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.
mercredi 3 avril 2019
These Are the Best Spring Sandals of 2019 - Here's How to Style Them
In my opinion, the best part of Spring isn't just the warmer weather, it's that I get to slip into a pair of chic sandals. I can finally give my chunky dad sneakers and perfectly worn-in ankle boots a rest. From a multistrap style aptly called "dental floss" sandals (they are thin, strappy heels that'll take you back to the early '00s) to chic toe loop sandals, we can't wait to rock these trends. Read on to see how to style them and shop our favorite picks ahead.
Nordstrom Discounted Thousands of Summer Pieces, but These Are the 15 Dresses to Buy
Nordstrom, why are you doing this to us? The retailer just discounted lots of summery pieces, and the deals just can't be ignored. We are especially impressed by the dress selection, so we curated a shopping guide of the best Summer designs you can buy right now. Get these deals now so you'll be all set for the sunny days ahead.
Nordstrom Released a Bunch of New 1-Piece Swimsuits, and These Are Our 17 Faves
One-piece swimsuits are totally underrated. They're comfy, flattering, and very on-trend right now. That's why we are thrilled that Nordstrom just released a bunch of new designs. Whether you want something sleek and simple or playful and sexy, the retailer has you covered. Shop through our favorite picks.
How to Wear Tie-Dye Like It's 2019, Not 1999
Tie-dye can be traced back to the '60s, but the last time you wore it was probably in 1999, in the form of a ribbed tank top with a denim miniskirt and chunky Steve Madden slide sandals. After the groovy print was splashed onto practically every Spring runway, the fashion stars of Instagram held, like, a really important meeting to discuss new styling methods. Just kidding, that didn't happen. But it's safe to say women are taking note from one another and coming up with ideas for coordinating tie-dye with slip skirts, checked coats, heck, even business suits. Below, we're noting our favorite fresh takes on the throwback trend so far, and sharing our psychedelic shopping list with you, too.
28 Dresses You'll Wear on Repeat Because They Flatter Your Hips So Well
The hunt for a well-fitting dress is never-ending, but we're here to invigorate you. If you're looking for a design that flatters your hips, we curated a selection of the best dresses just right for your body type. These picks will make you feel confident and beautiful, so get shopping!
Damn, I Had to Do a Triple Take When I Saw J Lo in This Neon Pink Bikini
Jennifer Lopez is about to set your screen on fire, and not just 'cause she's holding a lighter. The recently engaged 49-year-old actress has been getting in touch with her nostalgic roots recently, thanks to her time filming Hustlers. This new movie comes with a throwback wardrobe, which so far includes: low-slung jeans à la 2001, Juicy t-shirts reminiscent of middle school days, and now, a jaw-dropping neon pink bikini.
J Lo shared a snap of her sexy ensemble (and insane abs) on Instagram, and captioned it "I'm a hustler baby... I just want you to know... #Ramona on fire." There's no arguing with that, especially when she's carrying an open flame! Even though she's "on set and in character" in the photo, J Lo still tackles some of this season's biggest trends with her triangle top and high-cut bottoms. She accessorized with Ruthie Davis platform heels. Keep reading to see a full shot of J Lo's look, and shop similar two-pieces for yourself.
Ashley Graham Just Gave Us a Master Class on How to Dress Up Plain Black Leggings
For anyone who still thinks leggings shouldn't be worn as pants, Ashley Graham begs to differ. The model and all-around fashion queen stepped out in New York City and made a pretty good case for taking a simple pair of black leggings outside the gym.
Ashley wore Wolford leggings with split hems at the ankles ($325) and paired them with a bright blue Saks Potts puffer jacket and a plain white RE/DONE t-shirt that she tied in a knot in her midriff area. She finished the look off with a pair of strappy orange Stuart Weitzman sandals. Read ahead to get another look at her subtle glam and to shop leggings that are perfect for dressing up or down.
So Long, Sweaters! These 100+ Sundresses Are All You Need in Your Closet This Spring
Target has already given us more than we could ever ask for this year (yes, we're talking about the amazing Spring home collection and the smokin' hot swimsuits), and yet, they only continue to grace us with more. With a full (and we mean full) collection complete with dresses of all kinds, there's an outfit for every occasion, Spring and beyond. Whether you're enjoying Easter brunch, celebrating a graduation, attending a wedding, or embarking on any springtime activity in between, these dresses from Target will complete your look effortlessly.
Pair these warm-weather essentials with cute sandals and wedges and let this season be one full of sunshine and show-stopping fashion statements.
Issa Rae's Stunning Engagement Ring Is Truly Hard to Miss - It's THAT Beautiful
It's official! Issa Rae is getting ready to walk down the aisle! The news of the Insecure actress's engagement to her longtime boyfriend, Louis Diame, was confirmed by her costars during the 2019 NAACP Image Awards. Rumors first started swirling when Issa wore a diamond ring on that finger on her cover for Essence's April issue. Since then, she's been spotted wearing the round-cut sparkler to many press events. Her cushion-cut diamond is surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds and is set on a split shank band. Read on to get a closer look and shop similar versions of her stunning ring ahead.
9 Times Mandy Moore Took a Style Cue From Her Character on This Is Us
As the matriarch of the Pearson family, there are so many reasons we love Rebecca on This Is Us: she's strong-willed, she's an amazing mother and wife, and she has impeccable style. Week after week, we find ourselves gawking over her cute clothes. Whether she's wearing clothes from the '70s or the '90s, we secretly wish we could steal her closet. And it seems like Mandy Moore actually has! On a few occasions, the actress has seemingly taken a style cue from her beloved character as she wears similar outfits. See all the times Mandy channeled her inner Rebecca ahead!
Curvy Girls, Listen Up: These 11 Affordable Swimsuits Were Made Just for You!
The only thing we love more than cute swimsuits are cute affordable swimsuits. We want to feel great on the beach, but we don't want to break the bank doing it. So we scoured the internet, and we found some serious gems. These 11 curve swimsuits are under $100, and you're going to want to shop them all.
mardi 2 avril 2019
Your Next Skincare Holy Grail Lives in a Pineapple Under the Sea
If you close your eyes and take a quick sniff of the new Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum ($49, available April 5), you'll swear you're smelling a plate of cubed pineapple. The new product is brought to you by the same brand that created the viral Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, and this tropical skincare item is sure to follow suit.
The vitamin C serum promises to brighten your complexion with a formula that includes 22 percent pineapple juice, natural AHAs, bromelain enzymes, hyaluronic acid, and more - all while smelling like a frozen alcoholic drink that you're sipping under a cabana poolside in Las Vegas.
Curious about how this cute fruit-shaped bottle of serum works? We broke down some of the main ingredients ahead, as well as our first impressions of the new treatment.
Jane the Virgin: We Have a Ton of Questions About Michael's Return, but This Is the Biggest
Warning: Spoilers for the season five premiere of Jane the Virgin below!
Jane the Virgin returned on Wednesday to answer the mother of all cliffhangers: how is Michael Cordero still alive?! The season five premiere wastes no time in getting into the nitty-gritty of Michael's miraculous return to the world of the living, which comes with an unfortunate side effect. Sadly, while Michael seems to be unscathed on the outside, he tells Jane how he now goes by the name Jason, speaks with a Southern accent, and also has amnesia. It begs the question will Michael/Jason ever get his memory back?
Raf fills Jane in on how Rose (aka Sin Rostro) lured him to the prison for a quick chat, where she told him that she's responsible for kidnapping Michael. Apparently she orchestrated Michael's "death" by giving him a toxin that slowed down his heart rate long enough for her personal EMT drivers to take him away from the testing site. From there she bribed the morgue's pathologist to sign a death certificate and then put Michael through multiple rounds of electroshock therapy to wipe his memories.
Raf also notes to Jane that he ordered a DNA test, so it's definitely Michael. Then he asks Michael/Jason to tell his side of things. According to Michael/Jason (MJ? Mason? Jasel?), Rose dumped him in a field in Montana after stealing all his memories, and told him to start over. "So that's what I did," he says. "The lady said that I was in a whole lot of trouble, so I didn't know if I was a good guy or a bad guy."
So, will Michael/Jason ever get his memory back and get rid of all traces of that truly terrible accent? The neurologist he, Jane, and his mother go to see says that "there's so much about the brain that we don't know" and that it isn't an exact science, so . . . that's a solid maybe, people. The doctor suggests having Jane try to immerse Michael/Jason in familiar places and experiences and to bring him around people he used to know in an effort to jog his broken memory.
Image Source: The CW
Jane goes about this by reminiscing about their adorable first meeting. Unfortunately, he finds Jane's description of the moment "sad." His bad attitude remains throughout the rest of the day, which involves taking him to eat Cubanos at his favorite food truck, meeting Petra at the Marbella, and a ride on their beloved Ferris wheel. Sadly he seems almost disgusted by Jane's tales of his former life and can't imagine why he ever fell for her ("You do talk an awful lot").
But in the end, a small shred of the real Michael must still be in there because he comes over to Alba's house to apologize to Jane for his brusque behavior earlier that day and makes an endearing speech about how he knows "he's blowing up your life," and that if she wants him "to go back to Montana, just tell me. I'll go."
In the end, Jane decides that she's going to help Michael/Jason try to recover his memories, but that doesn't necessarily mean a romance between them is in the works - after speaking with him and reflecting on what they once had, she runs to Rafael's office to remind him that nothing about their relationship has changed and she wants to move in ASAP.
However, if Michael/Jason was to regain all of his memories, restoring him to the man Jane once fell in love with, would it be enough to woo her away from Raf? That's the question we'll likely have to contend with over the next few episodes, because something tells me Jane the Virgin is going to milk this wild twist for all it's worth.
Reminder: Rhaegar Targaryen's Death Basically Caused Everything on Game of Thrones
Rhaegar Targaryen is arguably the most important Game of Thrones character, and until the season seven finale, we had never even seen him. His death marked the end of a long and complicated rebellion full of forbidden love and a plethora of fighting and death. If you're wondering how or why he died, or perhaps you've forgotten, we are here to help, because he's definitely an important piece of the Westeros puzzle.
Rhaegar is the eldest son of "Mad" King Aerys II, making him heir to the Iron Throne and Daenerys's oldest brother. The Targaryens are allies with the Lannisters way back when at this time, and Cersei always thought she might marry Rhaegar, but the two families' peace falls apart when the Mad King instead marries Rhaegar to Elia Martell of Dorne, with whom he has two children. But everything really falls apart in the Seven Kingdoms when Rhaegar sees Lyanna Stark at the Tourney of Harrenhal.
Rhaegar is so taken with Ned Stark's sister (who was also Robert Baratheon's betrothed) that when he wins the tournament, he gives the victor's wreath to Lyanna instead of his wife. Several months later, Rhaegar allegedly abducts Lyanna, but we now know from season six that she goes with him of her own free will - and they secretly get married, as we found out in Game of Thrones' season seven episode "Eastwatch," though the Game of Thrones characters all think Lyanna was the victim of kidnap and assault.
This controversy is what spurs Robert Baratheon's rebellion, backed by the great Houses Arryn, Greyjoy, Stark, and Tully. The Lannisters even eventually join the rebellion after the Battle of the Trident, which is where Robert kills Rhaegar with his war hammer.
This defeat is the beginning of the end of the Targaryens, which is why the Lannisters finally join Robert's side - like true Lannisters, they wait to see which side emerges victorious before they make a choice.
After Rhaegar's death, the Lannisters sack King's Landing. Jaime kills the Mad King (thus his nickname, Kingslayer), bannerman Ser Gregor Clegane (aka The Mountain) kills Elia Martell and Rhaegar's two children, and the rebellion is complete. Tywin Lannister marries his daughter Cersei to Robert, and King Robert takes the throne.
However, Rhaegar's line lives on. While all of this was happening during the rebellion, Rhaegar sends his pregnant new wife, Lyanna, to the Tower of Joy under the watch of Kingsguard members Ser Arthur Dayne and Ser Gerold Hightower. Eddard tracks his sister there and is present when she gives birth to Rhaegar's son and heir. Ned passes the baby boy off as his own bastard because Lyanna asks him to protect the baby from King Robert (who would surely kill Rhaegar's heir if he knew the truth), and that's how Jon Snow comes to be part of the Stark family.
Beer Candy, Anyone? These Jelly Beans Are All About Flavor - Without Any of the Alcohol!
Just when you thought you'd seen every flavor of jelly bean imaginable, Jelly Belly released entire cans of beer-flavored jelly beans - and they're nonalcoholic! That's right, you can have your beer flavor (and candy) without any hangover symptoms. Each Draft Beer Jelly Bean 1.75-ounce can ($5) is filled with five small bags of jelly beans, which have a shimmery finish that mimics a bubbly, freshly poured look. So cool!
You can also mix up a fun "drink" in your mouth with any combination of jelly beans you like. Jelly Belly recommends eating two draft beer beans with one peach-flavored bean for a summery sangria taste, or swapping the peach for a red apple jelly bean to recreate the flavors of an apple shandy. If you're feeling really adventurous, try two draft beer beans with a lemon-lime bean and a Tabasco jelly bean for a candy-based Michelada in your mouth. The possibilities are endless.
Keep reading for a glimpse at the beer-flavored jelly beans and for a look at how to open the (reusable!) faux beer can.
Your Perfect Design Style, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Home should be more than just a place to lay your head. Your home offers the perfect opportunity to express your style and personality, but you may not be sure how to exactly capture or translate that into home decor. Believe it or not, your zodiac sign can help. Astrology can say a lot about your design style and preferences, and depending on the time of your birth, you may be drawn toward the traditional or the trendy. Read on to find out whether you're best suited to a space where less is more, or a space where more is more, so you can design a home that best reflects you.
Take Our 150-Day Journaling Challenge - It Only Takes a Few Minutes a Day!
Writing is a fantastic way to relieve stress and self-reflect. We've come up with 150 different prompts for you to respond to each day for 150 days. These aren't meant to be completed with one word or sentence, either. Really take the time, even if it's just a few minutes, to provide thoughtful answers. You'd be surprised at what you learn about yourself by the end! Take our daily journal challenge, ahead.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Yi
Olive Garden's Selling Giant Italian Classics, and All I've Ever Wanted Was a 12-Ounce Meatball
Something, uh, big is happening at Olive Garden. On April 1, the chain announced that it'd be serving a few of its dishes in larger portion sizes with the launch of Giant Italian Classics. The promotion features giant twists on classic dishes like chicken Parmesan and spaghetti and meatballs, and they all look like they're large enough to feed a family of four.
From now until May 27, guests can choose from four giant dishes - one of which is a foot-long chicken parm - starting at $13. "Olive Garden is known for its generously-portioned, craveable Italian food at a strong value - with unlimited salad or homemade soup and breadsticks served with every meal," Jennifer Arguello, Olive Garden's executive vice president of marketing, said in a release. "And we regularly hear how much our guests love our timeless dishes like Chicken Parmigiana and our classic meatballs. So, in the spirit of Italian generosity, we're serving up them up BIGGER than ever before with the introduction of Giant Italian Classics."
Though the deal sadly doesn't include foot-long breadsticks, they're served unlimited alongside each dish, in addition to soup or salad. Read ahead to see photos and descriptions of each dish.
Sonic Is Selling Oreo Cookie Sandwiches All Summer Long - and They're Just $2
Ice cream season is starting off just right thanks to some new offerings from Sonic Drive-In. The beloved fast-food spot just brought back its Sonic Nights promotion, which allows any guests visiting participating restaurants after 8 p.m. the chance to snag a milkshake for $1.50 (originally $2). But the most exciting part of the deal is Sonic's new Real Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, which are also included in the Sonic Nights deal.
The delicious $2 treats are made with vanilla ice cream sandwiched between one of two cookie options: two three-inch Oreo Cookies or two Nestlé Toll House chocolate chip cookies. If you're thinking that you won't be able to make it to a Sonic at some point in the next few days to grab one, you're in luck. The deal is valid until Sept. 2, which means that you have an entire Summer to indulge.
The Surprising Truth About Refrigerating Butter
of the most heated debates in the kitchen is whether or not you should refrigerate butter. Some people cringe at the thought of leaving butter on the countertop, while others swear there's nothing worse than cold, hard butter straight from the fridge. It's an understandable question with an even more complicated answer. The short answer? It's OK to leave it out - with some restrictions.
While butter is a dairy product, it's mostly fat, meaning that it's less susceptible to bacteria. Salted butter is even less prone to bacterial growth than unsalted butter because of its sodium content, so the shelf life of the two types of butter is slightly different. When it comes to leaving butter out of the fridge, the first important rule is that it should be kept in a butter crock or a similar airtight container. If butter is exposed to air, it spoils much more quickly. When properly sealed in the container after each use, salted butter sitting out in a crock will last about two weeks, according to Organic Authority. If room temperature in your kitchen reaches above 70°F, however, it's best to refrigerate ASAP. But unsalted butter is best left in the fridge at all times.
@drewmagary I recently began leaving butter out. It is a life changer.
- Michael Clarke (@mClarkish) January 31, 2017
Dunno what annoys me more about my mums bf, the fact he butters one side of bread for a sandwich or him leaving the butter out the fridge
- kendo (@ALEXKEND0) February 1, 2017
If you need softened butter for baking but didn't give it a chance to reach room temperature, the trick is to grate the butter so it becomes soft.
Why Everyone Should Move Away From Their Home State at Least Once
I knew when I was growing up that I would never stay in my home state longer than I had to. It never felt like the place I was meant to be, and as much as I loved it, I knew I needed to leave. Leaving is one of the best things I've ever done for myself, and I truly think it's something everyone should experience if they can.
I grew up in a small town in Ohio that, while lovely, didn't have a lot to offer me for what I wanted for my future. I knew I wanted to be a journalist and I knew local newspapers weren't the right fit for me. I wanted the big-time in the big city, so I left for college in Florida (not a big city, but it was a step) and I only moved up from there. My mom told me when I left for school at 18 that she knew I would never come back. She wasn't wrong.
To me, I need to miss things to really appreciate them.
Since leaving at 18, I went to Florida for school, Illinois for a Summer internship, California for six years, and now New York City. Each state has added something to my life, whether it's work experience, life experience, or people. But here is the most important thing that leaving home has given me: a renewed appreciation for Ohio. I didn't like it there while I was growing up because my town was small and boring for a teenager. Now I'm excited every time I go back to visit, because it's small and quiet and a drastic change of pace from my busy New York lifestyle.
To me, I need to miss things to really appreciate them. Too much of something makes it lose its luster. There are times when I want to move to my favorite cities (London and Los Angeles) but I worry that if I live there I won't love them as much. There will probably come a day when I feel this way about New York and want someplace new, but so far I haven't reached that since this city has so much to offer.
Moving to a new place is terrifying. If you're moving somewhere you're not familiar with and where you don't know anyone, it can be a lot to face, which is why I feel like a lot of people don't move around much. It's easier to settle into what you know and, frankly, already love. Many of my friends I grew up with are comfortable and happy in Ohio, and I love that for them. But sometimes taking that leap into the unknown can lead to huge and amazing things. I wouldn't have met some of the best people I know if I hadn't left Ohio. I wouldn't have gotten to write amazing stories about those amazing people if I hadn't left Ohio.
It all comes from being willing to take a risk and try something new. Even if you don't leave your home state permanently, even leaving for a year or a couple months teaches you a lot. And even if you leave for a few months and realize you hate the place you've gone and all you want is to go back home, at least you tried it and learned that where you came from is where you want to be.
Now I feel grateful that I grew up in a small town that was easygoing and simple. I can appreciate that when I was 10 years old, I could run around the neighborhood with my friends after dark and play games and not worry about anything. And now I'm excited to go back and visit and will proudly tell everyone that I'm from Ohio. It may not be where I live now, but it'll always be home.
Oui! 25 Picturesque Paris Spots You Absolutely Need to Visit
We don't think anyone would be surprised to hear that the City of Light is rife with photo ops. As the capital of France, Paris is known as a global center for art, fashion, food, and culture, but with so much to see and do, it's hard to know where exactly to focus your attention. Lucky for you, Instagram experts have searched the entire 19th-century cityscape on both sides of the Seine to determine the best locales to snap the most enviable shots, and we have them all. If you're planning a visit to Gay Paree, make sure you grab a photo in one (or all!) of Paris's most Instagrammable spots.
If a Vodka Soda Is Your Go-To Drink, You're Gonna Love White Claw's Newest Release
Summer needs to hurry up already, because White Claw is about to release another canned boozy beverage best enjoyed while basking in the sun on a warm weekend day. On April 1, the spiked seltzer brand will debut a new flavor - or shall I say unflavor? - dubbed Pure, which solely combines sparkling water and alcohol, resulting in a "simple, clean, and crisp" taste. Can I get a "hell yeah" from the dedicated vodka-soda-lovers in the back?
Each 12-fluid-ounce can of White Claw Pure contains just 100 calories, no carbs or sugar, and five percent alcohol by volume. Although anyone who prefers uncomplicated vodka sodas will likely enjoy the spiked drink straight from the can, we must admit that adding an extra mix-in like mint leaves, fresh lime juice, or fruit slices sounds extra refreshing.
White Claw Pure will join the beloved hard seltzer brand's various other flavors, including Mango, Black Cherry, and Ruby Grapefruit, on the first of April, hitting shelves in limited-edition 12-packs. We can't wait to crack open a can and get sippin'!
Use the KonMari Method on Your Email Inbox With These 4 Easy and Joyful Steps
Has the little red bubble in the corner of your phone's mail app reached an embarrassingly high number? (Mine's 2,864 and counting.) If it's more than just the new batch of emails you woke up to this morning, it's time you KonMari your inbox.
When you finally tackle the pile of papers on your desk with "the life-changing magic of tidying up," it's time to get your electric affairs - word documents, Google Drive, photo albums, that "miscellaneous" folder on your desktop - in order, too. The emails that have been racking up in your inbox since you started your job, the ones you said you'd read later but never do, and the ones that come from a subscription list you only signed up for to save on your first (and only) order are a good place to start.
The KonMari method has two parts: first, discarding; then, deciding where to store things. And with these tips to tidy up your mailbox, it's as easy as it sounds. Keep reading to see them all now, and prepare to have your virtual life clean and organized!
17 Sofas So Stylish, Your Guests Will Never Believe They Cost Under $400
Thanks to the internet, it's easier than ever to buy affordable sofas, but one of our favorite places to shop is Walmart. Not only does the site have thousands of stylish options, but they all come at affordable price points, and the quality is unbeatable. To help you find your perfect match, we shopped and uncovered its 17 hottest picks. Plus, they all cost less than $400, so you don't have to break the bank. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites before they sell out.
Ditch Distractions and Get Productive With a Method Called "Deep Work"
I first heard about the idea of "deep work" while listening to a podcast on my way to work. NPR's Shankar Vedantam interviewed Cal Newport, a computer scientist and Georgetown University professor, about his research and insights on the subject.
Newport shared how he manages to get a seemingly impossible amount of work done - including writing books, publishing academic papers, and teaching courses - all while leaving work by 5:30 p.m. and making time for his family and personal life.
I don't have a lot in common professionally with Newport, but his success is undeniable and inspired me to check out his book Deep Work: Rules For Focused Success in a Distracted World to learn about how I could be more productive and improve my focus.
What is deep work?
Deep work boils down to the relatively simple idea that working distraction-free allows you to both improve your professional capabilities and produce higher-quality, more valuable work.
Take a second to think about your work habits. How often do you stop to check social media? Or immediately look up whatever random idea pops into your head? Or answer an email the second you receive it? In the span of writing this alone, I've had to resist the urge to do everything from chiming in on a funny group text to looking up recipes for the banana muffins that I would like to make later.
Newport argues that the state of multitasking and constant distraction we live in is seriously affecting our work. It usually feels like there's never enough time to do everything we want to as a result of the daily grind of unfulfilling but necessary tasks. And having fragments of our focus in a million places at once can reduce our ability to contribute our best work in the current moment. Deep work tackles this by saying you can reevaluate your habits to use your time more productively, create more meaningful work, and get better at what you do so you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible.
How can I try deep work?
A lot of the things distracting us aren't inherently bad; they are often a necessary part of our jobs or day-to-day life . . . which unfortunately makes it even more difficult to overcome the habits affecting our ability to concentrate.
Even though it would take some serious effort, I couldn't shake the idea that I was holding myself back by being unwilling to challenge myself to work smarter.
Here are some of the top tips I learned from Deep Work that you can apply to help you crush your goals both at work and at home.
1. Block off time to focus.
You probably spend less time than you realize getting down to work without interruption. If you put it in your calendar, it's easier to commit to a distraction-free block of time. Get to work before everyone else or find an hour when you can sit in a quiet place and knock out an assignment or make headway on a project. Set ground rules for that time, like no emails or Twitter breaks. It seemed counterintuitive to me to think I could simply decide when I would do good work. I tend to wait for a good idea (or deadline) to strike. However, the experts say this is a common mistake. We can facilitate inspiration by setting aside time to work hard.
2. Set boundaries to stay on track.
In many office cultures, we often try to look really busy so everyone else knows we're working. Newport calls this "busyness as a proxy for activity" - basically, doing lots of stuff in a visible manner but not actually getting a whole lot done, besides feeling more stressed. We all get sucked into situations like scrambling to be the first to answer the boss's email. But stopping what you're doing to answer every message that comes through makes it a lot more difficult and time-consuming to jump back into the task you were previously working on, even if you don't realize it. Rather than having my email always open in front of me, I started trying to wait 30 minutes in between inbox checks. It turns out not all that much can't wait a half-hour for your response. You don't have to be a hermit or risk getting in trouble, but you can take back some control over your workday to accomplish a bigger goal.
3. Know when to disconnect.
As we're starting to learn more about the benefits of taking time to disconnect, it's not uncommon to see people "detox," whether it's one day per week device-free or a whole month. Newport takes a different approach. Instead, he says you should schedule time when you are allowed to go online, like during lunch or once an hour. That way you give yourself a break from focusing, rather than trying to take a break from distraction. For this to work, it's crucial that you stick to your rule. This means no defaulting to your phone to kill time while you wait for your friend at the bar or for a meeting to start, unless it's during a scheduled break. Making this a habit gives your brain a workout in resisting mindless distraction, even when you really want to give in to boredom with something more entertaining.
4. Schedule your free time, too.
You know that one friend who seems to magically have time for a demanding job and a fabulous social life, plus traveling, volunteering, and on and on, all while looking great and getting eight hours of sleep a night? Well, she's not necessarily any more amazing than you, but she probably does schedule out her time carefully. Just like you plan your workday, plan what you'll do in your downtime. These things don't necessarily have to be productive. You can plan to do relaxing activities like watching a show, taking a bath, or calling a friend, all of which give your brain a chance to relax and recover. But you'll probably find that by paying more attention to what you're doing (and not falling into deep, dark Instagram black holes), you'll free up time to dig in to other interests too, like brushing up on a language app or trying to cook more.
We've all seen or shared the "You have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyoncé" quote on Pinterest or Instagram. But it's only relatable because it's true! I suspect the people we admire most aren't only super hardworking or talented. They also make the most of their time, even when it's difficult to do so. If left unchecked, distractions impair our ability to filter out the noise and focus on building the best version of ourselves. It's not easy to make the changes that Newport lays out in Deep Work, but if you want to take your career goals to the next level, it's certainly worth the effort to try.
How to Update Your Home For Under $100
Updating your home can be a huge undertaking and cost a lot of money, but it doesn't have to! For under $100, simple updates, like a coat of paint, cabinet hardware, or even a new rug, can make a big impact without a big budget. Whether you're looking to update your kitchen or outdoor space, consider these affordable essentials - no contractor or plumber needed!
- Additional reporting by Emily Bibb
Beer Candy, Anyone? These Jelly Beans Are All About Flavor - Without Any of the Alcohol!
Just when you thought you'd seen every flavor of jelly bean imaginable, Jelly Belly released entire cans of beer-flavored jelly beans - and they're nonalcoholic! That's right, you can have your beer flavor (and candy) without any hangover symptoms. Each Draft Beer Jelly Bean 1.75-ounce can ($5) is filled with five small bags of jelly beans, which have a shimmery finish that mimics a bubbly, freshly poured look. So cool!
You can also mix up a fun "drink" in your mouth with any combination of jelly beans you like. Jelly Belly recommends eating two draft beer beans with one peach-flavored bean for a summery sangria taste, or swapping the peach for a red apple jelly bean to recreate the flavors of an apple shandy. If you're feeling really adventurous, try two draft beer beans with a lemon-lime bean and a Tabasco jelly bean for a candy-based Michelada in your mouth. The possibilities are endless.
Keep reading for a glimpse at the beer-flavored jelly beans and for a look at how to open the (reusable!) faux beer can.
Your Perfect Design Style, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Home should be more than just a place to lay your head. Your home offers the perfect opportunity to express your style and personality, but you may not be sure how to exactly capture or translate that into home decor. Believe it or not, your zodiac sign can help. Astrology can say a lot about your design style and preferences, and depending on the time of your birth, you may be drawn toward the traditional or the trendy. Read on to find out whether you're best suited to a space where less is more, or a space where more is more, so you can design a home that best reflects you.
Take Our 150-Day Journaling Challenge - It Only Takes a Few Minutes a Day!
Writing is a fantastic way to relieve stress and self-reflect. We've come up with 150 different prompts for you to respond to each day for 150 days. These aren't meant to be completed with one word or sentence, either. Really take the time, even if it's just a few minutes, to provide thoughtful answers. You'd be surprised at what you learn about yourself by the end! Take our daily journal challenge, ahead.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Yi
Olive Garden's Selling Giant Italian Classics, and All I've Ever Wanted Was a 12-Ounce Meatball
Something, uh, big is happening at Olive Garden. On April 1, the chain announced that it'd be serving a few of its dishes in larger portion sizes with the launch of Giant Italian Classics. The promotion features giant twists on classic dishes like chicken Parmesan and spaghetti and meatballs, and they all look like they're large enough to feed a family of four.
From now until May 27, guests can choose from four giant dishes - one of which is a foot-long chicken parm - starting at $13. "Olive Garden is known for its generously-portioned, craveable Italian food at a strong value - with unlimited salad or homemade soup and breadsticks served with every meal," Jennifer Arguello, Olive Garden's executive vice president of marketing, said in a release. "And we regularly hear how much our guests love our timeless dishes like Chicken Parmigiana and our classic meatballs. So, in the spirit of Italian generosity, we're serving up them up BIGGER than ever before with the introduction of Giant Italian Classics."
Though the deal sadly doesn't include foot-long breadsticks, they're served unlimited alongside each dish, in addition to soup or salad. Read ahead to see photos and descriptions of each dish.
Sonic Is Selling Oreo Cookie Sandwiches All Summer Long - and They're Just $2
Ice cream season is starting off just right thanks to some new offerings from Sonic Drive-In. The beloved fast-food spot just brought back its Sonic Nights promotion, which allows any guests visiting participating restaurants after 8 p.m. the chance to snag a milkshake for $1.50 (originally $2). But the most exciting part of the deal is Sonic's new Real Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, which are also included in the Sonic Nights deal.
The delicious $2 treats are made with vanilla ice cream sandwiched between one of two cookie options: two three-inch Oreo Cookies or two Nestlé Toll House chocolate chip cookies. If you're thinking that you won't be able to make it to a Sonic at some point in the next few days to grab one, you're in luck. The deal is valid until Sept. 2, which means that you have an entire Summer to indulge.
The Surprising Truth About Refrigerating Butter
of the most heated debates in the kitchen is whether or not you should refrigerate butter. Some people cringe at the thought of leaving butter on the countertop, while others swear there's nothing worse than cold, hard butter straight from the fridge. It's an understandable question with an even more complicated answer. The short answer? It's OK to leave it out - with some restrictions.
While butter is a dairy product, it's mostly fat, meaning that it's less susceptible to bacteria. Salted butter is even less prone to bacterial growth than unsalted butter because of its sodium content, so the shelf life of the two types of butter is slightly different. When it comes to leaving butter out of the fridge, the first important rule is that it should be kept in a butter crock or a similar airtight container. If butter is exposed to air, it spoils much more quickly. When properly sealed in the container after each use, salted butter sitting out in a crock will last about two weeks, according to Organic Authority. If room temperature in your kitchen reaches above 70°F, however, it's best to refrigerate ASAP. But unsalted butter is best left in the fridge at all times.
@drewmagary I recently began leaving butter out. It is a life changer.
- Michael Clarke (@mClarkish) January 31, 2017
Dunno what annoys me more about my mums bf, the fact he butters one side of bread for a sandwich or him leaving the butter out the fridge
- kendo (@ALEXKEND0) February 1, 2017
If you need softened butter for baking but didn't give it a chance to reach room temperature, the trick is to grate the butter so it becomes soft.
Why Everyone Should Move Away From Their Home State at Least Once
I knew when I was growing up that I would never stay in my home state longer than I had to. It never felt like the place I was meant to be, and as much as I loved it, I knew I needed to leave. Leaving is one of the best things I've ever done for myself, and I truly think it's something everyone should experience if they can.
I grew up in a small town in Ohio that, while lovely, didn't have a lot to offer me for what I wanted for my future. I knew I wanted to be a journalist and I knew local newspapers weren't the right fit for me. I wanted the big-time in the big city, so I left for college in Florida (not a big city, but it was a step) and I only moved up from there. My mom told me when I left for school at 18 that she knew I would never come back. She wasn't wrong.
To me, I need to miss things to really appreciate them.
Since leaving at 18, I went to Florida for school, Illinois for a Summer internship, California for six years, and now New York City. Each state has added something to my life, whether it's work experience, life experience, or people. But here is the most important thing that leaving home has given me: a renewed appreciation for Ohio. I didn't like it there while I was growing up because my town was small and boring for a teenager. Now I'm excited every time I go back to visit, because it's small and quiet and a drastic change of pace from my busy New York lifestyle.
To me, I need to miss things to really appreciate them. Too much of something makes it lose its luster. There are times when I want to move to my favorite cities (London and Los Angeles) but I worry that if I live there I won't love them as much. There will probably come a day when I feel this way about New York and want someplace new, but so far I haven't reached that since this city has so much to offer.
Moving to a new place is terrifying. If you're moving somewhere you're not familiar with and where you don't know anyone, it can be a lot to face, which is why I feel like a lot of people don't move around much. It's easier to settle into what you know and, frankly, already love. Many of my friends I grew up with are comfortable and happy in Ohio, and I love that for them. But sometimes taking that leap into the unknown can lead to huge and amazing things. I wouldn't have met some of the best people I know if I hadn't left Ohio. I wouldn't have gotten to write amazing stories about those amazing people if I hadn't left Ohio.
It all comes from being willing to take a risk and try something new. Even if you don't leave your home state permanently, even leaving for a year or a couple months teaches you a lot. And even if you leave for a few months and realize you hate the place you've gone and all you want is to go back home, at least you tried it and learned that where you came from is where you want to be.
Now I feel grateful that I grew up in a small town that was easygoing and simple. I can appreciate that when I was 10 years old, I could run around the neighborhood with my friends after dark and play games and not worry about anything. And now I'm excited to go back and visit and will proudly tell everyone that I'm from Ohio. It may not be where I live now, but it'll always be home.
Oui! 25 Picturesque Paris Spots You Absolutely Need to Visit
We don't think anyone would be surprised to hear that the City of Light is rife with photo ops. As the capital of France, Paris is known as a global center for art, fashion, food, and culture, but with so much to see and do, it's hard to know where exactly to focus your attention. Lucky for you, Instagram experts have searched the entire 19th-century cityscape on both sides of the Seine to determine the best locales to snap the most enviable shots, and we have them all. If you're planning a visit to Gay Paree, make sure you grab a photo in one (or all!) of Paris's most Instagrammable spots.
If a Vodka Soda Is Your Go-To Drink, You're Gonna Love White Claw's Newest Release
Summer needs to hurry up already, because White Claw is about to release another canned boozy beverage best enjoyed while basking in the sun on a warm weekend day. On April 1, the spiked seltzer brand will debut a new flavor - or shall I say unflavor? - dubbed Pure, which solely combines sparkling water and alcohol, resulting in a "simple, clean, and crisp" taste. Can I get a "hell yeah" from the dedicated vodka-soda-lovers in the back?
Each 12-fluid-ounce can of White Claw Pure contains just 100 calories, no carbs or sugar, and five percent alcohol by volume. Although anyone who prefers uncomplicated vodka sodas will likely enjoy the spiked drink straight from the can, we must admit that adding an extra mix-in like mint leaves, fresh lime juice, or fruit slices sounds extra refreshing.
White Claw Pure will join the beloved hard seltzer brand's various other flavors, including Mango, Black Cherry, and Ruby Grapefruit, on the first of April, hitting shelves in limited-edition 12-packs. We can't wait to crack open a can and get sippin'!
Use the KonMari Method on Your Email Inbox With These 4 Easy and Joyful Steps
Has the little red bubble in the corner of your phone's mail app reached an embarrassingly high number? (Mine's 2,864 and counting.) If it's more than just the new batch of emails you woke up to this morning, it's time you KonMari your inbox.
When you finally tackle the pile of papers on your desk with "the life-changing magic of tidying up," it's time to get your electric affairs - word documents, Google Drive, photo albums, that "miscellaneous" folder on your desktop - in order, too. The emails that have been racking up in your inbox since you started your job, the ones you said you'd read later but never do, and the ones that come from a subscription list you only signed up for to save on your first (and only) order are a good place to start.
The KonMari method has two parts: first, discarding; then, deciding where to store things. And with these tips to tidy up your mailbox, it's as easy as it sounds. Keep reading to see them all now, and prepare to have your virtual life clean and organized!
17 Sofas So Stylish, Your Guests Will Never Believe They Cost Under $400
Thanks to the internet, it's easier than ever to buy affordable sofas, but one of our favorite places to shop is Walmart. Not only does the site have thousands of stylish options, but they all come at affordable price points, and the quality is unbeatable. To help you find your perfect match, we shopped and uncovered its 17 hottest picks. Plus, they all cost less than $400, so you don't have to break the bank. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites before they sell out.
Ditch Distractions and Get Productive With a Method Called "Deep Work"
I first heard about the idea of "deep work" while listening to a podcast on my way to work. NPR's Shankar Vedantam interviewed Cal Newport, a computer scientist and Georgetown University professor, about his research and insights on the subject.
Newport shared how he manages to get a seemingly impossible amount of work done - including writing books, publishing academic papers, and teaching courses - all while leaving work by 5:30 p.m. and making time for his family and personal life.
I don't have a lot in common professionally with Newport, but his success is undeniable and inspired me to check out his book Deep Work: Rules For Focused Success in a Distracted World to learn about how I could be more productive and improve my focus.
What is deep work?
Deep work boils down to the relatively simple idea that working distraction-free allows you to both improve your professional capabilities and produce higher-quality, more valuable work.
Take a second to think about your work habits. How often do you stop to check social media? Or immediately look up whatever random idea pops into your head? Or answer an email the second you receive it? In the span of writing this alone, I've had to resist the urge to do everything from chiming in on a funny group text to looking up recipes for the banana muffins that I would like to make later.
Newport argues that the state of multitasking and constant distraction we live in is seriously affecting our work. It usually feels like there's never enough time to do everything we want to as a result of the daily grind of unfulfilling but necessary tasks. And having fragments of our focus in a million places at once can reduce our ability to contribute our best work in the current moment. Deep work tackles this by saying you can reevaluate your habits to use your time more productively, create more meaningful work, and get better at what you do so you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible.
How can I try deep work?
A lot of the things distracting us aren't inherently bad; they are often a necessary part of our jobs or day-to-day life . . . which unfortunately makes it even more difficult to overcome the habits affecting our ability to concentrate.
Even though it would take some serious effort, I couldn't shake the idea that I was holding myself back by being unwilling to challenge myself to work smarter.
Here are some of the top tips I learned from Deep Work that you can apply to help you crush your goals both at work and at home.
1. Block off time to focus.
You probably spend less time than you realize getting down to work without interruption. If you put it in your calendar, it's easier to commit to a distraction-free block of time. Get to work before everyone else or find an hour when you can sit in a quiet place and knock out an assignment or make headway on a project. Set ground rules for that time, like no emails or Twitter breaks. It seemed counterintuitive to me to think I could simply decide when I would do good work. I tend to wait for a good idea (or deadline) to strike. However, the experts say this is a common mistake. We can facilitate inspiration by setting aside time to work hard.
2. Set boundaries to stay on track.
In many office cultures, we often try to look really busy so everyone else knows we're working. Newport calls this "busyness as a proxy for activity" - basically, doing lots of stuff in a visible manner but not actually getting a whole lot done, besides feeling more stressed. We all get sucked into situations like scrambling to be the first to answer the boss's email. But stopping what you're doing to answer every message that comes through makes it a lot more difficult and time-consuming to jump back into the task you were previously working on, even if you don't realize it. Rather than having my email always open in front of me, I started trying to wait 30 minutes in between inbox checks. It turns out not all that much can't wait a half-hour for your response. You don't have to be a hermit or risk getting in trouble, but you can take back some control over your workday to accomplish a bigger goal.
3. Know when to disconnect.
As we're starting to learn more about the benefits of taking time to disconnect, it's not uncommon to see people "detox," whether it's one day per week device-free or a whole month. Newport takes a different approach. Instead, he says you should schedule time when you are allowed to go online, like during lunch or once an hour. That way you give yourself a break from focusing, rather than trying to take a break from distraction. For this to work, it's crucial that you stick to your rule. This means no defaulting to your phone to kill time while you wait for your friend at the bar or for a meeting to start, unless it's during a scheduled break. Making this a habit gives your brain a workout in resisting mindless distraction, even when you really want to give in to boredom with something more entertaining.
4. Schedule your free time, too.
You know that one friend who seems to magically have time for a demanding job and a fabulous social life, plus traveling, volunteering, and on and on, all while looking great and getting eight hours of sleep a night? Well, she's not necessarily any more amazing than you, but she probably does schedule out her time carefully. Just like you plan your workday, plan what you'll do in your downtime. These things don't necessarily have to be productive. You can plan to do relaxing activities like watching a show, taking a bath, or calling a friend, all of which give your brain a chance to relax and recover. But you'll probably find that by paying more attention to what you're doing (and not falling into deep, dark Instagram black holes), you'll free up time to dig in to other interests too, like brushing up on a language app or trying to cook more.
We've all seen or shared the "You have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyoncé" quote on Pinterest or Instagram. But it's only relatable because it's true! I suspect the people we admire most aren't only super hardworking or talented. They also make the most of their time, even when it's difficult to do so. If left unchecked, distractions impair our ability to filter out the noise and focus on building the best version of ourselves. It's not easy to make the changes that Newport lays out in Deep Work, but if you want to take your career goals to the next level, it's certainly worth the effort to try.
Is Romance or Heartache on the Horizon? Read Your 2019 Love Horoscope to Find Out
The new year is almost upon us, and that means it's time for brand-new opportunities in different aspects of life, with love and relationships being a high priority for many of us. The people we spend our lives with romantically really impact our well-being and happiness, as finding that special someone can provide comfort, care, and support through life's challenges. And that person also likely brings fun, laughter, and sweet little kisses to brighten your day. However, on the flip side, sometimes romantic relationships end, making room for that new person to arrive within the coming year. The good news is the zodiac offers predictions to help us navigate our love lives in 2019. Here's your 2019 love horoscope from astrologer Skye Alexander, the author of more than 40 books, including Magickal Astrology and The Modern Guide to Witchcraft.
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