January 04, 2019 at 11:31AM In late November 2016, my therapist told me that I—along with much of the country—might be dealing with something she called “Post Election Stress Disorder.” More than two years later, I am less acutely traumatized by my own realization that so many of my compatriots are racist, sexist xenophobes and I am instead more generally anxious about the nation’s political fragility. After years of being triggered by the the daily news—you know, like the unwaveringly bigoted nature of certain individuals in power and the creation of internment camps for children—politics has finally lifted my spirits this week. This week, I might even say I feel happier and more hopeful. On Thursday, a wonderful thing happened in the American government when more women—particularly women of color—took their seats in the House of Representatives than ever before. For one, a new beacon of sanity and good judgment arrived on Capitol Hill when Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman to ever be sworn into Congress, took the oath of office. She wore suffragette white for the occasion. With her presence on Capitol Hill, Republican men—who have been continually trying to chip away at women’s rights and freedom—presumably shook with fear (and reportedly booed like children). Another glimmer of change in Washington also marked what I can only hope Mike Pence will remember as one of the worst days in his political career. As a man who has built that career while restricting the rights of the LGBT community and women, I thoroughly
Month: January 2019
The 1-minute trick to take post-workout hair from sweaty to ready
January 04, 2019 at 10:49AM Unlike post-beach hair, post-workout hair isn’t exactly the kind of style most of us want to show off. Instead of pretty, tousled waves courtesy of the ocean, post-sweat styles tend to be frizzy, matted with sweat, and, well, odorous. For those of us whose mornings (and afternoons and evenings) are frantically scheduled back-to-back-to-back, squeezing in a gym bathroom blowout between the workout and the actual work day isn’t the easiest (or most realistic) feat. So how do we go from sweaty to ready in like 20 minutes time? “The key is to work with your texture,” says Suave celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis. “If your hair is super curly, try not to make it super straight, just because that’s going to eat up the bulk of your time.” But the most major time save, according to him, is to pop on an accessory and call it a day, especially because up-dos tend to work better if hair has some grit to it. “Accessories are so great, because they make a hairstyle look more difficult,” says Francis. “I love the headbands. Even if it’s not an embellished headband, you play with the texture where there’s bits and flyaways so it doesn’t feel too perfect. Then, you just rake the headband backward, and it kind of gives it that, ‘oh it’s a special occasion’ look.” You can also glitz up your bun with a pretty clip, or take things to an entirely new (festive) level and decorate your ponytail with a clip-in
How to own your January in 31 steps, according to Gabby Bernstein
January 04, 2019 at 09:30AM How does a big, brilliant year of growth and fulfillment begin? One day at a time. Here, spiritual superstar and Well+Good Council member Gabrielle Bernstein shares 31 actionable steps to take to make this January everything you want it to be…and more. Create a desire list. Write down everything you want and why you want it. When you make a list of what you want, you start to feel that there’s enough to go around. Be unapologetic and trust in the abundance of the Universe. Feel how good it feels to claim your desires! Find peace in your pulse. Sit comfortably in a quiet space. Place the four fingers of your right hand on the inside of your left wrist. Find your pulse. On the beat of each pulse, silently repeat the mantra “Sat nam” (it means Truth identified or Truth is my name). Practice for 1 to 3 minutes to feel grounded and calm. Play the appreciation game with your spouse/partner, a good friend, or family member. Take turns saying what you appreciate about each other, whether it’s something small or something big. Take one little right action toward your dream today. When you feel judged by someone, instead of getting defensive or attacking back, go out of your way to make someone else feel loved. You can send flowers to a friend, email a coworker and thank them for doing a great job, or post an inspirational message on social media. Giving love
Here’s how to rehab your nose after a nasty cold
January 04, 2019 at 09:04AM Runny-nose struggles are real (and long-lasting). It’s annoying and expensive to go through multiple tissue boxes, but it’s also straight-up painful. Even after a nasty cold has subsided, you’re often left with a red, dry, and chapped sniffer. You nose needs proper care to heal quickly. And slathering layer upon layer of lotion, which is bound to wipe off, isn’t the way to go. According to New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, several much more effective methods will help to banish that Rudolph-the-Red-Nose-Reindeer look in no time. 3 ways to treat your chapped nose after a cold 1. Use ointments or balms. Ointments and balms create a protective barrier with some serious staying power. “They’re the most hydrating products you can use to quickly rehab dry or chapped skin. Apply them on any red areas, and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day,” says Dr. Engelman. “When buying a product, look for calming ingredients like oatmeal, shea butter, and aloe. I also recommend Aquaphor.” 2. Get a humidifier. Sometimes the best way to heal skin doesn’t involve directly applying a product to the affected area at all, but rather improving the surrounding conditions. “When it’s cold outside, there’s less moisture in the air. This makes it easier for the nose to get dryer quicker,” Dr. Engelman says. “I like using humidifiers to add moisture back into the air. This will support the skin’s natural moisture barrier instead of stripping it.” 3. Rethink your tissues. When you’re
We tried Trader Joe’s new umami mushroom seasoning and it’s delicious
January 04, 2019 at 08:56AM Mushrooms boast an impressive number of health benefits, so it’s no wonder they’re popping up in everything from lattes to skincare products. And now they’ve been dried and bottled by Trader Joe’s for the brand’s Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend. A mix of porcini and white button mushroom powder, as well as salt, dried onion powder, ground mustard seed, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and dried thyme, the new seasoning is a healthier alternative to monosodium glutamate (MSG) without sacrificing flavor. Known as the “fifth taste,” “umami is basically glutamate, a nonessential amino acid found in an abundance of foods. Natural sources include seaweed, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and even tomatoes,” founder of Eleat Sports Nutrition Angie Asche, RD, wrote on Instagram of the spice blend. “Because mushrooms are a natural source of glutamate, this umami mushroom powder will enhance the flavors of any savory dish.” The Umami Seasoning Blend is so good that it threatens to replace Everything but the Bagel as Trader Joe’s cult-favorite du jour. Now, Everything but the Bagel goes with everything, so you don’t want to give it up completely, but you might want to clear some space in your pantry. People are already so obsessed with the new blend that it’s currently being offered on eBay at more than triple its in-store cost of $3. So, which dishes might benefit from the addition of natural umami flavor? We tried it on a salad. (Yum.) We tried it on avocado toast. (Delicious.) We tried it on our fingertip. (More,
If you love pimple popping videos, you’ll want to tune in for this gunk-sucking facial
January 04, 2019 at 08:51AM There’s something incredibly satisfying about clearing out your pores. Whether it’s using one of those classic nose strips for blackheads, an at-home pore vacuum tool, or a clay mask, the end result is an amazingly gunk-free complexion. So when Well+Good video editor Ella Dove went off to try a dermalinfusion facial—which essentially uses a machine to suck dirt and grime straight our of your pores—she was poised to see some skin-clearing magic. In the second episode of What the Wellness—Well+Good’s new YouTube series that takes an inside look at all kinds of buzzy wellness treatments—Dove hits up New York’s Envy Medical to test out dermalinfusion, which is said to be a “professional exfoliation treatment.” It does this via a vacuum-like device that sucks out skin debris while infusing a hydrating serum into the complexion at the same time. “We’re exfoliating at a controlled depth, we’re extracting, and we’re also infusing the skin all at the same time,” explains Sona Tolani, Envy Medical’s chief marketing officer. The perks of this? An advanced skin resurfacing treatment that supposedly eliminates fine lines, resurfaces the skin’s texture, and basically make you look brand new. And here’s arguably the best part about it: At the end of your vacuuming treatment, you get to see the jar full of all the crap that came out of your skin. Yes, really. “It’s what we call the waste jar,” Tolani says. “We call it a very disgustingly satisfying feeling. Everybody will usually see some
The only instruction manual you need to slide into someone’s DMs the right way
January 04, 2019 at 08:32AM A successful DM slide seems is like an urban myth. Many have attempted it, but few of us have pulled it off flawlessly. It’s the triple Lutz of flirting—a move so difficult, only a true pro could nail it. Because if you proceed too quietly or cautiously, there’s a good chance you’ll get lost in the Instagram shuffle. But slide into a stranger’s DMs too aggressively, and—bam!—you’re bordering on predatory behavior. Yet, I’m constantly hearing of folks (or maybe more like folklore) whose DM game is incredibly strong. They use a good opener, get to chatting, and voilà! A relationship begins to flourish. Seemingly, there’s a right way to go about this—and an instruction manual sure would be nice. So, I tapped an expert. “First of all, you have to prepare yourself for the situation where the person you’re DM-ing doesn’t respond,” says sexologist and relationship expert Megan Stubbs, EdD. “That chance decreases significantly if they have a huge following.” Alternatively, the chances increase if you two follow each other and are connected in some other way—like through mutual friends. Then, take note of whether your social profiles are private, since that may affect whether or not a person responds to your DMs. “If a person you’re messaging can’t see who you are and what you’re about, they may think ‘stranger danger,’” Dr. Stubbs says. Whatever you do, make sure you know when to back off. If your first message goes unanswered, accept defeat, move
10 winter-proof boots that’ll keep you seriously warm (while still looking cool)
January 04, 2019 at 08:30AM Picture this: You just put together the cutest outfit of new holiday picks—sleek leather leggings, an oversized cashmere turtleneck, and your fabulous gold hoops—when you remember the icy tundra that awaits outside of your front door. Um, your old snow boots will definitely cramp this “new year, new you” outfit you’re rocking. Luckily, there are an endless amount of chic, cold weather-approved options that can add to your outfit, not take away from it, thanks to the fact that hiking boots are having a serious moment this season. And, contrary to popular belief, you can even still rock snow-approved heels. “Most feet feel better in a low heel, rather than a very flat shoe,” says Dr. Ernest Isaacson, a New York City-based podiatrist. “A one-and-a-half- to two-inch heel is generally the sweet spot to relieve the pressure under the arch and heel and provide stability for the back of the foot.” Of course, Isaacson says, it’s never a good idea to sacrifice toe comfort for the heel, so make sure there’s a generous amount of room in the front for the toes to spread out, busting out a pair of barre socks, and when in doubt, go with what feels best overall. So if flat is your preferred, by all means, stay grounded. Ready to get outside? Here are 10 pairs of the best winter hiking boots to keep you warm and stylish. Photo: & Other Stories & Other Stories Patent Leather Snow Boots, $195 Remember
Proud new owner of an air fryer? Try it out with these 6 healthy recipes
January 04, 2019 at 08:23AM Of all the kitchen appliances I’ve collected over the years, there’s nothing I love more than my air fryer. Sure, my juicer can provide me with a tall glass of green juice—but can it create sweet potato fries in 15 minutes and give my tofu a seriously crispy upgrade? I don’t think so. If you’re also a sucker for all things fried, using an air fryer lets you create the same beloved texture without all that oil, which can wreak havoc on both your digestive system and sleep schedule. Instead of submerging your food in those bubbles, air fryers circulate hot air in the enclosed space to get the same effect. Itching to put the new gadget you unwrapped this holiday season to use but not sure what to make? These recipes are a great place to start. Put your air fryer to work with these 6 healthy recipes. Photo: From My Bowl 1. Vegan onion rings Neither eggs nor oil are needed to make these melt-in-your-mouth onion rings. Using your flour of choice, some plant-based milk, bread crumbs, and seasoning, they’ll be ready to devour in just eight minutes. Photo: Keepin’ It Kind 2. Popcorn tofu Both vegan and gluten-free, this popcorn tofu tastes even better than the beloved chicken version (IMO, at least). And the secret to keeping the crispy crust in place? The magic of aquafaba. Photo: One Arab Vegan 3. Garlic and herb chickpeas You can absolutely bake your chickpeas in the oven for
5 women share what they wish they’d known about the IUD before getting one
January 04, 2019 at 07:26AM One of the most empowering things I’ve ever done was taking control of my reproductive health—which for me meant finding a birth control option that I actually liked. I tried many different kinds of birth control—including several types of the pill and Nuvaring—before making the decision to get an IUD. This was brought on in part by concern over the future of women’s healthcare in this country, and in part by my hatred of tracking when my Nuvaring needed to be put in and taken out. (Plus, not to be TMI, but it loved to fall out at the most inconvenient times…) IUDs are considered one of the most effective forms of birth control—over 99 percent effective, to be exact. Once it’s properly inserted into your uterus, you’re protected from pregnancy for up to 10 years, depending on what type you get. You don’t have to remember to take it every day, like the pill, or put it in every month, like the Nuvaring. (Just remember, it will not protect you from STIs!) But still, IUDs are a far cry from the arm gel contraceptive that’s currently being tested for men. (I have thoughts about that.) As with any form of BC, it comes with its own potential side effects that can be different for everyone. Some people can get worse acne after going on a hormonal IUD (fun!), while some people either “enjoy” heavier periods or stop getting them altogether. And the whole insertion process