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.
dimanche 22 mars 2020
Camila Cabello Opens Up About Meditation For Anxiety: "It’s Making Me a Better Human"
Sometimes a deep breath can do a lot more for your mental health than you might expect. In an Instagram post on Monday, Camila Cabello opened up about her personal struggles with anxiety and stress, citing meditation as a point of relief that better helps her to be at one with herself and the world around her. "Meditation has changed my life in the last few months," Cabello wrote. "I didn't share this with you guys at the time because honestly I was just trying to be okay, but I was experiencing severe anxiety. It was meditation - it was practicing every single day multiple times a day that has been healing me, and, more than just helping me manage strong emotions like anxiety and stress, it's making me a better human."
"May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you be free from illness. May you be well."
Cabello went on to point out the benefits of meditation, including that it makes her feel closer to nature and more in tune with her own emotions and those of people around her. "Not only does it help in times like this with stress and anxiety, meditation is the practice of strengthening habits like empathy, love, and compassion - making you feel more connected to not only everybody around you, but living beings in general like animals, plants, and the earth, which is a living being, itself."
Given the coronavirus outbreak, Cabello urged those suffering more stress and anxiety than usual to take into consideration their own well-being and that of those around them, particularly those highly susceptible to the virus. "In times like these, especially as young people, even if we are healthy, it's important to practice compassion and help others that could be suffering. We are in this together, let's not be indifferent to others [sic] risk. It's our responsibility to do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe. Empathy to others' reality and solidarity could make the difference in hard moments like this. We can't think that we will be unaffected because we feel young and healthy. We have parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors, and we don't want to be a part of the problem when we could be part of the solution."
Cabello suggested her followers take the time to meditate by sitting up straight and feeling "gravity grounding your body to the earth's surface and supporting you." Next, she recommended taking three deep breaths and keeping track of each inhale and exhale until your mind has stilled. "Once your mind has stilled. Picture every human in the world right now, elders, people that have respiratory problems and are vulnerable, picture the people that are vulnerable, picture their families, and say 'May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you be free from illness. May you be well.' Repeat until you really feel it in your heart - love you guys, please stay safe!"
samedi 21 mars 2020
It's Hard, but You Really Do Need to Try to Stop Touching Your Face Right Now
All anyone can talk about right now is the coronavirus (COVID-9) pandemic that's sweeping the globe. While there's currently no cure for COVID-19, there are several things you can do to help prevent the spread, aside from social distancing. First and foremost: wash your hands thoroughly and often. It's also important to clean everything, especially high-touch surfaces, with an effective disinfectant.
You've probably also heard that you shouldn't touch your face, which is both wise and incredibly difficult to do. POPSUGAR spoke with Caesar Djavaherian, MD, an emergency room doctor and cofounder of Carbon Health, about why it's so important to break the habit and what else you can do to combat coronavirus.
Why You Shouldn't Touch Your Face During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Quite simply, you carry a lot of germs on your hands, and when you touch your face, you're transporting those germs to the areas where they can easily enter your body and make you sick. "Viruses enter your body through your mouth, eyes, and nose - any mucosal surface," Dr. Djavaherian told POPSUGAR. He continued, "We all have bad habits of resting our faces on our hands or scratching our noses after we touch other surfaces like our phones and computers or after opening doors." This is why now is the time to be hyperaware of what you're doing with your hands.
How Can You Keep From Touching Your Face?
It's much easier said than done. Most people probably don't even realize how often they touch their faces, which is why Dr. Djavaherian stressed the importance of keeping your hands clean. If you're frequently washing your hands - for at least 20 seconds - while you're at home, you're less likely to expose your face to the virus. Otherwise, take note of the moments when you tend to touch your face, and try to keep your hands busy. If you're preoccupied doing other things around the house (or just holding a remote instead of leaving your hands idle, for example), you'll be less likely to do it.
What Other Preventative Measures Should We Take During the Pandemic?
If you can, stay home. If you can help others during this time, whether it's by donating or checking on an elderly neighbor, that's great, but the most important measure you can take is staying home to limit your own exposure and to prevent spreading germs to other people. "This is a time for us all to be worried about harming others when we are sick," Dr. Djavaherian told POPSUGAR.
POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.
These Photos of a Little Girl Dressed as Influential Women Scream "Girl Power!"
Jenelle Wexler's daughter Liberty Jaine was just 3 weeks old when an unexpected tradition was born. Jenelle dressed her up as the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and from then on, she set out on a mission to highlight hundreds of additional influential women who have paved (or currently are paving) the way for other women and people in general.
"I first came up with the idea to shoot Liberty as Frida Kahlo as I thought the two had similar physical features," Jenelle told POPSUGAR. "The shots came out wonderfully, and it was soon after that I thought about other women in history that have contributed to the betterment of women and people as a whole. I feel it is important to try and instill the types of traits these women portrayed . . . intellect, courage, athletic ability, and a multitude of traits I hope I can teach my children."
Liberty, now a year and 9 months old, has since posed in tons of photos as inspiring women (and is usually smiling big thanks to the behind-the-scenes work of her older brother, River). Some of Jenelle's favorite re-creations have been Amelia Earhart, Alicia Keys, Oprah Winfrey, and Ellen DeGeneres, and she has a bunch more ideas for portrayals in the future. As for how the re-creations come about, Jenelle puts a lot of DIY effort into the whole operation.
"Making the costumes is so much fun! One of my hobbies is sewing, so I have a plethora of supplies in my craft room to make the majority of these outfits," she said. "I also love finding items at thrift stores that I can easily re-create for the photos. I would definitely say the majority of these outfits are DIY from pipe cleaners for earrings to electric rake to make stripes on clothing."
But aside from all the fun the photo shoots inspire, Jenelle hopes that these photos will do so much more for Liberty as she grows up.
"I am hopeful that when Liberty is older and looks back at these photos, she finds them to be fun yet informatively positive," Jenelle said. "I attempted to capture these women's essence in Liberty . . . [and] bring attention to their specific stories to show how important these women's actions were in helping to shape our current society for the better. I believe these women continue to inspire the young females of present day to push boundaries and strive beyond equality. I feel it is important to pay tribute to the women who fought for and helped protect and further women's causes. I only hope these are the individuals that Liberty herself chooses to admire and aspire to be like."
See some of Liberty's adorable portrayals ahead!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Mulan Is Pushed and Trolls Will Be On-Demand: See the Other New Kids' Movies Hopefully Releasing This Spring
We're not sure what our families did to deserve this Spring's movie release lineup, but y'all, it is stacked! Between three new Disney movies (one is Pixar!), a Trolls sequel, and brand new SpongeBob Squarepants and Scooby-Doo adventures, there's so much in store for you and your kids this Spring.
Keep reading for all of the family movies coming out between March 19 and June 19.
2020 Is the Year of Sweatshirts, and These Are Our 21 Favorites
Sweatshirts aren't just your post-workout layer anymore; they've become a fashion girl staple. Now, our favorites have fun graphics or interesting details, and they're the picks we'll be wearing throughout 2020. The great part about a sweatshirt is that they'll keep you cozy, but they don't look disheveled anymore. Pairing them with matching sweatpants or classic black leggings and fun slippers is a great way to look cute, even if you're at home. You can still let your personal style shine through in something cozy, and these 21 options are proof.
From tie-dye styles to cropped silhouettes and bright options, these are the sweatshirts you're going to wear on repeat right now. We're particularly eyeing a classic black crewneck and a white sweatshirt with palm trees on it, but really, they're all adorable. Just keep reading to shop!
5 Tips For Staying Informed About COVID-19, While Minimizing Stress and Anxiety
Whether you follow entertainment, sports, or politics, every headline right now is about one thing and one thing only: the coronavirus. COVID-19 has sickened thousands across the globe, and for those of us who are fortunate enough to be healthy, it has drastically changed the way we live.
It's hard to escape the harsh realities of this moment when we're constantly confronted with the latest information on Twitter, on our televisions, and in the news alerts that pop up on our phones. More often than not, this 24-hour news cycle has left me feeling anxious and helpless. It's a lot to handle, and it's completely understandable if you're feeling the same way.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to help us regain some control. "Our bodies are currently in survival mode working with a threat we don't quite know yet," clinical psychologist Emma Svanberg told POPSUGAR. "But we can use techniques to make sure our stress doesn't overwhelm us."
Through trial and error, I've been working to find ways to feel just a little better. I want to stay informed about what's going on in the world, but I can't ignore the toll it's taking on my mental wellbeing. If you find yourself in the same position, here are some ideas to help you cope and find that elusive balance.
2020 Is the Year of Sweatshirts, and These Are Our 21 Favorites
Sweatshirts aren't just your post-workout layer anymore; they've become a fashion girl staple. Now, our favorites have fun graphics or interesting details, and they're the picks we'll be wearing throughout 2020. The great part about a sweatshirt is that they'll keep you cozy, but they don't look disheveled anymore. Pairing them with matching sweatpants or classic black leggings and fun slippers is a great way to look cute, even if you're at home. You can still let your personal style shine through in something cozy, and these 21 options are proof.
From tie-dye styles to cropped silhouettes and bright options, these are the sweatshirts you're going to wear on repeat right now. We're particularly eyeing a classic black crewneck and a white sweatshirt with palm trees on it, but really, they're all adorable. Just keep reading to shop!
Grab Your Wigs and Guitars - a Trolls Sequel Is Coming (a Week Early!), and It's Going to Rock
Hello darkness trolls, my old friend(s). Grab your wigs and guitars, because Poppy, Branch, and the whole Trolls gang is back, and the sequel looks like it's going to rock . . . and pop, and country, and funk.
In this much-anticipated second movie, the trolls are going on an adventure in which Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) "discover that they are but one of six different Troll tribes scattered over six different lands and devoted to six different kinds of music: Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop, and Rock." With so much more music in this second installment, there are a few very talented additions to the voice cast, including Kelly Clarkson, Sam Rockwell, Flula Borg, Ester Dean, Anthony Ramos, and Kenan Thompson.
Check out the full trailers above and below get excited - Trolls World Tour hits theaters on April 10, which is a week earlier than it was originally slated for! (And until then, you can catch up with Trolls: the Beat Goes On! on Netflix!).
Trolls World Tour Official Trailer 1
Trolls World Tour Official Trailer 2
Sakura Kokumai Just Became the First American Ever to Qualify For Olympic Karate
The World Karate Federation announced the first 40 athletes heading to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics today, including the first (and so far, only) American to qualify: Sakura Kokumai, a 27-year-old Hawaii native who's been doing karate for 20 years.
"21 qualifiers over the course of two years. Traveling, training, walking into the ring alone. Not easy. But I never gave up," Kokumai wrote on Instagram. "Tokyo . . . I'm coming for ya." Kokumai competes in kata, a discipline in which athletes compete alone, performing a series of precise and powerful movements in front of a panel of judges. In an interview with CNBC, Kokumai described it as "figure skating without music." (In the other Olympic discipline, kumite, athletes spar against each other to determine a winner.) Only 10 men and 10 women total will compete in Olympic kata this year, making Kokumai's qualification even more impressive.
The WKF was forced to cancel the final Olympic qualifying tournaments due to the coronavirus pandemic, Team USA reported, prompting the federation to pull in qualifiers based on their current global rankings. (For now, the Olympics themselves are set to begin in late July as planned.) Now qualified are the four highest-ranking athletes in each of the eight Olympic categories: kata and the three weight classes of kumite for men and women. The eight Japanese athletes fulfilling the host nation quota were also announced.
Kokumai might be Team USA's best hope for a medal in karate, with silver medals in two Karate1 Premier League tournaments this year and a 2019 Pan American Games gold. She's currently ranked fifth in the world. (A Japanese athlete ranked ahead of her qualified under the host country's quota, opening up a spot for Kokumai.) Karate is one of four sports debuting in Tokyo this year, and we'll definitely be keeping an eye on Kokumai as she goes for gold.
This Harry Potter Knitting Book Comes With 25 Magical Patterns Inspired by the Films
Never have I wanted a pair of Molly Weasley's enchanted knitting needles more than after seeing this delightfully magical Harry Potter Knitting Magic Pattern Book ($21) on Amazon. The book, inspired by the characters in the films, features 25 wizard-themed patterns for clothing, DIY projects, and cute keepsakes to give to your favorite witch or wizard. In addition to a pattern to create your own Hogwarts house scarf, the book also includes patterns for Beauxbatons shawls, Dolores Umbridge's pink mink scarf, and a Hogwarts-inspired baby mobile featuring the house symbols and the Sorting Hat - so cute!
So please excuse me while I knit myself a custom Weasley Christmas sweater for the holidays. Take a closer look at the book and the enchanting knitted creations you can make ahead.
This Harry Potter Knitting Book Comes With 25 Magical Patterns Inspired by the Films
Never have I wanted a pair of Molly Weasley's enchanted knitting needles more than after seeing this delightfully magical Harry Potter Knitting Magic Pattern Book ($21) on Amazon. The book, inspired by the characters in the films, features 25 wizard-themed patterns for clothing, DIY projects, and cute keepsakes to give to your favorite witch or wizard. In addition to a pattern to create your own Hogwarts house scarf, the book also includes patterns for Beauxbatons shawls, Dolores Umbridge's pink mink scarf, and a Hogwarts-inspired baby mobile featuring the house symbols and the Sorting Hat - so cute!
So please excuse me while I knit myself a custom Weasley Christmas sweater for the holidays. Take a closer look at the book and the enchanting knitted creations you can make ahead.
This Artist Transformed Disney Princesses Into Real-Life Women, and the Results Are Magical
Disney princesses are undeniably beautiful, but their good looks are admittedly a bit unrealistic outside of the context of their imaginary universes. But what would they look like if they were part of our own world? Artist and graphic designer Jirka Vinse Jonatan Väätäinen used Photoshop to envision what the Disney princesses would look like if they were real women, and the results are magical. Is it just us or does Anna kind of remind you of Emma Stone? Jirka also gave Disney princes the same treatment, and we honestly can't get enough. See more stunning photos of your favorite characters ahead.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
5 Tips For Staying Informed About COVID-19, While Minimizing Stress and Anxiety
Whether you follow entertainment, sports, or politics, every headline right now is about one thing and one thing only: the coronavirus. COVID-19 has sickened thousands across the globe, and for those of us who are fortunate enough to be healthy, it has drastically changed the way we live.
It's hard to escape the harsh realities of this moment when we're constantly confronted with the latest information on Twitter, on our televisions, and in the news alerts that pop up on our phones. More often than not, this 24-hour news cycle has left me feeling anxious and helpless. It's a lot to handle, and it's completely understandable if you're feeling the same way.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to help us regain some control. "Our bodies are currently in survival mode working with a threat we don't quite know yet," clinical psychologist Emma Svanberg told POPSUGAR. "But we can use techniques to make sure our stress doesn't overwhelm us."
Through trial and error, I've been working to find ways to feel just a little better. I want to stay informed about what's going on in the world, but I can't ignore the toll it's taking on my mental wellbeing. If you find yourself in the same position, here are some ideas to help you cope and find that elusive balance.
This Artist Transformed Disney Princesses Into Real-Life Women, and the Results Are Magical
Disney princesses are undeniably beautiful, but their good looks are admittedly a bit unrealistic outside of the context of their imaginary universes. But what would they look like if they were part of our own world? Artist and graphic designer Jirka Vinse Jonatan Väätäinen used Photoshop to envision what the Disney princesses would look like if they were real women, and the results are magical. Is it just us or does Anna kind of remind you of Emma Stone? Jirka also gave Disney princes the same treatment, and we honestly can't get enough. See more stunning photos of your favorite characters ahead.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
18 Thriller TV Shows on Netflix That Will Keep You Deep in Suspense
Between shocking murders, unhinged antiheroes, and dark reveals, there's nothing like a classic bingeable TV thriller on Netflix. While we'd never pass on a thrilling movie like Parasite, we can't deny the slow burn of a twisty TV series that builds episode by episode. Netflix is a one-stop shop for shows that'll keep you holding your breath from suspense, whether you're watching Joe Goldberg pick his latest victim on You or Harry Ambrose investigating a case on The Sinner. From Black Mirror to Mindhunter, here are the best TV thrillers on Netflix that'll get your blood racing - consider leaving the lights on as you watch them!
This Artist Transformed Disney Princesses Into Real-Life Women, and the Results Are Magical
Disney princesses are undeniably beautiful, but their good looks are admittedly a bit unrealistic outside of the context of their imaginary universes. But what would they look like if they were part of our own world? Artist and graphic designer Jirka Vinse Jonatan Väätäinen used Photoshop to envision what the Disney princesses would look like if they were real women, and the results are magical. Is it just us or does Anna kind of remind you of Emma Stone? Jirka also gave Disney princes the same treatment, and we honestly can't get enough. See more stunning photos of your favorite characters ahead.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
17 Wardrobe Basics You'll Reach For Time and Time Again
There is a reason we always collect white tees, LBDs, and jeans: these pieces never go out of style. These basic clothing pieces are the building blocks to a solid wardrobe because you can wear them a number of ways, endlessly. Finding options that you truly love, and will buy again and again, is the hard part. We shopped and curated a list of our 17 most coveted must haves that you should alway have on hand.
Ahead, you can find everything from a flattering dress to a clean white button-down blouse. What makes these choices so good? They're reliable and versatile pieces you'll never tire of wearing. Keep reading to shop our favorite pieces that we always have on hand, and you should too. Take a look.
18 Thriller TV Shows on Netflix That Will Keep You Deep in Suspense
Between shocking murders, unhinged antiheroes, and dark reveals, there's nothing like a classic bingeable TV thriller on Netflix. While we'd never pass on a thrilling movie like Parasite, we can't deny the slow burn of a twisty TV series that builds episode by episode. Netflix is a one-stop shop for shows that'll keep you holding your breath from suspense, whether you're watching Joe Goldberg pick his latest victim on You or Harry Ambrose investigating a case on The Sinner. From Black Mirror to Mindhunter, here are the best TV thrillers on Netflix that'll get your blood racing - consider leaving the lights on as you watch them!
17 Wardrobe Basics You'll Reach For Time and Time Again
There is a reason we always collect white tees, LBDs, and jeans: these pieces never go out of style. These basic clothing pieces are the building blocks to a solid wardrobe because you can wear them a number of ways, endlessly. Finding options that you truly love, and will buy again and again, is the hard part. We shopped and curated a list of our 17 most coveted must haves that you should alway have on hand.
Ahead, you can find everything from a flattering dress to a clean white button-down blouse. What makes these choices so good? They're reliable and versatile pieces you'll never tire of wearing. Keep reading to shop our favorite pieces that we always have on hand, and you should too. Take a look.
How to Clean and Sanitize Your Jewelry, According to 3 Designers
From diamonds to gemstones and precious metals, it's essential to care for fine jewelry, and that includes knowing how to clean it. You might wear an engagement ring or wedding stack. Perhaps you never take off a mix of delicate earrings, bracelets, and necklaces; you sleep in them, you work out in them, you shower in them, you cook in them. Or, you might be the type to rotate through various rings, pendants, and earrings day to day, each piece a considered accent to every outfit. No matter your jewelry habits, investing the time (as you did the money) is key for keeping your precious pieces looking their best. Besides, it's crucial to practice good jewelry hygiene when you're doing everything you can to keep your hands clean and free of unwanted germs.
To serve as your official guide on how to clean jewelry at home, POPSUGAR spoke to fine jewelry designers Ashley Zhang, Grace Lee, and Katherine Kim of KatKim for their professional tips, which boil down to 12 key takeaways. From the best at-home cleaning solutions to the products you should never use on diamonds and gemstones, keep scrolling for all the dos and don'ts of cleaning fine jewelry.
I'm Worried About a Million Things Right Now and Not One of Them Is Gaining Weight
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, especially here in NYC, the last few weeks have drastically changed for all of us. I went from attending group fitness classes, in-office meetings, and dinners with friends to isolating at home, only leaving to go to the pharmacy or grocery store and using what feels like a gallon of hand sanitizer every 15 minutes. As someone who lives with bipolar II, which includes depression, hypomania, and anxiety, the constantly-changing news cycle and imminent threat of sickness has thrown my mental health into a tailspin.
As if this wasn't enough to deal with, I've seen people and brands capitalize on this time of physical distancing as a time to suggest there's no excuse to get off track with your fitness and weight-loss goals. They emphasize how to not gain weight while being primarily at home for weeks or months at a time. Um, excuse me?
Here are things I'm actually worried about at any given moment: will my elderly and immunocompromised loved ones get sick? Will there be enough healthcare workers, medical supplies, and hospital beds to treat everyone? Will my husband still have work? Will I ever get to hug my mom again? Will small businesses survive? What about the millions of people who are suddenly unemployed? Or the millions of people who are putting their own health at risk to work the front lines of this crisis? Will the economy ever recover?
Things I'm absolutely not worried about: gaining weight. I've seen health and fitness publications dub weight gain during social distancing the "quarantine 15," and it's absolutely ridiculous with all the stress and anxiety this pandemic is creating for everyone. Gaining weight should not even be a blip on the radar of concern.
Like a lot of other people, my typical healthy schedule - seven hours of sleep, early morning gym class, homemade green smoothie, walking commute to the office - has been completely upended, and I'm instead consumed with worry. Some days I'm too anxious to eat anything all day. Other days I find comfort in a half bottle of red wine and tortilla chips for dinner. We are all doing our best; sometimes our best is waking up at 7 a.m. for a morning workout and French press coffee, and other times it's sleeping in until 8:53 a.m. before hopping on your work computer at 9. Yes, an at-home workout schedule and set routine is important for your own overall health and well-being, and can help you find some mental solace. I'm just not there yet, and if you aren't there either, that's ok.
Eventually, I hope to develop healthier habits, including going to bed at a reasonable hour and waking up early enough to move my body and sweat before logging on to my computer. I hope to eat three healthy, well-balanced meals every day and maybe some snacks that aren't Girl Scout cookies. I hope to find time to organize my closet and meditate and finally work on that book proposal I've been putting off.
But right now, I'm still in emotional survival mode. I'm taking it day by day, and can never be too sure what the state of my mental health is at any given hour. I'm trying to give myself grace to not beat myself up over it, and instead do the best I can under the circumstances: meet deadlines, answer emails, be communicative with my team, and not buckle under all the anxiety.
I'm begging all health and wellness publications, fitness influencers, and content creators: stop with the weight-loss plans and the "tips" to cut calories and the "tricks" to stay "on track" during a pandemic. I'm all for encouraging people to stay healthy and active, and giving them tools they need to try and take care of themselves the best they can, especially now. But focusing on weight gain, counting calories, and obsessing about our appearance in a moment where lives are literally at risk is not helping anyone - especially people like me who are susceptible to anxiety.
You should move your body because it makes you feel good and can help relieve some stress. You should absolutely not be worried about gaining weight ever, but especially not during a global pandemic. Keep doing the best you can right now - sending you a cheers with my goblet-sized wine glass.
I'm Worried About a Million Things Right Now and Not One of Them Is Gaining Weight
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, especially here in NYC, the last few weeks have drastically changed for all of us. I went from attending group fitness classes, in-office meetings, and dinners with friends to isolating at home, only leaving to go to the pharmacy or grocery store and using what feels like a gallon of hand sanitizer every 15 minutes. As someone who lives with bipolar II, which includes depression, hypomania, and anxiety, the constantly-changing news cycle and imminent threat of sickness has thrown my mental health into a tailspin.
As if this wasn't enough to deal with, I've seen people and brands capitalize on this time of physical distancing as a time to suggest there's no excuse to get off track with your fitness and weight-loss goals. They emphasize how to not gain weight while being primarily at home for weeks or months at a time. Um, excuse me?
Here are things I'm actually worried about at any given moment: will my elderly and immunocompromised loved ones get sick? Will there be enough healthcare workers, medical supplies, and hospital beds to treat everyone? Will my husband still have work? Will I ever get to hug my mom again? Will small businesses survive? What about the millions of people who are suddenly unemployed? Or the millions of people who are putting their own health at risk to work the front lines of this crisis? Will the economy ever recover?
Things I'm absolutely not worried about: gaining weight. I've seen health and fitness publications dub weight gain during social distancing the "quarantine 15," and it's absolutely ridiculous with all the stress and anxiety this pandemic is creating for everyone. Gaining weight should not even be a blip on the radar of concern.
Like a lot of other people, my typical healthy schedule - seven hours of sleep, early morning gym class, homemade green smoothie, walking commute to the office - has been completely upended, and I'm instead consumed with worry. Some days I'm too anxious to eat anything all day. Other days I find comfort in a half bottle of red wine and tortilla chips for dinner. We are all doing our best; sometimes our best is waking up at 7 a.m. for a morning workout and French press coffee, and other times it's sleeping in until 8:53 a.m. before hopping on your work computer at 9. Yes, an at-home workout schedule and set routine is important for your own overall health and well-being, and can help you find some mental solace. I'm just not there yet, and if you aren't there either, that's ok.
Eventually, I hope to develop healthier habits, including going to bed at a reasonable hour and waking up early enough to move my body and sweat before logging on to my computer. I hope to eat three healthy, well-balanced meals every day and maybe some snacks that aren't Girl Scout cookies. I hope to find time to organize my closet and meditate and finally work on that book proposal I've been putting off.
But right now, I'm still in emotional survival mode. I'm taking it day by day, and can never be too sure what the state of my mental health is at any given hour. I'm trying to give myself grace to not beat myself up over it, and instead do the best I can under the circumstances: meet deadlines, answer emails, be communicative with my team, and not buckle under all the anxiety.
I'm begging all health and wellness publications, fitness influencers, and content creators: stop with the weight-loss plans and the "tips" to cut calories and the "tricks" to stay "on track" during a pandemic. I'm all for encouraging people to stay healthy and active, and giving them tools they need to try and take care of themselves the best they can, especially now. But focusing on weight gain, counting calories, and obsessing about our appearance in a moment where lives are literally at risk is not helping anyone - especially people like me who are susceptible to anxiety.
You should move your body because it makes you feel good and can help relieve some stress. You should absolutely not be worried about gaining weight ever, but especially not during a global pandemic. Keep doing the best you can right now - sending you a cheers with my goblet-sized wine glass.
Sebastian Yatra Posted a Video Singing a Shawn Mendes Song, and Now I Feel Incredibly Relaxed
Image Source: Getty / Gladys Vega
Sebastian Yatra is a little blessing we didn't know we had. Don't get me wrong, ever since he came into the music scene, he's been making waves and his efforts have been duly noted, but it wasn't until this past weekend when I came across a new video he had posted on Instagram singing Shawn Mendes' song "Never Be Alone" that I found myself extremely soothed by his voice.
I obviously knew he could sing, but maybe it was the fact that this was such a spontaneous performance in his backyard - no production, no crew, just him and his guitar - that changed my perspective. It felt so intimate, like he was singing to me and only me. It was captivating, and for that minute and a half, I felt like everything was going to be OK.
"I promise that one day I'll be around / I'll keep you safe / I'll keep you sound," Yatra sang, as he continued to hypnotize me with his voice. "Right now it's pretty crazy / And I don't know how to stop / Or slow it down," he continued.
It was definitely a sound of relief during these times, and a way for Yatra to encourage his followers to stay home and follow protocol to avoid spreading COVID-19, also known as the novel Coronavirus. He's joined several other Latin artists who are doing the same and promoting it on social media with the hashtag #YoMeQuedoEnCasa (I'm staying home).
Yatra had said in a previous video that while he thankfully feels great, he was going to self-isolate at home with his family to take precautions. He said he would take the time to "make music and get some rest." While he's doing that, he's also staying connected with his fans by sharing videos that prove to be very relaxing and peaceful.
After the success of his cover of "Never Be Alone," which had over 1.2 million views in only two days, Yatra posted a stripped-down version (literally) of his song "No Hay Nadie Mas," which had fans thanking him in the comments for making them feel good.
How to Clean and Sanitize Your Jewelry, According to 3 Designers
From diamonds to gemstones and precious metals, it's essential to care for fine jewelry, and that includes knowing how to clean it. You might wear an engagement ring or wedding stack. Perhaps you never take off a mix of delicate earrings, bracelets, and necklaces; you sleep in them, you work out in them, you shower in them, you cook in them. Or, you might be the type to rotate through various rings, pendants, and earrings day to day, each piece a considered accent to every outfit. No matter your jewelry habits, investing the time (as you did the money) is key for keeping your precious pieces looking their best. Besides, it's crucial to practice good jewelry hygiene when you're doing everything you can to keep your hands clean and free of unwanted germs.
To serve as your official guide on how to clean jewelry at home, POPSUGAR spoke to fine jewelry designers Ashley Zhang, Grace Lee, and Katherine Kim of KatKim for their professional tips, which boil down to 12 key takeaways. From the best at-home cleaning solutions to the products you should never use on diamonds and gemstones, keep scrolling for all the dos and don'ts of cleaning fine jewelry.
vendredi 20 mars 2020
31 Lessons From Some of Our Favorite Single Women in Movies
Yes, there are some great movie couples out there, but what about the other female characters who aren't in pursuit of a love interest? The ones who aren't perpetuating unrealistic romantic expectations, but instead are paving the way for single ladies everywhere to be happy, adventurous, and honest? We raise a glass to these fearless female characters and share with you the lessons learned from both their triumphs and mistakes.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
31 Lessons From Some of Our Favorite Single Women in Movies
Yes, there are some great movie couples out there, but what about the other female characters who aren't in pursuit of a love interest? The ones who aren't perpetuating unrealistic romantic expectations, but instead are paving the way for single ladies everywhere to be happy, adventurous, and honest? We raise a glass to these fearless female characters and share with you the lessons learned from both their triumphs and mistakes.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano










