Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 19 juin 2018
My Daughter Is Obsessed With Her Grandma, and It's Becoming a Problem
"Can I puh-lease call Gaga?" my almost-7-year-old daughter asked me this morning at 7:15, 10 minutes before her bus was due to arrive. If this were an isolated incident, I'd definitely agree to a quick call, feeling happy that my daughter and my mother (who also happens to be my best friend) have formed such a tight bond.
Instead, I was just annoyed, mostly because this was the fourth time in the last 24 hours my daughter had made the same request, and that wasn't counting the handful of times she swiped my phone and called her grandmother without asking.
I get that my mom's just trying to help, but it would be nice to feel like my rules are being respected and adhered to.
"Let's give Grandma a break, honey," I replied. "We can call her after school." Then the waterworks started, and because it was 7:15 in the morning and I hadn't had time to make coffee yet, I relented, figuring the phone call was the lesser of two evils and allowing it was the best way to stick to my survivalist parenting philosophy.
They spoke for a few minutes in hushed, loving tones (I could hear both sides of the conversation because my daughter thinks my phone only works on speaker mode) before I forced them off the phone so my daughter wouldn't miss the bus. After I got her out the door, I called my mom back. "I'm sorry she's being so obsessive about calling you," I said. "Oh, I love it," my mom replied. "Please let her call me as much as she wants."
And herein lies the problem. As crazy about my mother as my daughter is, my mother is equally nuts about her. In theory, it sounds like a good problem to have, but in reality, it feels like some invisible boundary is being crossed. It's like my daughter and my mother (who is known to spoil my kids rotten) have placed themselves on one side of that boundary, while I am ensconced on the opposite side. And that side is the "mean Mommy" zone.
I can't tell you how many times my daughter has pitted my own mother against me. We'll all be together for a short visit or a longer vacation, and she'll decide she wants the third ice cream cone or more screen time that I've already said no to. So she'll throw a fit and run to Grandma, who then tries to negotiate a deal between the two of us. What if she just has half an ice cream scoop? Or just 10 more minutes of screen time?
I get that my mom's just trying to help, and really, who wants to see their grandchild upset? But it would be nice to feel like my rules are being respected and adhered to, even when the elder generation is in the building. I am, after all, the mother, and shouldn't what I say go? Of course, my daughter would say no, especially when my rules aren't in line with what she wants, and she knows Grandma's rules are made explicitly to please her only granddaughter.
Next week, the three of us - mom, daughter, and grandma - are going on a girls' trip to the beach for a long weekend. It's the third year we've gone, and I'm sure that once again, I'll feel a bit like the third wheel on their doting, cuddle-filled vacation. There will be multiple times when I'll have to choose whether to put my foot down (and deal with the conflict it will create) or be swayed by my mother's insistence that giving my kid "one more" of whatever she currently wants is a better, kinder choice.
Looking on the bright side, however, at least my daughter's preference for her grandmother means I can take a break from being the one who's always in charge. Let Grandma take the lead. I'll be reading my book. And sure, have all the ice cream cones you want.
20 of the Most Unusual and Cute Baby Boy Names of 2018
One of the most exciting things on your "before the baby arrives" to-do list is picking out a special name. Perhaps you're looking to rebel against your parents, who named you one of the most common names from the year you were born (to be fair, everyone was doing it!), or you're just looking to give your future child a unique identity. If you want a name that not many other kids in his class will have, we have a list for you. If you are avoiding commonly used named like Adam, Michael, Chris, and Nick, add these unique boy names of 2018 to your short list.
- Alber
- Apolo
- Atticus
- Binx
- Blaze
- Danger
- Hopper
- Jett
- King
- Rebel
- Remington
- Saint
- Viggo
- Waldo
- Wilder
- Wolf
- Zane
- Zephyr
- Zevon
- Ziv
How My Daughter Became a Rainbow Baby to Herself
After trying for years, we decided to go to a fertility specialist to help us start a family. The long and short of it is that there were lots of biological challenges, so we headed down the IVF road with the leading specialist in the country. We were lucky and our first round of treatment was textbook; two embryos were placed and we crossed our fingers.
Fast forward to testing day, and yes, I totally cheated and took a home pregnancy test the day before - and it was positive! You can imagine the relief and excitement. Then we were off to the doctor, where blood tests and a scan confirmed there was one fabulous little bun in the oven ready to cook.
Then, after constant blood tests and monitoring, another scan showed a little flickering heartbeat at six and a half weeks. There were no words to describe what it felt like to see that. At seven weeks and two days, we had our final scan appointment with our specialist before being released to the care of a midwife.
And that's when it all unraveled.
His words were clear but not what we expected. "No heartbeat, not viable, the baby has arrested, very sorry, I'll send you through to the nurse and she'll explain the options from here." Feeling numb, we listened as the nurse said we could either wait for "it" to happen naturally or they could arrange for a dilation and curettage procedure (D&C).
Driving home, through my tears, all I could think was I didn't feel different. I know they had said I had a miscarriage and they were the experts, but how could that be?
That week was full of grief, but in the back of my mind, I couldn't shake still feeling pregnant. When more blood tests came back with increasing hormone levels, I questioned the nurses, but they said, "Sometimes that happens." I must have seemed like a complete lunatic; I questioned the nurses at every turn, and my best friend, family, and husband (while amazing and supportive) were all starting to wonder if I was completely losing the plot.
I just couldn't believe the diagnosis; either I was in denial or going crazy. I swung between grief and disbelief.
In the insanity of that week, I was referred to the miscarriage clinic at our public hospital. I had asked for another scan, but the specialist was resolute and we were now in the "public" system. I'll never forget reading the words on his referral letter requesting an "immediate evacuation of the uterus" because I wasn't "coping."
There I was at the clinic being given the same options: wait it out or schedule a D&C. But I needed them to check. I needed to know I was doing the right thing, so I asked for a scan. Reluctantly and with a "well, if that's what you need to feel comfortable, we can arrange that," the clinic doctor agreed.
I headed back to the public hospital the next day for the ultrasound. I remember saying, "I think we're probably just confirming the inevitable but I need to check," as I handed over the referral documents.
She started scanning. A couple of minutes later she stopped, cocked her head a little, leaned into the screen, scanned more, looked closer, and then turned to me and said: "I don't know what he was looking at, but what I see here is a perfectly viable baby with a good heartbeat. And it appears to be measuring ahead of expected."
I felt my heart drop. WHAT? She reread my notes and asked if I would wait for a moment while she went to get her boss. While she was out of the room, I rang my husband. I could hear his jaw hit the floor. No sooner had I hung up than the head of the department came in. They scanned again and got the same result. At that point I'm not sure who looked more shocked or happier, them or me. "Well, I don't know how this happened, but you are definitely pregnant. We'll be sending the doctor a report, but would you like to ring and tell him, or would you like us to?"
Calling the fertility clinic that afternoon was awesome, and yes they were as shocked as everyone else. It was nice for me to know that after being treated like I was crazy, I was actually right.
I met again with the doctor who had misdiagnosed my miscarriage, and he asked if he could do a scan too so that he could see, but of course I said no. I didn't trust him anymore. He apologized and said he wasn't sure how it happened. He suggested maybe there were two and he just hadn't seen the other one. I really didn't want to hear his excuses. He had made a terrible, terrible mistake, one that would have killed my child if I had gone along as he recommended and had that D&C.
What I found out through this process is that when you are diagnosed with a miscarriage and booked for a D&C, no further scanning is done before the operation. They simply take the report as correct and proceed. If I hadn't insisted on another scan, my beautiful little girl wouldn't be here. Sure, I'd be none the wiser, but knowing what happened and how close we were to losing her is something I can never forget or forgive.
I'd love to say that the pregnancy was problem free, and medically it was, but having already "lost" her once made it an emotional horror story. I was completely paranoid every single day. From renting a fetal doppler to employing an expensive obstetrician and insisting on regular scans, I just couldn't relax and enjoy it. I'm probably one of the only mothers who has been relieved to have a breech baby and an early C-section, but honestly I just wanted to have her out alive. I couldn't stand the thought that something might still go wrong.
I guess this is what it's like for most women who are pregnant after loss; pregnant with rainbow babies. The only difference is that mine was essentially a rainbow baby to herself.
I know that most of the time a miscarriage is just that and my situation is rare, but if you find yourself in this terrible, heartbreaking situation, don't rush into a decision. Please always get a second opinion, and trust yourself.
14 Mom-Approved Shoes Your Toddler Will Never Want to Take Off
There's just something special about shopping for kids' shoes. They're so tiny and adorable, they're almost more fun to shop for than adult shoes. Plus, they're full of sparkles, fun colors, and whimsical designs that us grown-ups just don't have the same access to. We've rounded up 14 cute shoes that both you and your toddler will love. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
Kids Kept Playing With My Son's Natural Hair at School, So I Did Something About It
Our house is full of curlies - wonderful, kinky, coil-y curls (except my husband, since the addition of our two curly-headed tots has caused the subtraction of most of the hair on top of his head). I've had my own journey of embracing my natural hair (which wasn't always easy when mainstream media, corporate America, and some schools have said natural hair isn't beautiful or professional), but as a mom of boys, I hadn't given much thought to teaching them to love their hair, too. But when an incident at my son's preschool caused him to be the center of attention, I had to find ways to address him and his class.
There are many ways to engage in cultural exchange (but not appropriation) with your children. Kids will benefit from understanding the motivations, points of view, and cultural and historical issues of people unlike themselves.
One day, children encircled my son, placed their hands on his head, and played with his curls with their fingers while describing what they thought of it. Not only had they invaded his personal space, but they made my shy and typically reserved little guy feel like an exhibit because there was something "different" about him. Since he's the only black child in a predominately white preschool, I'm not surprised that his hair drew their interest. Anticipating incidents like this is part of the everyday considerations lots of parents have to make when selecting child care, on top of the general worries of simply finding quality early childhood education. Yes, innocently, kids will be kids. But these are the kinds of early impressionable moments that shape the way our children grow up and learn to interact, play, and work with friends and strangers who may look or sound different from them or have different abilities. So I turned my indignation into action.
Related: My Mom, the Immigrant, Is the Strongest American I Know
That night, I went online to search for children's books with diverse characters, storylines, and cultural perspectives that I could share with my son's class. I saw this as an opportunity to broaden the students' exposure to an array of people, both real and fictional, and help the school incorporate lessons of acceptance.
As a media-literacy advocate, I know there's power in deconstructing media messages and teaching our children to question narratives. Historically, American media (and its global exports) has been pretty one-note in its depiction of what's considered "normal," while promoting stereotypes about people of color and other marginalized communities. When you grow up seeing superheroes, love interests, and commanders-in-chief that look like you or reflect your family, anything that deviates can seem foreign and easily objectified. From basic stock photos to color choices for inanimate good and bad guys in video games (yes, that's also a conversation we had to have with our preschooler: everything black isn't bad), the images our kids see teach them how to interpret the world and value themselves and others.
Related: Not to Be Dramatic, but Cardi B Reading "Go the F*ck to Sleep" Is the Best Thing We've Ever Seen
I also know that media won't fix everything or end racism. To be honest, I can't even say that the issue has been fully resolved at our child's school or that we won't face something like this again with our younger son. But I do believe that, because media plays such a huge part in our lives and society, exposing kids to stories and images that represent people from varied backgrounds, places, and cultures is one way to make a change that can have a ripple effect in our unconscious perceptions of each other.
Like every parent, I want my kids to be loved and accepted for the cool little individuals they are. But more than 50 years later, I and many others are still dreaming of the day our children are judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin (or the type of hair they have). As media and technology play a role in our kids' lives at younger and younger ages, they can serve as great ways to begin conversations about culture, respect, and embracing differences.
First, we have to teach kids to be proud of what makes them unique. Help your child celebrate their characteristics, from physical traits to cultural traditions. Although it's not always easy, finding toys and media that reflect what your child sees in the mirror goes a long way in boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
Related: These Black Women Are Normalizing Breastfeeding Through Empowering Imagery
Second, explore different cultures. One of the greatest things about media and technology is the ability to instantly transport us to another place or time. From books set in history or fantasy to games that allow kids to globe-trot in the comfort of their own homes, there are many ways to engage in cultural exchange (but not appropriation) with your children. Kids of all backgrounds can benefit from understanding the motivations, points of view, and cultural and historical issues of people unlike themselves.
And third, reinforce what makes us the same. The best way to remove the distance between ourselves and "other" people is to find common ground. Exposing children to diverse stories and images can be a powerful counterbalance to the narrow standards of what's acceptable and to negative stereotypes that are often promoted in media. This has a twofold benefit of helping kids see difference less as a novelty and focusing more on familiar, shared experiences.
- By Jasmine Hood-Miller, Common Sense Media
The Answer to When Kids Should Start Taking Showers Instead of Baths Is the Kind of Answer We Love
My kids are two years apart, a boy and a girl. When they were younger, I used to wonder how long they should bathe together. It was always such a fun bonding time for them, and I didn't want to end it before I had to. But around age 5, my son decided he was big enough take showers on his own. He no longer wanted to be around his little sister during naked time and was getting a little sick of her splashing water in his face. He had started kindergarten, so he officially saw himself as a big boy. He made the decision for me: the big boy would take the shower and my daughter would stay in the bath.
Turns out, there's no magic age when you should make the switch, but instead, follow your child's lead when it comes to leaving the bath behind. Yep, it's entirely up to them! If they're expressing interest in cleaning themselves, then they're probably ready to do so. But while they can make the decision to start taking showers, it's still up you to ensure their safety. You can do things like put a nonslip bath mat down, install a handle, and walk them through their first shower so they know how to properly wash themselves - private parts included - and not just play around in the slippery tub. You can also show them how to work the water and where exactly to put it for the right temperature.
You can monitor your child's first few showers to make sure they get the hang of it, but then feel free to let them do it on their own. Since this transition usually occurs when your child is entering grade school, they'll be happy and thankful for the small dose of independence. And if they, like my son, have a younger sibling, they'll also be thankful that they no longer have to get splashed in the face by them too.
5 Big Myths About IVF That Actually Aren't True at All
In the world of fertility medicine, in vitro fertilization is an absolute game changer. With more clinics opening worldwide and newer technologies developing daily (like the ability to choose the sex of your baby!), IVF has made fertility assistance increasingly accessible. However, greater awareness also makes for a greater amount of misinformation, and these erroneous beliefs (and scary-looking pictures) about the IVF process can discourage women from even considering going down that path themselves. We gathered up some of the most common IVF myths out there so we can separate fact from fiction (and prove that not every IVF cycle ends up with a Jon-and-Kate-Plus-Eight ending).
1. You'll Have to Get Daily Needle Injections
This was the truth - up until very recently, that is. New York's New Hope Fertility Center just launched a new needle-free IVF method, which promises the same success rates without any injections. Rather than needle injections, this method uses urine and saliva samples to run hormone tests as well as oral and nasal medications to stimulate the ovaries. Dr. Zaher Merhi, the director of research and development in IVF technologies at New Hope, told Fast Company that he hopes the solution will ease women's discomfort. Though the oral medication and nasal sprays don't tend to produce as many eggs as traditional injections, Dr. Merhi doesn't believe the needle-free method is any less effective. "It's not going to really affect your chances to get pregnant," Dr. Merhi said. "To us, the quality of the egg is way better than the quantity."
2. You Have to Have Plenty of Viable Eggs to Be a Candidate
Though IVF success is frequently determined by age, a technique called ovarian rejuvenation can allow women who have experienced premature ovarian failure (POF) and even menopause to potentially conceive. Using needle sticks, doctors can stimulate the follicles in dormant eggs to make them viable again. There is less of a chance for success, but this new technique has still made it possible for postmenopausal women to have IVF as an option. According to Dr. Merhi, two out of six patients he has treated with ovarian rejuvenation have had successful pregnancies through IVF.
3. You Need to Freeze Your Embryos Before Implantation
While this is true for women experiencing infertility as the result of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, frozen embryos are not more effective than fresh embryos for all women. According to researchers from China and Vietnam, who recently published their findings in the New England Journal of Medicine, there are no significant differences between women who use fresh rather than frozen embryos in rates of implantation. The findings may encourage doctors to just implant one embryo at a time rather than multiple, which comes with the risk of multiple pregnancies. Fresh embryo transfers are also 30 percent less expensive than frozen embryo transfers. The study, however, did find that fresh embryo transfers resulted in a higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) than women using frozen embryo transfers.
4. You Won't Be Able to Afford It
There's no denying that IVF isn't cheap. However, there is a newer procedure, minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization, or mini IVF, that is half the price of the usual IVF, as fewer doses of medication are required. A typical IVF cycle costs $15,000 on average, whereas mini IVF costs between $5,000 to 7,000 per cycle. According to Dr. Merhi, "You don't actually need as much medication to help conception since the medication doesn't create eggs; it only fosters the growth of the eggs that are already there." Mini IVF is a great option for women with lower ovarian reserves (which is more common for women over 35), but this alternative doesn't make sense when you need a large amount of eggs. Also worth noting: if you don't conceive after a few cycles, the costs can actually be greater in the long run.
5. You'll Definitely Get Pregnant
The most disheartening truth of IVF is that, despite all of the new technologies being developed, there is still no guarantee that you'll become pregnant. IVF success rates vary widely based on a number of factors, but the average rate of success is 41 to 43 percent for people under 35 and 33 to 36 percent for people from ages 35 to 37. Success rates are still highly dependent on the age of the patient giving the egg, as egg quality begins to decline significantly after 35, but with each new development, IVF becomes an option for a wider range of women.
There are many factors that can impact fertility, but with IVF, little can be done on the patient's part to ensure success. "Patients can contribute to success [of IVF] by doing nothing - being relaxed and not stressing out about the treatment helps," Dr. Merhi says. "A lot of the time, it makes it very hard psychologically when patients are stressed out. As far as other things, the recommendation is just to avoid smoking, drinking and alcohol and be generally healthy."
My Son Is Very Sensitive and Emotional, and I'm More Than OK With That
When the doctor announced that we were having a boy, my morning sickness promptly returned that afternoon. I was shocked. Having been around girls all my life, I had no idea what to do with a boy. The only boys I'd tried to raise were the ones I'd dated in my 20s. So like any good mother, I started doing research . . . at the mall. I watched little guys tackle each other in the shoe racks and nervously prepared for a lot of hard-hitting energy to enter my world.
Then I had my son, my quiet little guy who has never once tacked anyone in a shoe rack, my kid who watches movies and cries during the happy endings, saying, "Mom, this is beautiful." And I love it. I've supported every inch of his sensitive heart because that's who he is. I want him to experience his own rainbow of emotions, because that way, as he grows, he'll have the tools to be able to handle them. He can be comfortable in his own skin. But, I'll admit, I do sometimes second-guess my choice. Would he be happier tougher?
He'd be so uncomfortable trying to live in a more stoic world because my kid is most comfortable being emotional.
"Mom, she said she didn't want to play with me today," he wailed as I scooped him up one day. I'd never seen any other kids leave the school sobbing. Should I have prepared him better for the cold, hard world of preschool? Maybe if I'd encouraged him to climb those shoe racks, he wouldn't be so upset.
Once he cried it out and we could talk, I discovered that his best friend played with someone else for a small time that day, but then joined him again later. His heart had broken for the time they'd spent apart. No, he didn't want to play with anyone else while she was away. He simply wanted to wait for her because she's his best friend. I could feel his pain and wanted to hold him forever - or, you know, at least until he gets married.
Another day he asked me, "Mom, is today a school day?" "Nope," I said. "Today we stay home. It's Saturday." And with that, my little guy burst into tears. I was completely confused. With all the best friend sadness going on at school, I had assumed he hated it, but now he was crying because he couldn't go.
"Honey, why are you sad?" I said. "I love school," he replied. "I want to go." His cries lasted as long as it takes to sing one round of "It's a Small World." We sat in silence while he stared deeply into my eyes. He finally said, "Thanks, Mom. It's OK to cry. It feels good." And then he ran off to play.
It would seem my son is more in touch with his emotions that I am. My fear for his fragile heart was making me doubt my motherly instincts, but he has clearly shown me that making him tougher would be the wrong choice for him. He'd be so uncomfortable trying to live in a more stoic world because my kid is most comfortable being emotional. My son is showing me how to raise him, and I'm thrilled to follow his lead. Right now, he needs to cry to get his sadness out, and I'm happy to be here to hold him as long as he lets me - hopefully until long after he gets married.
This Photo of a Mom at Target Is What We All Dream Public Breastfeeding Should Be Like
Whoever said dads can't be part of the breastfeeding process hasn't met this guy.
A member of the popular Breastfeeding Mama Talk Facebook page posted a photo of her family's recent shopping trip to a local Target, and it is the definition of public breastfeeding goals.
"When you've been in the Target toy section for 45 minutes with your 10-year-old birthday girl and the 15-month-old wants to nurse, you take their seat and nurse her while the hubs pushes you around," the proud mom wrote.
Just look at this picture, and - aside from imagining that this is how Kate Middleton must nurse all the time - make a mental note to snag one of these carts the next time your whole family is out on a Target run.
14 Reasons to Avoid a Summer Pregnancy at All Costs
There's no denying that pregnancy is a miracle, but despite what Instagram and Beyoncé may lead us to believe, it's not always easy. When you have stretch marks and spider veins and are carrying around an extra 25 to 35 pounds, it's pretty hard to feel comfortable, let alone good about yourself. And when you add hot and sticky temperatures, small and revealing clothing, activities that require actual energy, and flip-flops that need to fit your swollen feet, things go downhill real quick. If you're expecting during the Summer, you can also expect a whole lot of aggravation. From sweat stains to humid nights, here are just a few of the reasons there's no worse time to be with child than the summertime.
26 Summer Breakfast Ideas For Kids That Will Make Them Forget All About Cereal
If your household is anything like mine, school-year breakfasts are all about getting your kids fed quickly and easily - with a focus on the quick. Cereal, prepackaged yogurts, and cut-up fruit are our standard before-school breakfasts, but once Summer arrives and no one has to be out the door by 7:27, it's time to spice up the breakfast menu with items that kids will love . . . and moms might love even more. From make-ahead muffins, casseroles, and burritos to jazzed-up classic morning fare like smoothies and yogurt bowls, the following 26 recipes will start your Summer mornings off in the most delicious way possible.
Cool or Uptight? What Your Sign Says About You as an Aunt
Being an aunt is pretty freaking awesome. You get to take part in the growth of some amazing children all while being able to go home at the end of the day to your quiet and clean private space. When you first find out that you're going to be an aunt, one of the first things you might think about is what kind of aunt you'll be. From cool aunts who know all the best spots to laid-back and artistic aunts, there's a style that fits everyone. And since the stars have a big say in who we are, you can use your sign to see what kind of aunt you will be (or are!).
- Capricorn. This loyal sign will always be there for their nieces and nephews, whether it's for a conversation or to be picked up from school. To them, family and responsibility are very important and they will do what they can for the ones they love. However, just because they are exceptionally loyal, don't expect the Capricorn aunt to be kissing any boo-boos or supporting bad decisions. Known for not suffering any sense of foolishness, a Capricorn aunt expects that the children also accept responsibility and handle bad moments with maturity.
- Aquarius. An Aquarius aunt is definitely a fun aunt . . . when they're around. This jet-setting, adventurous sign likes to keep things moving, especially to the beat of their own drum. This aunt encourages art, music, and creativity and probably comes with gifts from wherever they just got back from. While the Aquarius aunt offers a lot of love, don't expect to tie them down for any long-term babysitting.
- Pisces. This sign embraces going with the flow and will be the kind of aunt who can lend a hand at a moment's notice. When mom needs a minute to herself, the Pisces aunt is the first to put on her walking shoes and take the kids to the park, where they can explore the world around them. This aunt may be a little judgmental at times of Mom's parenting decisions, but they're always willing to forgive and listen.
- Aries. The Aries aunt is definitely not comfortable with taking the back seat. Think of this sign as another parent, eager to give advice, help, and encourage their nieces and nephews to be the best. While this might be a little exhausting for the parents, eventually they'll learn to love and appreciate that kind of support.
- Taurus. Not being the most flexible sign, the Taurus aunt really works best when given a lot of time to plan. However, they're eager and willing to help, as long it's a practical task. Don't expect this aunt to come up with creative play for her niece or nephew, but she'll definitely be there to help build blocks and clean up afterward.
- Gemini. Depending on what kind of mood she's in, a Gemini aunt can be a great listener and very nurturing. This compassionate sign is gentle and affectionate, so expect this aunt to the be one the kids turn to when they need to talk. There is the potential for the Gemini aunt to need some space, but they never like to be alone for very long and thrive in a playful setting that involves lots of talking.
- Cancer. A Cancer aunt is a mom's best friend, since she will be your first line of defense when it comes to any potential mom-shaming. This feisty sign is happy to take children on excursions, but don't expect them to make friends with new moms in the process. Very protective of their family unit, this sign likes to keep their loved ones close.
- Leo. Be very careful of the Leo aunt. Known for being fun loving, this sign can get into trouble since they love playing like children do. This is the aunt who is first to go down a dangerous slide or decide to play with bubbles indoors. While they mean well, this playful nature might need to be put in check occasionally.
- Virgo. Virgos like to tinker, and the Virgo aunt is no different. If the niece or nephew has a problem, the Virgo aunt will find some way of trying to help. Thankfully, their thoughtfulness and planning abilities are helpful in this situation. Virgo aunts will also encourage the children to be as powerful and fierce as they are.
- Libra. Don't expect the Libra aunt to be dolling out any punishment. While they like to keep things fair, they also aren't strict disciplinarians. Instead, this sign is more likely to take their niece and nephew to a protest or help in the neighborhood some way. They want the world to be a more fair place and want these children to help along the way.
- Scorpio. While a strong sign, this aunt might get caught up in arguments, with and about the children. Don't expect this sign to hold their tongue, because they're going to tell you what they think. While they may get a little heated, Scorpio aunts are also great secret keepers and will surely earn the trust of every kid in the family.
- Sagittarius. This aunt will be the first to document every move, which is great since moms are rarely in pictures. While it might seem a bit obsessive at times, what they really want to do is keep track of how fast these children are growing. This is a loving sign that will do anything for her family.
The Secret to Ageless Skin May Be Hiding in Your Gut
There's a deeper meaning to the phrase "trust your gut" when it comes to skin care. In Dr. Nigma Talib's celebrity-favorite book, Younger Skin Starts in the Gut, she explains the effects that gluten, dairy, wine, and sugar have on your face. In fact, she can look at you and immediately be able to know which of these groups may be causing acne, fine lines, puffiness, or sallowness on your face.
So eating a big piece of carrot cake or two slices of pizza may be doing more than just expanding your stomach; it may also be harming your gut. And when your gut isn't healthy, it can inflame or prematurely age your skin.
"The foods you eat every day will eventually show up on your face," Dr. Talib told us. "There are four main faces of aging that I've seen in my years of practice. They are gluten face, dairy face, sugar face, and wine face. Not only can these foods cause premature aging, but they can also cause puffiness, unwanted acne, skin redness, and pigmentation, to name a few."
According to Dr. Talib, you can simply make your acne or sagging skin improve by not eating the foods that are inflaming them. Sound too good to be true? Possibly. But it makes more sense than just applying a cream or lotion to clear up the problem. Instead of treating the skin care concern, you're getting to the cause of the issue to stop it before it starts.
"I consider myself a biochemical detective, always trying to find the true root cause of my patients' problems rather than just treating their symptoms with a plaster-like approach," Dr. Talib added. "I realized at this point that all of the evidence was pointing to one thing behind the premature aging - and many of the other health and skin issues my clients were complaining of - and that was poor digestive function."
There are two ways to figure out if your gut health is keeping you from flawless skin. First, you can make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, like Dr. Talib. Or, you can try an elimination diet for two to three weeks. In that time period, you will entirely cut out gluten, dairy, sugar, and wine from your meals. Replace it with healthy options, like fruits, vegetables, and natural grains (such as quinoa and brown rice). After the test, slowly add these groups back into your diet, one at a time. For example, eat a piece of cheese in the morning and wait 72 hours to see if you have a reaction (such as a pimple emerging or bloating). Your body should be able to tell you if you are sensitive to it. (Also note that sensitivity and intolerance are different than a food allergy.)
If you're interested in learning more, pick up Dr. Talib's book to try her version of this challenge, and keep reading to see her analysis of how gluten, wine, dairy, and sugar may be showing up on your skin!
This Is the Only Shampoo That Hasn't Wrecked My Dye Job - and It's Not Labeled Color Care
Image Source: Kendall Price Photography
I get a lot of compliments on my hair color. I'm not being vain, I'm impressed. My natural hair is a lovely shade of dishwater brown - I think, I haven't seen it since my junior year of high school. It's had subtle highlights, chunky blond streaks, rebellious purple-red (a mistake for which I still haven't forgiven my then-stylist), and finally, a natural, warm red. It looks so natural against my pale, freckled skin, in fact, that most people assume it's my real hair color. That's me, above, on my wedding day last year. Vibrant and silky, right?
This is due in part to the skilled colorists who have cared for it, but also to the shampoo and conditioner I use after I leave the salon. I'm obsessive about beauty products, particularly finding the ones that work for me. I've tried so many color care shampoos over the years that you could go to a drugstore, point to one, and I could tell you what it did to my hair. Some are so strong that I've watched in horror as the red color swirled my shower drain. Others have dried out my fragile ends almost instantly. But the biggest issue I have with shampoos formulated for color? They leave my hair feeling gunky, oily, or unclean.
After years of trial and error, I've found my shampoo soulmate: Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo ($24).
I've been using this sudsy potion for two years now, and my hair has yet to experience any buildup, color-stripping, or drying. The sulfate-free formula actually lathers (an unnecessary but appreciated quality that many color-care shampoos lack) and makes my hair feel soft and clean. According to Briogeo, the shampoo features a "coconut-derived surfactants to promote a rich lather and effectively cleanse the hair without stripping color or causing a dull, dry appearance." So what I'm saying is, that's totally true.
I pair the shampoo with a cult favorite from the brand, the Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask ($36). The one-two punch cleans my strands then infuses them with vitamin B, rosehip, and argan oils. Both products are so gentle that my stylists have routinely remarked on how well my color has kept up between sessions.
If you've been having some of the same issues I've mentioned, you may want to put these products in your cart!
How the Beauty Looks at the MTV Movie & TV Awards Have Changed
In honor of this year's MTV Movie & TV Awards, let's take a look back at red carpets of yore. Because while beauty trends come and go, Getty Images is forever. So we've found 30 celebrity hair and makeup looks that are bound to make you nostalgic for the days of chunky headbands, dramatic side parts, and sticky lip gloss. (And the good news is, all three of those things are trending again!)
All of the Drugstore Makeup That Graced the MTV Movie & TV Awards
"Champagne taste on a beer budget" doesn't usually apply to well-heeled celebrities, but even stars aren't immune to the charms of a good drugstore beauty haul. Case in point: the MTV Movie & TV Awards red carpet, which was dotted with many stars wearing affordable makeup - and nailing the style game while doing so. From Zendaya's chic, slicked-back wet hair to Alisha Boe repping the official eye shadow hue of Summer, you can see the most accessible makeup of the MTV Movie & TV Awards, ahead.
The Biggest Hair Trend From the MTV Movie & TV Awards Is Perfect For Summer
If you're in the market for a new Summer hairstyle, look no further than the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards (which air tonight at 9 p.m. ET) for inspiration. Ponytails of all lengths and sizes ruled the red carpet, with all of your favorite celebrities hitting the preparty with the coolest off-the-neck iterations. From booty-grazing waves to natural curls to sky-high knots, there was no shortage of 'tail inspo - but don't just take our word for it. Check out our favorite styles ahead, and get ready to screenshot them all to bring to your hairstylist.
The 12 Products a Beauty Editor Can't Travel Without
I don't know if it's harder to pack my clothes or my makeup when I go on vacation. Even getting ready for work at the gym in the morning feels like a challenge; I inevitably end up leaving the lip color I want to wear at home. When I travel, I like to go carry-on only, which means my makeup bag can't be too large or too heavy. Talk about a challenge. After a lot of flights and multiple overstuffed cosmetic cases, these are my picks for on-the-go beauty. Your suitcase will thank you.
These 9 Makeup Mirrors Will Make Beauty Addicts Swoon
If you're applying your makeup in a less-than-bright room, chances are you've ended up with smeared eyeliner and splotchy foundation. A good lighted mirror is a beauty essential so you can make sure your makeup looks flawless at every angle and in every type of light.
When shopping for a mirror, keep in mind the quality of the glass (so your face isn't distorted), the amount of light the bulbs emit, and how it will fit on your vanity. If you're unsure where to start, we've rounded up some of our favorite mirrors that will allow you to put on your makeup perfectly.
The Container Store Is Here to Save the Mess That Is Your Makeup Drawer
Why is it that when we do our makeup, it inevitably ends up everywhere? I, for one, know the hallmark of a fun night out is when I come home to find eye palettes galore and every lip gloss I own thrown all over my vanity in an attempt to create the perfect look. But if you love makeup, you need great makeup storage. It makes cleanup so much easier. Since I purchased a few of these organizers from The Container Store, my life has never been the same. If you're looking to get your life in order or simply beautify your makeup storage, you need these storage sets. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
9 Eyebrow Gels That Will Give You the Best Arches Ever
I take pride in perfecting my eyebrows every day. Whether I'm drawing them on with a pencil or applying powder, the one thing that always pulls them together is using a setting gel. This finishing makeup comes in both clear or tinted choices that you can find to match your hair color. It helps hold and form your shape, keeping brows in place throughout the day. We rounded up a list of popular picks from brands like E.L.F., Glossier, and MAC. Find yours ahead.
A Complete Guide to Every Skincare Product You Should Keep Out of the Sun
This Summer, your plans might be to soak up all the sun's glorious rays (with SPF, of course). But while excessive UV exposure and improper protection can cause damage to your skin, the heat can also wreak havoc on your skincare products. Whether you are out at the beach or have a ton of sunlight peeking through your bedroom window, you should be mindful of where you're keeping your skincare stash, because the rays could be ruining the ingredients' efficacy. Unsure where to start? We've consulted top dermatologists to break down the dangers of exposing certain ingredients to sunshine.
The Black Girl's Guide to All Your Burning Hyperpigmentation Qs
In a perfect world, life would be as easy as dabbing on concealer, smearing on some highlighter, and leaving the house looking like the Glossier poster child every day. But that isn't the reality for many people of color who struggle with hyperpigmentation.
The condition is extremely common for people of color and causes a darkening effect on the area because of an increase in melanin production. Especially if you've dealt with acne or breakouts, then you've probably experienced these dark spots left behind on your face (or other parts of your body). But hyperpigmentation on brown skin is complex. There are different types, causes, and products that work specifically for people of color, so we enlisted the help of dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, to help break it down. A brighter future is ahead.
These Jaw-Dropping Makeup Looks From the MTV Movie and TV Awards Are Envy-Inducing
At the MTV Movie and TV Awards, some of our favorite stars graced the red carpet in their best threads and most outstanding makeup looks. We were sure to pay close attention to the stars' daring looks so you can see the most up-to-date trends and edgy makeup. (Tune in to see the show when it airs tonight!)
This year some of the stars arrived wearing bold cobalt eye makeup or dramatic lashes, while others went in the exact opposite direction. Many of the guests arrived in pared-down nude hues, opting for shades of beige, brown, and bronze to let their natural features shine through.
Keep reading to see every stunning trend straight from the MTV Movie and TV Awards red carpet.
Over 200 Trendy Ideas For the Cutest Summer Manicure Ever
There's something about Summer that makes painting nails way more exciting. Perhaps it's the shorter hemlines and open-toed shoes that gives one the desire to schedule biweekly pedi appointments so ragged tips aren't cramping your style. Whatever your reason, warmer weather seems to open the doors to bright and extravagant fingertips without feeling overdone.
We've rounded up over 200 colorful, Summer-ready nail designs - from intricate lines and shapes to barely there nail art - so you can get some major nail inspo with ease.
Can You Get Acne From Masturbating Too Much?
Had Google existed in the Victorian era, commoners would have undoubtedly searched "Will masturbating leaveth me blind?" with the same frequency as "Doth masturbation cause the preposterous consequence of hairy palms?" But it's 2018, people, and there's a new, perhaps less obvious question surrounding solo sex that's mystifying the masses - and that is whether the hands-on activity can also cause acne.
The heavily debated topic has already racked up a whopping 833,000 search results, so we'll get straight to the answer: hell no. No matter what Sigmund Freud or 19th-century philosophers have said, masturbating won't drive you insane, lead to memory loss, change the world as we know it, or curse your skin with a constellation of pimples. "There is no evidence that masturbating will worsen acne," dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD, told POPSUGAR. "If anything, stress reduction associated with the activity would likely limit acne exacerbation, given the known association between stress and inflammation."
How did this urban legend start, you wonder? "Masturbating has been shown to mildly increase testosterone production, and this data is weak, which may be from where some of this myth is derived," he said. "But these data have not been correlated with the development of acne. It's a big leap that completely underestimates the complexity of this chronic inflammatory skin disease."
Indeed. In a world where acne affects 50 million people, there are a number of far more concrete reasons behind your most recent breakout - like forgetting to wash your face at night or just going through puberty. "Acne is a hormonal disease, as androgen hormones stimulate activity of oil glands and promote breakouts in predisposed patients," said dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD. "These same hormones are actually involved in stimulated sex drive. Your best course of action, if you suffer from acne, is to look for treatments over the counter that include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and adapalene. If these treatments are not helping after one month of regular use, make sure to visit a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation and a prescription medication."
So there you have it: go forth and enjoy all the benefits of masturbation, secure in the knowledge that the odds of you sprouting pimples is about as likely as you sprouting hair on the palms of your hands. But please, don't get cocky.
How to Break Up With Your Hairstylist - the Right Way
Paul Simon sang that there are "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," and there are about a million more ways not to break up with someone. For example: try to avoid dumping someone over the phone or via text, and for the love of God please don't communicate the news via Post-It notes. Yes, dumping an SO is hard enough - and it's not the only kind of relationship that ends. There may come a time when you have to call it off with a hairstylist, too. How the heck should that go down?
Know When It's Time to Move On
"There are some really obvious telltale signs that it's time to break up with your hairdresser, Devin Toth, stylist at Salon SCK, told POPSUGAR. "If you never like the hair they give you, then you should move on, even if you really do like them as a person." Toth also recommended giving them the boot if you're bored with your hair and they never give suggestions for ways to spruce it up. Another red flag? Toth said you should be getting "regular compliments" on your look - and if you're not, that's on your stylist. "No compliments generally means that your hair isn't flattering or current, so you need to see a stylist who cares more," the pro said. "When all of your friends and family are recommending you to see their hair person, then just take the hint." Noted.
"When all of your friends and family are recommending you to see their hair person, then just take the hint."
While we all hope for that movie script ending where our stylists become our best friends and we bend and snap while the credits roll à la Legally Blonde, don't feel deterred if you have a strictly professional relationship with yours. "We don't have to be best friends, and we don't even have to talk while you're in my chair," said Stephanie Brown, a colorist at Nunzio Saviano Salon. However, "Getting your hair done should always be a pleasurable, not uncomfortable, experience. Break up with your hairstylist if you just don't like them personally."
Tyson Kennedy, founder of Fatboy hair products and stylist at Cutler, said it's "not so black and white." For instance, if you're dying to get a cut while your normal stylist is unavailable or out of town, don't feel like you have to wait for them. "I love it when I see clients of mine getting cut by other members of my team," he said. "Those stylists can add another dimension to my clients' cuts, and I may move it forward when cutting their hair again. This keeps the romance alive."
How to Do It
Real talk: we're all flighty millennials with pathological fears of confrontation . . . so your best breakup bet might actually be pulling a disappearing act. "Ghost them!" said Brown. "It's never nice to hear that you are losing business." So: put the boom boxes away wannabe John Cusacks, and save the dramatic breakup speech for an actually dramatic breakup.
If you decide to flake, you can do so in a polite and respectful way. "You can still follow them on social media, and the relationship can endure," Toth said. Throw their posts a like every once and a while, maybe do a #TBT of your own featuring a past cut of theirs as an olive branch, and keep in touch. "Anything you want to do to keep the relationship going is very sweet and will be appreciated," the pro said.
"Any hairdresser who is overly concerned about you leaving is probably not confident enough in their own abilities."
It's also important to keep in mind that your goodbye might end up being more of a see you later. "Never put a line in the sand and say you're leaving," Kennedy said. "It's a long life with lots of hairdressers, and it's cool to try new stylists. We understand that some things are not forever." Plus, it's unlikely that your stylist will lose sleep over your departure. According to Kennedy, "Any hairdresser who is overly concerned about you leaving is probably not confident enough in their own abilities."
Cheers to the easiest breakup of your life.
30 Medium-Length Cuts That'll Have You Booking a Salon Appointment Immediately
You might have been thinking about chopping your hair off for a while now, but actually doing it is another matter entirely. So how about a happy medium? Instead of going super short, try a gorgeous medium-length cut that still has texture and body, and allows you to continue experimenting with braids and twists. Once you've gone for the chop, your hair will look healthier and feel so much lighter. You can go for a full-on transformation by adding a gorgeous blonde shade, too. Trust us, a shoulder-skimming style is exactly what you need.
12 of the Best Snacks at Trader Joe's
Whether you're plopping down on the couch and need something to munch on or you're road-tripping, the moment calls for something sweet, salty, crunchy, or maybe even gummy. We consulted POPSUGAR editors to pull together the best snacks at Trader Joe's.
These Are the 5 Parts of the Airplane to Avoid, According to Experts
Even with periodic flight delays and crowded airports, I think we can all agree that airplanes are incredible vehicles. They serve as the gateway to adventure and wonder, transporting us to faraway and exotic places in a matter of hours. But let's be real: they can also harbor quite a few germs. So to help you avoid catching an unwanted cold on your next getaway, we asked the experts for advice on which parts of the airplane to avoid - or at least disinfect immediately. Here are the five spots on a plane you should watch out for to stay healthy on your next flight.
26 Quinoa Salads That'll Save You From a Sad Desk Lunch
While lunchtime has much potential, in reality it's far too often a rotation of soggy sandwiches, flat-tasting soups, and wilted salads. Avoid midday meal disappointment by preparing a sturdy quinoa salad - many taste nearly as good on the second, or even third, day - to bring with you to work, to school, or on a picnic. Here are a few tasty options.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
The True Confessions of an Ex-Vegan
A rescued Thanksgiving turkey and me, in 2010, having been vegan for just over two years
I am a food editor who is a former hard-core vegan. Today I may eat the worldwide gamut of food, but if you had talked to me between the ages of 19 and 22, I would have turned my nose at anything containing dairy, eggs, seafood, or meat. For two and a half years of my three-year stint as a vegan, I lived in Los Angeles, the land of celebrities, yogis, and health-conscious people in general. Every corner had a vegan restaurant and green juice joint, and there was fresh kale and berries aplenty, year-round. I felt utterly convinced that I was doing the right thing for the planet, for animals, and for my health. However, all that changed when I moved to New York City upon graduating college.
I always knew I wanted to be a food writer/editor, so I packed my bags and headed to New York City to attend a plant-based culinary school. "What sort of food writer is vegan?" my mom exasperatedly questioned me. I never saw it as a limitation, even when I dined at some of the finest restaurants in the world. In fact, I believed the best chefs were the ones who could produce a vegan tasting menu full of creative, interesting flavors, rather than simply serve a plate of steamed broccoli. I still think this is true.
When I arrived in New York City, I immediately immersed myself in the vegan community. I worked as a chocolatier in a vegan chocolate/wine shop, attended yoga classes every day at a notoriously vegan studio, and joined all the vegan meetups I could. My weight (and energy) were at all-time lows, yet I attributed it to my busy schedule and the rigor of city life. The only thing I couldn't handle was the hunger. Sure, being vegan, I felt my stomach grumble every couple of hours, though in New York, I felt painfully hungry constantly.
And then, I started dreaming of steak. I mean, x-rated, slow-mo, sizzling food-porn dreams. I'd wake up in a panic and run to the kitchen to stuff myself with spoonfuls of peanut butter, pea protein powder smoothies, and leftover lentils. Despite attempting to eat every type of vegan protein known to mankind, I'd always leave the kitchen unsatisfied, salivating, and angry because I still envisioned a big hunk of charcoal-grilled steak with bloody juices seeping onto the plate.
"If your body is trying to tell you on a subconscious level that it needs the nutrients from a steak, then listen to it."
I was in such a conflicted state. Perhaps it was part pride (I'm saving the environment; emotional, sentient beings; and myself by being vegan) and part fear (how can I face my job, my yoga studio, my vegan friends, and my vegan sister if I decide to quit?). I neglected those steak dreams for three months before I finally booked an appointment with Annemarie Colbin, the founder of Natural Gourmet Institute, who has a Ph.D. in holistic nutrition.
I told her my predicament. "I'm vegan and I'm dreaming of steak," I shamefully admitted. She looked at me amused. "Then you must eat steak," she responded matter-of-factly. I exasperatedly explained, "You don't understand. I can't just eat steak. I've made a commitment! Isn't there some bean-grain combo that can give me the nutrients I need and make these dreams disappear?!" She shook her head. "If your body is trying to tell you on a subconscious level that it needs the nutrients from a steak, then listen to it."
I didn't listen to her then. Instead, I tried to deny the truth and became obsessive about which grains to pair with which beans to form complete proteins. Nothing was working. Then, I started to dream of salmon, too. Flaky, Asian-glazed salmon with a crisp skin. Waking up from those dreams was agonizing, and I'd shlep to the kitchen to eat my sad, slimy bowl of sprouted amaranth cereal.
Right before Christmas, a few friends from culinary school planned a trip to go to a farm in upstate New York to learn how to slaughter chickens. Despite growing up around hunting camps and hunters, never in my life would I have considered killing an animal for food. I was so ravenously hungry, the thought of doing so excited me. My primal needs to hunt and eat meat were kicking in. Though I didn't join them on that trip, it was a turning point. It was time to break up with veganism.
Me, in June 2014, at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
I went home for the holidays and spoke to my vegan sister. While we were getting ready for Christmas dinner, I whispered to her, "I think I'm going to eat a steak on New Year's." Eyeing my ghostly complexion and exposed ribs, she didn't even blink before saying, "Yeah, that's a good idea." I don't know why I needed that green light, but I did. No one in my family, save for my sister, thought I'd actually go for a filet mignon on New Year's, until the waiter took my order, and I said, "I'll take the eight-ounce, medium." And that was that.
I watched the plate of steaming steak waltz through the dining room until it finally landed in front of me. The caramelized crust, the bloody juices, and the unmistakeable, smoky aroma matched the steak of my dreams. And that first bite - lord have mercy - that first bite couldn't have been more perfect. I danced in my seat with giddiness, feeling rebellious and relieved all at once. A lot of people claim that going back to meat can be upsetting on the stomach, but I didn't have a single problem. The same went for returning to dairy.
The biggest challenge of giving up veganism was realizing how much I had let it define me and influence my relationships. I became aware of how enraged and difficult I was. Over the past few years, I didn't have much compassion toward fellow humans, and I blamed them for factory farming and their lack of consciousness. I demanded that my friends and family go to vegan restaurants and questioned them for their eating habits constantly.
Today, I think I have a much healthier approach to food and, most importantly, to fellow humans. I tend to sway toward fresh produce, legumes, and grains, with some meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs, of course. I support my local farmers and fishers so that hopefully there will be better options in the world and fewer factory farms. Sure, wild, grass-fed, and organic is way more expensive, but it feels better to me to eat higher quality less of the time than to eat meat for every meal.
This experience taught me that my body is constantly evolving. What works in one city, in one period of my life, may not work in another. It's all about being open, experimenting, and seeking the guidance of professionals when necessary. Oh, and creating balance. The key word is definitely balance.
25 Finger Foods That Deserve a High Five
When hosting a cocktail party, the key is keeping things bite-sized so that you and your guests can navigate nibbling with a drink in hand. We're talking appetizers and desserts that pack plenty of flavor but require no utensils and no cleanup. Keep reading for 25 of our favorite recipes that pair perfectly with bubbly, of course.
- Additional reporting by Lisette Mejia
Source: Nicole Iizuka, Cooking for Keeps, Nicole Perry, and How Sweet It Is
Travel Hacks: 21 Things That Will Make Your Trip So Much Easier
Even if you're a seasoned travel pro, heading off on a new adventure can be stressful. But you can ditch your drama of tangled cords and missing passports thanks to these insanely cool travel products you've probably never heard of. You'll never leave home again without them!
The Science of Happiness, and What You Can Learn From Unhappy People
If you've ever heard of "positive psychology," then you already know the technical term for what is often called the "science of happiness."
Positive psychology focuses on the opposite of what psychology has historically concerned itself with - our negative thoughts and behaviors. Scientists are researching the many various and complex factors that comprise happiness.
But this negative focus in conventional psychology also gives us great insight into what makes a person live a happy life. By better understanding what makes people unhappy, we discover what thoughts and behaviors to avoid to create happiness in our lives.
Unhappy people tend to build up negative thoughts - and dwell on them. That negativity might manifest itself in various ways:
- Constantly complaining
- Gossiping about others
- Being highly critical and judgmental
- Worrying all the time - including about what others think of them
- Constantly feeling regret
- Overreacting to difficult situations
Research in positive psychology suggests that training ourselves by creating new and positive habits is a way to rewire the brain. Just like an amateur violinist or swimmer must practice very frequently to refine her skills and eventually achieve a professional level, a person must practice actions and thoughts that lead to a more consistently positive mindset and attitude in life. This is what you'd usually call a happy person.
So now that you know the habits of unhappy people, it's time to refine your happiness skills by practicing the kinds of thoughts and behaviors that generate a positive mindset.
One way to avoid piling on the negative energy is to find a way to release those negative thoughts. You can keep a journal and write it out, you can get crafty and creative and make some art, you can go for a swim or a walk and sweat it out, or you can go and hang out with one of your most positive friends. Whatever you do, remember it's fine to have negative thoughts, as long as you let them go - the sooner, the better.
Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses is another important step toward "happy person" mode. And that applies to the people around you, as well as yourself. Make a list of all the positive things about yourself, your life, the people you know. Tape it to your mirror and read it every day.
Not only will nonstop worrying keep you unhappy, but it will definitely take its toll on your health and your memory, and can even adversely affect your closest relationships. To help fight off anxious thoughts and feelings of regret, especially about things in life that you simply cannot control, instill some peace and quiet into your mind. How? Meditation and yoga are simple but powerful methods of calming your noisy mind. Start with five minutes of meditation a day, and slowly increase the duration at your own pace. Take a yoga class with a friend so you can keep each other accountable for sticking to the schedule. Being in a more tranquil state of mind will also help you react to complex and stressful situations in a more effective and organized manner.
Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral investigator and published author. She figures out the science of what makes people tick at her human behavior research lab, the Science of People. As a geeky, modern-day Dale Carnegie, her innovative work has been featured on NPR, Business Week, and CNN and her latest CreativeLive class, The Power of Happiness, teaches you how to be a happier person every day.
20 Baked Doughnut Recipes, Because Frying Is Overrated (and Messy!)
There's no doubt that fresh-from-the-fryer doughnuts are amazing, but cleaning up the splattered oil is definitely not so fun. (Plus, disposing of the large amount of spent oil is kind of a hassle.) Baked doughnuts are a fantastic (and pretty easy) alternative. While you won't get the airy texture of a classic yeasted doughnut, baked cake doughnuts are nearly as delicious as their fried counterparts and a lot less hassle. With flavors like carrot cake, red velvet, chai spiced, and double Nutella, these 20 recipes will have you in a trance. No trip to your favorite doughnut shop required!
40 Things You've Been Doing Wrong All Your Life
You were probably happily chugging along in your daily routine until you came across this slideshow. You'll soon realize after reading through that there are many things you've been doing wrong without knowing. Get ready to have your world turned upside down.
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