Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.

Mental Health

Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.

Public health

Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.

Reproductive Health

For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.

Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

dimanche 12 janvier 2020

3 Ways the British Royal Family Stays So Damn Rich

It might seem like we know the British royal family based on how public their lives are, but when you really think about it, how much do you really know about the lifestyles of the most famous family in England? While we do know what Prince William and Kate Middleton do when it comes to their jobs - like being a part of the Royal Air Force, in William's case - not many people know where the family's money and wealth actually comes from.

Spoiler alert: the bulk of the money that Queen Elizabeth II and her family have is inherited. What you might not know is how the family first received, and continue to receive, the bulk of that money. Essentially, there are three different ways in which the queen and her heirs make money every year and retain their wealthy status.

1. Private Income

For all intents and purposes, we're going to focus on how Queen Elizabeth II makes money, because technically it's the same formula for her descendants and her heirs. The queen has an undisclosed amount of earnings that come annually from "inherited private estates" including Balmoral Castle and other properties from her personal investment portfolio.

According to the royal family's website, this inheritance initially came from Her Majesty's father, King George VI, and also consists of a valuable artwork and stamp collection. Last year, her private income was estimated to be about £340 million ($490 million), according to a Sunday Times report in 2016.

When it comes to this area of her wealth, the queen does pay taxes on any income she privately makes from her different investments, but what she pays has always remained secret. These properties - unless she chooses to sell them - will most likely go to her descendants someday.

2. The Privy Purse

The Privy Purse isn't just a fancy British term for a handbag or money holder, although if you really think about it, that's sort of what it is - a holder of the set money that the queen receives during her time as monarch. The second form of royal income is all about The Duchy of Lancaster, which provides the Queen with a set income - so no work-related expenses like touring the country and making public appearances have to be paid with this, although some are - called the Privy Purse.

Simply put, The Duchy of Lancaster is a "portfolio of land and other assets that have been in the royal family for hundreds of years." As of early 2017, that compilation of land and property came to about 18,433 hectares. The Privy Purse is all of the income generated from those properties (about £17.8 million or $21.7 million for 2015-2016) and it has been around since 1399.

"Its main purpose is to provide an independent source of income, and is used mainly to pay for official expenditure not met by the Sovereign Grant (primarily to meet expenses incurred by other members of the Royal Family)," the official Royal Family website explains.

Side note: Prince Charles, who is currently next in line for the throne, runs his own estate (that again has properties that have been passed down and cannot be sold from back in 1337) called The Duchy of Cornwall. Charles currently resides over this money (like the queen does for The Duchy of Lancaster), and it is responsible for covering all of the personal, and most of the official expenses, for his family line, which would include Prince William and Harry. When Charles ascends the throne, Prince William will become the heir to The Duchy of Cornwall and it will continue to go down the line to the male heirs.

3. Sovereign Grant

Last but not least is the Sovereign Grant, which is handed out by the Treasury and is funded by taxpayer dollars (or pounds in the UK). This is where the majority of the British Royal Family's income hails from, and it's used to carry out the royal duties, cover royal travel, pay for the staff, and help maintain Buckingham Palace's upkeep.

In 1760, the Sovereign Grant was set up thanks to King George III, and it's basically an agreement that was made between Parliament and the Royal Family saying they would hand over all of the profits from the Crown Estate to the government in return for a percentage of the profits each year.

What is the Crown Estate, you ask? Well, according to BBC News, it's "an independent commercial property business and one of the largest property portfolios in the UK." It is made up of residential properties, businesses, shops, and more. Basically, it is everything that the Monarchy owns - for the duration of their reign - and the residents of the United Kingdom pay taxes on it, thanks to the government. How the Sovereign Grant works is this: The Crown (in this case the queen) owns the Crown Estate. That estate makes money, which in turn gets paid to the HM Treasury, who calculates what 15 percent of the surplus income is. That amount is then paid to the queen in the form of a Sovereign Grant and used for royal expenses. It's a mouthful, but it actually makes sense.

While living like a royal does sound great, knowing where the family's money comes from is much more complicated than we expected. But, at the end of the day, money is money, and the British royal family has a lot of it. Cheers!

3 Ways the British Royal Family Stays So Damn Rich

It might seem like we know the British royal family based on how public their lives are, but when you really think about it, how much do you really know about the lifestyles of the most famous family in England? While we do know what Prince William and Kate Middleton do when it comes to their jobs - like being a part of the Royal Air Force, in William's case - not many people know where the family's money and wealth actually comes from.

Spoiler alert: the bulk of the money that Queen Elizabeth II and her family have is inherited. What you might not know is how the family first received, and continue to receive, the bulk of that money. Essentially, there are three different ways in which the queen and her heirs make money every year and retain their wealthy status.

1. Private Income

For all intents and purposes, we're going to focus on how Queen Elizabeth II makes money, because technically it's the same formula for her descendants and her heirs. The queen has an undisclosed amount of earnings that come annually from "inherited private estates" including Balmoral Castle and other properties from her personal investment portfolio.

According to the royal family's website, this inheritance initially came from Her Majesty's father, King George VI, and also consists of a valuable artwork and stamp collection. Last year, her private income was estimated to be about £340 million ($490 million), according to a Sunday Times report in 2016.

When it comes to this area of her wealth, the queen does pay taxes on any income she privately makes from her different investments, but what she pays has always remained secret. These properties - unless she chooses to sell them - will most likely go to her descendants someday.

2. The Privy Purse

The Privy Purse isn't just a fancy British term for a handbag or money holder, although if you really think about it, that's sort of what it is - a holder of the set money that the queen receives during her time as monarch. The second form of royal income is all about The Duchy of Lancaster, which provides the Queen with a set income - so no work-related expenses like touring the country and making public appearances have to be paid with this, although some are - called the Privy Purse.

Simply put, The Duchy of Lancaster is a "portfolio of land and other assets that have been in the royal family for hundreds of years." As of early 2017, that compilation of land and property came to about 18,433 hectares. The Privy Purse is all of the income generated from those properties (about £17.8 million or $21.7 million for 2015-2016) and it has been around since 1399.

"Its main purpose is to provide an independent source of income, and is used mainly to pay for official expenditure not met by the Sovereign Grant (primarily to meet expenses incurred by other members of the Royal Family)," the official Royal Family website explains.

Side note: Prince Charles, who is currently next in line for the throne, runs his own estate (that again has properties that have been passed down and cannot be sold from back in 1337) called The Duchy of Cornwall. Charles currently resides over this money (like the queen does for The Duchy of Lancaster), and it is responsible for covering all of the personal, and most of the official expenses, for his family line, which would include Prince William and Harry. When Charles ascends the throne, Prince William will become the heir to The Duchy of Cornwall and it will continue to go down the line to the male heirs.

3. Sovereign Grant

Last but not least is the Sovereign Grant, which is handed out by the Treasury and is funded by taxpayer dollars (or pounds in the UK). This is where the majority of the British Royal Family's income hails from, and it's used to carry out the royal duties, cover royal travel, pay for the staff, and help maintain Buckingham Palace's upkeep.

In 1760, the Sovereign Grant was set up thanks to King George III, and it's basically an agreement that was made between Parliament and the Royal Family saying they would hand over all of the profits from the Crown Estate to the government in return for a percentage of the profits each year.

What is the Crown Estate, you ask? Well, according to BBC News, it's "an independent commercial property business and one of the largest property portfolios in the UK." It is made up of residential properties, businesses, shops, and more. Basically, it is everything that the Monarchy owns - for the duration of their reign - and the residents of the United Kingdom pay taxes on it, thanks to the government. How the Sovereign Grant works is this: The Crown (in this case the queen) owns the Crown Estate. That estate makes money, which in turn gets paid to the HM Treasury, who calculates what 15 percent of the surplus income is. That amount is then paid to the queen in the form of a Sovereign Grant and used for royal expenses. It's a mouthful, but it actually makes sense.

While living like a royal does sound great, knowing where the family's money comes from is much more complicated than we expected. But, at the end of the day, money is money, and the British royal family has a lot of it. Cheers!

samedi 11 janvier 2020

Selena Gomez Opens Up About the Inspiration Behind Rare and Dating in the Public Eye

Since its release on Jan. 10, Selena Gomez's third studio album Rare has been a unique look into the singer's personal life and relationships. The title track "Rare" - which many speculate to be about her past relationship with Justin Bieber - is a song about finding self-love and independence, and Selena further opened up about the album in a recent interview with radio DJ Zane Lowe.

"People will ultimately know, yes, where the inspiration came from, but then it kind of ends there."

Without officially confirming who inspired the album, Selena candidly discussed the specific time period that moved her to write the vulnerable project and her struggles to speak up for herself. "[The inspiration] didn't even need to be said," Selena told Zane. "[The album wasn't written] in a vindictive way. It was simply like, 'Okay, I actually have my part to say,' and I waited. I wasn't just irrationally doing something to just be like coming from a place of like, 'Ugh, I'm over it.' That's not where I was. When it all came together, it just felt right, and I was okay with that . . . People will ultimately know, yes, where the inspiration came from, but then it kind of ends there."

As freeing as it's been to share her side of the story, Selena admitted that it was difficult to open up at first. "I used to feel so weak when I was open with people until I realized it's one of my greatest qualities," Selena said in a tweet. "I knew I wasn't the only one that felt the way that I did," she added. "Having had these experiences in my own life, I'm so glad I got to put them into music for people."

Selena's personal relationships played a key role in the development of the album, but the "Lose You to Love Me" singer pointed out that there's a "problem" with dating in the celebrity world. "If I can be honest, it is so cliché. It's just, everyone dates everyone," Selena told Lowe. "It always seems to be within a little bubble, and it's because it's safe, right? You're wanting someone to understand what you're going through. You're almost wanting a counterpart of creativity, as well, and it's interesting and fun. But the problem with that is, whether you admit it or not, you end up having a relationship for people and not even for yourself. There's almost this point where it's like, 'Oh, we're making it known that we're together.' You just need to decide, within our world, if it's for you, or is it for show?"

Now, Selena hopes Rare will serve as inspiration for anyone who's ever been in her situation or can relate to the deep emotions present in the album. "[Rare] is actually a word that sums up what the purpose of my position is, which is letting people know that they are completely unique within who they are," Selena said. "I think it's a perfect description of how women are meant to feel. It's even acknowledging that I don't have it all, but I do know that I'm worth something. I'm not gonna settle and I'm gonna wait, because there is something out there that is going to give me that feeling that I deserve and that I want."

All in all, it seems like Selena is in a much sweeter place personally than she was before. "I would like to say that this is a fresh start," Selena said about the release of the album. "I started with this album, but I'm gonna continue to just do better and do everything I can to make it great." Watch her full interview above.

The Simple Reason I Don't Make New Year's Resolutions Anymore

One of my earliest memories of making a New Year's resolution was when I was a child and resolved to stop sucking my thumb. I wasn't successful, and I didn't actually kick this habit until I was much older than a thumb-sucker should be. As I grew up, my resolutions might have changed - go to the gym, eat more healthily, make a bigger effort to keep in touch with friends - but my lack of commitment did not.

I haven't made any New Year's resolutions for years. I found that my resolutions were made with good intentions, but they were so broad that they almost didn't seem like tangible goals. So for example, if my New Year's resolution was to make healthier lifestyle choices, I might eagerly imagine a future version of me who is fitter and healthier. But without mapping out a plan to make this a reality (take an exercise class once a week, bring a packed lunch to work), it seemed too big a goal to achieve.

"I found myself expecting immediate results, and when that didn't happen, I wrote off my failed resolution."

I was asking myself to change long-term habits immediately. We live in a culture where we have become accustomed to immediate access and results. Like a spoilt child, we want what we want when we want it, and we use our technology to get it now. I found myself expecting immediate results, and when that didn't happen, I wrote off my failed resolution.

My approach to making New Year's resolutions was also not good for my self-esteem. The clue is in the word "resolution" - a strong decision that will resolve or fix an issue. It's not so much that I have a problem with the idea of resolutions themselves, but I do think that my ability to achieve them depends on how I set them up and the language I use to describe them. My resolutions were inspired by where I thought I had "failed" or made "bad" choices earlier in the year, and so rather than being motivational, they became more like constant reminders of all the things I hadn't done.

So I have started a new habit. Now, instead of making New Year's resolutions, I take the time to reflect on the year gone by. I do a stock take of everything I have achieved - and I do mean everything, from winning an award for my short film to traveling solo on a plane for the first time. I am as proud of myself for trusting my instincts and turning down a job offer as I am of having committed to going to the gym twice a week. It is important that I include all forms of achievements that mean something to me, because otherwise I could still fall into the danger of thinking that end results are more important than the effort it took to make them a reality.

"The beauty of being able to take an inventory of the year gone by is that you gain perspective."

The beauty of being able to take an inventory of the year gone by is that you gain perspective. I can look at the areas where I can improve and be able to set up practical actions that I can follow in the new year. Note there's no vocabulary about "fixing" or "solving." The new year might be a great motivating factor for some. New year, new start. But for me, when I look back over this past year, it empowers me to step forward into the new year with a new appreciation of my tenacity and capabilities. After all, the person we are at the beginning of the year is different to who we are come New Year's Eve.

Actually, maybe I do have one sneaky resolution this year. It's to not wait until the end of the year to review my successes or my areas for improvement. Resolutions are a great way to set up good intentions, but it's the practices that we develop throughout the rest of the year that will enable us to keep them.

It's No Wonder Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Get Along So Well When You Look at Their Signs

Astrology isn't an exact science, but some believe the placement of the stars can say a lot about one's ability to mesh with a partner. Is this also true for royal couples? Meghan Markle and Prince Harry seem to complement each other, despite the fact that their star signs point to opposing character traits. In fact, it may be this opposition that makes them work so well together.

Meghan, who's birthday falls on Aug. 4, is a Leo. Leos like Meghan are often described as passionate and creative people, who are also generous, warm-hearted, and cheerful. But they do have their quirks.

"While Leos are notably loyal and generous to a fault, their expectations for receiving from others and for praise from the partners and their public are substantial. We can assume that Meghan has set a high bar for Harry in this respect," Jay Austin, astrologist and partner at AustinFischer Astrogenomics, told POPSUGAR.

Harry, on the other hand, is a Virgo with a birthday of Sept. 15. In a nutshell, Virgos are analytical and practical. They like organization and perfection - the best example being how Harry carries out his royal and military duties. And, if you're thinking this sounds like the opposite of a Leo, you would be correct.

"As a Virgo, Harry is more modest and steeped in rules and regulations. (Granted, it took him a while to get there!) On the other hand, Meghan, as a Leo, wants a public platform for herself. Leos crave attention and recognition and love pageantry and putting on a show. Not coincidentally, they love acting and performing," Austin said. This is spot on given Meghan's acting career. And pageantry is definitely one way to describe the couple's elaborate royal wedding.

"Emotionally, Virgos are more reserved and less demonstrative. Leos, on the other hand, love to project themselves emotionally, and expect grand gestures from their partners," he said.

Meghan definitely fits the bill of being more emotional and expressive with her partner. She is often seen holding hands with Harry and isn't afraid to give him a peck on the cheek in public now and again. In contrast, the other members of the royal family aren't really in favor of PDA of any sort. Meghan, obviously, is changing things up.

The media has been known to jump on any action that goes against the norms of royal protocol, driving Meghan to speak out about the effects of the tabloids on her self-esteem and daily life. Her attitude toward it all might associated with her Leo traits.

"Leos, unfortunately, are particularly sensitive to criticism," Austin said. "They don't like anything to puncture the image they've created for themselves."

The way Harry reacted to Meghan's unhappiness, by way of writing a strongly worded letter to the press followed by a formal lawsuit, is also in line with his sign's characteristics of not being afraid to speak out against others, especially if they feel someone has been wronged.

Meghan and Harry are no strangers to the limelight, but it seems that it's not affecting the strong mutual attraction that remains between the two of them. And whether it be greeting royal fans or traveling to far off places for charity work, the two seem to enjoy their time together. Can they learn from each other along the way? Absolutely. A future where Leo Meghan and Virgo Harry continue to create the perfect balance in their give-and-take relationship definitely seem in the stars.

Netflix Drops the Full Trailer For New Docuseries, Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez

"How can an individual who has everything, get involved in something like this?"

That's the big question behind Netflix's latest docuseries, Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez. The three-part documentary details the late NFL player's fall from grace and the murder case that dominated news around the world. Featuring exclusive courtroom footage, Hernandez's phone calls from prison, and interviews with those who knew him, Killer Inside delves into the "perfect storm of factors" that led to the trial, conviction, and death of the athlete.

Hernandez became a household name when he was drafted into the National Football League at the age of 20. Then in 2013, soon after signing a five-year, $40 million contract with the New England Patriots, Hernandez became entangled in a murder trial that's been said to be the most infamous murder case involving an American athlete since OJ Simpson. Hernandez's trials for the brutal murders of Odin Lloyd and two Boston-area men revealed an abusive homelife, association with gangs, and a history of violent behavior that resulted in his ultimate imprisonment. Though he was eventually acquitted of the double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, Hernandez was sentenced to life for the killing of Lloyd, who had been dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancée. The former New England Patriots player was serving his life sentence when he died by suicide in his prison cell in 2017.

Killer Inside reveals the intricacies of Hernandez's tumultuous history and subsequent death, as well as the fallout from his crimes. "This isn't just the Aaron Hernandez story," a voice in the trailer says. "There were a lot of lives affected by this guy." Watch the released footage before the Jan. 15 premiere of the docuseries.

It's a Good Time to Be an American Horror Story Fan: Sarah Paulson Will Be Back For Season 10

We have no idea what American Horror Story season 10 is going to look like, but thankfully we know that Sarah Paulson will be part of the picture! The actress revealed the news while speaking to Deadline at the Winter TCA press tour on Jan. 19. "I did ask Ryan [Murphy] if the question was asked to me, could I say that I was coming back, and he said 'Yes, you could say.' So, yes, I will be back on American Horror Story," she said.

While Paulson couldn't say if she would be back as a series regular (though she hopes so), she did have something of note for her fans. The series was recently renewed through season 13, and the Emmy-winning actress admitted that, "God willing," she would be back for those seasons as well.

Viewers will remember that Paulson was not part of AHS: 1984's star-studded cast because she was working with Murphy on his Netflix series Ratched, as well as FX's limited series Mrs. America. But we can all give a great sigh of relief that she'll be back for AHS's next installment, which Murphy has teased about being an "epic cast reunion." Could we possibly be seeing Evan Peters back as well? We'll have to wait and see!

The Simple Reason I Don't Make New Year's Resolutions Anymore

One of my earliest memories of making a New Year's resolution was when I was a child and resolved to stop sucking my thumb. I wasn't successful, and I didn't actually kick this habit until I was much older than a thumb-sucker should be. As I grew up, my resolutions might have changed - go to the gym, eat more healthily, make a bigger effort to keep in touch with friends - but my lack of commitment did not.

I haven't made any New Year's resolutions for years. I found that my resolutions were made with good intentions, but they were so broad that they almost didn't seem like tangible goals. So for example, if my New Year's resolution was to make healthier lifestyle choices, I might eagerly imagine a future version of me who is fitter and healthier. But without mapping out a plan to make this a reality (take an exercise class once a week, bring a packed lunch to work), it seemed too big a goal to achieve.

"I found myself expecting immediate results, and when that didn't happen, I wrote off my failed resolution."

I was asking myself to change long-term habits immediately. We live in a culture where we have become accustomed to immediate access and results. Like a spoilt child, we want what we want when we want it, and we use our technology to get it now. I found myself expecting immediate results, and when that didn't happen, I wrote off my failed resolution.

My approach to making New Year's resolutions was also not good for my self-esteem. The clue is in the word "resolution" - a strong decision that will resolve or fix an issue. It's not so much that I have a problem with the idea of resolutions themselves, but I do think that my ability to achieve them depends on how I set them up and the language I use to describe them. My resolutions were inspired by where I thought I had "failed" or made "bad" choices earlier in the year, and so rather than being motivational, they became more like constant reminders of all the things I hadn't done.

So I have started a new habit. Now, instead of making New Year's resolutions, I take the time to reflect on the year gone by. I do a stock take of everything I have achieved - and I do mean everything, from winning an award for my short film to traveling solo on a plane for the first time. I am as proud of myself for trusting my instincts and turning down a job offer as I am of having committed to going to the gym twice a week. It is important that I include all forms of achievements that mean something to me, because otherwise I could still fall into the danger of thinking that end results are more important than the effort it took to make them a reality.

"The beauty of being able to take an inventory of the year gone by is that you gain perspective."

The beauty of being able to take an inventory of the year gone by is that you gain perspective. I can look at the areas where I can improve and be able to set up practical actions that I can follow in the new year. Note there's no vocabulary about "fixing" or "solving." The new year might be a great motivating factor for some. New year, new start. But for me, when I look back over this past year, it empowers me to step forward into the new year with a new appreciation of my tenacity and capabilities. After all, the person we are at the beginning of the year is different to who we are come New Year's Eve.

Actually, maybe I do have one sneaky resolution this year. It's to not wait until the end of the year to review my successes or my areas for improvement. Resolutions are a great way to set up good intentions, but it's the practices that we develop throughout the rest of the year that will enable us to keep them.

Selena Gomez Opens Up About the Inspiration Behind Rare and Dating in the Public Eye

Since its release on Jan. 10, Selena Gomez's third studio album Rare has been a unique look into the singer's personal life and relationships. The title track "Rare" - which many speculate to be about her past relationship with Justin Bieber - is a song about finding self-love and independence, and Selena further opened up about the album in a recent interview with radio DJ Zane Lowe.

"People will ultimately know, yes, where the inspiration came from, but then it kind of ends there."

Without officially confirming who inspired the album, Selena candidly discussed the specific time period that moved her to write the vulnerable project and her struggles to speak up for herself. "[The inspiration] didn't even need to be said," Selena told Zane. "[The album wasn't written] in a vindictive way. It was simply like, 'Okay, I actually have my part to say,' and I waited. I wasn't just irrationally doing something to just be like coming from a place of like, 'Ugh, I'm over it.' That's not where I was. When it all came together, it just felt right, and I was okay with that . . . People will ultimately know, yes, where the inspiration came from, but then it kind of ends there."

As freeing as it's been to share her side of the story, Selena admitted that it was difficult to open up at first. "I used to feel so weak when I was open with people until I realized it's one of my greatest qualities," Selena said in a tweet. "I knew I wasn't the only one that felt the way that I did," she added. "Having had these experiences in my own life, I'm so glad I got to put them into music for people."

Selena's personal relationships played a key role in the development of the album, but the "Lose You to Love Me" singer pointed out that there's a "problem" with dating in the celebrity world. "If I can be honest, it is so cliché. It's just, everyone dates everyone," Selena told Lowe. "It always seems to be within a little bubble, and it's because it's safe, right? You're wanting someone to understand what you're going through. You're almost wanting a counterpart of creativity, as well, and it's interesting and fun. But the problem with that is, whether you admit it or not, you end up having a relationship for people and not even for yourself. There's almost this point where it's like, 'Oh, we're making it known that we're together.' You just need to decide, within our world, if it's for you, or is it for show?"

Now, Selena hopes Rare will serve as inspiration for anyone who's ever been in her situation or can relate to the deep emotions present in the album. "[Rare] is actually a word that sums up what the purpose of my position is, which is letting people know that they are completely unique within who they are," Selena said. "I think it's a perfect description of how women are meant to feel. It's even acknowledging that I don't have it all, but I do know that I'm worth something. I'm not gonna settle and I'm gonna wait, because there is something out there that is going to give me that feeling that I deserve and that I want."

All in all, it seems like Selena is in a much sweeter place personally than she was before. "I would like to say that this is a fresh start," Selena said about the release of the album. "I started with this album, but I'm gonna continue to just do better and do everything I can to make it great." Watch her full interview above.

If You've Ever Had Truly Terrible Thoughts, You'll Want to Read These Tips From Therapists

While it's not often discussed, a lot of people who battle anxiety experience intrusive thoughts. These aren't the same types of worries you might have about how you're doing in school, your finances, or your relationships (also common), but disturbing, unsettling thoughts about the possibility that you'll lose a child or run your car off the road, for example.

If you have these thoughts occasionally or frequently, it's important to know that you're not alone. "Perhaps the most significant step of coping with intrusive thoughts is knowing that everyone has them, and it's completely normal," Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a neuropsychologist in New York City, told POPSUGAR. "It's how you manage and get past them that can determine your attachment to them."

If your intrusive thoughts are a constant companion and interfere with your daily life, it's always best to enlist the help of a therapist. For those who don't have immediate access to professional help, we've rounded up therapists' best tips and techniques for combatting them on your own.

The Simple Reason I Don't Make New Year's Resolutions Anymore

One of my earliest memories of making a New Year's resolution was when I was a child and resolved to stop sucking my thumb. I wasn't successful, and I didn't actually kick this habit until I was much older than a thumb-sucker should be. As I grew up, my resolutions might have changed - go to the gym, eat more healthily, make a bigger effort to keep in touch with friends - but my lack of commitment did not.

I haven't made any New Year's resolutions for years. I found that my resolutions were made with good intentions, but they were so broad that they almost didn't seem like tangible goals. So for example, if my New Year's resolution was to make healthier lifestyle choices, I might eagerly imagine a future version of me who is fitter and healthier. But without mapping out a plan to make this a reality (take an exercise class once a week, bring a packed lunch to work), it seemed too big a goal to achieve.

"I found myself expecting immediate results, and when that didn't happen, I wrote off my failed resolution."

I was asking myself to change long-term habits immediately. We live in a culture where we have become accustomed to immediate access and results. Like a spoilt child, we want what we want when we want it, and we use our technology to get it now. I found myself expecting immediate results, and when that didn't happen, I wrote off my failed resolution.

My approach to making New Year's resolutions was also not good for my self-esteem. The clue is in the word "resolution" - a strong decision that will resolve or fix an issue. It's not so much that I have a problem with the idea of resolutions themselves, but I do think that my ability to achieve them depends on how I set them up and the language I use to describe them. My resolutions were inspired by where I thought I had "failed" or made "bad" choices earlier in the year, and so rather than being motivational, they became more like constant reminders of all the things I hadn't done.

So I have started a new habit. Now, instead of making New Year's resolutions, I take the time to reflect on the year gone by. I do a stock take of everything I have achieved - and I do mean everything, from winning an award for my short film to traveling solo on a plane for the first time. I am as proud of myself for trusting my instincts and turning down a job offer as I am of having committed to going to the gym twice a week. It is important that I include all forms of achievements that mean something to me, because otherwise I could still fall into the danger of thinking that end results are more important than the effort it took to make them a reality.

"The beauty of being able to take an inventory of the year gone by is that you gain perspective."

The beauty of being able to take an inventory of the year gone by is that you gain perspective. I can look at the areas where I can improve and be able to set up practical actions that I can follow in the new year. Note there's no vocabulary about "fixing" or "solving." The new year might be a great motivating factor for some. New year, new start. But for me, when I look back over this past year, it empowers me to step forward into the new year with a new appreciation of my tenacity and capabilities. After all, the person we are at the beginning of the year is different to who we are come New Year's Eve.

Actually, maybe I do have one sneaky resolution this year. It's to not wait until the end of the year to review my successes or my areas for improvement. Resolutions are a great way to set up good intentions, but it's the practices that we develop throughout the rest of the year that will enable us to keep them.

Only Stream These 80+ Movies on Netflix If You Like Drop-Dead Sexy Guys

If you're in the mood to watch a movie that stars a sexy guy, we get it. Thankfully, Netflix gets it, too. The streaming service's current 2020 lineup is the gift that keeps on giving, blessing us with some of the hottest eye candy that we've yet to see. We did the dirty work and rounded up 80 movies available on Netflix that feature the most smoldering men around for a shameless movie night in. Some of these characters are being romantic, some are showing off their guns (and abs) in action movies, and some are pure evil (in a really hot way), but what they all have in common is, well, we want to jump their bones. We can't vouch for the quality of all these movies, but we can say that the actors starring in them are nothing short of sexy. Pass the remote . . .

Looking for even more Netflix recs? Check out more movies and TV shows that are available on Netflix in January here.

- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes and Lauren Harano

Prepare to Fall in Love With John Legend's "Conversations in the Dark" Song From This Is Us

John Legend is set to make a special cameo in season four of This Is Us, but ahead of his appearance, the singer released a new song titled "Conversations in the Dark" on Friday. The heartfelt ballad is all about falling in love and will be featured in the NBC series. "I won't ever try to change you, change you / I will always want the same you, same you / Swear on everything I pray to / That I won't break your heart," Legend sings. Look, I may not even be engaged yet, but I want to walk down the aisle to this song. Along with the single, Legend released a lyric video featuring footage of elderly couples in love.

There are currently no details on Legend's role on This Is Us, however, in a promo for the midseason premiere, he's shown sitting at a piano, making it seem like he might be guest-starring as himself. Guess we'll find out when the show returns on Jan. 14.

If You've Ever Had Truly Terrible Thoughts, You'll Want to Read These Tips From Therapists

While it's not often discussed, a lot of people who battle anxiety experience intrusive thoughts. These aren't the same types of worries you might have about how you're doing in school, your finances, or your relationships (also common), but disturbing, unsettling thoughts about the possibility that you'll lose a child or run your car off the road, for example.

If you have these thoughts occasionally or frequently, it's important to know that you're not alone. "Perhaps the most significant step of coping with intrusive thoughts is knowing that everyone has them, and it's completely normal," Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a neuropsychologist in New York City, told POPSUGAR. "It's how you manage and get past them that can determine your attachment to them."

If your intrusive thoughts are a constant companion and interfere with your daily life, it's always best to enlist the help of a therapist. For those who don't have immediate access to professional help, we've rounded up therapists' best tips and techniques for combatting them on your own.

Prepare to Fall in Love With John Legend's "Conversations in the Dark" Song From This Is Us

John Legend is set to make a special cameo in season four of This Is Us, but ahead of his appearance, the singer released a new song titled "Conversations in the Dark" on Friday. The heartfelt ballad is all about falling in love and will be featured in the NBC series. "I won't ever try to change you, change you / I will always want the same you, same you / Swear on everything I pray to / That I won't break your heart," Legend sings. Look, I may not even be engaged yet, but I want to walk down the aisle to this song. Along with the single, Legend released a lyric video featuring footage of elderly couples in love.

There are currently no details on Legend's role on This Is Us, however, in a promo for the midseason premiere, he's shown sitting at a piano, making it seem like he might be guest-starring as himself. Guess we'll find out when the show returns on Jan. 14.

185 Upcycling Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind

If you're the kind of person who hates throwing anything away, we are right there with you. 2020 is a year where sustainability should be at the front of mind, which means there's no better time to turn your unwanted items into gorgeous DIY projects. From reusing old wine corks to create beautiful table-settings to transforming mason jars into rustic chandeliers, these ideas ensure that nothing goes to waste. After all, one person's trash is another's treasure, right? Read ahead to get inspired by these DIY ideas for ordinary household objects now.

- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Emily Co

185 Upcycling Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind

If you're the kind of person who hates throwing anything away, we are right there with you. 2020 is a year where sustainability should be at the front of mind, which means there's no better time to turn your unwanted items into gorgeous DIY projects. From reusing old wine corks to create beautiful table-settings to transforming mason jars into rustic chandeliers, these ideas ensure that nothing goes to waste. After all, one person's trash is another's treasure, right? Read ahead to get inspired by these DIY ideas for ordinary household objects now.

- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Emily Co

185 Upcycling Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind

If you're the kind of person who hates throwing anything away, we are right there with you. 2020 is a year where sustainability should be at the front of mind, which means there's no better time to turn your unwanted items into gorgeous DIY projects. From reusing old wine corks to create beautiful table-settings to transforming mason jars into rustic chandeliers, these ideas ensure that nothing goes to waste. After all, one person's trash is another's treasure, right? Read ahead to get inspired by these DIY ideas for ordinary household objects now.

- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Emily Co

Trader Joe's New Kale Gnocchi Is Already Getting Mixed Reactions From Shoppers

Drumroll, please! Trader Joe's is officially expanding its plant-based pasta selection with new Kale Gnocchi. That's right, the gnocchi train never stops at this beloved grocery store.

The Kale Gnocchi joins the ranks of Trader Joe's classic gorgonzola, tomato sauce, mozzarella-stuffed, cauliflower, sweet potato, and chocolate lava varieties. It features a pretty straightforward ingredient list of potato starch, chickpea flour, sea salt, extra virgin olive oil, and, of course, kale. At 190 calories per serving, it doesn't sound like a bad side dish or even main course if you're trying to squeeze in more veggies.

That said, first reactions to the recently discovered product are mixed. Shoppers are on the fence about the addition of kale to such a popular dish. But hey, if you love greens, don't let the haters get you down. The packaging suggests crisping up your gnocchi first and maybe even adding a slab of butter, ghee, or whatever flavor alternative you prefer.

These 66 Teen Movies on Netflix Will Take You Back to High School

Netflix has upped its teen movie game in recent years, and the results have been delightful to say the least - come on, you know you've watched The Perfect Date at least a dozen times by now, too. There's no doubt that the streaming service is reawakening our love for teen movies, and thankfully there are tons of unforgettable titles about high school, friendships, and first love tucked away in its library. In fact, there are so many funny, heartbreaking, and downright classic movies about teens available to stream, you could spend the next few months channeling your 16-year-old self. From new favorites to '80s classics, these are the best teen movies streaming on Netflix right now.

Looking for even more Netflix recs? Check out more movies and TV shows that are available on Netflix in January here.

- With Haley Lyndes, Hannah Abrams, Lauren Harano, and Corinne Sullivan

Check Out All the Artists Performing at This Year's Grammys

The Grammy Awards get the party going like no other award show, and this year, they're going all out. Not only is the nomination list packed with uber-talented artists who have been booked and busy topping the charts, but the batch of performers is already looking like a good time. We have nominee break-outs Billie Eilish and Lizzo making their Grammy stage debuts, as well as icons like Aerosmith and Gwen Stefani gracing the stage. We're already getting tingles just imagining the performances! Check out the list of performers below and check back for more updates before the big show airs on Jan. 26.

These 66 Teen Movies on Netflix Will Take You Back to High School

Netflix has upped its teen movie game in recent years, and the results have been delightful to say the least - come on, you know you've watched The Perfect Date at least a dozen times by now, too. There's no doubt that the streaming service is reawakening our love for teen movies, and thankfully there are tons of unforgettable titles about high school, friendships, and first love tucked away in its library. In fact, there are so many funny, heartbreaking, and downright classic movies about teens available to stream, you could spend the next few months channeling your 16-year-old self. From new favorites to '80s classics, these are the best teen movies streaming on Netflix right now.

Looking for even more Netflix recs? Check out more movies and TV shows that are available on Netflix in January here.

- With Haley Lyndes, Hannah Abrams, Lauren Harano, and Corinne Sullivan

Check Out All the Artists Performing at This Year's Grammys

The Grammy Awards get the party going like no other award show, and this year, they're going all out. Not only is the nomination list packed with uber-talented artists who have been booked and busy topping the charts, but the batch of performers is already looking like a good time. We have nominee break-outs Billie Eilish and Lizzo making their Grammy stage debuts, as well as icons like Aerosmith and Gwen Stefani gracing the stage. We're already getting tingles just imagining the performances! Check out the list of performers below and check back for more updates before the big show airs on Jan. 26.

14 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Moments That Prove She's Found Her Prince Charming

One of the things we adore most about Prince Harry is how much he loves Meghan Markle. Whether they're out on a royal engagement or hanging out with family, Harry is always doting on Meghan and never misses a chance to gush about her. Back in May, Harry expressed how "incredibly proud" he is of Meghan for giving birth to their son Archie, and our hearts melted immediately. Ahead, see all the times Harry proved he truly is a real-life Prince Charming.

Related: Why Harry and Meghan's Decision to Step Down Shows the Fearlessness of the Young Royals

Justin Chambers' Abrupt Grey's Anatomy Exit Has Left Twitter "Absolutely Wrecked"

Farewell, Evil Spawn: after 16 seasons, Justin Chambers announced Friday that he's leaving Grey's Anatomy. Chambers's Alex Karev was one of only four original characters left on the long-running medical drama, alongside Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) and Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson). The news came as a huge shock to everyone, especially considering that the announcement also included the news that Alex's final episode has already aired. His final appearance was in the Nov. 14 episode, in which Alex rallies patients and friends to help Meredith keep her medical license, with the following episode revealing that he had to return home suddenly to take care of his ill mother.

After so many years, it's hard to imagine Grey's without Chambers - and we hate that we have to! Fans are taking to social media to get all their feelings out about this surprising news: keep reading for some of the best reactions so far.