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.
jeudi 2 novembre 2017
Should You Go Vegan? These Are the Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
More people are going vegan than ever before. Even just a few years ago, you probably didn't know many people who ate a strictly plant-based diet, but there's a chance you know someone in your life now who is vegan, and you've perhaps even eaten a vegan dish with them at some point. The first time I went vegan was in 2011, back when it was extremely difficult to find a decent meal at a restaurant that was free of animal products. I've experienced a lot of benefits from a plant-based diet, some of them expected and others pretty surprising.
One of the first questions people ask me when they hear I'm vegan is why I choose to eat this way. They wonder what kind of changes will happen in the body when you switch over to a plant-based diet. Here are the main benefits of going vegan.
Better Heart Health
The more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains you eat, the stronger your heart gets. Some studies have shown that vegans are much less likely to contract heart disease in their lifetimes and their overall cardiovascular health is better. That's because the absence of animal products equals lower blood pressure, less cholesterol in the body, and less strain on the heart in general.
Less Risk of Developing Many Cancers
There are many different studies that show how you can lower your risk for many cancers by controlling your diet a certain way. For example, eating a diet rich in legumes and low in dairy can reduce your chance of developing colorectal cancer. Similarly, some believe that eating more soy can help prevent breast cancer. In fact, simply eating seven servings of fruits and vegetables every day lowers your risk of dying from any cancer.
Higher Nutrition
If you're choosing fresh, whole foods, you're naturally going to consume more nutrition than a diet with a lot of animal products. One study showed that vegans naturally consume way more fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, and iron than meat eaters. When you're getting all these nutrients into your system, you're going to have more energy and it will be much harder for you to get sick. I used to have to take a multivitamin every day just to have enough juice in my system to get me through the day. Now I feel never feel like I need an extra boost of energy - I was even able to completely give up coffee!
Clearer Skin
This is my favorite benefit of being vegan. I used to have terrible acne, and no matter what I did to try to fix it, I would always break out in unwanted zits. Eating dairy regularly has been proven to result in acne for many people because it stimulates insulin secretion in the body. Shortly after giving up all animal products, my skin cleared up, and I'm happy to say that my glow has stayed with me ever since.
Better Fitness Performance
There are more athletes than ever before who are trying the vegan diet, like tennis champion Novak Djokovic, and they're seeing really incredible results from it. The anti-inflammatory properties of a plant-based diet aid in the recovery process, so athletes don't need to wait as long between training sessions and they have much more energy, even if they've just finished up a tough workout.
More Balanced Hormones
One of the biggest changes I noticed in my life after going vegan was how much easier my period was to live with. I went from debilitating cramps to hardly any cramps at all; my flow is much lighter and shorter, I experience much less bloating, and I no longer fight headaches and irritability.
It's said that animal products increase the amount of estrogen in the body, and that can negatively affect the way your body handles hormone fluctuations. Furthermore, it's believed that the anti-inflammatory qualities of vegan food can reduce the pain you might experience when you're on your period.
Keep in mind that these benefits will only come to you if you're eating a plant-based diet. Veganism may sound healthy from the outside, but just because you're eating vegan doesn't necessarily mean you're eating healthy all the time. There are still a lot of packaged, processed goods that are made vegan. For example, you can still eat flour and sugar, which means it's easy to throw back countless desserts and nutritionless snacks.
But if you mostly stick to a whole-foods, plant-based diet and stay away from the processed stuff, that's when the real magic happens.
The 2 Weightlifting Mistakes This Trainer Doesn't Want You to Make
Weightlifting used to be thought of as a physical activity that would "bulk" women up, but we've since learned that strength training does the exact opposite. It builds lean muscle mass, helps us shed fat faster, and, even more importantly, makes us stronger than ever before.
Just because we know the benefits, though, doesn't automatically make us expert weightlifters. There's a lot to learn in the world of lifting, which is why POPSUGAR spoke to Dee (Diksha) Gautham, NASM-certified personal trainer and NPC bikini competitor, to get some insider tips on how to navigate the weight room. She said there are two main mistakes she sees a lot of women making when they're strength training.
The number one blunder? "Not lifting heavy enough," Dee told POPSUGAR. "A lot of women have the misconception that you should only lift light weights at high reps to 'tone.' In fact, there's actually no such thing as 'toning' exercises - the toned look is achieved by both shedding body fat and building muscle, which you do by pushing your body with the heavy weights."
That doesn't mean you should start lifting as heavy as possible right away. You should always aim for correct form, even when the weight gets heavy. But what Dee is saying is that you should leave behind the thought that small weights and high reps are what will build muscle and shed fat. Your body is a lot stronger than you think, and you might be surprised to learn that you can work up to squatting your own bodyweight (plus some) in a pretty short amount of time.
Another thing Dee often sees is women "focusing too much on small isolation exercises (like abs or hip abduction) instead of large full-body movements like squats, deadlifts, and hip thrusts." Although there's nothing wrong with going to barre classes and doing light isolation exercises every now and again, just keep in mind that you won't get major weight-loss results if you only do those kinds of programs.
"If you're trying to lose body fat and get a toned look, focus on full-body movements that burn a lot of calories," Dee instructed. "Throw in the accessory stuff for the smaller muscles at the end."
The movements Dee recommends - squats, deadlifts, and hip thrusts - work many different muscles at the same time, so that's where you really build strength and muscle. You can also do compound upper-body movements, like chest presses, dips, shoulder presses, and pull-ups.
End Bloat and Lose Weight by Drinking This Kitchen Staple
Chances are that you have a bottle of olive oil reserved for cooking, but drinking this kitchen staple can provide you with the same healthy benefits of this antioxidant-rich wonder - if not more. From a happier digestive system to banishing belly fat, here's why you should start and end every day with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- It helps fight breast cancer: A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil had a relatively lower risk of breast cancer than those women who followed a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts or a diet that was lower in fat. If the Mediterranean diet is new to you, start with this guide of which foods to eat when adopting it into your lifestyle. Besides protecting against breast cancer, the diet has also been shown to slow the aging process and reduce the risk of stroke.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease: While it may seem counterintuitive that drinking olive oil can help protect the heart from disease, multiple studies confirm the claim to be true thanks to the MUFAs, or monounsaturated fats, olive oil contains - so much so that the FDA allows manufacturers to label olive oil with this health claim. The FDA recommends consuming just around two tablespoons per day to protect the heart. Just a note that olive oil should replace saturated fats in your diet rather than add to your current calorie intake.
- It encourages weight loss: The same good fats that protect the heart from disease can also aid you in achieving any weight-loss goals you may have. Not only have MUFAs been shown to help the body feel full, but they also target belly fat. Add olive oil to your list of flat-belly foods you should be eating.
- It helps with digestion: While there isn't a lot in the way of scientific research - just a few smaller studies - olive oil is widely (and successfully) used as a homeopathic remedy to help the digestive system and ease symptoms of constipation. Acting as a lubricant of sorts, drinking olive oil is said to help things move along better in the colon.
17 Universal Red Lipsticks, No Matter Your Skin's Undertone
Wearing red lipstick can be terrifying (for me, it's exhilarating!). But before I got comfortable rocking ruby, I was intimidated by it. When you have a bold pout, it demands attention.
It can also be difficult to find your perfect shade of red. The makeup aisles and counters are packed with different iterations of red. Some are more pink, while others have more blue and purple undertones. And if you don't have the time, energy, or interest to work with a pro to find your ideal pick, then just go with a universally flattering red.
Dr. Victoria Fraser, the director of scientific communications in consumer beauty at COTY (formerly at Procter & Gamble) works with CoverGirl. The drugstore brand launched a red shade that fits into this category. She explains the theory behind why these red work for everyone.
"A universal red is a share that hits the sweet spot between cool tones and warm tones in what we call the color space," she told me at a recent beauty event. "So the hue is in between the two. What this means is if your skin has cool undertones or warm undertones, you can still wear it, and it's going to look great. Because that's often the challenge women have when finding something that works with their skin tones."
I also wanted to know what the shade actually looks like. "If you were to look at it, there would be no obvious pink undertones or blue undertones," she explained. "And there is no obvious sort of yellow. It's not a post box sort of red." (The post box is a reference to mailboxes in London.)
When I looked into it, I discovered that many brands at a multitude of price points have created universal reds. Keep reading to discover a rouge you can pull off, no matter your complexion!
7 Surprising Reasons You Have Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
We all know that a night or two of minimal sleep or putting in extra hours at the office can leave you looking more tired than usual. If you're used to seeing dark, puffy eyes upon waking up in the morning, listen up: there might be a few surprising reasons those circles are forming. While you can't exactly erase the aging process, with some lifestyle changes, you can slow it down and brighten your skin - no concealer required. Ahead, two top dermatologists break down which daily habits could be culprits and how to get rid of dark circles ASAP.
The Top 10 Travel Destinations of 2018
If there's one resolution you actually commit to in 2018, let it be travel. It may not be your typical fitness or organization-oriented goal, but it can make you richer in terms of self-growth, new experiences, and even personal happiness. And all of that is far more valuable than any annual goal you usually make.
With endless sources of travel inspiration available, figuring out where to go next is the toughest part. But we've eliminated all the hard work for you, so that all that's left for you to do is choose. From rising hot spots to destinations you never knew existed, these are the top 10 places to travel to in 2018.
Where will you go?
1. Boracay, PhilippinesThis small island in the central Philippines only spans four and a half miles long, but you'll find that to be plenty when you see all the natural beauty Boracay has to offer. Navigate the mini paradise via bike and spend your stay sunbathing on White Beach, collecting puka shells on Yapak, or sipping on cocktails while the sun goes down and fire dancers come out.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia Reminiscent of Amsterdam's famous canals while blending Mediterranean, German, and Slovenian culture, Ljubljana is a beautiful combination of old and new. The Ljubljanica River divides the capital's Old Town from its commercial Center district, marked by the city's most iconic landmark, the Triple Bridge. You'll find it difficult to not fall in love, as Ljubljana boasts as much charm and wonderful architecture as it does museums, outdoor cafes, green landscapes, and rich history. 3. Ninh Binh, VietnamWhile most travelers flock to Hanoi, Vietnam's majestic rural side in the Red River Delta is sometimes overlooked. However, as more people begin to recognize Ninh Binh's serene landscapes as a reason to add it to their itineraries, it's only a matter of time until the northern area becomes the next popular place to be. With its limestone cliffs, temples, lush green valleys, and hiking trails and caves, this province easily takes a top spot.
4. Sucre, BoliviaBolivia's capital is known for its whitewashed buildings and colonial architecture, but there's also plenty more to do and see. The historic city of Sucre offers a number of museums, cathedrals, and landmarks, including its main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, and Casa de la Libertad - and it's also home to one of the largest sets of dinosaur footprints in the world.5. Seoul, South Korea Seoul is where pop culture, technology, and tradition blend. You'll see both fashion-forward streetwear and traditional hanboks, skyscrapers and Buddhist temples, street markets and made-for-Instagram cafes. Its high-tech subways also allow easy access to neighboring cities in case you want to explore past South Korea's capital. Spend your mornings palace hopping and tea sipping at Insadong, and then see the city come to life from the N Seoul Tower. You'll never find yourself short of things to do.6. Essaouira, MoroccoTravelers who prefer the slow pace of a coastal town over a bustling and dense city will be entranced by Essaouira. Known as a port and resort center, Africa's windy city is as popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing as it is for pure relaxation. Walk along its beaches and through the vibrant medina, browse the boutiques, check out the catch of the day at the fish port, and more. And if you're looking for a little more hustle, Marrakech is only a bus ride away.
7. Zadar, Croatia Consider taking a holiday along Croatia's Dalmatian coast where you're more likely to find less crowds than at Dubrovnik and Split. The seaside city is rich with culture, history, and romance; equally known for its Roman and Venetian ruins and stunning sunsets. Once you get your fill of landmarks, churches, and cathedrals, head east of Old Town over to Kolovare Beach for bars and restaurants or offshore at Kornati National Park for diving and snorkeling. You can't leave Zadar without marveling at the musical Sea Organ, either.8. Upolu, SamoaThis paradisal island in Samoa is home to everything you want: lush rainforest, lagoons, dramatic waterfalls, idyllic beaches, the international airport, and much, much more. Dive into the Instagram-famous To Sua Ocean Trench, surf and fish along the coast year-round, or indulge at restaurants and bars in Samoa's capital city, Apia, before heading back to Upolu's sleepier parts.
9. Tbilisi, Georgia Georgia's capital is far from ordinary. Visitors are able to witness the modernization of Tbilisi since its time under Persian and Russian rule, as well as older reminders scattered throughout its diverse architecture. Not too far from the plazas, five-star hotels, bars and clubs, and museums remain small shops and quaint living. At Old Town, you'll find ancient cobblestoned roads, and winding lanes, while the rest of the city is gradually coming into its own, neither distinctly Western or Eastern. Travelers will find themselves captivated by this eclectic and multi-ethnic and multicultural destination that's truly unlike any other.10. Mallorca, Spain The Mediterranean's shining gem is loved by many for good reason. The island's breathtaking coasts, aqua-blue waters, and postcard coves are just a few appeals. Mallorca (Majorca) did inspire Chopin and other musicians, artists, and writers, after all. Maybe it'll be the picturesque villages, the cuisine, the architecture, the mountainous landscape, the beaches, or the nightlife that seduces you. Whatever it is, prepare to extend your stay.
15 Outdoor Spots You Won't Believe Exist in the Heart of San Francisco
San Francisco is an undeniably awesome city. Thanks to its quirky, effervescent culture, dynamic food scene, and the copious amount of steep hills - 43 to be exact - you could spend days on end exploring and barely scratch the surface of discovery. Although this pocket of Northern California does encompass an alluring urban jungle - not to mention streets upon streets of elegant Victorian homes - it's the area's natural scenery that keeps people coming back for more. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and mountain ranges sprawling across the bay, San Francisco is one of the most admired gold mines across America when it comes to outdoor activity.
So whether you're looking to wrap your arms around an enormous redwood tree, catch waves along the coast, or hike with hopes of witnessing jaw-dropping views, ahead are 15 of the most scenic places to do whatever your adventurous spirit desires the next time you're in the Bay Area. And the best part? All of these fresh-air excursions are easily accessible - even for the carless folk like myself - and budget-friendly.
9 Hair Products the Pros Swear By
New drugstore and designer hair products seem to be popping up every day. Great news, except that it would be nearly impossible (both when it comes to time and cost) to test-drive everything and figure out what works best. That's why we're talking to none other than hairstylists, who have built their careers off of knowing their stuff, to help us pick the real winners. From the flexible, buildable hairspray that turned the beauty industry on its head to the conditioner of your curly-haired dreams (and a few solutions for thinning hair along the way), read on for cleansing and styling products the experts we spoke to deem worthy enough not only for their clients but also for their own locks.
This Modern Take on Disney Princesses Will Make You Want to Be Their BFF
If the Disney princesses lived in 2017, we imagine that Pocahontas would have a job in the environmental sciences and practice painting in her all-natural garden during her free time. Belle would frequent coffee shops, reading poetry by long-dead artists and cleverly dodging the advances of heart-eyed baristas and tech bros. Snow White would be the founder and CEO of a successful startup for an on-demand housekeeping app called "Whistle." At least, that's the vibe we get from the works of talented Chilean artist Fernanda Suarez, who has been sharing stunning pieces from her "Modern Princess" collection.
The modern portraits highlight the unique characteristics of each princess with an undeniably 2017 twist. Between trendy clothing silhouettes and sultry Instagram-style poses, the princess portraits are entirely believable, and you'll find yourself wanting to be BFFs with the Disney royals as you look through them all.
We've gathered the stunning pieces of art here, and if you want to support Suarez in her craft, you can visit her Patreon page. We can't wait to see which princess she illustrates next!
Cate Blanchett Is Cheesy as Hell in Thor: Ragnarok, but It Totally Works
There are a lot of reasons to be excited about Thor: Ragnarok. Based on the trailers, we can swoon over Thor's new haircut, a somehow more-handsome-than-before Hulk, and the sweet swagger of our old pal Loki. That's all fine and dandy, but in my opinion, the most exciting detail about the third Thor movie is the inclusion of Cate Blanchett.
This Oscar-winning actress is a jack of all trades: she's shined in dramas like Carol and Blue Jasmine and fantasies like Lord of the Rings. But when it comes to her role as an evil character, there's an added level of delight. The iconic actress joins the fold as Hela, the eldest daughter of Odin and sister of Thor and Loki. Oh, and she's also the goddess of death.
What is it about an evil Cate Blanchett that really sucks me in? First of all, the cheekbones. Secondly, maybe it's because her greatest villains have always appeared in very heightened projects. She easily stole the show as Cinderella's wicked stepmother in 2015's lavish live-action iteration of the story. I still, to this day, make fun of her Russian accent in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. But, I mean, there's something to be said about the fact that I'm still talking about it, right? And now, she's taking the spotlight from Thor, the God of Thunder himself.
There is one aspect of Ragnarok that I can't sugarcoat, however. A lot of the dialogue - specifically the lines uttered by goth diva Hela - is pretty clunky. There's just something about the phrasing and cadence that seems clumsy and wordy and hard to spit out. This, I think, is why Blanchett turns the volume all the way up. If I were to attribute three words to her performance, it would be "extra, extra, extra." But somehow, by some magical combination of all the aforementioned ingredients, it works. Her melodramatic depiction of a villainess who knows she's ridiculous and leans into it just makes the whole thing that much more enchanting.
To compound Blanchett's electrifying performance, the visuals created for the goddess are truly stunning and jaw-dropping. With a quick pass of her hands along her somehow always wet and very piecey hair, she grows an astonishing head of horns that I'm sure will pop up on a drag queen's head sometime in the next year. She has a fantastic cape that's billowy but not too billowy. Even Blanchett's sauntering gait, where her hips sway almost comically in both directions with each passing step, is nothing short of hypnotizing. All of these different aspects, amped up to 100 percent, help paint Hela as the caricatured-yet-flawless villainess she is.
The result is a one-time big bad who may very well never come back. And even with so little to work with, Blanchett manages to steal nearly every scene she's in. The way she commits to this crazy, ridiculous, over-the-top goddess makes you crave more and more of her, so much so that you're halfway between rooting for her and hoping she somehow has a change of heart and comes to the good side. But even if we never see her again, we'll always have all the wicked fierceness we bear witness to in Thor: Ragnarok.
This Glorious Marriott Will Deliver a 10-Pound Doughnut to Your Door
Sure, you can make your own giant Funfetti doughnut at home, but what if you could order one through room service and have it delivered to your door? JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in California is doing just that! The hotel is now offering a "Donut Disturb" special in which a 10-pound doughnut is brought to you via room service for the reasonable price of $219. This package includes a round of milkshakes to pair with the doughnut and a $50 hotel credit to be used at the spa, golf course, or hotel dining.
How did the chefs create such a giant doughnut? It's technically cake and it's made fresh in house. Layers of vanilla chiffon cake, cream, and raspberry jam are molded into a doughnut shape and coated in fondant. A coffee lacquer is sprayed on the outside (to give it a fried doughnut appearance). Strawberry glaze is drizzled on top and then it's finally coated in large homemade sprinkles.
Luckily for us, the team at Foodbeast ordered the doughnut so we can all live vicariously. Foodbeast founder Elie Ayrouth told POPSUGAR that the doughnut tasted "[l]ike the most delicious wedding cake possible." He added, "[I]t's definitely lavish, fun to order to the room to get your weekend going and then we just had it all weekend to pick at. [O]bviously [we] didn't eat it all in one s[i]tting." After seeing all the close-ups of this humongous doughnut, you may be inspired to book a trip to Desert Springs ASAP.
Hey Girl, You Can Now Get an ABH Contour Kit For Super Cheap at Ulta
If you're a contour connoisseur, prepare to make it rain all over Ulta - but just a little bit. That's because the megaretailer is having a super sale on Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kits. We're talking discounts of upward of 50 percent on the brand's ever-popular cream and powder sculpting palettes.
Before yesterday, an ABH Contour Kit would set you back $40. But now, you can scoop one up for $20 - yes, this is like the beauty junkie's version of a happy hour. But instead of downing a few margs that will inevitably leave you waking up with a dull red face, you can throw those dollars toward a set that will lend you impossibly high, glimmering cheekbones.
And, as stated above, if you're more of a cream girl, you can also save on the brand's Contour Cream Kit ($20). Perhaps you are a special type of extra and love layering powder over cream for an intense-as-heck look. In that case, you do you and get both - for the price of one.
To recap, these kits include six shades in total: half for contouring, half for highlighting. There are three different hues (Light to Medium, Medium to Tan, Tan to Deep), which are all super blendable.
There's no word yet on how long these deals will last (or how soon things will sell out!), so we recommend getting your tuchus to a computer or an IRL Ulta store to reap the rewards of a flawless face.
We Found Fall's 9 Best Dark Red Lipsticks That Will Match Your Goth Soul
We've seen people match their lipstick to their eye makeup and rainbow hair, but glamorous goths know the best monochromatic look comes from coordinating your pout to your black heart. Whether you want to channel "the new Taylor" or your favorite grunge vlogger, there are so many ways to step into the beauty dark side.
You're no doubt familiar with the most popular blood-tinted hues out there, like Kat Von D's Damned, ABH's Vamp, and MAC's Diva. We highly recommend keeping all of those products in your vanity, but since Fall is fast approaching, we thought you might want to add a little gothic newness to your beauty bag.
That's why we found nine under-the-radar dark red lipsticks that will make you happier than that dancing pumpkin GIF. You'll probably recognize some of the bigger brands we picked, like Lime Crime and Hourglass, but many of these labels were new even to us. From bullets to balms, each offering brings something unique, and one even costs less than a PSL. Read on for our definitive guide to Fall's most emo hue.
39 Disney World Facts That Even Die-Hard Fans Don't Know
The happiest place on Earth also happens to be one of the most interesting. Disney World has been around for nearly half a century, and with age comes good stories - and lots of them. We've rounded up 39 Disney World secrets even die-hard fans will be shocked to discover.
If you can't get enough Disney, check out our posts full of tips and facts:
14 Hidden Gems in Los Angeles You Don't Want to Miss
Los Angeles, City of Angels, La La Land, you name it! With its wide expanse and scattered swells of attractions, it's easy to get lost in the maze of options that LA has to offer. Many visitors get overwhelmed and wind up settling on touristy places like Universal City Walk, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or Santa Monica Pier. While those destinations are awesome in their own right, they definitely don't expose the true mystique of LA all on their own. It's no wonder so many visitors leave with the taste of "cliché" in their mouths and no idea about the richness of this city's subtleties. As an LA native, I find this simply unacceptable and feel compelled to spill the details on some of my favorite lesser-known spots!
From an abandoned neighborhood overflowing with street art to a tour through a majestic historical mansion, there's a whole world of hidden gems brimming just beneath the LA facade. Start planning early! You'll want to spend ample time at each of these places.
A Neuroscientist Says These 4 Things Will Make You Happier
There's a ton of "helpful" advice floating around the internet, but when the tips come from a neuroscientist, it might be time to actually listen up. Ladders, a job platform site, put together some insights from neuroscientist Alex Korb's book The Upward Spiral on how you can be happier - based on brain research.
1. Label your emotions.
If you're feeling a negative emotion like sadness or anger, label that emotion. It may seem simple, but your brain responds when you put your feelings into words. One fMRI study cited in the book noted that when a participant was shown images of people expressing emotions on their faces, their amygdala activated to the emotions they were seeing. When they were told to name the emotion, "the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activated and reduced the emotional amygdala reactivity." This essentially means that when participants consciously recognized the emotions they were seeing, it reduced the impact of those emotions in their brains.
Reddit user letstablethisfornow noted the effect labeling their emotions has had on their own happiness, calling it a "a game changer" for them.
"It's so simple and yet has such a profound effect that I'm amazed this isn't taught in schools. The effect is subtle since you are not actually removing the emotion, you just take one step away from it intellectually. You find that from experiencing long drawn-out swings in emotion you tend to have short peaks and valleys with a nice equilibrium most of the time.
You also realize that for the most part our day-to-day emotions are not really connected to anything specific. It could be caused by anything. That outburst at your wife, coworker, or boss could be the end result of waking up with a headache, indigestion, or forgetting you keys on your way to work. We tend to construct stories in our minds as to what our emotions mean after the fact when in reality we have no clue. When you label, you become more aware of your emotions, don't get carried away with them, and will be less likely to fall into this trap."
2. Ask yourself what you're grateful for.
In The Upwared Spiral, Korb says that the benefits of gratitude "start with the dopamine system, because feeling grateful activates the brain stem region that produces dopamine. Additionally, gratitude toward others increases activity in social dopamine circuits, which makes social interactions more enjoyable." Gratitude can also boost the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is what many antidepressants do. And as The Ladder points out, even if you don't have an answer to the question "what am I grateful for?", that's OK. "It's not finding gratitude that matters most; it's remembering to look in the first place," the book says. "Remembering to be grateful is a form of emotional intelligence." The studies showed that as emotional intelligence increases, the neurons in these areas become more efficient. So even if you have trouble finding something to be grateful for, merely asking yourself the question means you're on the right path to happiness.
"Address the possibility of a blind spot in your mind where you aren't able to instantly know what you take for granted. Spend time simply observing the things you don't have to overcome, all the conveniences and luxuries," says Reddit user Privatdozent. "This 'positive feedback loop' has to loop around many times to have a solid effect. The common criticism of this idea is that 'No one else's struggles diminish your own.' Well, yeah, they don't. But what if you take seriously much more of the struggles than the things deserving of your gratitude? Basically, try to give equal weight to the good things that happen as to the bad."
3. Be decisive!
There's nothing more anxiety-inducing than feeling like you've got unfinished business. Simply making a decision about something can reduce anxiety rather than allowing yourself to spend more time hesitating over all of the scenarios and outcomes that the decision will result in. "Making decisions includes creating intentions and setting goals - all three are part of the same neural circuitry and engage the prefrontal cortex in a positive way, reducing worry and anxiety," says Korb. Making decisions also allows people to feel more in control - feeling "out of control" can also cause feelings of worry. And when you do make a decision and the outcome of that decision happens to be a positive one, then even better!
"There's a book that's really helped me, called Getting Things Done," says Reddit user Kabitu. "It explains how indecision is a major source of mental stress. When you don't want to make a decision now, and leave the decision to be made later, that builds up a big cloud of annoying mental work you don't want to do, and it can sustain a subconscious reluctance to work."
4. Hug and touch loved ones and friends.
Social interactions have been proven to increase a person's feelings of acceptance and therefore happiness, but The Upward Spiral takes it a bit further. "One of the primary ways to release oxytocin is through touching," the book says. Oxytocin is a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter to the brain. Psycholology Today says that it's known as the "love hormone" because it "regulates social interaction and sexual reproduction, playing a role in behaviors from maternal-infant bonding and milk release to empathy, generosity, and orgasm." So when people touch, hug, or kiss others, oxytocin levels actually increase. "Oxytocin is the hormone that underlies trust. It is also an antidote to depressive feelings," says the site. According to Korb, holding hands with someone during a painful experience can comfort you and your brain and help reduce the reaction to pain. So, more hugs!
At What Age Do Kids Really Start Remembering Things?
When I was 5 years old, I was a daredevil. I loved climbing on roofs, hanging from tree branches, and doing flips off the diving board. But my fearless spirit finally got the best of me one December afternoon. Days before I was set to twirl my baton in a Christmas parade, I climbed up a woodpile that was stacked taller than me, maybe six feet high. I attempted to jump onto a trampoline below, but I missed it by a long shot. When I came crashing down, my left arm snapped like a twig. I still have vivid memories of that day. The day I broke my first bone. The ride to the hospital was awful. My mom held me while I cried. She'd draped a towel over my arm and warned me not to look, but I was very persistent. When she gave in and lifted the towel, I screeched loudly and passed out. My tiny little arm had taken on the abnormal shape of a "W."
Even though this traumatic memory sticks out above the rest, it's not all I remember from age 5. I can recall the names of my three best friends: Tyanna, Scarlett, and Rebecca. I only knew them for a couple years, but I can still see their faces today. While there are plenty of other memories I retained from a very young age, I have very few from my toddler and preschool years. The foggy details I do remember are too faint to put into words. They're more of an image or a situation. As the mother of a 3-year-old boy, I watch my son and wonder what will stick out in his mind. Perhaps our nightly routine: dinner, bath, playtime, bedtime books, and nighttime lullabies. Or maybe spending time at our rented beach house in the Fall months - splashing in the water and playing in the sand. I'm also curious if there's anything I can do to help him remember things in the long run. I sought out an expert to get some answers: Dr. Renee Spencer, a licensed counselor with a doctorate in counseling psychology. Dr. Spencer isn't just educated on the subject, she also works with kids every day, in school and at her private practice. She dropped some major knowledge on the subject.
Remembering Things Before Age 3
There is a lot we still don't know about memory and early brain development, but recent studies have revealed new information. Studies performed on infants have helped researchers better understand the development of declarative or explicit (long-term) memory in infants. Mothers, you will be happy to know that the one thing they may never forget is the sound of your voice.
"One of the explicit declarative memories that they've been able to find in young infants is remembering their mother's voice. Young babies were able to respond through their emotions," Dr. Spencer explained. "As soon as their mother spoke, they would instantly smile or soothe themselves. We don't know how long infants have been able to pick up on their mother's voice in utero, but it's the first place where their memory absorbs information."
Those painful nine months you spent carrying them, feeding them, and growing them are more personal than ever. It's your first chance to talk to them.
Dr. Spencer also explained the difference between semantic memory and declarative. She said infants who cry for their mothers to nurse them are using semantic/survival memory (unconscious), not declarative memory, which is conscious (seeing and knowing).
The Toddler and Preschool Years
Dr. Spencer encourages repetition and routine for all children, but especially ones age 3-7. "Recall and repetition will make things go into long term and stay because it becomes more of a categorized and organized piece of data that is stored into your memory," she said. "The more you start to recall something, the easier it will be to pull it back up. Kids who have parents who talk to them are able to pick up on memory skills early on."
Dr. Spencer also went on to explain how important early memory and brain development are before the age of 5. "The brain is so pliable while they're little that it's the best time to teach them things because they can absorb it all. The more you repeat, the more they repeat," she explained.
I'm amazed when my son memorizes a book after reading it once or twice. But I now realize that our nightly bedtime routine is the reason for that, and it could be contributing to his long-term memory.
Documenting Events and Photos Are Stepping Stones
Parents, be sure to take lots of photos. That silly picture of them with Goofy might help jog their memory as an adult and give them a flashback of a day they thought they'd lost forever.
"They are much more inclined to remember things from a younger age by seeing something like a picture or visualization," Dr. Spencer said.
Traumatic or Painful Memories Stick Out the Most
As mentioned in my story above, I can recall every detail of the day I broke my arm. What I can't recall is my birthday party that year, that Christmas, or the family vacation. Dr. Spencer explains that at a younger age (3-7), our good memories seem to take a backseat to our bad.
"You can remember either/or. We're more inclined to remember something that was traumatic because it hurt us," Dr. Spencer said. "We want to remember what we did that caused us pain versus something exciting we experienced. We try to prevent things from happening, so we remember the things that cause us hurt in order to prevent it from happening again."
Two years after my first broken bone, I broke the same arm again. I wish I'd learned more from my first traumatic experience.
Development of the Hippocampus
"As children become school-aged (7-10) and older, there is much more development of the hippocampus (responsible for the processing of long-term memory and emotional responses) and the ability for recall," Dr. Spencer explained. "The child begins to organize and store information more effectively; that's when we sequence."
This must be why I have a plethora of memories from third grade and beyond. It must also be why my friend Kimmy and I can still repeat every line of a ridiculous song we wrote about our elementary school crushes Brian and Drew. Wonder what they look like all these years later?
It makes me a little sad to think that my son might not remember his first trip to Disney World or seeing that wild moose in Alaska. But one day when he's grown, I'll be able to say, "Before you were 3, you rode on 32 airplanes, danced on stage in front of 1,000 strangers, visited nine different states, and even took on the 12-foot-high zip line at Shipwreck Island Water Park. You are a force to be reckoned with." That's gotta score him a few cool points.
Tyler Florence's Hack Will Forever Change the Way You Make Mashed Potatoes
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Food Network chef Tyler Florence shared his mashed potatoes recipe with us, and I immediately had to try it. Traditionally, potatoes are cooked in water before being mashed together with butter and cream (or milk). However, Tyler suggests cooking the potatoes in the cream itself, so no potato-y flavor is lost. He explains, "Potatoes have a really delicate, beautiful minerality to their flavor profile, and when you cook potatoes in water and you pour that water down the drain, you've extracted all the flavor of the potato. So what I do with mashed potatoes - because you finish them with cream and butter anyway, right? - is I'll take that same cream and butter and add that to the potatoes and cook the potatoes in cream and butter." Would that actually work? Would it actually taste good? I had to find out.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
As Tyler instructed, I added "cold, peeled, chopped potatoes, cream, butter, and olive oil" to a pan. He also told us, "I like garlic. I like sage and rosemary flavor combinations, and a little bit of thyme." To my pot of 3 pounds of potatoes, I added enough half and half to just barely cover the potatoes. Frankly, I was scared about using straight cream, which is why I deviated slightly from his instruction. I then added about 3 tablespoons of salted butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. I added a few cloves of peeled garlic and half a bunch each of sage, rosemary, and thyme. I also included a significant amount of salt (at least a teaspoon) so the potatoes could absorb some of the flavor while cooking. I covered the pot and allowed it to simmer on medium until the potatoes became fork tender, about 20 minutes. The aroma in my kitchen was unbelievable.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Here's what Tyler told us to do next: "When the potatoes are tender, I put a bowl on the counter and a colander inside that bowl. I pour the potatoes through the colander, and the cream will collect on the bottom. Then I'll put the potatoes back into the pot and take the potato-infused garlic cream and fold that back into the potatoes, and it's the most incredible flavor profile. It's the best mashed potato you'll ever taste in your entire life." And so, I did just that. I drained the potatoes, collecting the rich liquid while discarding the herb stems. I then mashed the potatoes, adding back in the liquid until I created velvety smooth mashed potatoes with little specks of garlic and herbs. I salted and peppered to taste and served up with my lemon-garlic-parsley roast turkey and gravy. These mashed potatoes are pure heaven. I can now agree with Tyler's affirmation; they really are the best mashed potatoes I've ever tasted in my entire life. And even though I was scared it would be a huge flop, I'm never going back to any other method again.
What You Need to Know About Adding Muscle to Your Frame
It seems that getting stronger is on almost everyone's list this. But just wanting it won't make it happen. Just going to the gym and lifting weights without a plan won't necessarily make you stronger either. There are many nuances you'll need to consider before even getting to the gym. Here are some tried-and-true methods to get you stronger much faster than you ever thought possible!
According to Micah LaCerte, CPT and owner of Hitch Fit, "The only way to get stronger is continuing to add weight to the movements you are doing in the gym."
But if lifting heavy things alone were the solution, we'd all have lean and toned bodies. The secret is in how you approach your weight-training efforts. According to trainer Brian Pankau, CPT, you should focus on basic moves and approaches. That means doing simple moves like squats, lunges, chest presses, arm curls, rows, and the like while remembering to "add more weight when the final set for a specific exercise is completed too easily." The focus should be on hitting every major muscle group in your body with this progressive approach.
Now that you know what moves to do and how to increase weight, you need to know about reps and sets. Sure, you could just lift and lift until you've exhausted your body, but weightlifting has a simpler and more scientific approach. Your best bet is to focus on doing a few sets of each exercise for about 10 to 12 repetitions, or reps, each. That means you would do each exercise about 30 to 36 times each, but with a 30-to-60-second pause between every set of 10 to 12 reps. This allows your muscles to rest in between sets, so you can get the most out of them every time you lift.
How do you start? Glad you asked! According to Pankau: "Beginners should always stick to lighter loads while working on proper form and technique for exercises. This develops better training habits in the earlier stages and also increases joint range of motion properly to prevent injuries."
But that isn't everything. In fact, LaCerte told us that getting stronger really comes down to two essential factors: proper nutrition in conjunction with planned, progressive weightlifting.
The nutrition part may sound simple, but LaCerte believes that "you need to have a lot of focus on it to stay on track - when you're building strength and muscle, you need more calories than when you're trying to cut weight." While you may think that the weightlifting aspect is the more complex part of the equation, the truth is that it really comes down to the basic principle of "lifting heavier to get strong, which builds muscle," according to LaCerte.
40+ Gifts For the Disney-Loving Moms and Dads in Your Life
Whether it makes sense or not, we happen to live in a world where a lot of parents are more excited to see a Disney movie - new or old - than their children. If you have a Disney fanatic on your gift list (or are one yourself), then you may be struggling to find something that captures that magic of the franchise without feeling too childish. But before you settle on a DVD set, keep reading to see some items that will make your favorite Disney-loving mom or dad squeal with delight this holiday season (and make their kids jealous!).
This Beauty Influencer Looks SO Much Like Rihanna, You'll Scream
When Patrick Starrr first teased his Fenty Beauty makeup tutorial, the behind the scenes footage appeared to feature none other than Rihanna herself. Considering Patrick has done a tutorial video with Kim Kardashian for KKW Beauty, we didn't think that was totally impossible. But, upon closer inspection, we realized it wasn't Rihanna but instead a model who bears an uncanny resemblance to the singer. Like, they could actually be TWINS.
The model is beauty influencer Andele Lara, founder of the site Grow & Glow. Scrolling down her feed, you'll find countless images that'll make you do a double take. It helps that she wears a lot of similar beauty looks as Rihanna, from blunt bangs to dreadlocks to Rihanna's signature red lips. Even fans who saw Patrick's BTS snaps were tricked.
"I've never had a career of being a 'Rihanna Look Alike' - Yes, there is a little resemblance to Rihanna but NO; I am NOT a Rihanna lookalike," Andele wrote on her website. That being said, we think she could totally pull it off.
Ahead, see some photo (and video!) proof of her jaw-dropping similarities to Rihanna.
15 Steps to Becoming a Runner
Ever wanted to be a runner but didn't know how to start? We've rounded up 15 beginner running tips to help you start strong and stick with it. If you've ever been discouraged by how hard running seems, then read our tips for going from walker to runner without a hitch.
1 Affordable Product Made This Jaw-Dropping DIY Kitchen Makeover Possible
Frustration over an ugly, outdated kitchen is something most people can relate to; unfortunately, a pricey renovation isn't in the cards for most - hello, budget! So how to create a beautiful space you actually want to live in without breaking the bank? One product: Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan.
Jessica Ahnert Davis, the founder of Nest Studio LLC, discovered that Chalk Paint® is the surprisingly easy and refreshingly affordable way to dramatically update a space. This design-savvy mom used it to artfully transform every inch of her kitchen - and we mean every single inch, from painting the cabinets to stenciling the tiles on the floor. Like magic, Chalk Paint® worked wonders on every surface. And more than looking fabulous, Jessica discovered it's easy to apply. She said she did virtually no prep (bye bye, hours of sanding and priming!) and had an easy time mixing the paint and cleaning it up, too.
Check out the jaw-dropping before and after images ahead, then read about Jessica's Chalk Paint® makeover in depth on The Kitchn.
Anastasia Beverly Hills's Holiday Collection Is Here, and You're Going to Want It ALL
Mere months after dropping the Subculture Palette to mixed reviews, Anastasia Beverly Hills is back with a new collection, and it's clear the brand isn't here to play. That's because ABH has just released 10 new products that make up its 2017 Holiday Collection, including "Prism," a new palette. And guess what? These babies are all seriously gorgeous and will give you the brand's famous glow.
Chances are, you've been waiting patiently for this collection ever since you saw ABH President Claudia Soare looking like a luminescent goddess while wearing powders from the launch's Glow Kit. Seriously, the woman was only just sitting in her dang car, but her highlight was so on point.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, meet the Glow Kit's following four shades: "Marshmallow" (iridescent white), "Gumdrop" (a soft lilac), "Starbust" (frosty pink), and "Butterscotch" (bright gold). This range of colors ensures you'll never be of want for a new way to sparkle.
Two new blush sets, Gradient and Radiant, are also included in the line. The first is made up of earthy matte shades like "Dusk" (a medium brown), "Vegas" (a deep berry), "Chocolate" (a cool mocha), and "Blackberry" (a juicy purple).
Radiant includes "Coastline" (a sandy peach), "Spoiled" (a soft pink), "Breeze" (a warm pink), and "Terrace" (an electric orange). Whereas Gradient includes cool neutral tones, Radiant packs a punch of girly color. This is not your New England grandma's holiday collection - there is no pumpkin spice for ABH. Instead, these bright, surfer girl colors are pure West Coast sunshine.
Three new Liquid Lipsticks are a-coming for your beauty bag. By now, you probably know, love, and hoard this product, as it's opaque, yet nondrying and super pigmented. The new hues are sandy browns and soft pinks, so again, if you're asking Claudia Soare, subtlety is the trend of Winter.
Finally, of course, there's the piece de resistance - the brand spanking new Prism Palette. While ABH fans were quick to note on social media that at first glance the 14 new shades strike a resemblance to Subculture, look again and you'll notice that the ultramatte, duo chrome, and metallic finishes sparkle way brighter - because it's the holiday!
We're especially excited about Dimension, a holographic silver powder with speckles of reflective pink (think Daenerys meets unicorn hair), and Throne, a shimmery camo that looks like a Winter evergreen tree - if it sparkled.
Remember, back in August, Norvina called upon social media to let fans have a say into what the new palette's formula should look like. In an emotional post, she asked for constructive criticism, so we can't wait to see how she ran with suggestions about how the powders should feel.
Ahead, see every gorgeous thing you can get your hands on today via the Anastasia Beverly Hills website.
15 '90s Toys You Can Buy For Your Kids (or Yourself) Today
There's nothing more fun than looking back with nostalgia at your childhood toys - and the '90s were especially full of amazing treasures. Just in time for holiday shopping (wink, wink), we've compiled a list of classic 1990s toys that are still available to purchase. Enjoy!
3 Weight-Loss Rules For Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for so many reasons. But you need to make sure that you're doing it right. If you're trying to maintain or lose weight, here are some things to consider when enjoying your first meal of the day.
Eat It Soon
Studies have found that eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism, and not only that, it can help ensure that you don't feel so starved later that you make bad eating choices for lunch or dinner. To take advantage of your body's fat-burning potential, try to eat breakfast soon after waking up.
Go For Filling
Stay away from foods that can lead to a midmorning crash. Instead, opt for meals that are full of slow-digesting nutrients to help keep you satisfied throughout the morning; high-fiber, high-protein breakfast options are a good choice for feeling full and energized. And make sure your breakfast doesn't have too much sugar in it - here are seven low-sugar, high-protein, and fiber-filled breakfast ideas that fit the bill.
Watch Out For Portions
A big breakfast can help fill you up, but you don't want to overdo it. Check out our handy chart of what servings sizes should look like, and keep calories in check with this list of the amount of calories in typical breakfasts.
The Only Protein Bars That Are Worth Buying
No matter who you are or what you do, you need protein. It builds muscle, keeps your bones strong, and helps you lose weight (if that's what you're going for). But when you're in a hurry to get from one place to the next, you may not have time to sit down and have grilled chicken or a tofu scramble. That's when you reach for a protein bar, especially if you've just finished a workout. But you have to make sure you're not unwrapping a bar that's full of crap preservatives and unknown ingredients. Not to worry. We're here to help out. Here are some of the healthiest protein bars out there, so you know you're getting the good stuff when you bite into them.
The Story Behind Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI's Love
Image Source: Getty / Carlos Alvarez
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain have been married for more than 13 years, and while the royal couple is solid, their relationship didn't start that smoothly.
Back in 2002, Queen Letizia was just known as Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, an international journalist working for Televisión Española, anchoring the evening news and reporting from abroad on disasters like the terrorist attack in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001 and the war in Iraq. Then Prince Felipe must have been a fan of the news because rumor has it he asked a journalist friend, Pedro Erquicia, to set up a dinner and invite Letizia so the two could meet. While reports say Letizia handed over her number to the prince, the two didn't start dating for a few more months.
Things got serious in the following years while the couple dated in secret, and on Nov. 1, 2003, the Spanish royal family shocked the country by announcing the prince's engagement to Letizia. But the marriage could have never happened: Letizia was not only a commoner, becoming the first woman with no royal blood to be in the line of succession for the Spanish crown, but she was also divorced. The journalist had been married to Alonso Guerrero Pérez until 1999.
While some didn't approve of the engagement, Prince Felipe's parents, Queen Sofía and King Juan Carlos, stood by the couple, although there was a bigger issue. If Letizia's previous marriage had been performed by the Catholic church, the Vatican would have had to extend a special permission that allowed her to marry Felipe. Luckily, Letizia's previous marriage had only been a civil ceremony, and the couple officially wed at the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena in Madrid on May 22, 2004. Now the queen - King Juan Carlos abdicated the crown to King Felipe in 2014 - admired for her fashion sense, she has two daughters with Felipe, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía.
Image Source: Getty / Fotonoticias
This Grandma Accidentally Gave a (Hilariously) Inappropriate Book to a 6-Year-Old
I'm dying. My mom bought this book for my 6 year old and I just called to ask if she had actually opened the book. She hadn't. 😂😂😂😂 http://pic.twitter.com/inYCEaZKpV
- tiffany (@Tiffany1985B) October 4, 2017
Some of the best parenting advice comes in the form of learning from others' mistakes, and this is no different: check your kids' new books before you begin reading them together at bedtime! One mom on Twitter was in for a big surprise (and a case of irrepressible giggles) when she realized that Grandma had accidentally gifted her 6-year-old a picture book that is definitely NOT intended for children.
"I'm dying. My mom bought this book for my 6-year-old and I just called to ask if she had actually opened the book," posted the mom, including photos of a few pages.
I couldn't even talk when I called her. Here's the first page: http://pic.twitter.com/gRvuNrxMCX
- tiffany (@Tiffany1985B) October 4, 2017
You guys this book is amazing. http://pic.twitter.com/q0Bye8h4hQ
- tiffany (@Tiffany1985B) October 4, 2017
Oops! Luckily, Grandma's accident proved hilarious to her grown kids, who enjoyed the profanity-laden pages of If Animals Could Talk and couldn't resist teasing her about the mistake. Fortunately for everybody involved, the 6-year-old's father realized very early on during story time that the book wasn't appropriate . . . but it definitely makes for a hilarious dinner party tale!
Nope! 6 year old was reading with Dad and said "I don't even know what this means" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
- tiffany (@Tiffany1985B) October 4, 2017
So take it from this well-intentioned grandmother: be sure to do a quick check before buying books for your kids. You never know when the pages will be filled with explicit kangaroos and angry wiener dogs!
The Most Productive Thing to Do When You're Feeling Like Complete Sh*t
Although self-care is essential, sometimes we don't - or feel as if we can't - prioritize it. Recently I found myself responding to a friend's post on Facebook which linked to yet another painfully foreboding news article. "I am at a loss," I said, and I truly meant it. Frantically searching for where to start mobilizing, how to start helping, and where to go from here, I realized that I was in no state of mind to be helping anyone else until I could address the anxiety/sadness/anger/frustration going on with myself internally. On planes, they always tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before you help put on someone else's - and self-care works the same way, especially when it involves dealing with a tragedy or difficult event. You can't help others until you help yourself, and you have to remind yourself (sometimes again, and again, and again) that you are important too.
My friend messaged me, reminding me about the importance of self-care regardless (and because of) everything going on in our world today. She then directed me to this amazing interactive flow chart that everyone who struggles to find the time or tools to practice self-care absolutely should use whenever they are in need.
Here's how it works: the flow chart prompts you with a question regarding your physical and mental health at the time, and gives you several options as answers. Each answer leads you in a different direction. If you answer that you are feeling OK about something, then you move on to the next question. However, if you indicate that you are NOT feeling OK about something, the chart then leads you to a page that gives you productive, simple options for addressing what you're feeling. The chart is comforting, helpful, and exactly what someone who struggles with self-care can benefit from. Ahead are just a few of the questions and answer options.
Breathe, and try out the exercise here.
Stranger Things: The Other Places You've Seen Aunt Becky
Image Source: Netflix
Fans were in for a surprise in Stranger Things season two when Eleven leaves Hawkins about halfway through the season to find her mom, Terry. Of course, viewers know from season one that there's nothing but heartbreak for Eleven (real name: Jane). She arrives at her mother's house and meets her Aunt Becky, who tells her about Terry's condition.
Becky is played by Amy Seimetz, who may not be a very mainstream actor but is well-known on the indie circuit. She got her start directing and producing short and independent films, including associate producing Medicine for Melancholy, which was nominated for both Gotham and Independent Spirit Awards.
Her acting career really took off when she starred in three of Joe Swanberg's independent films: Alexander the Last, Silver Bullets, and Autoerotic. The 35-year-old also appeared in Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture and Adam Wingard's critically acclaimed horror film A Horrible Way to Die, and her performance in Megan Griffiths's The Off Hours earned her a spot on The Hollywood Reporter's list of breakout stars of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.
As far as more mainstream projects go, Seimetz played the mother of a missing girl on season three of AMC's The Killing and appears on five episodes of the first season of Starz's The Girlfriend Experience, which she also directs and executive produces.
Image Source: Everett Collection
In fact, Seimetz was chosen by executive producer Steven Soderbergh to helm The Girlfriend Experience because he was so impressed with her 2012 indie film, Sun Don't Shine, about a couple taking a tense, sometimes spooky road trip through Central Florida. It earned Seimetz numerous independent film award nominations, including two wins from the SXSW Film Festival and the IndieWire Critics Poll. Finally, Seimetz appeared in this year's sci-fi sequel Alien: Covenant.
On Stranger Things, Seimetz acts as sort of a guide to those who have been investigating Dr. Brenner and Project MKUltra, explaining to them what was done to her sister, Terry. Aunt Becky has believed that baby Jane died all those years ago, so she's pretty surprised to see a teenage Jane appear on her doorstep in season two.
We would expect that even though Jane is now Hopper's daughter, by virtue of an official birth certificate Dr. Owens manages to procure for the chief, the story of her parentage and Project MKUltra is far from over, so perhaps Terry and Becky will appear in season three.
3 Things You Need to Be Focusing on If You Want to Up Your Fitness Game
We've all been there: out of breath, over it, and ready to throw in our gym towels and never look back. Oftentimes this happens because we're not seeing progress with our workouts, at least not the kind we were expecting. What gives? To get to the bottom of what's stalling our progress, we turned to personal trainer Austin Lopez, CSCS.
More often than not, it's likely that the "overload principle" is being ignored, Austin told POPSUGAR. A basic tenet in training, the overload principle is easy to grasp and makes total sense. Put simply, we need to consistently be working harder to see change. "You have to push yourself more because the body is good at adapting to whatever you throw at it," Austin said. If you want to see changes, you need to change it up - and often. But you don't need to go into it blindly. In fact, there's a ton of evidence on exactly where you should devote your efforts.
1. Time and Frequency
You don't necessarily have to give up the classes you love or your sacred time on the treadmill; just do more of what you're already doing. This can happen in a lot of ways, said Austin. For starters, add an extra class or gym session onto your schedule. If that's not possible, try adding time to your existing workouts. Instead of a 45-minute TRX class, look for a 60-minute class; even challenging yourself to an extra 10 minutes on the treadmill can lead to results.
2. Speed
When it comes to cardio-based workouts like running, cycling, or time on the elliptical, challenge yourself to increase your overall pace. If you usually run an 11-minute mile, start to shave that down to a 10-minute mile by slowly increasing the speed of your runs. You can also work on speed by incorporating interval training into your cardio and strength workouts by alternating between a period of maxing out your efforts with a period of recovery. Think HIIT, Tabata, and tempo runs.
This type of increased intensity will also aid in weight loss, said Austin. "From an exercise perspective, interval training is the most effective way to get lean," he said. "The more intense the workout, the more the body has to recover, which translates into more calories over time." This is due to the afterburn effect (excess postexercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC), which helps to increase your metabolism, resulting in hundreds of extra calories to be burned throughout the day.
3. Load
The easiest way to think about load is to equate it with weight. Essentially you're "loading" the body up with more weight and challenging it to work harder. The next time you're in a strength-training class or at the gym, choose a heavier weight than you're used to. You may be surprised that you can actually manage more than you thought possible. If more weight seems daunting, start by doing shorter sets with less reps. "By going heavier, you'll be breaking down muscle at a higher rate, making it stronger than it was before," said Austin.
The Right Way to Incorporate Frequency, Speed, and Load
If you've hit a wall, there's no better time than now to start upping your intensity in one of these areas. While Austin's advice is to go "as intense as you can," he added that this is all relative to the individual. "The more intense you make any workout, the more unsafe it can become," he said. "Ease into it, and find out what's possible for you." While you are tasking yourself with going harder, you still want to make sure your form is on and you aren't feeling lightheaded or dizzy while working out. "Push it little by little," said Austin.
A good way to keep yourself safe is by focusing on only one of these areas at a time (frequency, speed, load). Besides preventing injury, "it's also a great way to measure your success rate because it controls one variable."
Surprise! Tarte Just Dropped Its Gorgeous New Holiday Collection Early
Tarte pulled a bit of a sneak attack on us all when it debuted its holiday 2017 collection, Tarte Delight, early on Sept. 1. We already got an exclusive peek at the highly anticipated Blush Book Volume III among the launches, but with more than 20 new arrivals, there is so much more goodness where that came from. The news broke on Instagram, where it was also announced that there will be free shipping on all orders through Sept.5 at 3 a.m. ET. So in case you didn't have any plans for the long holiday weekend, you better add makeup shopping to your list.
The packaging on all the limited-edition pieces is stunning, with gold accents, vibrant Moroccan prints, festive glitter, and rhinestones. There is a slight mystical seafaring theme with product names like Mermaid Kisses, Buried Treasure, and Treasured Tools. One standout is a brand-new eye shadow palette ($36) that boasts a gorgeous collection of bronzes, browns, pearls, and a crimson shade, all perfect for Fall.
Read on for more of the holiday loot ahead.
They're Here! 13 Editor-Approved Liquid Lipsticks You Need For Fall
The fastest way to transform your beauty look from Summer to Fall is by swiping on a liquid lipstick. Many formulas have excellent staying power and boldly pop on your pout. Whether you're looking for a warm nude or a vampy burgundy, we rounded up our favorite options for you to choose from. Not only will these lipsticks make a statement, but they will take your autumnal look to the next level. Stock up on a few right now!
The Nightingale's Kristin Hannah Shares Exclusive Details on Her Highly Anticipated New Novel
Brenda Janowitz is the POPSUGAR books correspondent. She is the author of five novels, including The Dinner Party.
Image Source: Kevin Lynch
The wait is finally over. Ever since The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah's runaway bestseller, captured our hearts in 2015, fans have been clamoring for her next novel. With more than four million copies sold, The Nightingale wasn't just a bestseller. It was a phenomenon.
How can a writer follow up a book that resonated with so many readers? Hannah took inspiration from her own family, who homesteaded in Alaska in the 1970s. The Great Alone takes us to Alaska, 1974. It's the story of 13-year-old Leni, who learns that her father has lost another job and that her family is moving again. But this time, they are going off the grid to Alaska, to homestead 40 acres of raw land. Her father, a Vietnam veteran, thinks this will be a fresh start for their family. And Leni hopes that he is right. But they are unprepared for what it takes to survive a Winter in Alaska. And as they will quickly learn, there is no room for mistakes. The Great Alone is a story about courage and resilience and how we can survive against the most difficult of odds. Fierce, feminist, and utterly unputdownable, this is a book you won't soon forget.
We're thrilled to have this exclusive video of Hannah talking about her inspiration for The Great Alone and sharing personal family photographs. The Great Alone will be out on Feb. 6, 2018.
13 Miracle-Working Night Creams For Women in Their 20s (All Under $55!)
Night is a cherished time for your skin. It's when you slow down and give your body's largest organ a break from exposure to the elements, allowing it to restore and repair itself. Of course, there are some top-notch moisturizers you can (and should) use to help the process along. While not everyone has the income for La Mer - including this editor - there are options for every budget. Before you slip between the sheets at night, consider grabbing one of these affordable buys from Sephora or Ulta. They're all under $55, and they're all packed with ingredients that will help your skin heal while you catch some much-needed zzz's.
This Is What Huda Beauty's Faux Filter Foundation Looks Like on Every Skintone
After two years of testing, color-matching, and teases, Huda Kattan has finally released her Faux Filter Foundation. It's not hyperbole to say that the launch was met with smashing success - just take a look at Sephora shelves, where nine of Faux Filter's 30 foundations sold out in less than a week.
Since inclusivity was a big goal of Huda's from the get-go, the #FauxFilter hashtag on Instagram is quickly becoming a beautifully diverse place where makeup enthusiasts go to share their shades, tips, and feelings about the matte, full-coverage (and we mean FULL) formula.
Want in on this feel-good celebration of flawless skin? Read on to see every single shade of Huda Beauty's Faux Filter Foundation ($40) - and then send Sephora prayer hands in hopes that the store restocks the sold-out hues.
The Cutest Pictures of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía of Spain
It seems like just yesterday when King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain announced the birth of their first daughter, so it comes as a total shock that it was 12 years ago that Princess Leonor, the heir to the throne, was born in Madrid. From day one, the little royal graced us with the sweetest pictures (and the most adorable outfits) at family outings and official events.
Then, in 2007, the cuteness doubled with the birth of her sister, Infanta Sofía, and thus began a time of matching outfits, coordinating hairstyles, and mischievous sisterly smiles. Keep scrolling to see the best pictures of the two royals through the years.
1 Look at Queen Letizia's Gorgeous Collection of Ball Gowns, and You'll Be in Love
Even though modern royals prefer affordable dresses from brands like Zara and trendy pieces like comfy track pants, a queen isn't a queen without a serious collection of ball gowns.
In true frugal form, Queen Letizia, who often repeats outfits from head to toe without a care in the world, has worn the same party dresses to royal weddings, galas, dinners, and award ceremonies for the past 10+ years. In fact, since 2004, we've spotted Letizia in only 26 different gowns - hey, for the Queen of Spain, that's not that much! Scroll ahead to ooh and aah over all of them.
A Simple But Powerful Trick to Stop Emotional Eating
I cry-eat more often than I want to admit. Stressful day at work? Chinese takeout it is! Fight with the boyfriend? Yes, I'll have a second maragarita! I'm not alone in this. Many nutritionists say weight issues and food cravings are less about physical happenings in the body and are closely tied to our emotional state. But life isn't pretty all of the time, so the challenge becomes how to not turn to food when things get out of whack. Beyond practicing mindful eating as much as possible, Nikki Sharp, wellness coach and author of the 5-Day Real Food Detox, recommends that her clients give themselves a detox - of the emotional kind.
By pinpointing the reasons you're upset, Nikki says that you can find a better way to deal with the anger that doesn't have to involve turning to food. One of her go-to methods is a cleansing ritiual of sorts. Focus on what's bothering you and find a symbolic way to release it. "Write a letter and tear it up, throw a stone into the water, or visualize its dissipation into the air." The point of the exercise is to allow you time to reflect on the feeling and then let go of it. While it might sound a little on the new-agey side of things, Nikki says this simple act can be a "powerful way to free yourself emotionally," advice that can be used well beyond the dinner table.
Stranger Things: If You Don't Recognize Bob, You Should Be Ashamed
Image Source: Netflix
Perhaps the most winsome new character on Stranger Things season two is Bob Newby, aka Bob the Brain. He's Joyce's so-earnest-it-hurts new boyfriend, and he's chock-full of the greatest dad jokes ("I hope . . . it doesn't . . . suuuuck").
If you were racking your brain to try to figure out where you recognize Bob from, look no further - we've got all the info about this actor, who has appeared in some of the most iconic films of the past 30 years.
Actor Sean Astin made his film debut in 1985 in The Goonies as Mikey Walsh, leader of the ragtag group of kids who have a madcap adventure searching for pirate treasure, which is why it's so perfect that he's now appearing on a TV show that features so many Goonies parallels.
Image Source: Everett Collection
After a couple of solid but smaller movies - White Water Summer with Kevin Bacon, Memphis Belle with Matthew Modine (also now on Stranger Things), and Encino Man with Brendan Fraser - Astin had a breakout role in the heartwarming football movie Rudy as the titular Notre Dame walk-on football player.
Image Source: Everett Collection
After about a decade of trying his hand at directing (earning an Oscar nomination for one live-action short film, Kangaroo Court) and appearing in a few movies, Astin was once again front and center when he was cast as Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Image Source: Everett Collection
Since then, Astin has appeared in films and on TV sporadically, but he has expanded his repertoire to include voice-over work for film, TV, and video games. He has also gotten very involved in fighting for causes like equal rights, AIDS awareness and education, and mental-illness advocacy.
You'll have to find out by watching season two if Astin will reprise his role for Stranger Things season three!
24 Bobs That Will Convince You It's Finally Time to Make the Chop
We're big fans of the transformative powers of a short hairstyle, and if you still haven't been convinced to chop your hair short (or maybe just invest in a bob wig), let these Instagram looks be your inspiration.
Whether you like the sharp lines of an asymmetric bob with bangs, or the more mussed-up look of a layered, shoulder-skimming style, there are looks to bookmark for your next salon appointment.
This Makeup Artist Gives Your Favorite Disney Characters a Twisted Makeover
While Disney princesses and characters have been a Halloween staple for quite some time, their gory iterations have also become popularized as of late. Irish makeup artist Natalie Costello is adding to the trend with her own twisted Disney-inspired looks that can give you the Halloween inspiration you may need . . . so long as you're OK with having your favorite characters tainted.
On her Instagram, Natalie frequently shares her transformations that include characters from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Unsurprisingly, Natalie also works at Urban Decay, which is evident in her impressive skills. Look ahead for some of her freakiest transformations yet.
66 Tried-and-Tested Tips For a Frugal Life
It's easy to say that you want to save more money. It's harder to actually implement that. Living a frugal life calls for a lifestyle change and a conscious awareness of how you're spending and saving. It also requires a certain know-how. Learn these tried-and-tested frugal tips from fellow scrimpers cited in Reddit's subsection for frugal people.
You'll Never Have to Worry About Lost Luggage Again Thanks to This Item Tracker
There's a strong case against checking in your luggage: it can get damaged, it's inconvenient, and worst of all, it can get lost. But if you're a perpetual overpacker or your travels require more than a carry-on, you can't always avoid checking in. It's a definite risk, but there is a solution that may help put your mind at ease, at least in terms of knowing where your bags are at all times. Highly favorited luggage brand Away and item tracker Tile teamed up to create a luggage tag ($30) that every traveler needs.
The 100 percent leather tag features an opening made to fit the Tile Slim, which pairs with your smart phone via Bluetooth. It's basically like Find My iPhone for your things. You can locate your suitcase on the Tile app from any of your devices, which will show you where it's at down to the street and city.
You can also follow it on the app's map like below.
Though it doesn't prevent the airline from losing your luggage, you'll at least have peace of mind and you can help them retrieve it faster knowing exactly where it's at. If your suitcase is beyond the Tile's Bluetooth range, you can also select "Notify When Found" in the app to be automatically notified of its most recent location when any Tile user with a phone or tablet simply passes by your missing item. It's pretty awesome.
I've purchased the smaller Tile Mate for my boyfriend - who's known to lose his keys, phone, and wallet often - before and it's been an absolute lifesaver. You can hook the Tile Mate onto your keychain or stick a Slim onto any of your devices, or, like its name suggests, the Slim is sleek enough to fit in your wallet if you have no travel use for it. Clicking the center of your Tile will also call your phone (even when it's on silent) in the reverse situation. Anything you want to keep your eye on, whether it's a child/drunk friend or a remote, can be tracked!
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