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.
mardi 28 juillet 2020
Single or Taken? Here Are the Relationship Statuses of The Kissing Booth 2 Cast
In The Kissing Booth 2, Elle and Noah's relationship is complicated AF, but IRL, the actors in TKB2 seem to have pretty chill dating lives. In fact, the majority of the cast members are in relationships - or, at least, they're rumored to be dating someone. One of the TKB2 actors is even engaged, while another has been in the same relationship for over four years. From single-and-ready-to-mingle, to maybe-dating, to definitely taken, we've rounded up the relationship statuses of the TKB2 cast, and you might be surprised to find out who's reportedly off-limits and who's still on the market.
Related: Sorry, Elle and Lee Shippers: The Kissing Booth Stars Reveal Why They'd Never Work as a Couple
27 Life-Changing Products That Will Totally Reorganize Your Bathroom
A bathroom without a lot of storage space can quickly turn into a messy nightmare - I know from experience. I decided to turn to the internet for an organizational solution found so many cool and useful products it was hard to pick just one.
If you're also looking to spruce up your bathroom and get it together, I made it easy and uncovered the 27 best products to do so. From pretty over-the-toilet storage to handy makeup organizers you'll wonder how you lived without these products for so long. The best thing: they'll be delivered right to your doorstep. Need more motivation? Keep reading to check out our top picks; you won't regret it.
Octavia Spencer Calls For Entertainment Industry to Cast More Actors With Disabilities
Octavia Spencer is demanding more authentic representation on screen for people with disabilities. The actress recently partnered with the Ruderman Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization that advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities, to call on the entertainment industry to cast more actors with disabilities to better represent the community.
In a video with the foundation, Spencer explained that casting able-bodied actors in roles for characters with disabilities is "offensive, unjust and deprives an entire community of people from opportunities." She reflected on the first time she saw someone who looked like herself on screen, and how important it is for people to see themselves and their communities represented authentically in films and on TV. "I was so taken by that experience," she said of watching Good Times, a '70s sitcom centered around a Black family.
"Nothing can replace lived experience and authentic representation."
Spencer further explained that marginalized communities, including Black, Asian, Native American, LGBTQ+ communities, and even women, had to "endure not only their stories being told inauthentically, but also seeing themselves portrayed inauthentically." She continued, "But nothing can replace lived experience and authentic representation. That's why it's imperative that we cast the appropriate actor for the appropriate role, and that means people with disabilities as well." Watch the powerful video in full above.
Single or Taken? Here Are the Relationship Statuses of The Kissing Booth 2 Cast
In The Kissing Booth 2, Elle and Noah's relationship is complicated AF, but IRL, the actors in TKB2 seem to have pretty chill dating lives. In fact, the majority of the cast members are in relationships - or, at least, they're rumored to be dating someone. One of the TKB2 actors is even engaged, while another has been in the same relationship for over four years. From single-and-ready-to-mingle, to maybe-dating, to definitely taken, we've rounded up the relationship statuses of the TKB2 cast, and you might be surprised to find out who's reportedly off-limits and who's still on the market.
Related: Sorry, Elle and Lee Shippers: The Kissing Booth Stars Reveal Why They'd Never Work as a Couple
I Suffer From Panic Attacks That Cause Me to Feel Like I'm Outside My Body
After my first panic attack, I felt robotic. I remember looking down at my hands and feeling like they were no longer my own. I placed my hand on a mirror and felt physically and mentally disconnected from my body, as the objects around me turned two-dimensional. I didn't know it at the time, but the next two years would be filled with moments like this, when I'd feel like I was living in a dream. I became trapped in a cycle of existential thoughts and detachment from friends and family.
I started having panic attacks multiple times a day during my sophomore year of college. Sitting in my dorm room, I'd suddenly and randomly be consumed with fear that something terrible would happen to me. My chest would begin to tighten, chills running down my body, and my heart would pound so hard I could feel it. Then came the feelings of detachment from everything around me. It was as if I was numb.
When I went to the hospital, I always described the same symptoms: being in a dreamlike state, feeling outside of my body and completely disconnected from reality.
When I went to the hospital, I always described the same symptoms: being in a dreamlike state, feeling outside of my body and completely disconnected from reality. Neurologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists all scrambled to give me a diagnosis that would explain the episodes I experienced. Depression? Psychosis? Schizophrenia? The lack of clear answers and fear of the unknown only fueled my anxiety, causing the panic attacks to persist. It got to the point that I questioned whether I had a traumatic brain injury.
It wasn't until I looked up my own symptoms that I came across forums of individuals describing similar experiences with dissociative disorders - specifically, depersonalization/derealization. Depersonalization can cause you to feel detached from reality, like you're viewing yourself from a third-person perspective. This can be accompanied by derealization, which causes the things and people around you to seem fake, like you're stuck in a dream. It's important to understand that this is different from psychosis or schizophrenia, as individuals with depersonalization/derealization know that these symptoms derive from their distorted perception.
Related: I Have a Panic Disorder. Here's How I'm Coping With the Coronavirus Pandemic
Within these forums was a link to the only therapy group on the East Coast for people diagnosed with these disorders. I decided to attend a session. During my first meeting, I was instantly drawn to the people around me as they shared similar experiences of misdiagnosis and episodes of panic attacks. I had kept my involvement in these groups private out of fear that I'd be judged by my close friends and family, but in that moment, any concerns about being reduced to a stigma were erased. I felt understood and accepted for the first time in months.
In my case, the depersonalization/derealization symptoms stemmed largely from stress. Juggling three jobs and being a full-time student had put a strain on my mental health. A therapist eventually diagnosed me with generalized anxiety disorder with symptoms of depersonalization and derealization. While I was relieved to have a diagnosis, I was still worried about being judged by my friends and family. I took secret trips to my school's mental health services, avoided talking about personal issues, and, overall, grew very conscious of what others thought of me. Despite all I was going through, I was afraid of being labeled as "weak" or showing vulnerability.
In my junior year of college, I reentered talk therapy to discuss opening up about my struggles with depersonalization/derealization. That was the same year I talked to my mom about what I had been going through, and to my surprise, she explained that she had also experienced a similar reaction from stress. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75 percent of people experience a depersonalization/derealization episode at least once in their life.
After learning as much as I could about the disorder, and going to talk therapy and group meetings, I'm happy and healthy and able to manage my symptoms. No, I have not "recovered." Throughout this process, I've learned that there will always be days that are harder than others. But now I also understand the importance of asking for help and support when I need it. The stigma that so often surrounds mental illness can only be eradicated when people feel loved and accepted.
If you or someone you love are experiencing signs or symptoms of depersonalization/derealization and need help, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has resources and a helpline (1-800-950-6264).
28 Seriously Good Home Items You'll Never Guess Are on Major Sale Right Now
If you're always look for a good deal, you're not alone. When it comes to decorating and redoing our homes, we're constantly on the hunt for smart ways to save money. Luckily, so many retailers are constantly refreshing their sale sections with cool new finds. Whether you're looking to spruce up your kitchen or living room, we're here to help you find the best prices.
We searched across the internet to uncover the hottest sale items of the week for your home. We found everything from comfortable sleeper sofas to pretty area rugs and even cool organizational finds. The best part: they're a fraction of their normal price. Keep reading to shop them all and snag the ones that'll improve your home ASAP.
Why You Might Recognize The Kissing Booth 2's New Heartthrob Taylor Zakhar Perez
It wouldn't be a rom-com sequel without the introduction of a new love interest, and for The Kissing Booth 2, Taylor Zakhar Perez plays the role of Marco so charmingly that we were almost rooting for Elle to end up with him after all! The actor got his start as a model and in the theater world before shifting his focus to Hollywood. And although The Kissing Booth 2 is definitely his most high-profile project so far, you may recognize him from some of his smaller projects and guest roles over the past several years. We've rounded up a few of the most recognizable shows he's been in - see if you remember spotting him on any of these!
I Suffer From Panic Attacks That Cause Me to Feel Like I'm Outside My Body
After my first panic attack, I felt robotic. I remember looking down at my hands and feeling like they were no longer my own. I placed my hand on a mirror and felt physically and mentally disconnected from my body, as the objects around me turned two-dimensional. I didn't know it at the time, but the next two years would be filled with moments like this, when I'd feel like I was living in a dream. I became trapped in a cycle of existential thoughts and detachment from friends and family.
I started having panic attacks multiple times a day during my sophomore year of college. Sitting in my dorm room, I'd suddenly and randomly be consumed with fear that something terrible would happen to me. My chest would begin to tighten, chills running down my body, and my heart would pound so hard I could feel it. Then came the feelings of detachment from everything around me. It was as if I was numb.
When I went to the hospital, I always described the same symptoms: being in a dreamlike state, feeling outside of my body and completely disconnected from reality.
When I went to the hospital, I always described the same symptoms: being in a dreamlike state, feeling outside of my body and completely disconnected from reality. Neurologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists all scrambled to give me a diagnosis that would explain the episodes I experienced. Depression? Psychosis? Schizophrenia? The lack of clear answers and fear of the unknown only fueled my anxiety, causing the panic attacks to persist. It got to the point that I questioned whether I had a traumatic brain injury.
It wasn't until I looked up my own symptoms that I came across forums of individuals describing similar experiences with dissociative disorders - specifically, depersonalization/derealization. Depersonalization can cause you to feel detached from reality, like you're viewing yourself from a third-person perspective. This can be accompanied by derealization, which causes the things and people around you to seem fake, like you're stuck in a dream. It's important to understand that this is different from psychosis or schizophrenia, as individuals with depersonalization/derealization know that these symptoms derive from their distorted perception.
Related: I Have a Panic Disorder. Here's How I'm Coping With the Coronavirus Pandemic
Within these forums was a link to the only therapy group on the East Coast for people diagnosed with these disorders. I decided to attend a session. During my first meeting, I was instantly drawn to the people around me as they shared similar experiences of misdiagnosis and episodes of panic attacks. I had kept my involvement in these groups private out of fear that I'd be judged by my close friends and family, but in that moment, any concerns about being reduced to a stigma were erased. I felt understood and accepted for the first time in months.
In my case, the depersonalization/derealization symptoms stemmed largely from stress. Juggling three jobs and being a full-time student had put a strain on my mental health. A therapist eventually diagnosed me with generalized anxiety disorder with symptoms of depersonalization and derealization. While I was relieved to have a diagnosis, I was still worried about being judged by my friends and family. I took secret trips to my school's mental health services, avoided talking about personal issues, and, overall, grew very conscious of what others thought of me. Despite all I was going through, I was afraid of being labeled as "weak" or showing vulnerability.
In my junior year of college, I reentered talk therapy to discuss opening up about my struggles with depersonalization/derealization. That was the same year I talked to my mom about what I had been going through, and to my surprise, she explained that she had also experienced a similar reaction from stress. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75 percent of people experience a depersonalization/derealization episode at least once in their life.
After learning as much as I could about the disorder, and going to talk therapy and group meetings, I'm happy and healthy and able to manage my symptoms. No, I have not "recovered." Throughout this process, I've learned that there will always be days that are harder than others. But now I also understand the importance of asking for help and support when I need it. The stigma that so often surrounds mental illness can only be eradicated when people feel loved and accepted.
If you or someone you love are experiencing signs or symptoms of depersonalization/derealization and need help, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has resources and a helpline (1-800-950-6264).
28 Seriously Good Home Items You'll Never Guess Are on Major Sale Right Now
If you're always look for a good deal, you're not alone. When it comes to decorating and redoing our homes, we're constantly on the hunt for smart ways to save money. Luckily, so many retailers are constantly refreshing their sale sections with cool new finds. Whether you're looking to spruce up your kitchen or living room, we're here to help you find the best prices.
We searched across the internet to uncover the hottest sale items of the week for your home. We found everything from comfortable sleeper sofas to pretty area rugs and even cool organizational finds. The best part: they're a fraction of their normal price. Keep reading to shop them all and snag the ones that'll improve your home ASAP.
Afraid the Pandemic Will Affect The Kissing Booth 3? Think Again - It's Already Been Filmed
Great news, Kissing Booth fans! Not only is a third movie in the works, but The Kissing Booth 3 has already been filmed and is getting ready to go for next year's release date. The third movie in the popular Netflix rom-com series actually finished filming last year, so it won't be affected by any pandemic shutdowns.
During Netflix's #TKBFanFest live stream on July 26, stars Joey King and Joel Courtney made the big announcement. Apparently, they secretly filmed The Kissing Booth 3 at the same time as they filmed The Kissing Booth 2, which is out now. Although the announcement was sudden, it's not entirely surprising - after all, the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series used the same filming strategy, filming P.S. I Still Love You simultaneously with the upcoming third and final movie, Always and Forever, Lara Jean. The only difference is that they were totally public about filming the two movies togethere, whereas this news about The Kissing Booth 3 is a surprise for fans!
Since the movie is already filmed, Netflix had another treat for fans: a teaser for the three-quel, even though it's not set to start streaming in full until next year! The quick scene shows Elle hanging out with her crew - Noah, Lee, and Rachel - when a call arrives from the Harvard admissions office... and she ignores it.
The Kissing Booth 3 may be the first one in the film series to not be directly based on one of the books by Beth Reekles. There are only two full books in the series (plus two novellas that fit within those plots). Decider reported the full synopsis, straight from Netflix: "It's the summer before Elle (Joey King) heads to college, and she has a secret: She got into both Harvard, where her dreamy boyfriend Noah (Jacob Elordi) goes, and Berkeley, where her BFF Lee (Joel Courtney) is going. Which path will Elle choose?"
There's no official release date yet, just confirmation that it will come out in 2021. Since both of the previous movies have been Summer releases, it seems likely that the third will be too. In the meantime, let the speculation commence!
Alicia Keys Is Encouraging Fans to Speak Their Fears: "May You Tap Into Your Inner Warrior"
Image Source: Instagram user aliciakeys
Alicia Keys just turned watching cartoons into a lesson about manifesting peace and channeling your inner warrior, and we are totally here for it. In a video shared to her Instagram account on Monday, Alicia explained that while watching The Legend of Korra - a spinoff of Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender series - with her son Egypt, she came to an important realization. "There's this moment when Korra is feeling a lot of fear and anxiety and she feels nervous about really stepping into her warrior power," Alicia said. "So her father says you have to talk about your fear, because if you just keep it in, you're not gonna really be able to figure out how to use it and how to create what you want from it."
As someone who's accustomed to speaking optimism into the world and avoiding her fears so as not to give them too much attention, Alicia was blown away by the revelation. "Even if I'm feeling kind of negative, or if I'm feeling insecure, if I'm feeling vulnerable, I will continue to speak the optimism, thinking that if I speak it, it's going to come . . . but then I realized, 'Wow! There's also power in speaking your fears,'" she said.
Alicia added that speaking on your feels is a powerful healing method, and encouraged fans to acknowledge their fears to become stronger mentally and emotionally. "You can use that [fear] to get to know yourself better and to transform it and change it and then become the warrior - tap into the warrior, the calling that's in you already, like Korra," Alicia said. "May you tap into your inner warrior, speak on your fears, and may we all become fearless." Watch Alicia's full video about speaking your inner fears ahead.
Why You Might Recognize The Kissing Booth 2's New Heartthrob Taylor Zakhar Perez
It wouldn't be a rom-com sequel without the introduction of a new love interest, and for The Kissing Booth 2, Taylor Zakhar Perez plays the role of Marco so charmingly that we were almost rooting for Elle to end up with him after all! The actor got his start as a model and in the theater world before shifting his focus to Hollywood. And although The Kissing Booth 2 is definitely his most high-profile project so far, you may recognize him from some of his smaller projects and guest roles over the past several years. We've rounded up a few of the most recognizable shows he's been in - see if you remember spotting him on any of these!
Afraid the Pandemic Will Affect The Kissing Booth 3? Think Again - It's Already Been Filmed
Great news, Kissing Booth fans! Not only is a third movie in the works, but The Kissing Booth 3 has already been filmed and is getting ready to go for next year's release date. The third movie in the popular Netflix rom-com series actually finished filming last year, so it won't be affected by any pandemic shutdowns.
During Netflix's #TKBFanFest live stream on July 26, stars Joey King and Joel Courtney made the big announcement. Apparently, they secretly filmed The Kissing Booth 3 at the same time as they filmed The Kissing Booth 2, which is out now. Although the announcement was sudden, it's not entirely surprising - after all, the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series used the same filming strategy, filming P.S. I Still Love You simultaneously with the upcoming third and final movie, Always and Forever, Lara Jean. The only difference is that they were totally public about filming the two movies togethere, whereas this news about The Kissing Booth 3 is a surprise for fans!
Since the movie is already filmed, Netflix had another treat for fans: a teaser for the three-quel, even though it's not set to start streaming in full until next year! The quick scene shows Elle hanging out with her crew - Noah, Lee, and Rachel - when a call arrives from the Harvard admissions office... and she ignores it.
The Kissing Booth 3 may be the first one in the film series to not be directly based on one of the books by Beth Reekles. There are only two full books in the series (plus two novellas that fit within those plots). Decider reported the full synopsis, straight from Netflix: "It's the summer before Elle (Joey King) heads to college, and she has a secret: She got into both Harvard, where her dreamy boyfriend Noah (Jacob Elordi) goes, and Berkeley, where her BFF Lee (Joel Courtney) is going. Which path will Elle choose?"
There's no official release date yet, just confirmation that it will come out in 2021. Since both of the previous movies have been Summer releases, it seems likely that the third will be too. In the meantime, let the speculation commence!
Alicia Keys Is Encouraging Fans to Speak Their Fears: "May You Tap Into Your Inner Warrior"
Image Source: Instagram user aliciakeys
Alicia Keys just turned watching cartoons into a lesson about manifesting peace and channeling your inner warrior, and we are totally here for it. In a video shared to her Instagram account on Monday, Alicia explained that while watching The Legend of Korra - a spinoff of Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender series - with her son Egypt, she came to an important realization. "There's this moment when Korra is feeling a lot of fear and anxiety and she feels nervous about really stepping into her warrior power," Alicia said. "So her father says you have to talk about your fear, because if you just keep it in, you're not gonna really be able to figure out how to use it and how to create what you want from it."
As someone who's accustomed to speaking optimism into the world and avoiding her fears so as not to give them too much attention, Alicia was blown away by the revelation. "Even if I'm feeling kind of negative, or if I'm feeling insecure, if I'm feeling vulnerable, I will continue to speak the optimism, thinking that if I speak it, it's going to come . . . but then I realized, 'Wow! There's also power in speaking your fears,'" she said.
Alicia added that speaking on your feels is a powerful healing method, and encouraged fans to acknowledge their fears to become stronger mentally and emotionally. "You can use that [fear] to get to know yourself better and to transform it and change it and then become the warrior - tap into the warrior, the calling that's in you already, like Korra," Alicia said. "May you tap into your inner warrior, speak on your fears, and may we all become fearless." Watch Alicia's full video about speaking your inner fears ahead.
28 Seriously Good Home Items You'll Never Guess Are on Major Sale Right Now
If you're always look for a good deal, you're not alone. When it comes to decorating and redoing our homes, we're constantly on the hunt for smart ways to save money. Luckily, so many retailers are constantly refreshing their sale sections with cool new finds. Whether you're looking to spruce up your kitchen or living room, we're here to help you find the best prices.
We searched across the internet to uncover the hottest sale items of the week for your home. We found everything from comfortable sleeper sofas to pretty area rugs and even cool organizational finds. The best part: they're a fraction of their normal price. Keep reading to shop them all and snag the ones that'll improve your home ASAP.
lundi 27 juillet 2020
If You're a Person of Color Looking For Mental Health Support, Check Out These 12 Resources
Finding a therapist can be a challenging task for anyone, but if you're a person of color, it can feel exceptionally hard. Everyone has different needs, and working with someone who understands your culture, background, and how you navigate the world can make all the difference when it comes to your treatment and improving your well-being.
Access is one of the many barriers Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face when seeking mental health support, and another barrier is finding culturally competent providers. If a culturally competent provider is nonnegotiable, the following list will help you get started on the right foot. It's not comprehensive and we will continue to expand this list as we find more platforms, directories, and resources for BIPOC. As a gentle reminder, the platforms ahead are not meant to replace any treatment you're currently partaking in for your mental health.
Related: 25 Mental Health Resources Created For the Black Community You Should Know
You Can Do This 20-Minute HIIT Workout Anywhere and Burn Major Calories
If you're looking for a way to stay fit, but you're short on time and space, high-intensity interval training may be just what you need to get started. HIIT combines intense bursts of exercise with rest periods, allowing you to work out for shorter bouts, while still burning a huge amount of calories. It's touted as one of the most effective workouts for weight loss. And you don't need a ton of space or expensive equipment to do it.
To start, try this 20-minute HIIT workout, designed by Lyuda Bouzinova, an ACE-certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and cofounder of Mission Lean. "If you keep the intensity high throughout the workout, you'll also get your body into a state of EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption), also known as the afterburn effect," she told POPSUGAR. "That means you've revved up your metabolism and you'll be burning calories long after the workout is over." Keep reading for the details.
20-Minute, No-Equipment HIIT Workout
Directions: Do the workout on an empty stomach, if you can - this will keep you light on your feet, and because you're not exercising for an extended period of time, the energy already stored in your muscles will be sufficient. You'll do a short warmup, followed by three sets of high-intensity moves that work the whole body. Do each of the exercises in the set back-to-back, with no rests in between, then take a short, two-minute break between sets. "These short breaks will ensure that your heart rate stays elevated and you are burning extra calories during your workout," Lyuda said.
Exercises:
- Burpees: 8 reps
- Tricep dips: 15 reps
- Snap jumps: 8 reps
- Leg raises: 15 reps
- Lunge jumps: 8 reps each side
- Sumo squat: 15 reps
I May Destroy You Captures the Complexity of Sexual Trauma in Ways Few Shows Do
Warning: this essay contains a detailed account of sexual assault that may be triggering for those who have experienced trauma.
As a survivor of sexual violence, I'm sometimes hesitant to watch TV shows like I May Destroy You. Accurate depictions of assault can trigger painful memories of my own attack - and, conversely, I feel angry when subpar movies and shows perpetuate myths about sexual trauma and gloss over the confusing, nonlinear path that survivors navigate in the aftermath of sexual abuse. But after learning that I May Destroy You is based on the experience of Michaela Coel - who is the writer, director, producer, and star of the series - I decided to give it a try. It's not an easy show to watch, but I May Destroy You provides the most accurate, unflinching portrayal of sexual trauma that I've seen.
My own rape bears some similarities to Arabella's. I hadn't planned on going out that evening and, when I agreed to meet up with a friend, I told myself I would be home in bed by midnight. At 3 a.m. I was jolted into consciousness by a stabbing pain, tears already streaming down my face. I was in a dark bedroom that I'd never seen before, and I recognized the man who was on top of me and inside me; I'd met him earlier that evening in a packed bar where he and his roommate bought drinks for my friend and me. I tried to fight back, but it only made him angrier and more violent. Exhausted, weak, and scared, I stopped resisting.
I immediately knew I'd been raped but, like Arabella, my memories of that night came back in fragments and often at unexpected (and inconvenient) times. The flashbacks were vivid - the sudden, frightening realization that my friend was gone and I was alone with someone I'd just met and didn't trust. The nervous laughter when he moved in to kiss me, and the sense of dread when he ignored my cues that I wasn't interested. Being pushed into his bedroom, then onto his bed. Feeling my clothes torn off as I repeatedly asked, then begged, for him to stop and let me leave.
Because I was either semiconscious or unconscious for at least some portion of the night, I sometimes questioned if my memories were accurate. While Arabella researches the science of fake memories, I wondered if any of my recollections came from my nightmares rather than the attack itself. I May Destroy You adeptly shows what it's like to have a crime committed against you and then to suffer the additional indignity of not even knowing the details of the event that has profoundly impacted your life.
When Arabella speaks with police, she remains calm and somewhat emotionally detached until the very end of the interview, when she breaks down in tears. It reminded me of how I didn't feel much of anything for weeks after my rape - something that understandably confused my friends because, in general, I'm an emotional person. I met up with a good friend for lunch the next day, and she recalls asking me what I'd done the night before. "Well, it kind of sucked. I was raped," I responded in a monotone voice, as though I'd lost my phone or been inconvenienced in some harmless way. I didn't cry until I sought medical treatment at Planned Parenthood. Then I left with Plan B and a 28-day course of antiretrovirals and attempted to get back to business as usual.
Like many survivors, Arabella and I had to piece together what had happened on that awful night. But there's also the matter of sorting out what our futures will look like. While trauma often makes it difficult to function, life doesn't simply stop when you've been raped. Battling flashbacks and struggling to concentrate, Arabella still has a deadline to meet and a maxed out credit card that requires her to take on a second job. As the reality of my assault set in, I couldn't eat or sleep, and I lost my ability to focus on anything, whether it was my writing or simply watching a movie.
I felt perpetually hazy, but I didn't miss work. I increased the number of hours per week I spent volunteering for two political campaigns and spent time with friends. Continuing my career was a financial necessity, but the volunteer work and socializing was my way of avoiding being alone with my thoughts. As Arabella tells her therapist in an early session, she tries to cope by not thinking about "it" too much and not spending time alone.
The series encapsulates the experiences of many survivors, including my own, and shows that the fear and degradation experienced during an assault doesn't end when we escape from our attacker.
Eventually, of course, I had to face the reality that I had PTSD and my symptoms weren't going to just disappear, no matter how many hours I spent distracting myself from what had happened. I'm no stranger to therapy - I worked with therapists to cope with childhood trauma and was hospitalized multiple times for an eating disorder during my teens and early 20s. But this time around, I found the most solace in connecting with other survivors. I joined private support groups on social media, connected in person with survivors in my city, and eventually decided to share my story publicly with the goal of raising awareness and (hopefully) helping other survivors feel less alone. In the "Me Too" era, open conversations about sexual violence have become less taboo - something that's depicted in I May Destroy You. For example, Arabella is listening to a podcast when she realizes that Zain removing a condom during sex without her consent wasn't just wrong - under UK law, it was sexual assault. Later, she bonds with other survivors.
Although Arabella's storyline is the one that resonates most with me personally, I May Destroy You also addresses a plethora of other important issues surrounding sexual assault, consent, and how victims are treated by law enforcement. Kwame's rape and the police's callous dismissal of his trauma shows the additional stigma inflicted upon male survivors and those in the LGBTQ+ community. Then there's Terry's sexual encounter with two men who deceive and manipulate her by saying they only just met. They gain her consent through false pretenses, and the conspiratorial looks exchanged by the men are chilling and make clear that they know exactly what they're doing.
Although it has its moments of levity, I May Destroy You is often painful and uncomfortable to watch - and that's exactly why it's so realistic. The series encapsulates the experiences of many survivors, including my own and shows that the fear and degradation experienced during an assault doesn't end when we escape from our attacker. There may be profound relief and gratitude to be alive, but it's often accompanied by years of frightening flashbacks, shame, and anxiety.
If you or someone you love are experiencing signs or symptoms of post-traumatic stress and need help, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has resources and a helpline (1-800-950-6264).
A Play Expert Reveals What Kids Really Mean When They Say "I'm So Bored!"
Boredom. To some parents, it's a four-letter word – synonymous with laziness or a lack of motivation. But to others, it's one of the best things you can provide for your otherwise over-scheduled children.
Turns out, both sets of parents are right. Or wrong.
"Boredom is neither good, nor bad," Sandra Stone, PhD - a sociologist, professor, researcher, and author with more than 25 years of experience studying childhood play and development - told POPSUGAR.
Deepanshu Pandita, the CEO of Kido, an early-education platform, concurred: "It's like asking if feeling discontent with the way things are is good or bad – it can lead to inventions and medical discoveries or it can set one up for psychological suffering."
"We need to give children the time and freedom to follow their own interests."
Either way, there's certainly no escaping the feeling, particularly among children. The summer months off of school tend to be a breeding ground for boredom in general, but with the added layer of a pandemic - when there's little available to do and even fewer parents with the free time to facilitate any of it - the "I'm bored" whines are already reaching a fever pitch in most households.
So, then, how should parents navigate it? Stone and Pandita addressed the truth about this polarizing term.
How to Know If Their Boredom Is Actually Something Else
Boredom, Stone explained, is simply a "loss of interest" and it can take many forms in children. So, even if a child defines their lost interest as boredom, it could be due to something else entirely, and it's worth it for parents to dig in, especially with young kids who might not even fully understand the concept but have heard the phrase enough to use it.
"Children may also lose interest due to fatigue," she said. "Children who are tired may just need some down time, a time to rest. Rest could be restorative and provide the energy to purse an interest or to play."
"The word 'boredom' could be interpreted as 'I need to be with someone who loves me.'"
Another possibility is the need for human connection. "The word 'boredom' could be interpreted as 'I need to be with someone who loves me,'" Stone said. "This is a time when parents put aside the many things demanding their time and take the precious time to sit with their child, talk with their child, and snuggle with their child." It often doesn't require more than that, but occasionally, if a child is lonely, Stone suggested becoming a playmate for a few minutes until the child is satisfied.
Bottom line, if a child is expressing boredom, she said to "be careful not to first jump to providing him or her with a litany of ideas."
Although tempting to offer a quick solution, this puts the parent in control of the child's experience. "Instead, take the time to sit with your child and let your child 'talk' with you. Ask them to 'explain' what they mean when they say they're bored. The conversation may lead you to discover if the child is exhausted or simply needs your attention."
How to React When They Are Legitimately Bored
If it's not exhaustion or a need for attention, your child may be officially bored. In this case, it's usually to do with having lost interest in their current play environment – you took away their iPad and nothing can compete, they are ready for a bigger challenge, or they simply are stuck with what to do next. "Pay some careful attention to the causality behind it," Pandita noted.
For young children, parents can take an active approach. Pandita recommended redirection - "reminding them of activities they may not have considered." Stone suggested rotating toys throughout the week so the choices become different.
For five-year-olds and beyond, however, Pandita finds verbal engagement to be a more effective response that direct action.
"Even not doing anything at all is better than telling them how they have a million things they could do and have no right to feel bored."
"Try agreeing with them wholeheartedly – 'tell me about it!' and see what happens," he suggested. "They may feel compelled to find a reason to disagree simply because that isn't what they were expecting. Even not doing anything at all is better than telling them how they have a million things they could do and have no right to feel bored."
Stone also urged parents not to undermine children's abilities to decide on their own ideas for what to do about being bored.
"Gently lead your child to become independent in his or her thinking," Stone said. "As your child thinks of ideas, you can support those ideas and you can then expand on those ideas, adding suggestions. Again, be sure your child makes the choices. If he or she makes the choice, then boredom should not be an issue."
How to Respond If Nothing Seems to Combat Their Boredom
The trouble is that many kids, namely those who normally take on each day with a packed calendar of extracurricular clubs and sports, have been trained out of knowing how to combat boredom They literally don't have time to be bored and thus don't know how to address it.
"Unfortunately, our society, including schools, can derail children's natural course of following their own interests," Stone said.
Studies have shown that children are unintentionally directed by adults - for instance, to always be doing something, usually in the form of organized, highly-scheduled activities – so often that they actually give up their autonomy and sense of independence, and that it can stifle curiosity.
"Autonomy gives children the understanding that things are under their control," she said. "It promotes children making their own decisions about what to do and when to do it."
So although even autonomous, independent children can get bored, it's rarely an issue because they know what to do next, and, as Pandita said, they often grow and evolve as a direct consequence of boredom. "They'll naturally find something else to do or play," Stone said. "The issue on the other end of the spectrum is, 'has my child become dependent on me to entertain him or her?'"
For these kids, Stone and Pandita both advise encouraging open-ended play - a style of play that has no designated outcome to what will happen - as much as possible. "As adults, we need to give children the time and freedom to follow their own interests," Stone said. "If parents sense that this has diminished in their own child, then they may need to backtrack and support the child's sense of autonomy and independence by supporting their ability to make their own choices, to be curious, to follow their own interests. This may take more time at first, but the benefits will be worth it in the long run for both the child and the parent."
Ready to Work? These Instagram Live Workouts Will Get You Sweating All Week Long
A lot of us rely on fitness classes to get us out the door and to the gym, even when all we want to do is veg out on the couch. That strategy doesn't work as well when so many gyms and fitness studios are still shut, but we've got the next best thing: Instagram Live workouts, all on @popsugarfitness, coming at you every morning this week. You can even add the schedule to your Google Calendar and set your alarms now!
Check out the full slate of workouts below, including kickboxing, Tabata, and core mobility, as well as a donation-based cardio workout, led by Deja Riley, to benefit the ACLU. Grab your phone and a sweat towel and get ready to work! (PS: you can access all our previous Instagram Live workouts on the free Active by POPSUGAR app.)
- 30-Minute Lower-Body Strength-Training Workout With Ashley Joi: Monday, July 27, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET
- 30-Minute Bodyweight Cardio Workout With Deja Riley to Raise Funds For the ACLU: Tuesday, July 28, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET
- 35-Minute No-Equipment Barry's Workout With Mackenzie Ross: Wednesday, July 29, at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET
- 45-Minute Ultimate Core and Conditioning Workout With LIT Method: Thursday, July 30, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET (equipment recommended: foam roller or water bottle)
- 30-Minute Cardio Kickboxing Workout With Kick It by Eliza: Friday, July 31, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET
- 30-Minute Upper-Body and Core-Mobility Workout With Angela Gargano: Saturday, Aug. 1, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET (equipment recommended: mini resistance band)
- 30-Minute Cardio Core Tabata Workout With Kristina Earnest: Sunday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET
Elle Is Torn Between Two Lovers in The Kissing Booth 2, but She Finds "the One" in the End
Much like the film that came before it, The Kissing Booth 2 is a thrilling rollercoaster through the emotional turmoil of high school besties Elle (King) and Lee (Joel Courtney). Picking up where the first film ends, the sequel follows the two as they tackle their senior year and their much more complicated love lives. No, this isn't the kind of rom-com where best friends realize they truly belong together (though maybe it should be); instead, fans are left on the edge of their seats wondering if Elle and Lee's brother Noah (Jacob Elordi) are going to survive that wild beast known as a long-distance relationship. Well, take a deep breath, folks: they pull through! But it definitely isn't a smooth journey.
When we jump back into the action, Elle has decided that the best way to be a non-clingy girlfriend is to "give Noah some space." Unfortunately, her version of space is ignoring his calls and texting back monosyllabically. When Noah confronts her about this - resorting to calling the school since she won't return his messages - Elle realizes that she's been alienating her boyfriend in an attempt to be mature and the two plan to be more communicative with one another. Elle learns more about Noah's life at college, which introduces her to the presence of his gorgeous peer Chloe (Maisie Richardson-Sellers). Elle's jealously and insecurity causes her to suspect her boyfriend is cheating on her, which prompts her to start pulling away from him once more.
Enter Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez), a transfer student who is hot enough that even Elle can't resist listing out his many physical virtues over the intercom (by accident). The two naturally fall into each others' orbits at school, but it's not until Lee convinces Marco to help Elle with a Dance Dance Revolution contest to help pay for her college tuition that the sparks fly. Marco is just cocky enough to remind us of Noah, but his playful nature and smooth charm are almost an antithesis of the older boy's darker personality. It's easy to see why Elle's drawn to Marco in the absence of Noah, especially when she feels unsure about the latter's faithfulness because of his past.
It all comes to head during the big Dance Dance Revolution contest, which Noah secretly attends as an audience member. Elle and Marco perform their routine perfectly, and in a moment of euphoria, Elle kisses Marco. The move is reminiscent of a previous scene where Marco almost kissed Elle but backed down when she got spooked. This time, Elle makes the move and is overjoyed - until she spots Noah in the crowd. The older boy is heartbroken and the couple lashes out at one another during the following Thanksgiving dinner with their families.
After a tearful reunion that does not take place at the kissing booth or the airport, Elle and Noah make up before he goes back to school. When they get back to school, Elle admits to Marco that even though she felt something between the two of them, he isn't "the one." Marco's wistful stare towards Elle at their graduation tells us that things aren't quite so cut and dry between them, but we can't be too sure until Netflix gives us the third movie!
In the end, even though she's made up with Lee and things are going perfectly between her and Noah, Elle lies to the Flynns and tells them that she was waitlisted at both Harvard and Berkeley. Of course, she was accepted to both and now has to decide between going to Berkeley with her best friend at her mother's alma mater, as they planned for years, or going to Harvard to be with her boyfriend. Ah, to be young and in love again!
You Can Do This 20-Minute HIIT Workout Anywhere and Burn Major Calories
If you're looking for a way to stay fit, but you're short on time and space, high-intensity interval training may be just what you need to get started. HIIT combines intense bursts of exercise with rest periods, allowing you to work out for shorter bouts, while still burning a huge amount of calories. It's touted as one of the most effective workouts for weight loss. And you don't need a ton of space or expensive equipment to do it.
To start, try this 20-minute HIIT workout, designed by Lyuda Bouzinova, an ACE-certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and cofounder of Mission Lean. "If you keep the intensity high throughout the workout, you'll also get your body into a state of EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption), also known as the afterburn effect," she told POPSUGAR. "That means you've revved up your metabolism and you'll be burning calories long after the workout is over." Keep reading for the details.
20-Minute, No-Equipment HIIT Workout
Directions: Do the workout on an empty stomach, if you can - this will keep you light on your feet, and because you're not exercising for an extended period of time, the energy already stored in your muscles will be sufficient. You'll do a short warmup, followed by three sets of high-intensity moves that work the whole body. Do each of the exercises in the set back-to-back, with no rests in between, then take a short, two-minute break between sets. "These short breaks will ensure that your heart rate stays elevated and you are burning extra calories during your workout," Lyuda said.
Exercises:
- Burpees: 8 reps
- Tricep dips: 15 reps
- Snap jumps: 8 reps
- Leg raises: 15 reps
- Lunge jumps: 8 reps each side
- Sumo squat: 15 reps
All 16 Hollywood Stars Who Have an EGOT
Few clubs in Hollywood are as exclusive as that reserved for EGOT winners. The acronym refers to winning the grand slam of all four major entertainment awards in a competitive category of the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys. That means the immensely talented individual will have displayed excellence in television, recording, film, and theater - clearly picking up an EGOT isn't an everyday occurrence.
While it took some winners their entire careers to nail all four corners of the entertainment industry, some (like musician John Legend) were able to knock out an EGOT before they turned 40. Read on to see who's earned this exclusive honor (and the first awards that got them there), then check out all the Hollywood stars who are *this close* to getting their own EGOTs.
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