character in Avengers 4. An older Cassie Lang not only adds credence to the time travel theory behind Avengers 4, but also reinforces the presumed appearance of her alter ego, Stature.
Note: light comic book spoilers follow!
Who Is Stature?
As in the movie, longtime exposure to her dad's superhero life piques the interest of the comic book iteration of Cassie Lang. She idolizes her dad and wants to help as well. Her mother and stepfather vehemently oppose the idea, even going so far as to take full custody of her from Scott, but Cassie still dreams of the superhero life. After the death of her dad, Cassie becomes even more determined to step up. Despite not having powers at this point, she seeks out Kate Bishop and the Young Avengers anyway, and discovers that exposure to Pym Particles affected her more than she knew. Ultimately, she takes on the moniker of Stature and joins the Young Avengers.
What Are Her Powers?
Like her father, Cassie learns to manipulate her size. Unlike her dad, Cassie's powers stem from her swallowing Pym Particles and exposure to them as a child. Her abilities largely rely on her emotions - she grows large when she's angry and small when she's sad or guilty. At her tallest, she reaches 250 feet; she also shrinks to the size of an ant if needed. In addition, her extra mass allows her to lift loads of 25 tons or more. Her suit is made of unstable molecules to allow it to change size with her - she just can't control ants.
What Does It Mean For the MCU?
Cassie's relationship to the Young Avengers is particularly interesting. Marvel Studios refuses to reveal its plans after the forthcoming Avengers 4, but president Kevin Feige weighed in on the possibility of bringing the Young Avengers to the screen during an interview with Screen Rant. "Certainly, we're following that trend. Where, when, how, we'll see, but I think it would be cool," he said. "We love that Cassie in [Ant-Man and the Wasp] in particular is inspired by her father, wants to do good." That same desire reflects her comic book counterpart, so could Marvel be looking in that direction for the future? According to Feige, Marvel is "planting the seeds."
Feige's professed interest in the Young Avengers also coincides with his recent remarks about adding LGBTQ+ characters to Marvel's roster. After confirming LGBTQ+ superheroes are on the way, he claimed they are "both ones you've seen and ones you haven't seen." While Thor: Ragnarok actress Tessa Thompson confirmed her character, Valkyrie, is bisexual, a scene supporting it was cut from the film; similarly, Dora Milaje members Ayo and Okoye were rumored to have filmed a flirtatious scene in Black Panther, accounting for possible known LGBTQ+ characters. As for the unknowns, the Young Avengers team would definitely expand that roster of LGBTQ+ heroes, considering original members Teddy Altman (aka Hulkling) and Billy Kaplan (aka Wiccan) are both gay and in a relationship together. The most recent iteration of the Young Avengers also includes America Chavez (aka Miss America), who is a lesbian, and David Alleyne (aka Prodigy of the X-Men), who identifies as bisexual.
With the presence of an older Cassie Lang in Avengers 4, Feige's comments, and Stature's comic book storyline leading toward the Young Avengers, Marvel fans may yet find Cassie integral to Phase 4 of the MCU.
For Anyone Googling "Are Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch Dating?" After Watching Set It Up . . .
Plenty of C-list stars have turned their onscreen chemistry into an offscreen romance - from Riverdale's Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart to Stranger Things' Natalie Dyer and Charlie Heaton, some of our favorite fictional relationships have blossomed into real-life relationships. And if you've watched Netflix's new romantic comedy, Set It Up, then you're probably wondering if sparks were flying between Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch even when the cameras weren't rolling. We're sorry to break it to you, but Glen and Zoey are nothing more than friends (yes, seriously!).
The pair were first brought together on the set of 2016's Everybody Wants Some!!, when Glen and Zoey first realized they had onscreen magic. "We'd really hit it off," Glen said. "We'd always talked about doing a rom-com together, because that was like the most no-brainer thing if you had seen the two of us in a room." Though Emilia Clarke was originally slated to take on the role of the overworked female assistant in Set It Up, her Solo: A Star Wars Story filming conflicted, and Glen pushed for the role to go to Zoey.
They may look insanely adorable together, but the two still vehemently deny any dating rumors - as Glen says, it's "never going to happen." In an interview with BUILD series, Zoey even teased Glen for a not-so-erotic kiss the two shared during filming. It's clear from their playfulness that the costars work much better as friends than they do lovers, and even if their chemistry is convincing, it's the result of mutual admiration rather than attraction.
In an interview with Metro, Glen said, "Zoey and I literally fight and banter exactly in real life like it is in the movie. If it looks effortless, it is because it was effortless." Yes, the best friendships sometimes turn into relationships, but we're feeling pretty certain the relationship between Glen and Zoey is purely platonic. "She is wonderful and I hope to do many more movies with her," Glen added. Same here, Glen.
See you guys in the Set It Up sequel?
The Terrifying Reason You Recognized This Actress in the Sharp Objects Trailer
If you're on the verge of canceling your Summer plans just to focus on dissecting Sharp Objects, which premieres July 8, you're not alone. Based on the eponymous novel by Gillian Flynn, the HBO miniseries brings in notable names like Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson, who play Camille Preaker and Adora Crellin, respectively. That's all well and good, but there's one more cast member you should be excited about: Sophia Lillis. She plays a young Camille on the show but is best known for her role as Beverly Marsh in the 2017 remake of It.
Even though she was fantastic in the movie, when Lillis first auditioned for Beverly's character, the producers wanted her to be girlier. Fortunately, director Andy Muschietti - who had a different idea in mind - put his foot down and worked with Lillis on crafting a character who was more rebellious and a tomboy. Beverly's inherent strength and courage combined with the freedom Muschietti gave Lillis made for an empowering performance that transcends the time and setting of her character.
Image Source: Everett Collection
When she's not battling creepy clowns, the young actress is attending a performing arts high school in New York. Born in Brooklyn, Lillis started acting at 7 years old when her stepfather needed a volunteer for a film class project, and from then on she honed her craft at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Manhattan. Her career took a sharp turn (pun intended) once she began auditioning. Lillis had smaller roles in a movie adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Lipstick Stain, and 37, but It became the pièce de résistance of her repertoire of complex characters with troubled backstories - minus the video of Sia's single "Santa's Coming For Us" that she starred in with Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard.
In an interview with Adolescent, Lillis discusses these roles that include awful childhoods, saying, "I'm used to roles like that. I don't know why, but there's this pattern where I've always gotten these roles where there is something wrong with my family." She continues by saying she'd love to do something comedic, "maybe something with a supportive, functioning family. That is probably a little boring! Something with Bill Murray. He is someone I have always looked up to."
Whether she'll take on a comedic role remains to be seen, but she's recently signed on to play the titular character in Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase, getting the chance to add "badass detective" to her increasing résumé.
Miles Teller Has Officially Joined the Top Gun Sequel Cast - Here's Who He's Playing!
With movies and TV shows being rebooted left and right, it would be more surprising if Hollywood chose to leave something alone. A Top Gun sequel had been rumored for years, but now the iconic '80s film is officially being revived for a sequel starring Tom Cruise and Miles Teller, the latter of whom will be playing the son of Anthony Edwards's character, Goose. Teller reportedly beat out Nicholas Hoult, Glen Powell, Dylan O'Brien, and Austin Butler for the role, which required many of Hollywood's hottest young stars to travel to Cruise's home in Florida to audition.
As for Cruise, he's reprising his role as hot-shot pilot Maverick. The 56-year-old has been vocal about the sequel himself, and has even been sharing sneak peeks at production ever since filming began in late May. The reboot can also be traced back as far as January 2016, when Jerry Bruckheimer tweeted about it:
Just got back from a weekend in New Orleans to see my old friend @TomCruise and discuss a little Top Gun 2. pic.twitter.com/vA2xK7S7JS
- JERRY BRUCKHEIMER (@BRUCKHEIMERJB) January 26, 2016
Bruckheimer incited a riot among fans when he tweeted this picture with his old buddy, hinting that the sequel was definitely on the table. By April 2017, Val Kilmer teased that he'd signed on to play Iceman once more, saying that Top Gun 2 would be a "hoot."
At this stage, the plot is mostly being kept under wraps. The only details that have come out about the story so far reveal that Cruise's character is now a flight instructor, and that drone technology will play a part in the events of the film. Joseph Kosinski, who previously helmed 2013's Oblivion, is directing the sequel, and told ComingSoon in October that that the sequel will be "appropriate for the times we live in."
"The Navy is very different now than it was in 1986," he explained. "It's just a different world now, so you can't remake the first movie. It has to adapt, [but] I certainly want to recreate the experience of that movie, which gives you a front seat into the world of naval aviation and what it's like to be in a fighter jet."
15 Trader Joe's Grocery Staples For Busy People
We get it - it's hard to eat real food when you're busy. That's why we asked our POPSUGAR editors, both former and current, to share their favorite staples from Trader Joe's so you can keep your fridge stocked with all the best foods possible. From microwaveable brown rice to creamy tomato soup, this list will inspire you to stock up on your next TJ's grocery run.
Disney World FINALLY Has Mickey Beignets - and You Can Get Them in Sundae Form
While there are many benefits to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, one of the most consistent arguments for Disneyland's superiority is its Mickey Mouse-shaped beignets. The pillowy, deep-fried snack is shaped into the iconic mouse ears and dusted with powdered sugar, and until recently, you could only find it at Disneyland's Mint Julep Bar or Cafe Orleans, or at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. But today we've got some great news for Floridians and Disney World enthusiasts: you can now get Mickey-shaped beignets at the Orlando resort!
According to the Disney Food Blog, the traditional puffed beignets from Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory in Disney World's Port Orleans have now transitioned into a Mickey shape. Park-goers can now pick up three beignets for $4 (with dipping sauces at an extra cost) or spring a bit extra for a $6 Mickey-shaped beignet sundae . . . for the curious, that's three piping-hot beignets topped with your choice of ice cream, sauce, and whipped cream. Yum!
Check out the decadent sundae and beignets ahead; you'll never feel overcome with jealousy of Disneyland visitors again. (That is, until you start looking at Disneyland-exclusive Starbucks mugs!)
Fun Things to Do Alone, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Though we're not all naturally inclined to spend time alone, everyone could benefit from doing it. Being alone allows you space to reflect and imagine, and small doses can do wonders for your mental health.
If you're a social butterfly who rarely goes solo or if you're an introvert who's simply looking for new ways to spend your alone time, read on to see what solo activities you're best suited for, depending on your astrological sign. Who knows - maybe your alone time will become your favorite time!
More Than 40 Salads For Those Who Feel Meh About Lettuce
Salad recipes don't begin and end with a head of lettuce or a bag of mixed greens. While they have their time and place, it's easy to get bored with these delicate (in both flavor and texture) greens. Instead, make one of these exciting recipes starring everything from cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, and brussels sprouts to juicy tomatoes, crisp carrots, and even celery.
The Best Gifts For Moms-to-Be
If there's a special mom-to-be on your shopping list, save the baby gifts for later and treat her to something that's all about her. Whether she's in her first trimester or the final countdown, she's sure to appreciate a bit of extra pampering. From the funny to the fanciful, we've rounded up some great gift ideas for moms who'll soon be celebrating for two.
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe
Why You Should Stop Telling New Moms to Sleep When the Baby Sleeps
When you're a new mom, well-meaning people will tell you things. Seemingly helpful things. They'll tell you their own tales of what it was like for them the first time they brought their bundle of joy home from the hospital. Sometimes they share these anecdotes for the sole reason to bring themselves joy - to revisit a long-lost memory - and other times they do it to genuinely be thoughtful.
Which is why, as a new mom, I can't for the life of me understand why people still tell me to "sleep when the baby sleeps." This run-of-the-mill advice isn't exactly useful.
Here's why being told to "sleep when the baby sleeps" doesn't help me.
Swimsuits and Accessories With SPF - So Your Kids Never Go Out in the Sun Unprotected
When shopping for new swimsuits for your little ones, there's more to think about than just an adorable print - swimsuits now come with added UPF protection! If you're new to the world of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, here's what you need to know. Think about it the way you would for your skin; it's essentially an SPF rating for clothing. The ratings range from 15 all the way up to 50+, and they indicate how effective the clothing will be toward protecting against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Even with applying sunscreen on your child, skin can still end up getting exposed, so a swimsuit or rash guard with UPF can keep a lot from passing through the fabric. Here are our top picks for the season - all from Amazon.
How a Stranger Helped a 12-Year-Old With Lawn-Mowing Business Who Had the Cops Called on Him
After hiring 12-year-old Reginald "Reggie" Fields - who runs "Mr. Reggie's Lawn Service - to mow her lawn on June 23, Lucille Holt-Colden praised the boy and his entrepreneurial spirit in a video to Facebook captioned, "When you see some young people at the store with their equipment and you tell them to follow you home." The woman's voice can be heard in the video as she compliments Reggie and his siblings and cousins, and tells her followers to "support our babies" doing big things like Reggie. Minutes later though, Lucille's attitude and tone changed as she shared a second video captioned, "This is RIDICULOUS!!!" - her neighbors called the police to say that Reggie had cut a bit of their grass.
After reading about the episode in Maple Heights, OH, Shawn Revay's husband Joe, who owns his own landscaping business, reached out to Reggie's mother.
"A little boy on the news in Maple Heights was mowing lawns and had the police called on him for 'mowing a piece of the neighbor's lawn' . . . We were so pissed. Here's a 12-year-old trying to make some money and keep busy, so my husband decided to step in. You don't discourage kids or anyone doing the right thing!! Especially in today's world," Shawn wrote in a post to Facebook alongside a photo of Joe, Reggie, and his brother.
"He then went and bought him a blower and surprised him with it while Reggie and his crew were out at a job," Shawn told POPSUGAR. "He was very excited. It touched me so deep. I love my husband and think he is one in a million. We always try to pay it forward and spread love."
Shawn said that seeing her husband get so upset over Reggie's story, and his subsequent actions, "touched her so deep," especially because Joe, who is a stepdad to Shawn's 16-year-old twins, is about to become a father to a little boy. "It just validated even more that he is going to be such a wonderful father!"
Although Reggie's story started out rocky, for us, Joe's actions restored our faith in humanity and assured us that there are good people out there who want to inspire this generation's kids.
I Just Found Out My 10-Year-Old Will Be Taking Sex Ed, and I Don't Know How to Feel
I recently found out that my daughter's school will be teaching sex ed in fifth grade. I have so many thoughts and feelings about this, and I feel like my head and heart are going to explode.
My initial reaction to the news was that my daughter isn't ready. If you know the characters George and Harold from Captain Underpants, her humor is right in line with theirs - very silly and immature potty humor. She bursts into laughter anytime someone says "Uranus," and always gets a laugh when she pranks my husband or myself with a whoopee cushion.
The truth is I like having an immature and naive little girl. I love the fact that she still has an imaginative mind and believes in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy.
My second thought was that I'm not ready. When I look at my daughter, I still see my baby girl. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was giving her a bath in the kitchen sink. I blinked and she grew into a little girl. I blinked again and she became a big girl - and now, a tween. Ready or not, puberty is coming, and then I'll blink again and she'll be a young woman.
The truth is I like having an immature and naive little girl. I love the fact that she still has an imaginative mind and believes in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. I feel like most children are in a rush to grow up these days, and so many things about our society encourages that. It's refreshing to me to have a daughter like mine, and I don't want her to lose her incredible innocence, even though I know she eventually will. I want her to be a child forever, but I know she won't.
Coming from an Italian-Catholic family, I grew up with my mom telling me to wait to have sex until I was married - or else. With my own daughter, I'll let her know that waiting until she's married would be a wonderful gift to herself and her husband, but I don't want her to ever feel ashamed of wanting to have sex before marriage or feeling like she's sinning. Sex is a beautiful act of love, and someday, most likely before she finds wedded bliss, she'll want to experience it with someone she loves dearly.
I suppose I should thank the school for helping me face the hard reality that my little girl is growing up and giving me the push I need to have the birds and the bees talk with her. Of course it will be uncomfortable and awkward, but when is it not? I'm her mother and I want to be the one to have that talk with her before her teacher or friends do. I will do my best to give her all of the facts and information she needs to keep her safe. As she gets older, I want her to be comfortable coming to me with any questions, even if that means asking me for contraceptives. As her parent, it's my job to care for her, educate her, keep her safe, and prepare her for life - and that is exactly what I intend to do, even if it's before I'm ready.
25+ Air-Conditioned Activities to Do With Your Kids This Summer When It's Just Too Damn Hot Out
After being cooped up in classrooms for nine months, it's no surprise that kids want to spend as much time as they can outdoors during the Summer months. Whether it's hitting the beach, taking a dip in the pool, going on a hike, or getting the family together for an after-dinner bike ride, there's no better time to be a kid than the Summer. But as much as we love the warm weather that comes with this time of year, some days it's just too damn hot to be outside. And since sitting at home can get boring pretty quickly, we came up with a list of indoor (i.e. air-conditioned) activities that you can do with your kids when the temperatures are scorching. There's something for every age and budget, so read on!
Mom Was Shamed For Staring at Her Phone in Post-Birth Photo – Her Snapback Is SO Good
A few hours after my kids were born – once my adrenaline rush subsided and things that needed to be stitched up were, in fact, stitched up – I took a deep breath, handed the sleeping newborn over to my husband, and got my phone out. I didn't think anything of it . . . who else was going to announce this baby to the world if I didn't post the sweet pic to Instagram? How else was I going to respond to the 20-odd text messages from friends and family eagerly awaiting the story of how my new addition entered the world? When else was I going to read about the new funny thing some celebrity tweeted?
Much like me in that first day post-birth, mom blogger Constance Hall grabbed her iPhone in one hand and a soft drink in the other.
She even posted a photo of it – she was taken with the oh-so-modern snap of her enjoying a moment of "me time" while her husband swaddled their newborn. On Facebook, she captioned the photo: "Possibly my favorite photo from the birth of Raja . . . welcome to the matriarchy! Queen just had a baby, yo."
Unfortunately, though, mommy shamers were quick to pounce on the new mom of five.
"It's nobody's business what a mother is doing on her phone the day she gives birth, if she's sending her children and mother photos of the baby or googling tit jobs in Thailand."
Many judged her drink of choice, but most called her out for not being more present with her just-born baby. One commented sarcastically, "it's important to check your phone right now." Another wrote, "she's obviously googling parental advice."
Although most of the negative comments were deleted, her legion of fans stepped in, sharing not only that she earned that hard-fought soda but that there was likely a very good reason she was on her phone.
"It's 2018, and everything's done through them these days – she runs a business and has a family to look after," one said.
After discovering the "stuck-up judgments" people were posting about "what I was doing on my phone instead of spending my every second doting and being the eternally grateful goddess mother," Constance took to Facebook once again to defend her choices.
"It's nobody's business what a mother is doing on her phone the day she gives birth, if she's sending her children and mother photos of the baby or googling tit jobs in Thailand," she wrote.
Yes, even if she took a few minutes to text with pals, catch up on some celebrity gossip, or play a mindless game of Words With Friends, it's OK. She left her haters with a bit of advice. Aside from a child being abused, "the way another mother is mothering . . . ain't your f*cking problem."
Your Jaw Will Hit the Floor Watching This 8-Year-Old Nail 1 of the Hardest Led Zeppelin Songs on Drums
Hold onto your jaws, folks, because they're about to hit the floor.
In a video that is now going viral, 8-year-old Yoyoka Soma from Japan, who entered the 2018 "Hit Like a Girl" drum contest, can be seen absolutely slaying on the drums as she performs a cover of Led Zeppelin's 1969 hit song, "Good Times Bad Times." The song features a seriously complicated drum part performed by the late John Bonham, and Yoyoka's cover was so spot-on that even Led Zeppelin front-man Robert Plant was impressed.
On an episode of the CBC Radio show, Q, Plant watched the girl's contest video and was floored by it in every way. He even noted that she made it look easy! "It's like falling off a log for her. I know where she can get a good job!" he says. "That's amazing, isn't it, really? . . . Let's face it, John's right foot is just the most spectacular right foot in the history of popular music in the last 60 years, I think, because he bothered to play those links with the bass drum - he didn't have to do that."
And those links of John Bonham's he refers to? Yoyoka crushes them with her little 8-year-old foot. So much so that the late drummer probably would have been as astonished by her talent as we all are, if not more so.
In a statement attached to her contest entry, Yoyoka said, "My dream is to be the best drummer in the world" - and we'd argue she's well on her way there already. Check out Yoyoka's official contest entry video below, as well as the video of Robert Plant watching her play, and prepare to lose your mind.
Is Your Brain Being "Hijacked" by Stress and Anxiety? Here's How to Know For Sure
Your brain should not be your own worst enemy, but stress and anxiety can often make this the case. If you're constantly stressing about even the least worrisome things, Cheryl Gerson at YourTango lists ways to calm your mind and ease the vicious mental cycle of rumination.
You don't have to be a victim of your own mind.
The mental health issues of anxiety, stress, and depression go hand-in-hand with overthinking and rumination, which is where your brain puts your fears, worries, and anxieties on an endless loop. The word rumination comes from Latin, meaning "to chew over." Some animals, like cows, are called "ruminants" because they chew their cud after regurgitating it. Picture that.
Imagine an attractive, capable, artistic woman who cannot stop her obsessive, self-loathing thoughts. She is in agony. And any attempts to reason with her don't relieve her never-ending cycle of negative thoughts. Whenever she looks inward, the litany of her flaws expands, and she's unable to stop overthinking them.
Does this sound familiar?
Part of the problem with rumination is that when you suffer from it, you can't recognize it as a symptom - you see it as meaningful thought.
There's always a grain of truth in the problem. You can almost solve your dilemma, which makes it easier to fall back into the loop and keep worrying about it.
You don't recognize that the swirling thoughts are the problem. Your own hijacked thinking patterns are making you feel crazy.
Your mind is never entirely quiet. It's full of drifting thoughts about yourself. A piece of memory, the sound of a car on the street, what's for dinner, the party next week . . . When you're not focused on a task, your mind does a kind of ordinary housekeeping, both conscious and unconscious.
Some of this can be a creative "percolating" that makes useful connections (those "Eureka!" moments). Some of it is worry, when you torture yourself with fears for the future based on painful memories of the past.
It's something everyone does from time to time, but for those who regularly ruminate, it's a real problem.
Is it a problem with a solution? Yes and no. It's like a chronic disease that is always there, in the background, even when it's basically in remission. What you can do is learn to live with it more comfortably.
First and foremost, you have to recognize your rumination as a symptom. It's something you suffer from when your anxiety or depression is active. It's hard to recognize that, though. It just seems so . . . reasonable. So real. So much a part of yourself.
Recognizing rumination as a symptom begins to separate it from your picture of your true self. It becomes something you "have," rather than something you "are." Once you know it's something you have, you can begin to work with it.
The wandering mind is fertile ground for rumination. A recent study demonstrated that people are happier when they're thinking about what they're doing.
Sounds simple, doesn't it? But mental habits are very hard to break, and even your brain needs some "down" time to wander around, to do that "percolating" and other mental housework.
To accomplish a better balance, you have to retrain your brain, and retraining your brain begins with noticing.
Practice paying attention - to the task at hand, the people you're with, the thoughts in your head. Notice what's going on. Notice how your different brain states feel. Notice your mood when you're focused, and when you're day-dreaming.
When you notice, give yourself credit. Never, never take progress for granted. Every step is hard-won and worthy of attention. If all you can do is say to yourself, "I'm ruminating," that's a big step.
Enlist family and friends in the effort. You may be surprised at how aware they are of your rumination. You're not really "there" when your mind is hijacked. Tell them that they can help by noticing when you go down that rabbit hole. Try to take them at their word when they remind you of times when everything worked out just fine.
Pay attention to physical sensations. Your body is stored with memories of times when you felt pleasure and joy. You can access those memories with taste, touch, and smell.
Hear the birdsong. Listen to "your" music. Better yet, sing along. Singing affects the brain differently than ordinary speech and is rich with authentic emotion. When it's meaningful to you, it also takes you to true memories and keeps you away from the torture of scary, unknown predictions of the future.
Develop a compassionate attitude toward yourself and your efforts. I promise, you came by rumination honestly. Perhaps it was a condition your mother had, or you were dealing with someone so critical that you began to focus on being perfect. Treat yourself as well as you would treat a beloved child.
And always remember that the life you long for comes with patience and kindness.
Cheryl Gerson is a licensed clinical social worker and board-certified diplomate, specializing in treatment for anxiety. She has been in private practice in New York City for over 25 years. Call her for an in-depth conversation about the right treatment for you.
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