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.
vendredi 12 mai 2017
Watch This Rainbow Highlighter Perform a Disappearing Act Before Your Very Eyes
At this point, rainbow highlighters have become less of a novelty item and more of a commonplace product for many cult beauty brands. With so many options now available, Chaos Makeup has created a rainbow highlighter with a special detail that really sets it apart: the cruelty-free company's Kaleidoscope Rainbow Highlighter ($26) goes on clear, but reveals its rainbow sheen when light hits it at just the right angle.
As you'll see in the demonstrative videos ahead, the highlighter gives off a straightforward glow from certain views. With a little movement, however, the rainbow colors can be seen. In addition to its surprising magic trick, Allure noted that the highlighter is also glitter-free and all natural. In fact, it's made with coconut oil. What's more, it comes in a freaking seashell compact!
Click through to watch the kaleidoscopic highlighter in action.
We're Calling It Now - Everyone Will Be Drinking Coconut Beer This Summer
This Summer, when you reach for a little (or big) cerveza, it'll be a coconut one. We're calling it now, the world is about to go loco for coconut. Reddit is already abuzz for Arcadia Ales's Porter Rico coconut beer and its "suntan lotion" taste (we mean that in a good way!), and they are not the only brewery using the sweet taste of the tropical fruit to flavor beer.
More and more coconut beers are coming out to quench your thirst and leave you feeling refreshed. Keep scrolling to see some of the best out there so far. Stock up the fridge!
8 Shows You Should Watch If You're Obsessed With Riverdale
Riverdale has quickly become the new It show on The CW. With all the mystery, drama, and hot eye candy, what's not to love? Perhaps the reason we can't get enough of the series is because it reminds us of some of our other favorite TV shows. That love triangle between Betty, Veronica, and Archie? Totally Gossip Girl. The continuous question about who really killed Jason? So much like Twin Peaks. Not to mention the subtle retro vibe reminds us of Stranger Things. See which other popular series Riverdale has similarities to.
Mother's Day Gifts If Your Mom's Your Best Friend
There are a variety of mothers out there: strict mothers, laid-back mothers, career-minded mothers, strong mothers, outgoing mothers, quiet mothers. And then there are the mothers you can share giggles with for hours on end. The mothers who enjoy Champagne, sushi, and a good time. You trade gossip about the latest shenanigans on Scandal with her, and she's the one you call every time something goes awry in your love life. If your mom's your certified BFF, here are 25 gifts she may appreciate.
47 Trends Every '80s and '90s Girl Remembers
Between listening to new wave and boy bands and staring at our posters of Rob Lowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, and JTT, we somehow managed to style ourselves up in acid-washed jeans, biker shorts, jellies, and other semihorrific pieces way back when. Even though we shudder to think of some of the things we wore, many of those styles have come back with a vengeance (chokers and slip dresses are everywhere, and we all remember where we were the day American Apparel started selling scrunchies). Since there's nothing we love more than a fashion flashback, we've rounded up 47 of the biggest and best trends to come out of the '80s and '90s. Look through now to relive your fashion past.
If You Hate Tracking Calories, This Will Make Losing Weight Easier
Counting calories and keeping portions are helpful tools when trying to lose weight. Apps like MyFitnessPal and My Macros+ make it easier, but you still have to type each ingredient in, taking up precious time from your day.
Here's a tip from certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition that will help make things easier. Whether you use an app or a food journal, opt for meal repetition since "it helps with food tracking to make it faster." Leslie recommends having a handful of go-to healthy meals that you can rotate between throughout the week to prevent boredom and help you get a variety of nutrients. Choose a way to do meal repetition that works for your personality, your eating habits, and your schedule. Once you figure out the calories for your favorite meals, you won't have to waste time entering a new meal every day, for every meal.
This is also a great way to keep life simple and turnkey, which helps with weight loss. "Consistency can help reduce temptation," said Leslie. And it will also simplify meal prep. Would you rather prep five different lunches for the week or just one? You can make a huge pot of soup, slow-cooker meal, or enormous salad and divvy out portions each day, and enter all your meals into your journal or app at once. Here are a few ways to inspire meal repetition:
47 Trends Every '80s and '90s Girl Remembers
Between listening to new wave and boy bands and staring at our posters of Rob Lowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, and JTT, we somehow managed to style ourselves up in acid-washed jeans, biker shorts, jellies, and other semihorrific pieces way back when. Even though we shudder to think of some of the things we wore, many of those styles have come back with a vengeance (chokers and slip dresses are everywhere, and we all remember where we were the day American Apparel started selling scrunchies). Since there's nothing we love more than a fashion flashback, we've rounded up 47 of the biggest and best trends to come out of the '80s and '90s. Look through now to relive your fashion past.
Pregnant, Pro-Choice and Leading the Resistance For Reproductive Freedom in Nevada
As a pregnant lady who - let's be honest - could give birth at any minute, I can give some people quite the shock when I show up outside their door or on the floor of the state house to advocate in support of expanding access to abortion and birth control. I've been told by some (male) legislators - usually with a slight, condescending chuckle - that it is "ironic" that I am pregnant and advocating for choice. The truth is that I've never felt more pro-choice in my life: I am very fortunate that I've had access to affordable birth control and was able to get pregnant for the first time on my own terms and with a supportive partner who can help me along. I've wanted this, and planned for it, and it's still been a very involving, overwhelming process in a lot of ways.
I believe that every woman should have this same opportunity to decide if, when, and how to get pregnant on her own terms. I am proud to fight with my fellow Nevadans in support of reproductive freedom and against President Trump, who has made it clear that he and Congressional Republicans will work day and night to roll back our rights.
In Nevada, we're fighting back with legislation that will keep President Trump's hands off our birth control. The legislation we're working to pass would keep birth control affordable and accessible for Nevadans by requiring insurers to keep covering out-of-pocket costs for contraception, even if President Trump and Republicans in Congress manage to take healthcare away from 24 million people. It would also make it possible for a woman to receive 12 months of birth control at once.
This is the first time the Nevada State Legislature has passed legislation related to reproductive freedom since 1999. And it's been possible thanks the 19,000 Nevadans who have signed up in the last year to join NARAL Pro-Choice Nevada. With their support, we flipped both houses of the Nevada State Legislature from anti- to pro-choice and elected our nation's first Latina Senator in November.
After the women's marches that swept the nation in January, members from across the state came to us not just wanting to sign petitions but also wanting to get personally involved in the fight to protect and expand reproductive freedom - so we set up a series of Feminist Road Trips to bring the voices of Nevadan women and families to the state capital. Because they are dedicated to fighting for reproductive freedom, our members made 9-hour journey from Las Vegas, where most people in the state live, to Carson City, our state capital, to share their personal stories about the need for Nevada to protect affordable and accessible birth control. Because of the travel involved, it is rare that our state legislators hear from their constituents, and these conversations left a big impact.
The people who joined these trips truly represented all Nevadans - men, women, people of color - and their stories had a powerful impact. Some were young women who wanted the power to plan their pregnancies, while others had medical conditions that made bearing healthy children complicated or just couldn't afford birth control before the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to their voices, our legislation passed the Nevada State Assembly with solid bipartisan support - because anyone who is pro-family and pro-woman can understand why expanding access to birth control benefits everyone. This legislation continues to advance in the legislature. With the strong support we've already gained, we're hopeful Governor Sandoval will sign it into law this year.
What we are doing in Nevada is something that can and should be replicated across the country. You can join the fight to keep birth control accessible and affordable by throwing an action party to talk to your friends and neighbors about reproductive freedom, calling your state representatives in support of legislation to protect our reproductive freedom, and sharing your own story. In the fight against the out-of-touch agenda pushed by President Trump and his allies, every person's voice matters - even if it's to say I am a 33-year-old woman who was able to get pregnant when I wanted to, thanks to laws that respected and preserved my right to control my body and my destiny. I resist, not just for myself, but for my daughter who will soon enter this world and join the resistance right alongside her mom.
The hundreds of thousands of people who have marched, packed town halls, and flooded congressional phone calls are fueling the grassroots resistance to the Trump's attacks on healthcare access. And they're not just playing defense: they're also fighting to expand reproductive freedom in their own backyards and in spite of President Trump's anti-woman agenda.
How Miss USA Contestant Sarah Mousseau Stays Confident While Living With Alopecia
Sarah Mousseau is Miss New Hampshire and a contestant in the upcoming Miss USA competition. Here, she bravely shares her struggle with alopecia and vitiligo exclusively with POPSUGAR. Tune in to FOX on Sunday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET to watch the Miss USA competition live.
People can struggle with confidence at any age, and building it in your early years is essential as you get older. I was 8 years old when my mom noticed I had patches where my hair had fallen out on the back of my head. A doctor's visit a few weeks later confirmed that I was losing my hair due to the autoimmune disease alopecia.
Alopecia areata causes hair loss in some or all areas of the body, usually from the scalp, because the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. You can imagine how hard this was for me to understand as a young child. (Doctors still aren't even sure why this happens, and there is no cure for the disease.)
I tried to not allow the hair loss to bother me and even refused the painful treatments that could potentially prevent the hair loss. When my parents expressed concern with my well-being and how I was handling it emotionally, I would nonchalantly tell them, "I'm not dying - if I lose all of my hair, you can just put a wig on me!"
I learned that my self-worth was determined not by my outward appearance, but by life experiences and opportunities.
However, as I entered my teenage years, I began to experience the insecurities that so many young girls do when we enter middle school and high school. I was embarrassed by how I looked and was filled with self-doubt. I wouldn't acknowledge the cause of it and tried hard to cover up new bald spots as they appeared. Later, I was also diagnosed with vitiligo, another autoimmune disease which caused large patches of my skin to lose pigmentation.
It took a long time, but as I grew older, these diseases bothered me less and less. I learned that my self-worth was determined not by my outward appearance, but by life experiences and opportunities. I found myself through singing and songwriting and through academics, excelling in school and eventually earning my Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology. I began to see these "flaws" as just another part of me. I grew into the confident woman I am today by not only accepting my differences, but embracing them as a part of who I am.
Several weeks ago, I noticed new bald spots on my scalp. Instantly my confidence was shaken, as I knew I was leaving for the Miss USA competition in just a few weeks. I felt as if I was back in high school all over again. I was anxious, self-conscious, and worried about how this would impact my time at Miss USA. In the weeks that have followed, I keep thinking back to my childhood, asking myself, "What would 8-year-old Sarah do?" I repeat my mantra to myself: you are enough. I am confident and comfortable enough in myself to know that these "imperfections" are what shaped me into the woman I am today.
If You Hate Tracking Calories, This Will Make Losing Weight Easier
Counting calories and keeping portions are helpful tools when trying to lose weight. Apps like MyFitnessPal and My Macros+ make it easier, but you still have to type each ingredient in, taking up precious time from your day.
Here's a tip from certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition that will help make things easier. Whether you use an app or a food journal, opt for meal repetition since "it helps with food tracking to make it faster." Leslie recommends having a handful of go-to healthy meals that you can rotate between throughout the week to prevent boredom and help you get a variety of nutrients. Choose a way to do meal repetition that works for your personality, your eating habits, and your schedule. Once you figure out the calories for your favorite meals, you won't have to waste time entering a new meal every day, for every meal.
This is also a great way to keep life simple and turnkey, which helps with weight loss. "Consistency can help reduce temptation," said Leslie. And it will also simplify meal prep. Would you rather prep five different lunches for the week or just one? You can make a huge pot of soup, slow-cooker meal, or enormous salad and divvy out portions each day, and enter all your meals into your journal or app at once. Here are a few ways to inspire meal repetition:
Pregnant, Pro-Choice and Leading the Resistance For Reproductive Freedom in Nevada
As a pregnant lady who - let's be honest - could give birth at any minute, I can give some people quite the shock when I show up outside their door or on the floor of the state house to advocate in support of expanding access to abortion and birth control. I've been told by some (male) legislators - usually with a slight, condescending chuckle - that it is "ironic" that I am pregnant and advocating for choice. The truth is that I've never felt more pro-choice in my life: I am very fortunate that I've had access to affordable birth control and was able to get pregnant for the first time on my own terms and with a supportive partner who can help me along. I've wanted this, and planned for it, and it's still been a very involving, overwhelming process in a lot of ways.
I believe that every woman should have this same opportunity to decide if, when, and how to get pregnant on her own terms. I am proud to fight with my fellow Nevadans in support of reproductive freedom and against President Trump, who has made it clear that he and Congressional Republicans will work day and night to roll back our rights.
In Nevada, we're fighting back with legislation that will keep President Trump's hands off our birth control. The legislation we're working to pass would keep birth control affordable and accessible for Nevadans by requiring insurers to keep covering out-of-pocket costs for contraception, even if President Trump and Republicans in Congress manage to take healthcare away from 24 million people. It would also make it possible for a woman to receive 12 months of birth control at once.
This is the first time the Nevada State Legislature has passed legislation related to reproductive freedom since 1999. And it's been possible thanks the 19,000 Nevadans who have signed up in the last year to join NARAL Pro-Choice Nevada. With their support, we flipped both houses of the Nevada State Legislature from anti- to pro-choice and elected our nation's first Latina Senator in November.
After the women's marches that swept the nation in January, members from across the state came to us not just wanting to sign petitions but also wanting to get personally involved in the fight to protect and expand reproductive freedom - so we set up a series of Feminist Road Trips to bring the voices of Nevadan women and families to the state capital. Because they are dedicated to fighting for reproductive freedom, our members made 9-hour journey from Las Vegas, where most people in the state live, to Carson City, our state capital, to share their personal stories about the need for Nevada to protect affordable and accessible birth control. Because of the travel involved, it is rare that our state legislators hear from their constituents, and these conversations left a big impact.
The people who joined these trips truly represented all Nevadans - men, women, people of color - and their stories had a powerful impact. Some were young women who wanted the power to plan their pregnancies, while others had medical conditions that made bearing healthy children complicated or just couldn't afford birth control before the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to their voices, our legislation passed the Nevada State Assembly with solid bipartisan support - because anyone who is pro-family and pro-woman can understand why expanding access to birth control benefits everyone. This legislation continues to advance in the legislature. With the strong support we've already gained, we're hopeful Governor Sandoval will sign it into law this year.
What we are doing in Nevada is something that can and should be replicated across the country. You can join the fight to keep birth control accessible and affordable by throwing an action party to talk to your friends and neighbors about reproductive freedom, calling your state representatives in support of legislation to protect our reproductive freedom, and sharing your own story. In the fight against the out-of-touch agenda pushed by President Trump and his allies, every person's voice matters - even if it's to say I am a 33-year-old woman who was able to get pregnant when I wanted to, thanks to laws that respected and preserved my right to control my body and my destiny. I resist, not just for myself, but for my daughter who will soon enter this world and join the resistance right alongside her mom.
The hundreds of thousands of people who have marched, packed town halls, and flooded congressional phone calls are fueling the grassroots resistance to the Trump's attacks on healthcare access. And they're not just playing defense: they're also fighting to expand reproductive freedom in their own backyards and in spite of President Trump's anti-woman agenda.
22 Juicy Facts About Zara, Straight From an Insider Employee
We all want the insider scoop on our favorite places. For us, that's not an eatery or Disneyland - it's Zara. Fashion girls know this is the hot spot for trendy, affordable pieces, but beyond that, everything else is pretty much a mystery. We have questions like "When are the sales?" and "What are the most popular items?" For this insider information, I decided tap my friend (who wished to remain anonymous) who is a sales associate at Zara in NYC. She's been working at the store for four years, so you can bet she has a lot of shopping secrets to share. Read on for all the juicy details.
12 Books to Read If You Already Tore Through The Handmaid's Tale
If you're anything like us, you've spent the last few weeks being completely obsessed with The Handmaid's Tale, patiently awaiting each new episode. The haunting dystopian series takes place in a near-future America that's under totalitarian rule, one that focuses on a "return to traditional values" and brutally subjugates women into social classes that center around their fertility. It's being hailed as a feminist triumph, and it's so damn good that Hulu already greenlit a second series. But as Summer approaches and the days between Wednesday episodes somehow grow longer, we've found ourselves wanting more – and so, in an effort to make the waiting time just a teensy bit easier, we've pulled together twelve books that you can get to reading right now that will fill that Handmaid's Tale-shaped hole in your life.
22 Juicy Facts About Zara, Straight From an Insider Employee
We all want the insider scoop on our favorite places. For us, that's not an eatery or Disneyland - it's Zara. Fashion girls know this is the hot spot for trendy, affordable pieces, but beyond that, everything else is pretty much a mystery. We have questions like "When are the sales?" and "What are the most popular items?" For this insider information, I decided tap my friend (who wished to remain anonymous) who is a sales associate at Zara in NYC. She's been working at the store for four years, so you can bet she has a lot of shopping secrets to share. Read on for all the juicy details.
Try This Screen-Time Contract For Your Kids
It's been a struggle to create "healthy" screen-time habits for our kids in our home, but we've found that a "Screen-Time Contract" is helpful in setting limits and expectations. In addition to determining a specific time each night that devices should be turned off, try creating a contract where you can list all the rules associated with using the device so that the expectations are clear for the kids. If you need help getting started, check out the contract that we use with our oldest daughter, who is almost 11, below. Also note we make sure the contract can be added to or changed at any time.
Kid Contract For Technology
2. The main reasons the phone will be used are:
- Texting homework questions.
- Communicating with Mom, Dad, or the babysitter.
- Coordinating plans with friends.
- Doing something else productive.
3. Daily chores to be done:
- Making bed in the morning.
- Setting and clearing the table.
- Walking and feeding the pets.
4. No talking back.
5. Listen to adults.
6. A three-strike rule will apply. If you do not listen or do something out of line to get three strikes, the phone is taken away for a set time to be determined
7. No cell phone at the dinner table or school.
8. Tell Mom or Dad if anything weird, hurtful, or uncomfortable is happening on the phone.
9. I will not send or take (unless I have permission) embarrassing photos of people.
10. If lost or broken, I have to pay for it.
11. If usage of phone gets out of hand, Mom will set limits on texting and time.
12. Phone stays in the house unless given permission from an adult.
13. You need permission from a parent to download apps.
14. We can read your text messages at any time.
15. Mom and Dad reserve the right to make changes or add anything to this contract at any time.
Signature ________________________________
My Husband and I Disagree, but We Still Try to Create Healthy Screen-Time Habits Without Being Hypocrites
As I watch my 4-year-old daughter open up Snapchat and play with filters, part of me is like #proudmom and part of me is like "Seriously, am I screwed or what?"
I have three daughters and a very tech-savvy husband. He and I have very different views on technology for our girls. What we do agree on is that we both want them experimenting and playing with their iPads. We are pro games, knowing many of them are educational. In fact, playing FIFA Soccer is what brought us together in college.
That said, we pride ourselves on the fact that our parents instilled in us good values to work hard and find time to do the things we love. We turned out pretty well so far. We want our girls not to feel limited in their creativity or their ability to chill after hours of homework, piano lessons, soccer practice, and more.
Also, the TV is pretty much always on in our house. Our computers are open and our phones are attached to our hips, so it's a little hypocritical of us to start demanding our kids can't use their devices. However, as our oldest turns 11 and her friends are getting their own phones, Brian and I struggle with whether there's a right and wrong way to limit screen time. What is the right parenting path?
It started with our firstborn and the iPad. Dinners out became more enjoyable, plane rides were luxurious, and soon enough, Katie was really using the iPad as an actual tool for learning. By 5, she was in kindergarten, and the school started assigning homework on their iPads. It was all innocent at first: homework, books, and even games like Minecraft. Fabulous, right?!
Fast-forward four years to the endless hours spent on YouTube and in group text chats. Then the Musical.ly app became to her what Instagram is to me. I see the app as something creative, something she can edit and learn new skills on. Her profile is private, and it seems mostly innocent. Nothing major has happened that is a red flag, but she is spending more and more time on her devices. I start to think about how awesome my childhood was because I had to make up games, write, or play sports all the time. But this is her life.
The truth is, I am not sure what the right call is on whether we should put screen-time limits on our kids. It always reminds me of the kids whose parents never let them have candy or Coke and then they go off to camp or college and ingest 10 times as much as those who have been exposed the entire time.
My husband and I are figuring it out as we go. We might disagree on some things, but overall we are a team and will adjust our plan accordingly. Our oldest signed a contract for her iPod, agreeing to some simple rules, like no downloading apps without permission first, no taking the iPod out of the house without permission, and a three-strike rule before getting the device taken away. You can see our contract here. We are still holding off on giving her a phone as long as I can. My husband, who upgraded her from the iPad to iPod, would be happy to give her one today, but I think it's still too early - even if it's more convenient for me to text her to tell her about plans, carpools, and playdates.
But it is getting harder and harder to hold off. As long as school work is done, grades are great, and I can sleep in on the weekends a little longer, then I am all for this little device. I am hoping to start healthier habits earlier - for example, have the girls charge their iPods downstairs instead of next to their beds like their parents.
Below are some suggestions on healthy habits to start with. Give them a try and adapt it to your family's needs. We're all in this together. Good luck!
5 Ways to Start Healthy Screen-Time Habits For Your Kids
2. Make sure homework and playtime take precedence (we always go for walks with our dogs, have color time, or make kiwi crates if it looks like the kids are resorting to spending all their time on their phones.)
3. Create a contract like this one.
4. Leave devices in another room for the night and set a solid time to turn them off (ideally at least 30 minutes before bed).
5. Make them feel like it's a reward that makes what can be dreadful (i.e. plane rides, long car rides, etc.) feel special.
It's Time Americans Got Serious About Taking Their Vacation
Do you feel like you're the only one who can do your job? Are you stressed and need a vacation but can't take one because you don't have the time or money? You're not alone. Due to various obstacles, more than a third of Americans didn't take a single day off in 2016. This sad reality is bad for US companies, bad for the overall economy, and bad for workers - especially women. American Vacation By the (Depressing) Numbers Each year, American are surveyed about their vacation habits by Skift, a travel industry publication. In 2016, it found that 34.2 percent of respondents didn't take any vacation. While it was a slight improvement from the 41 percent of people who took no time off in 2015, it's still a shocking statistic. Think about it: one in three of us takes no time off. And more than half of respondents who did took fewer than five days. That's one working week, or less than two percent of an entire year. "Among people who took no vacation days, nearly 60 percent were women."
It wasn't always this way. In 1973, one in two families took at least two and a half weeks off annually, according to William D. Chalmers, the author of America's Vacation Deficit Disorder: Who Stole Your Vacation? Between 1976 and 2000, Americans took an average 20.3 vacation days each year. Coinciding with the rise of the internet in the new millennium, that number dropped to 16 days from 2001-2013, representing a "lost week." Today, Chalmers notes that American workers give back about $70 billion worth in vacation days a year when they forfeit unused accrued time off. That's as if the average worker wrote a check to their company for about $525 each year. Then there are the workers (one in four) who don't even have access to vacation benefits, since US law doesn't require employers to provide paid time off.
The Skift survey also found a gender disparity. Women were more likely than men to take no vacation. "Among people who took no vacation days, nearly 60 percent were women," explained Skift's executive editor, Dennis Schaal. Yet among people who took more than 20 days off per year, the majority were also women - 56 percent. When it comes to paid time off, it's either feast or famine for women in America.
Why Women Suffer More BurnoutConsidering women are less likely than men to take any vacation, it's not surprising professional women burn out at a rate faster than their male counterparts. A Fast Company article on millennial women burnout went viral in 2016, revealing just how many women could relate. In the piece, writer Kelly Clay cites statistics that show many women head for burnout by age 30. Clay points to a McKinsey study that found women make up 53 percent of entry level jobs, but only 37 percent of mid-management roles and 26 percent of vice president or senior manager roles. Somewhere along the line, they're dropping out. Only 11 percent of women in the study said they chose to leave the workplace to have a family, so it's not just because they're having children. An additional study from the University of Kansas found similar results. It looked at attrition rates of journalists and found that women reported higher levels of overload and intention to leave the field.
Clay blames burnout on the unrealistically high expectations of both women workers and employers in general, as well as the "always on" nature of work in our modern society. She noted that much of these expectations are self-imposed, like the idea that we should never really disconnect at night or while on vacation. Employers reinforce the message that this is what is expected to succeed. To illustrated the point, Clay quotes a former Google employee, Jenny Blake, who burned out after trying to balance her job with writing a book on the side:
"We are in unprecedented times in terms of the global, always-on organization. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline not to check email at night or first thing in the morning, and not all office cultures (or managers) endorse or demonstrate that restraint themselves. Work comes in at all hours, and it can be hard to create boundaries that keep it contained and allow for proper rest and renewal.
For younger women in particular, it can be hard to say no, especially in competitive jobs or industries where there would be a (perceived) line out the door for their replacement."
This always-on mentality isn't getting us ahead at work. As Clay points out, it may be holding women back from getting promotions and achieving career goals. Truly disconnecting on a vacation is one way to counteract burnout. When you take vacation, you give you give your mind a chance to be creative and refresh. "Studies show that you need at least six consecutive days to get the full and lasting effect of even taking a vacation," Chalmers explains. And he warns that short weekends away may actually cause more stress and anxiety than they relieve. "Like fast food, there are a lot of calories but no nutrients."
Long hours and little leisure also leads to poor health. John de Graff, the author of Take Back Your Time: Fighting Overwork and Time Poverty in America, explains that women are at higher risk for some of the negative physical effects. "Long stretches without vacation time increase men's risk of a heart attack by a third and women's by a half." In addition, women who don't take regular vacations are two to eight times more likely to suffer from depression than women who do.
Women who don't take regular vacations are two to eight times more likely to suffer from depression than women who do.Chalmers imagines a different world where everyone you know takes two weeks of uninterrupted Summer vacation - every Summer - just like they did in the 1970s. "Some packed the kids in the car and drove to a National Park, some went across country, and some went to their family cottages with family and friends. But everybody did it." There are many reason to make this fantasy a reality. Chalmers notes that among people who take vacation, 65 percent come back feeling rested, rejuvenated, and reconnected with their families; 77 percent believe that their overall health improves after a vacation getaway; and over 80 percent report having a more positive outlook. Overwhelmingly, travelers say they feel less stressed, more energized, and more connected to loved ones. It also has intangible benefits, like making us more interesting, engaging people and better story tellers, he says. And of course, travel helps broaden our understanding of the world and leads to more empathy.
The US economy would also benefit from the return of lost vacation time. Chalmers notes the lack of time off costs the economy more than $1 trillion a year in side effects. "It comes in the form of on the job issues like taking more sick days, being unmotivated, low morale, depression, absenteeism, presenteeism, job-turnover, and lost productivity, and of course all the associated healthcare and mental care costs." While time off would increase overall output, it would also be a boon to the US travel sector, potentially creating new jobs.
What's Causing This Crisis? Vacation is a win-win. So why are so many Americans working nonstop without meaningful time off? Chalmers blames multiple factors. For many, it's concerns about job security. "The thinking goes like this: 'If I took a vacation, I don’t think they could get along without me. Or, if I took a vacation, I don’t want them to know that they could get along without me,'" he explains. Others just can't afford it. They have the time, but not the money, which Chalmers calls the "great travel paradox." And then there are those who have the money, but no time, due to work, family, or pet obligations. There is a cultural disdain for leisure. American culture constantly praises "hard work" and being busy.Trying to understand the big picture factors at play, Chalmers identifies a few major societal changes since the height of America's vacation era of the 1970s. Middle-class incomes have stagnated or declined, leaving today's workers with less disposable income. Meanwhile, the average cost of a vacation has risen. There's also been a decline in union membership, making it harder for workers to negotiate time-off benefits. And technology makes it difficult for us to disconnect. Finally, Chalmers thinks American values have changed. The fact that we spend 98 percent of our time working shows that we value it over leisure. And many of us now compare our lifestyles to the rich and famous, rather than our middle-class neighbors, adding pressure to always make more money.
De Graff agrees there is a "cultural disdain for leisure." He points out how American culture constantly praises "hard work" and being busy. Workers who take little time off are considered more dedicated. But considering productivity goes down when people are overworked, it's simply a myth that people who don't take vacation are better workers.
How America Stacks Up the the Rest of the Word - Hint: It's Not GoodAmerica's lack of legal protection for vacation also leads to the stigma against. Leisure is considered a luxury not a right. If you take too much time off, you're lazy or unserious about your job. But we're one of the few countries who see it that way. "Only five countries, including the US, do not require that workers receive some paid vacation time," de Graff explains. More than 20 years ago, the European Union established a legal right to at least 20 days of paid vacation a year. In Australia and New Zealand, workers have the same protection, while Canada and Japan mandate at least 10 days. Some countries even require employers to pay workers an added stipend to fund vacation. In Austria, for example, your employer will pay you a "13th month" salary during your month-long vacation, and the government will tax it at a lower rate. These countries have decided that leisure time off is valuable to the citizens and companies and are willing to support it with public policy.
Because there is no right to paid time off, many American workers get zero vacation. Employers voluntarily give private sector workers an average of 10 days of paid time off and 6 paid holidays, which is less than the minimum required in most developed countries. And of course, many don't even take it.
You Can Do Something About ItConsidering the state of American politics right now, the creation of a new federal right to vacation doesn't seem likely. We can't even get paid time off for new parents. But you can still change the sad state of vacation by overcoming your own biases against taking it. There are promising signs that Americans are at least starting to discuss prioritizing downtime. Business leaders like Arianna Huffington, who published The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life One Night at a Time in 2016 and started a new wellbeing company called Thrive Global, are speaking up about how overwork is hurting our health, creativity, and overall success. And earlier this year the New York Times declared sleep "the new status symbol." This growing appreciation for more work-life balance could create space for the average American to begin claiming their time off.
"Sometimes the barriers to taking time off are real, and sometimes not. It's important to know the difference," explains de Graff. "If employers set an example by taking time off and encouraging it, workers need not fear taking it and should take it." On the other hand, he concedes, some employers may not see the value of vacation time. "In this case, it's important to meet with HR personnel and talk with them about why time off will be good for you and the company." And like Chalmers, de Graff recognizes that in some cases the cost of travel gets in the way. "Vacations need not be expensive. Consider camping or a road trip closer to home."
If you're a manager, you should set an example by taking your own time off and praising employees who do. If you're a manager, you should set an example by taking your own time off and praising employees who do. Also do your best to not contact employees while they're out. (Liking their Instagram photos doesn't count.) De Graff has these other simple but effective tips for office leaders: Ask employees to share photos from their vacations at lunch time. Crosstrain employees so they can fill in for others who are gone. And encourage employees to schedule vacations well in advance, so airfares and hotels are cheaper and the team has more time to prepare. By prioritizing real time away from the office, you'll have a happier, healthier, and more productive workplace - a place you can look forward to returning to after a vacation.
Oh Baby! Here's the Awesome Way Beauty Girls Do Gender Reveal Parties
Expecting couples love to find creative ways to reveal the gender of their babies. Some people might choose to host a party and pop a balloon filled with pink or blue confetti, or serve cake with a blue or pink center, but beauty lovers are choosing nail art as their means of celebrating.
This is a really cute idea for women who'd like to post a photo of their nails on Instagram as a way to announce the gender of their baby, or simply have their nails match their party theme. If you'd like to keep it all a surprise to your loved ones, you could wear gloves and take them off to unveil the color of your talons. Regardless of how you choose to flaunt your nails, they're sure merit oohs and ahhs! Read on to see some cute ideas for gender reveal nail art.
Here's the Right Way to Cut an Avocado to Avoid "Avocado Hand" Injuries
Apparently people are accidentally cutting themselves while prepping avocados - the internet is calling it "avocado hand." Do yourself a favor and STOP cutting avocados in the palm of your hand. Instead, turn to a trusted source, like the California Avocado Commission, to teach you the proper and safe way of cutting an avocado. Just be sure you are starting out with a ripe avocado. There's really no safe way to cut a hard, underripe avocado.
11 Modifications You Didn't Know You Could Make at Starbucks
Whether you're more of an iced-coffee or grande-nonfat-mocha-no-whip type of Starbucks customer, there are easy ways to customize your drink to match your preference. While you might not find these modifications on the menu, that doesn't mean you can't make them at the register. Here's what to keep in mind the next time you find yourself in line at Starbucks and want a drink that's specifically tailored to your needs.
- Ask for light ice.
Not enough liquid and too much ice in your drink? Ask for light ice next time and you'll get more of the drink itself. - Order your latte extra hot.
Ever feel like your hot coffee is cold by the time you get to the office? You can order your latte "extra hot" at the register, and the barista will steam the milk longer to increase the temperature. - Specify unsweetened.
Certain Starbucks drinks are sneakily sweetened, including the iced coffee, iced teas, and the Green Tea Latte. For example, Starbucks's matcha powder contains sugar, and the Green Tea Latte typically has more sugar added to it. The iced coffee already comes with two pumps of Classic, aka simple syrup, so if you order it with two pumps, you're actually getting four. The default for a tall iced tea drink is three pumps of classic. If you'd rather have unsweetened drinks, be sure to specify that when you order. - Customize your milk preference.
ICYMI, Starbucks has almond milk and coconut milk! There's also soy milk as another dairy-free option. Starbucks uses 2 percent milk in all drinks unless you specify otherwise, so speak up if you want whole milk, nonfat, or plant-based milk. - Order a tall coffee in a grande cup.
Certain baristas might discourage this, but it's a common thing to order. To avoid wasting coffee by pouring out enough for milk, just order a smaller size coffee in a cup the next size up. This will give you more space than asking for "room." - Order the "short" size.
Did you know a size smaller than the tall exists at Starbucks? While not listed on most menus, there is a size called the short, which is eight ounces and costs $2 for a drip coffee. - Ask for no water for a stronger tea flavor.
Starbucks adds water to the cup of any iced tea drink to dilute it, so ask for no water if you want a stronger flavor. - Ask for an extra shot.
Tall lattes come with one shot of espresso, grande espresso drinks come with two, and venti drinks come with two (hot) or three (iced). If it's just one of those days and you need an extra boost of caffeine, you can add another shot to any drink for 60 cents. - Specify the number of syrup pumps.
When you order any drink that comes with a syrup flavor, a tall will have three, a grande will have four, and a venti will have five or six, depending on hot or iced, respectively. You can either add more for no extra cost or ask for fewer pumps if you want it less sweet. - Ask for a different kind of sweetener.
You can ask for syrups, sugar, raw sugar, honey, Sweet and Low, Equal, or Splenda in any drink. You can also inquire about the sugar-free syrup options, like raspberry and vanilla, as well as the seasonal syrup options like peppermint. - Order hot tea over ice.
If you're in the mood for a green tea or herbal tea but would rather have it cold than hot, you can ask for it served on ice. The barista will steep the tea and pour it in a plastic cup filled with ice, which takes about five minutes.
Here's the Right Way to Cut an Avocado to Avoid "Avocado Hand" Injuries
Apparently people are accidentally cutting themselves while prepping avocados - the internet is calling it "avocado hand." Do yourself a favor and STOP cutting avocados in the palm of your hand. Instead, turn to a trusted source, like the California Avocado Commission, to teach you the proper and safe way of cutting an avocado. Just be sure you are starting out with a ripe avocado. There's really no safe way to cut a hard, underripe avocado.
Oh Baby! Here's the Awesome Way Beauty Girls Do Gender Reveal Parties
Expecting couples love to find creative ways to reveal the gender of their babies. Some people might choose to host a party and pop a balloon filled with pink or blue confetti, or serve cake with a blue or pink center, but beauty lovers are choosing nail art as their means of celebrating.
This is a really cute idea for women who'd like to post a photo of their nails on Instagram as a way to announce the gender of their baby, or simply have their nails match their party theme. If you'd like to keep it all a surprise to your loved ones, you could wear gloves and take them off to unveil the color of your talons. Regardless of how you choose to flaunt your nails, they're sure merit oohs and ahhs! Read on to see some cute ideas for gender reveal nail art.
12 Books to Read If You Already Tore Through The Handmaid's Tale
If you're anything like us, you've spent the last few weeks being completely obsessed with The Handmaid's Tale, patiently awaiting each new episode. The haunting dystopian series takes place in a near-future America that's under totalitarian rule, one that focuses on a "return to traditional values" and brutally subjugates women into social classes that center around their fertility. It's being hailed as a feminist triumph, and it's so damn good that Hulu already greenlit a second series. But as Summer approaches and the days between Wednesday episodes somehow grow longer, we've found ourselves wanting more – and so, in an effort to make the waiting time just a teensy bit easier, we've pulled together twelve books that you can get to reading right now that will fill that Handmaid's Tale-shaped hole in your life.
Try This Screen-Time Contract For Your Kids
It's been a struggle to create "healthy" screen-time habits for our kids in our home, but we've found that a "Screen-Time Contract" is helpful in setting limits and expectations. In addition to determining a specific time each night that devices should be turned off, try creating a contract where you can list all the rules associated with using the device so that the expectations are clear for the kids. If you need help getting started, check out the contract that we use with our oldest daughter, who is almost 11, below. Also note we make sure the contract can be added to or changed at any time.
Kid Contract For Technology
2. The main reasons the phone will be used are:
- Texting homework questions.
- Communicating with Mom, Dad, or the babysitter.
- Coordinating plans with friends.
- Doing something else productive.
3. Daily chores to be done:
- Making bed in the morning.
- Setting and clearing the table.
- Walking and feeding the pets.
4. No talking back.
5. Listen to adults.
6. A three-strike rule will apply. If you do not listen or do something out of line to get three strikes, the phone is taken away for a set time to be determined
7. No cell phone at the dinner table or school.
8. Tell Mom or Dad if anything weird, hurtful, or uncomfortable is happening on the phone.
9. I will not send or take (unless I have permission) embarrassing photos of people.
10. If lost or broken, I have to pay for it.
11. If usage of phone gets out of hand, Mom will set limits on texting and time.
12. Phone stays in the house unless given permission from an adult.
13. You need permission from a parent to download apps.
14. We can read your text messages at any time.
15. Mom and Dad reserve the right to make changes or add anything to this contract at any time.
Signature ________________________________
My Husband and I Disagree, but We Still Try to Create Healthy Screen-Time Habits Without Being Hypocrites
As I watch my 4-year-old daughter open up Snapchat and play with filters, part of me is like #proudmom and part of me is like "Seriously, am I screwed or what?"
I have three daughters and a very tech-savvy husband. He and I have very different views on technology for our girls. What we do agree on is that we both want them experimenting and playing with their iPads. We are pro games, knowing many of them are educational. In fact, playing FIFA Soccer is what brought us together in college.
That said, we pride ourselves on the fact that our parents instilled in us good values to work hard and find time to do the things we love. We turned out pretty well so far. We want our girls not to feel limited in their creativity or their ability to chill after hours of homework, piano lessons, soccer practice, and more.
Also, the TV is pretty much always on in our house. Our computers are open and our phones are attached to our hips, so it's a little hypocritical of us to start demanding our kids can't use their devices. However, as our oldest turns 11 and her friends are getting their own phones, Brian and I struggle with whether there's a right and wrong way to limit screen time. What is the right parenting path?
It started with our firstborn and the iPad. Dinners out became more enjoyable, plane rides were luxurious, and soon enough, Katie was really using the iPad as an actual tool for learning. By 5, she was in kindergarten, and the school started assigning homework on their iPads. It was all innocent at first: homework, books, and even games like Minecraft. Fabulous, right?!
Fast-forward four years to the endless hours spent on YouTube and in group text chats. Then the Musical.ly app became to her what Instagram is to me. I see the app as something creative, something she can edit and learn new skills on. Her profile is private, and it seems mostly innocent. Nothing major has happened that is a red flag, but she is spending more and more time on her devices. I start to think about how awesome my childhood was because I had to make up games, write, or play sports all the time. But this is her life.
The truth is, I am not sure what the right call is on whether we should put screen-time limits on our kids. It always reminds me of the kids whose parents never let them have candy or Coke and then they go off to camp or college and ingest 10 times as much as those who have been exposed the entire time.
My husband and I are figuring it out as we go. We might disagree on some things, but overall we are a team and will adjust our plan accordingly. Our oldest signed a contract for her iPod, agreeing to some simple rules, like no downloading apps without permission first, no taking the iPod out of the house without permission, and a three-strike rule before getting the device taken away. You can see our contract here. We are still holding off on giving her a phone as long as I can. My husband, who upgraded her from the iPad to iPod, would be happy to give her one today, but I think it's still too early - even if it's more convenient for me to text her to tell her about plans, carpools, and playdates.
But it is getting harder and harder to hold off. As long as school work is done, grades are great, and I can sleep in on the weekends a little longer, then I am all for this little device. I am hoping to start healthier habits earlier - for example, have the girls charge their iPods downstairs instead of next to their beds like their parents.
Below are some suggestions on healthy habits to start with. Give them a try and adapt it to your family's needs. We're all in this together. Good luck!
5 Ways to Start Healthy Screen-Time Habits For Your Kids
2. Make sure homework and playtime take precedence (we always go for walks with our dogs, have color time, or make kiwi crates if it looks like the kids are resorting to spending all their time on their phones.)
3. Create a contract like this one.
4. Leave devices in another room for the night and set a solid time to turn them off (ideally at least 30 minutes before bed).
5. Make them feel like it's a reward that makes what can be dreadful (i.e. plane rides, long car rides, etc.) feel special.
Here's Your First Peek at Fall's New TV Shows!
This is a hugely exciting time for TV addicts: shows are being canceled and renewed left and right, new Summer series are beginning to roll out, and networks are unveiling their plans for the Fall. Fox and The CW have already made some big announcements about the new shows they've greenlit for the 2017 to 2018 season, and we can't wait to sink our teeth into them. Lucy Hale, Adam Scott, Emily VanCamp, and more stars are coming to primetime! Take a look, and check back as we update this post with more news in the coming weeks.
It's Time Americans Got Serious About Taking Their Vacation
Do you feel like you're the only one who can do your job? Are you stressed and need a vacation but can't take one because you don't have the time or money? You're not alone. Due to various obstacles, more than a third of Americans didn't take a single day off in 2016. This sad reality is bad for US companies, bad for the overall economy, and bad for workers - especially women. American Vacation By the (Depressing) Numbers Each year, American are surveyed about their vacation habits by Skift, a travel industry publication. In 2016, it found that 34.2 percent of respondents didn't take any vacation. While it was a slight improvement from the 41 percent of people who took no time off in 2015, it's still a shocking statistic. Think about it: one in three of us takes no time off. And more than half of respondents who did took fewer than five days. That's one working week, or less than two percent of an entire year. "Among people who took no vacation days, nearly 60 percent were women."
It wasn't always this way. In 1973, one in two families took at least two and a half weeks off annually, according to William D. Chalmers, the author of America's Vacation Deficit Disorder: Who Stole Your Vacation? Between 1976 and 2000, Americans took an average 20.3 vacation days each year. Coinciding with the rise of the internet in the new millennium, that number dropped to 16 days from 2001-2013, representing a "lost week." Today, Chalmers notes that American workers give back about $70 billion worth in vacation days a year when they forfeit unused accrued time off. That's as if the average worker wrote a check to their company for about $525 each year. Then there are the workers (one in four) who don't even have access to vacation benefits, since US law doesn't require employers to provide paid time off.
The Skift survey also found a gender disparity. Women were more likely than men to take no vacation. "Among people who took no vacation days, nearly 60 percent were women," explained Skift's executive editor, Dennis Schaal. Yet among people who took more than 20 days off per year, the majority were also women - 56 percent. When it comes to paid time off, it's either feast or famine for women in America.
Why Women Suffer More BurnoutConsidering women are less likely than men to take any vacation, it's not surprising professional women burn out at a rate faster than their male counterparts. A Fast Company article on millennial women burnout went viral in 2016, revealing just how many women could relate. In the piece, writer Kelly Clay cites statistics that show many women head for burnout by age 30. Clay points to a McKinsey study that found women make up 53 percent of entry level jobs, but only 37 percent of mid-management roles and 26 percent of vice president or senior manager roles. Somewhere along the line, they're dropping out. Only 11 percent of women in the study said they chose to leave the workplace to have a family, so it's not just because they're having children. An additional study from the University of Kansas found similar results. It looked at attrition rates of journalists and found that women reported higher levels of overload and intention to leave the field.
Clay blames burnout on the unrealistically high expectations of both women workers and employers in general, as well as the "always on" nature of work in our modern society. She noted that much of these expectations are self-imposed, like the idea that we should never really disconnect at night or while on vacation. Employers reinforce the message that this is what is expected to succeed. To illustrated the point, Clay quotes a former Google employee, Jenny Blake, who burned out after trying to balance her job with writing a book on the side:
"We are in unprecedented times in terms of the global, always-on organization. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline not to check email at night or first thing in the morning, and not all office cultures (or managers) endorse or demonstrate that restraint themselves. Work comes in at all hours, and it can be hard to create boundaries that keep it contained and allow for proper rest and renewal.
For younger women in particular, it can be hard to say no, especially in competitive jobs or industries where there would be a (perceived) line out the door for their replacement."
This always-on mentality isn't getting us ahead at work. As Clay points out, it may be holding women back from getting promotions and achieving career goals. Truly disconnecting on a vacation is one way to counteract burnout. When you take vacation, you give you give your mind a chance to be creative and refresh. "Studies show that you need at least six consecutive days to get the full and lasting effect of even taking a vacation," Chalmers explains. And he warns that short weekends away may actually cause more stress and anxiety than they relieve. "Like fast food, there are a lot of calories but no nutrients."
Long hours and little leisure also leads to poor health. John de Graff, the author of Take Back Your Time: Fighting Overwork and Time Poverty in America, explains that women are at higher risk for some of the negative physical effects. "Long stretches without vacation time increase men's risk of a heart attack by a third and women's by a half." In addition, women who don't take regular vacations are two to eight times more likely to suffer from depression than women who do.
Women who don't take regular vacations are two to eight times more likely to suffer from depression than women who do.Chalmers imagines a different world where everyone you know takes two weeks of uninterrupted Summer vacation - every Summer - just like they did in the 1970s. "Some packed the kids in the car and drove to a National Park, some went across country, and some went to their family cottages with family and friends. But everybody did it." There are many reason to make this fantasy a reality. Chalmers notes that among people who take vacation, 65 percent come back feeling rested, rejuvenated, and reconnected with their families; 77 percent believe that their overall health improves after a vacation getaway; and over 80 percent report having a more positive outlook. Overwhelmingly, travelers say they feel less stressed, more energized, and more connected to loved ones. It also has intangible benefits, like making us more interesting, engaging people and better story tellers, he says. And of course, travel helps broaden our understanding of the world and leads to more empathy.
The US economy would also benefit from the return of lost vacation time. Chalmers notes the lack of time off costs the economy more than $1 trillion a year in side effects. "It comes in the form of on the job issues like taking more sick days, being unmotivated, low morale, depression, absenteeism, presenteeism, job-turnover, and lost productivity, and of course all the associated healthcare and mental care costs." While time off would increase overall output, it would also be a boon to the US travel sector, potentially creating new jobs.
What's Causing This Crisis? Vacation is a win-win. So why are so many Americans working nonstop without meaningful time off? Chalmers blames multiple factors. For many, it's concerns about job security. "The thinking goes like this: 'If I took a vacation, I don’t think they could get along without me. Or, if I took a vacation, I don’t want them to know that they could get along without me,'" he explains. Others just can't afford it. They have the time, but not the money, which Chalmers calls the "great travel paradox." And then there are those who have the money, but no time, due to work, family, or pet obligations. There is a cultural disdain for leisure. American culture constantly praises "hard work" and being busy.Trying to understand the big picture factors at play, Chalmers identifies a few major societal changes since the height of America's vacation era of the 1970s. Middle-class incomes have stagnated or declined, leaving today's workers with less disposable income. Meanwhile, the average cost of a vacation has risen. There's also been a decline in union membership, making it harder for workers to negotiate time-off benefits. And technology makes it difficult for us to disconnect. Finally, Chalmers thinks American values have changed. The fact that we spend 98 percent of our time working shows that we value it over leisure. And many of us now compare our lifestyles to the rich and famous, rather than our middle-class neighbors, adding pressure to always make more money.
De Graff agrees there is a "cultural disdain for leisure." He points out how American culture constantly praises "hard work" and being busy. Workers who take little time off are considered more dedicated. But considering productivity goes down when people are overworked, it's simply a myth that people who don't take vacation are better workers.
How America Stacks Up the the Rest of the Word - Hint: It's Not GoodAmerica's lack of legal protection for vacation also leads to the stigma against. Leisure is considered a luxury not a right. If you take too much time off, you're lazy or unserious about your job. But we're one of the few countries who see it that way. "Only five countries, including the US, do not require that workers receive some paid vacation time," de Graff explains. More than 20 years ago, the European Union established a legal right to at least 20 days of paid vacation a year. In Australia and New Zealand, workers have the same protection, while Canada and Japan mandate at least 10 days. Some countries even require employers to pay workers an added stipend to fund vacation. In Austria, for example, your employer will pay you a "13th month" salary during your month-long vacation, and the government will tax it at a lower rate. These countries have decided that leisure time off is valuable to the citizens and companies and are willing to support it with public policy.
Because there is no right to paid time off, many American workers get zero vacation. Employers voluntarily give private sector workers an average of 10 days of paid time off and 6 paid holidays, which is less than the minimum required in most developed countries. And of course, many don't even take it.
You Can Do Something About ItConsidering the state of American politics right now, the creation of a new federal right to vacation doesn't seem likely. We can't even get paid time off for new parents. But you can still change the sad state of vacation by overcoming your own biases against taking it. There are promising signs that Americans are at least starting to discuss prioritizing downtime. Business leaders like Arianna Huffington, who published The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life One Night at a Time in 2016 and started a new wellbeing company called Thrive Global, are speaking up about how overwork is hurting our health, creativity, and overall success. And earlier this year the New York Times declared sleep "the new status symbol." This growing appreciation for more work-life balance could create space for the average American to begin claiming their time off.
"Sometimes the barriers to taking time off are real, and sometimes not. It's important to know the difference," explains de Graff. "If employers set an example by taking time off and encouraging it, workers need not fear taking it and should take it." On the other hand, he concedes, some employers may not see the value of vacation time. "In this case, it's important to meet with HR personnel and talk with them about why time off will be good for you and the company." And like Chalmers, de Graff recognizes that in some cases the cost of travel gets in the way. "Vacations need not be expensive. Consider camping or a road trip closer to home."
If you're a manager, you should set an example by taking your own time off and praising employees who do. If you're a manager, you should set an example by taking your own time off and praising employees who do. Also do your best to not contact employees while they're out. (Liking their Instagram photos doesn't count.) De Graff has these other simple but effective tips for office leaders: Ask employees to share photos from their vacations at lunch time. Crosstrain employees so they can fill in for others who are gone. And encourage employees to schedule vacations well in advance, so airfares and hotels are cheaper and the team has more time to prepare. By prioritizing real time away from the office, you'll have a happier, healthier, and more productive workplace - a place you can look forward to returning to after a vacation.
8 Theories We Have About the Once Upon a Time Finale Based on the Pictures
Once Upon a Time's two-hour long season six finale (and possible series finale) is days away, and emotions are heightened. Now that the Black Fairy's dark curse has hit Storybrooke, some of our favorite characters are in grave danger, especially the Savior. After Henry wakes up from the curse, he finds that the beloved town has been turned upside down: the Black Fairy is the new mayor and Emma is stuck in a mental hospital. As he tries to help his mom regain her memory and make her believe again, the rest of the gang is trapped in a crumbling Fairy Tale Land, trying to find a way back to their loved ones before the final battle. Even though Jennifer Morrison confirmed she's leaving the show at the end of this season, these stills don't seem to give too much away about the fate of her character. Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz recently dished about what's to come to Entertainment Weekly, but we can't help but theorize even further. Here's a quick rundown on what we can glean so far:
- The Black Fairy has the storybook
- Archie is working for her
- The curse didn't send everyone to Fairy Tale Land
- Emma might not remember who Henry is
- Gideon fights Emma, not the Black Fairy
- Henry, Snow White, and Zelena are all present for the final battle
- Emma is wearing her "armor" (her red leather jacket)
- Gideon is dressed a lot like his father Rumple, who is nowhere to be seen.
7 Things Grown-Ass Women Need to Stop Doing in the Dating Game
Ladies, if you're a strong and independent woman, you need to make sure your actions reflect that. That means no more childish antics when it comes to dating. Remember that grown women don't need to prove themselves to anyone, and they definitely don't need anyone other than themselves to be happy. Stop making the same dating mistakes that make you feel bad about yourself in the end. It's time to quit those habits once and for all.
1. Drunk texting.
Rule number one in life: don't do anything your sober self will regret. Drunk texting might seem harmless, but you'll either end up reopening that door you just closed or saying things you didn't want to. Either way, you don't want to give the recipient the wrong idea. Having to deal with damage control hungover is also never fun. Give your phone to a trusted friend for the night or block their messages so you're not itching to reply.
2. Hooking up with your assh*le ex.
Tempting but toxic. The fact that they're always available makes them appealing, but you'll only kick yourself afterward for giving in. Exes who are jerks are especially worse because they'll never let you forget the last time you got with them, and they'll assume that booty calls are now acceptable. Don't allow your exes to be options unless you're looking to rekindle things.
3. Trying to make the guy or girl jealous.
You're not in high school anymore, so enough with the games. It's immature for a grown women to intentionally post pictures of themselves with other people to give their crush the wrong idea. If someone really wanted to be with you, they would be. Misleading posts on social media aren't going to suddenly make them realize they're ready to get serious. Your act might just backfire, actually.
4. Getting too wasted on dates.
Did we have sex last night? is not the most ideal thought to wake up to. Once you feel like you have a good idea of what kind of person they are, then by all means. But when their intentions are still unclear and you don't even know if you want to sleep with them, you may want to slow down on the drinks. There's nothing wrong with a one-night stand with someone you just met. Just make sure you don't do anything that will make you feel badly about yourself in the morning.
5. Being petty.
Don't allow yourself to get upset over the little things. If they didn't call you back last night, let it go. Saw their ex at the same bar? Get over it. Unless they're actually showing signs of disrespect or you feel like you're not being valued, it's not worth getting worked up over such silly things. Showing that you have bigger things to worry about proves you're confident and secure with yourself.
6. Hooking up with someone just for the sake of feeling less alone.
Loneliness is never a valid excuse to have sex with someone. If you're going to do it, do it on your terms - not just because you want someone to make you feel special. It's only a short-term fix and you might even feel worse afterward. Anytime you're feeling unloved or insecure, look within yourself to resolve those issues instead of relying on someone else.
7. Waiting for them to call or text you.
If you want to talk to them, call them yourself! If they care about you, they'll love knowing that you were just thinking about them. Disobey any "rules" and go after what you want. Initiating conversation shows that you're not afraid to show interest.
50 Printable Adult Coloring Pages That Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again
Life is hard. And sometimes the best thing you can do is put down your iPhone and . . . pick up a crayon! There are lots of benefits to unplugging and coloring, which is why it shouldn't be surprising that coloring books are all the rage among adults looking for a creative way to de-stress. Whether you've already jumped on the coloring wagon or you're just trying it out, at least one of these pages is bound to be just what you're looking for - so get printing!
11 Modifications You Didn't Know You Could Make at Starbucks
Whether you're more of an iced-coffee or grande-nonfat-mocha-no-whip type of Starbucks customer, there are easy ways to customize your drink to match your preference. While you might not find these modifications on the menu, that doesn't mean you can't make them at the register. Here's what to keep in mind the next time you find yourself in line at Starbucks and want a drink that's specifically tailored to your needs.
- Ask for light ice.
Not enough liquid and too much ice in your drink? Ask for light ice next time and you'll get more of the drink itself. - Order your latte extra hot.
Ever feel like your hot coffee is cold by the time you get to the office? You can order your latte "extra hot" at the register, and the barista will steam the milk longer to increase the temperature. - Specify unsweetened.
Certain Starbucks drinks are sneakily sweetened, including the iced coffee, iced teas, and the Green Tea Latte. For example, Starbucks's matcha powder contains sugar, and the Green Tea Latte typically has more sugar added to it. The iced coffee already comes with two pumps of Classic, aka simple syrup, so if you order it with two pumps, you're actually getting four. The default for a tall iced tea drink is three pumps of classic. If you'd rather have unsweetened drinks, be sure to specify that when you order. - Customize your milk preference.
ICYMI, Starbucks has almond milk and coconut milk! There's also soy milk as another dairy-free option. Starbucks uses 2 percent milk in all drinks unless you specify otherwise, so speak up if you want whole milk, nonfat, or plant-based milk. - Order a tall coffee in a grande cup.
Certain baristas might discourage this, but it's a common thing to order. To avoid wasting coffee by pouring out enough for milk, just order a smaller size coffee in a cup the next size up. This will give you more space than asking for "room." - Order the "short" size.
Did you know a size smaller than the tall exists at Starbucks? While not listed on most menus, there is a size called the short, which is eight ounces and costs $2 for a drip coffee. - Ask for no water for a stronger tea flavor.
Starbucks adds water to the cup of any iced tea drink to dilute it, so ask for no water if you want a stronger flavor. - Ask for an extra shot.
Tall lattes come with one shot of espresso, grande espresso drinks come with two, and venti drinks come with two (hot) or three (iced). If it's just one of those days and you need an extra boost of caffeine, you can add another shot to any drink for 60 cents. - Specify the number of syrup pumps.
When you order any drink that comes with a syrup flavor, a tall will have three, a grande will have four, and a venti will have five or six, depending on hot or iced, respectively. You can either add more for no extra cost or ask for fewer pumps if you want it less sweet. - Ask for a different kind of sweetener.
You can ask for syrups, sugar, raw sugar, honey, Sweet and Low, Equal, or Splenda in any drink. You can also inquire about the sugar-free syrup options, like raspberry and vanilla, as well as the seasonal syrup options like peppermint. - Order hot tea over ice.
If you're in the mood for a green tea or herbal tea but would rather have it cold than hot, you can ask for it served on ice. The barista will steep the tea and pour it in a plastic cup filled with ice, which takes about five minutes.
A Celebrity Stylist Reveals How to Get the Best Beach Waves of Your Life This Summer
For most, when they hear the words "effortlessly sexy hair," beach waves come to mind. But unless you're particularly handy with hot tools (or just blessed with perfectly tousled texture), achieving that look is not quite as simple as it looks.
There are a couple of issues at play here. If you have straight hair, you might relate to our eternal struggle to appear as if we just stepped off a boardwalk rather than looking like a sea witch. And even if you have exactly the right curls naturally, you could still be screwed over at the salon. No matter where you go, practically every stylist has a different definition of beach waves (and god help you if you don't bring a celebrity photo for reference). You never know if you'll hit the jackpot or end up looking far more matronly than marvelous.
To ensure you end up with exactly the sexy, lived-in look you're craving, we consulted Chris Appleton, Color Wow ambassador and the mane man of Kim Kardashian, Jourdan Dunn, and more celebrities. He outlined four different types of hair textures and revealed exactly how they should be styled (step by step!) for beach waves. Not only that, but he also provided the lingo women need to say while in the salon chair to get the stylish strands of their dreams. Read on!
10 Colorful Travel Accessories That Will Turn Baggage Claim Into a Rainbow
Pumped for you next vacation? Let your travel accessories match your mood! We curated a selection of our favorite colorful picks so that you can get to your next destination in style. Time to shop!
10 Reasons You Should Never Skip the Stretch
The following post was originally featured on Eat, Drink and Be Skinny, which is part of POPSUGAR's influencer network.
Welcome to the Step and Stretch Challenge. We all know that stretching increases flexibility, but what about the other reasons to stretch? Today we're going to talk a little bit about the 10 health benefits of stretching.
The benefits of stretching are greater than you think…
The benefits of stretching go way beyond the obvious benefit - increased flexibility. Adding a simple stretching routine to your daily activities can go a long way towards increasing your overall health and happiness. These benefits include increased mental and physical health. Let's take a look…
Stretch to feel good
- Stretching is a stress reliever - The act of stretching allows you to focus on your body instead of outside stressors. Stretching also relaxes tense muscles which helps increase blood flow. Lastly, the act of stretching releases endorphins which promotes a sense of tranquility.
- Stretching increases energy - When we get tired our muscles tighten which enhances those sleepy feelings. Stretching will help loosen up those tight muscle and increase blood flow which means increased energy levels.
- Stretching prevents soreness - Increase blood flow to the muscles after stretching equals an increased nutrient supply going to the muscles which will help prevent soreness after a workout, and helps speed up the recovery process for damaged muscles and joints.
- Stretching reduces lower back pain - Increasing the flexibility in your hamstrings, muscles in the hips, and pelvis will help reduce stress on your spine.
Stretch to look good
- Stretching helps you lose weight - Since stretching helps build larger muscles, a larger muscle mass will help your metabolism burn at a higher rate. This means that you can burn more calories doing the same activities you love.
- Stretching improves posture - Stretching lengthens tight muscles which are responsible for pulling the body in weird ways. It also helps loosen up back and shoulder muscles which are responsible for causing poor posture.
Stretch for your body
- Stretching increases the range of motion in your joints - This is especially important as we age and our range of motion naturally decreases.
- Stretching decreases the chance of injury - An increased range of motion also means fewer injuries since our limbs and joints can move further before injury happens. Since stretching also increases blood flow, this also means an increase of nutrients to your muscles which will help speed up recovery in the chance of an injury.
- Stretching increases the size of your muscles - This is especially great for the weight lifters out there. Longer muscle fibers equal a larger potential muscles mass. (see point above about how stretching can help you lose weight)
- Stretching helps prevent disease - Stretching improves your blood circulation which promotes organ function and cell growth.
26 Brilliant Books You Should Read This Spring
Who doesn't love Spring? The days get warmer, the sun gets brighter, and we can all see Summer in our sights. I've got a list of Spring books that will make you want to stay indoors this season (or, at the very least, bring a book outside with you!). Read on for the best new books of Spring!
20 Things You've Been Doing Wrong in the Kitchen Your Entire Life
Are you scrambling eggs, making chocolate chip cookies, and measuring pasta the right way? It might not seem obvious, but there are plenty of basic things you could be doing the "wrong" way in the kitchen. These 20 hacks will make you a serious cooking pro if you're not already. Keep reading to learn every cooking shortcut and tip that will save you time, stress, and sanity in the kitchen.
10 Reasons You Should Never Skip the Stretch
The following post was originally featured on Eat, Drink and Be Skinny, which is part of POPSUGAR's influencer network.
Welcome to the Step and Stretch Challenge. We all know that stretching increases flexibility, but what about the other reasons to stretch? Today we're going to talk a little bit about the 10 health benefits of stretching.
The benefits of stretching are greater than you think…
The benefits of stretching go way beyond the obvious benefit - increased flexibility. Adding a simple stretching routine to your daily activities can go a long way towards increasing your overall health and happiness. These benefits include increased mental and physical health. Let's take a look…
Stretch to feel good
- Stretching is a stress reliever - The act of stretching allows you to focus on your body instead of outside stressors. Stretching also relaxes tense muscles which helps increase blood flow. Lastly, the act of stretching releases endorphins which promotes a sense of tranquility.
- Stretching increases energy - When we get tired our muscles tighten which enhances those sleepy feelings. Stretching will help loosen up those tight muscle and increase blood flow which means increased energy levels.
- Stretching prevents soreness - Increase blood flow to the muscles after stretching equals an increased nutrient supply going to the muscles which will help prevent soreness after a workout, and helps speed up the recovery process for damaged muscles and joints.
- Stretching reduces lower back pain - Increasing the flexibility in your hamstrings, muscles in the hips, and pelvis will help reduce stress on your spine.
Stretch to look good
- Stretching helps you lose weight - Since stretching helps build larger muscles, a larger muscle mass will help your metabolism burn at a higher rate. This means that you can burn more calories doing the same activities you love.
- Stretching improves posture - Stretching lengthens tight muscles which are responsible for pulling the body in weird ways. It also helps loosen up back and shoulder muscles which are responsible for causing poor posture.
Stretch for your body
- Stretching increases the range of motion in your joints - This is especially important as we age and our range of motion naturally decreases.
- Stretching decreases the chance of injury - An increased range of motion also means fewer injuries since our limbs and joints can move further before injury happens. Since stretching also increases blood flow, this also means an increase of nutrients to your muscles which will help speed up recovery in the chance of an injury.
- Stretching increases the size of your muscles - This is especially great for the weight lifters out there. Longer muscle fibers equal a larger potential muscles mass. (see point above about how stretching can help you lose weight)
- Stretching helps prevent disease - Stretching improves your blood circulation which promotes organ function and cell growth.
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