November 13, 2018 at 01:10PM In high school, I was far more likely to be geeking out about the Orwellian significance 2+2=5 than any equation actually presented in the pages of a real algebra textbook. Sure, my interests skewed more bookish than binomial, but that was largely because math made me feel bad about myself—it straight-up stressed me out. And as it turns out, there’s an actual term for the “I just suck at math” mentality that makes your heartbeat quicken at the mere thought of a fraction: math trauma. “Math trauma stems from an event, a series of events, or a set of circumstances experienced by an individual as harmful or threatened such that there are lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and well-being in the perceived presence of mathematics,” Kasi Allen, PhD, a math activist (yes, math activist), tells Creative Maths. This is why the dreaded timed division tests of your youth have literally scarred you into never straying from your smartphone calculator when it comes time to split the bill. That timed division test of your youth may have literally scarred you into never straying from your smartphone calculator when it comes time to split the bill. Research has shown that those affected by this trauma are dominantly female, low-income, and nonwhite. And while scientists don’t yet know the exact cause of the trauma, it’s believed that both gender and racial stereotypes play a role. As a remedy, Dr. Allen recommends first acknowledging that you suffer from the trauma. Then, Jennifer Ruef,
Day: November 13, 2018
5 (surprising!) things that saved my skin in my 30s
November 13, 2018 at 11:24AM Let me say up front a few things that could make any beauty editor cry: I fall asleep with makeup on—a lot. I never got a facial until age 32, and since then I’ve averaged maybe one a year. If we’re being kind, you can call me a skin-care minimalist. If we’re being honest, you can call me busy (a tish lazy maybe) and with a list of priorities that don’t involve my complexion. So lecture you about a 10-step regimen, I will not. Instead, you’re about to get some advice that is extremely attainable. Because, as I settle into my 40s, I get more compliments on my skin than I ever did when I had youth on my side. And I’m happy to say this happened by complete accident. Here’s the short version of the story: Because of health issues that were becoming problems in my life—mostly stress, anxiety, and gastrointestinal craziness—I started paying more attention to my diet and habits. I cut out processed foods and soda (still miss you, Diet DP), and I cut waaaay back on sugar and alcohol. The change to my skin was immediate—and it affected every inch of my body rather than simply my complexion. In fact, I noticed the biggest transformation in one particular place: the middle of my chest, right where the sun directly hits in a tank top. That spot always changed texture dramatically depending on my diet, my sleep, and my stress levels. A few too many
How the salmonella stole Thanksgiving: What to know about the outbreak in turkey products
November 13, 2018 at 11:15AM If Thanksgiving doesn’t feel complete to you without a plate full of turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole, you’re in good company: a whopping 46 million turkeys are eaten to celebrate the holiday each year. But if you were looking for an excuse to start a new, bird-free tradition, you might be in luck. Due to a salmonella outbreak, that classic main course might lead you to trade in your go-to Joey Tribbiani-style “Thanksgiving pants” for a hospital gown. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), right now there’s a 35-state salmonella outbreak that’s been linked to raw turkey products—something that’s actually been causing infections since July. Now months later, there have been a total of 164 reported cases. While the milder ones involve diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, the infection can also be more serious and require medical attention. It can even be life-threatening: 63 cases have required hospitalization, and one case has led to death. It’s worth noting that a couple details make this outbreak a little scarier than others (hi, melons and eggs!). Thanksgiving is only a week away, and a specific supplier has yet to be identified for the problem, meaning any raw turkey you buy could be contaminated. Oh, and this salmonella is multi-drug-resistant, meaning it’s harder to kill. The CDC isn’t recommending that people ditch turkey completely this Thanksgiving, but do be sure that it’s handled and cooked properly. The CDC isn’t recommending that people ditch turkey
All of the best beauty deals to score this Black Friday
November 13, 2018 at 10:42AM Thanksgiving is great and all, but any savvy woman knows the real cherry on top of the November holiday is the day after—AKA Black Friday. It’s a time when pro, deal-finding shoppers can emerge from their year of saving funds in order to hunt down the beauty Black Friday deals that are easy on the wallet. For beauty devotees, it’s a particularly ideal time—because plenty of skin-care, makeup, and beauty tool brands are slashing their prices so that you can score the ultimate haul for your regimen. As someone who’s equally obsessed with beauty and saving money myself, I’ve scoured the internet and reached out to insiders to find the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals out there so that you don’t have to do the digging. All you have to do? Eat all of the tofurkey and butternut squash, rest, then wake up to a day of shopping some serious bargains. From glow-boosting serums to hair curlers and mineral-based makeup, these brands have got you covered. Keep scrolling for the best beauty Black Friday sales out there. Photo: Linne Botanicals Linne Botanicals Dates: November 23rd – 26th Deals: Free shipping site wide for all domestic orders 20% off all body products (Activate Body Wash, Smooth Body Balm) 15% off all face products (Purify Face Wash, Scrub Face Mask, Renew Face Serum, Repair Face Oil, Balance Face Oil) 10% off all kits Free Refresh mist with any purchase over $300 Tatcha Dates: November 22 – 25th
The best Black Friday and Cyber Monday fitness deals
November 13, 2018 at 10:32AM It definitely takes more motivation to work out during the winter months. Your alarm clock goes off when it’s still dark outside, making it that much harder to pull yourself out of your warm bed and make it to your a.m. gym sesh. You know what helps? Some sweet new fitness swag. Make all your athleisure, fit tech, and home gym dreams come true by taking advantage of the deals happening this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. (Or, okay, fine you can use ’em to gift your fave people, too.) Scroll down to see where to get the best deals on gym equipment, apparel, and fit tech this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Photo: Getty Images/mapodile Apparel and sneakers Adidas: If all day long you dream about some new Adidas sneaks, get ready: Kohl’s will be offering 25 to 40 percent off Adidas apparel and sneakers for both men and women. Deals start online at 12 p.m. CT and in stores November 22 at 5 p.m. They last through November 26. Athleta: In addition to having a curated “Zen den,” giving stressed-out Black Friday shoppers a place to recover, Athleta will be offering 20 percent off in-store and online purchases from November 23–26. JCPenney: JCPenney is offering some serious athleisure deals this year: up to 70 percent off everything from tees, tanks, leggings, and vests. The sale starts 2 p.m. EST Thanksgiving Day through November 23 at 10 p.m. New Balance: If you’re hankering for some new running shoes—or have someone
It’s, like, *really* easy to copy Michelle Obama’s dream self-care situation
November 13, 2018 at 10:18AM When you think of self-care, your mind probably instantly goes to the lavish fruit-filled baths, fancy face masks, massages, and perfectly frothed turmeric lattes you see on your Instagram feed. The truth is you don’t have to do anything over-the-top to give yourself the extra TLC you deserve. Just ask Michelle Obama, whose dream situation just so happens to be one of the easiest to replicate. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey for ELLE—because who’s more worthy of interviewing a queen than a queen?—Obama opened up about the transition period after moving from the White House to their new home in Washington—AKA “the first regular house, with a door and a doorbell, that I have had in about eight years,” she said. During one of her first nights alone when Barack was traveling and her kids were out, she got to make her own toast—cheese toast—without someone trying to help or do it for her. Then, she sat outside with her dogs, eating her toast and taking in her new life…one that didn’t involve having a full SWAT team around or following a list of rules so intense that she couldn’t even open a window. “It’s that quiet moment of me settling into this new life. Having time to think about what had just happened over the last eight years. Because what I came to realize is that there was absolutely no time to reflect in the White House. We moved at such a breakneck pace from the moment
Are you truly anxious or just super-stressed? Here’s how to tell
November 13, 2018 at 09:51AM Once you’ve ironed out the the differences between stress and anxiety, actually figuring out which one you’re experiencing in the moment is Part II of understanding your mental health. And to be honest, it’s not easy. Want proof? Here at Well+Good, we recently conducted a survey of almost 2,500 readers. And while about 86 percent of people reported being able to distinguish between these two mental health foes in general, the average reader admitted that it was difficult to identify which one plagued them specifically. Full transparency: No one here at the office was 100 percent sure either, so we asked a psychologist for the best way to check in with yourself. “Anxiety comprises emotional, physical, and cognitive elements. Stress and worry are the cognitive portion of anxiety.” -Erika Groban, PhD First, says Erika Groban, PhD, a clinical psychologist at a private practice in Rye, New York, remind yourself of the definitions of each one more time. “Anxiety comprises emotional, physical, and cognitive elements,” she says. “Stress and worry are the cognitive portion of anxiety.” In other words, stress can exist all on its own. But when it’s also coupled with physical and emotional responses as well, you’re likely experiencing what’s called “situational anxiety.” (This is a little different from an anxiety disorder, which often doesn’t have a cause and involves you feeling almost constantly anxious.) What exactly are the physical and emotional anxiety symptoms to look out for? In general, excessive sweating, trembling, rapid heart beat, trouble sleeping, and difficulty controlling your worries are all potential signs
Why I always wear sneakers on a first date
November 13, 2018 at 09:24AM In my experience, first dates are kind of like pilot episodes of TV shows. Sometimes you get a Stranger Things and you immediately know you’re gonna be binge-watching; sometimes you get more of a slow-build Mindhunter that takes a few episodes (read: dates) to really get into; most times, though, you get something like I Want to Marry Harry and you know within 30 seconds that, no, this is not going to work. As someone who recently re-entered the dating world, it is what I would classify as a lot. But, unfortunately, first dates are kind of inevitable if you’re looking for a relationship (even a casual one). Deciding what to wear on said first date is a particularly stressful sartorial challenge. Through a bit of trial-and-error, I’ve concluded that no matter your outfit, sneakers are the perfect footwear choice. I came upon this realization—nay, epiphany—earlier in the year while prepping for one of my very first Bumble dates. Here’s a little mise en scene for the date: We were going to a cool, dimly lit bar in Venice. I picked out a flirty little dress that was both comfortable and flattering. But every shoe I paired with it just felt off. Not to be dramatic (but definitely to be dramatic), I would rather give up cheese for six months than wear heels on a first date. I think making awkward small talk while being strapped into painful shoes is actually one of Dante’s circles
The top 5 healthy home deals at Kohl’s Black Friday sales
November 13, 2018 at 08:29AM If shopping is your sport, then Black Friday is basically your Superbowl. The only thing higher than the stakes are the potential discounts to be found. And if healthy home goods are what you’re after, you’ll find Kohl’s Black Friday sales particularly sweet this holiday season. Here’s the gist: Kohl’s Black Friday sales actually start on November 19 and end on November 23. Once the sale kicks off, customers will be able to take 15 percent off the whole store, receive $15 of Kohl’s cash for every $50 spent, with additional “doorbuster” deals on specific items. These deals are available both in-store and online. Keep reading for the top 5 deals you don’t want to miss at Kohl’s Black Friday sale. Photos: Kohl’s Instant Pot Duo, $70 Name one person who doesn’t love an Instant Pot? This kitchen device is one of very few products universally adored. Chances are you either need one of these or if you’re already on top of your kitchen tech game, know several people who could really use one. Google Home Mini, $25 Right in time for hygge season, during Kohl’s doorbuster deals, the Google Home Mini will be available for half its original price. It’s the perfect gift for the person in your life (maybe even yourself) who likes to cook, work out, and meditate in the comfort of their home. Amazon Echo, $70 The Amazon Echo has so many bells and whistles that it’s essentially the love child of
The ultimate, editor-approved guide to running shoes
November 13, 2018 at 08:19AM Like delicate little snowflakes, everyone has different needs when it comes to their running shoes. Some people run barefoot and others need all the foam cushioning. But once you find the pair that’s right for you, it’s pretty much one of those match-made-in-heaven kind of moments. You know. And as for the rest of us? Well we’re still looking for the best running shoes around. “It’s always important to note that as runners, we’re all different,” says Jess Movold, a coach at New York’s Mile High Run Club, a running-focused boutique fitness studio. “That’s what makes everyone so special—runners come in all shapes and sizes, and so it’s important to take all of these things into consideration when looking for the right running shoe.” Perhaps you run on your toes, or have fallen arches, or deal with pronation in your gait—these and numerous other variables come into play when you’re reenacting Cinderella at your local Foot Locker. “Comfort, fit, and form are all very important, specific, and personalized things to keep in mind when looking for your shoe,” says Movold. So unlike other shoe shopping, this one ain’t just about how they look (I’ll leave that one for heels and such). Keep scrolling for the current best, editor-approved running shoes of each category, below. Photo: Abby Maker for Well+Good Neutral These are the Goldilocks of running sneakers—not too cushioned, not too flat. They’re just enough to let you do your thing without really imposing. “A neutral