January 27, 2020 at 06:00PM by CWC If you’ve scanned every corner of the produce aisle trying to scout out arugula with no luck, a trip to the eye doctor isn’t necessary. It’s not there, and you’re not the only one who hasn’t been able to find it. Veggie lovers all across the country, from New York City to Seattle, are experiencing the horrors of arugulaless shopping carts too. The internet has been up in arms about the lack of the popular salad staple in grocery stores lately, even sparking a (pretty amusing) post on Reddit that dubbed the situation “The Great Arugula Shortage of January 2020.” While your other greens seem to be stocked and ready to eat per usual, there’s a simple explanation behind why this bitter variety is nowhere to be found: Austin360 reports prolonged, cool wet weather has damaged some of the prime growers’ crops, causing a shortage that either leaves the shelves empty or provides so little arugula that it’s sold out way too quickly. It’s like reliving the cauliflower gnocchi shortage all over again—something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. Luckily, there’s another way to score some greens if your local grocery store is lacking the veggie: head to your nearest farmers market. Even though mass producers are experiencing a lack of product, local farms are still going strong. Sure, this is a tough time—no one wants to go without their favorite type of salad. But for now, you might be better off grabbing the
Year: 2020
Networking doesn’t work for everyone—here are 6 alternative ways to get ahead
January 27, 2020 at 05:00PM by CWC It’s no secret that being great at networking can open certain professional doors for you. If you know the right people and foster a community of supportive peers, by staying in touch, you might at some point be able to skip a few rungs on your ascent up the career ladder (or, at least, be able to save a lot of time being stuck on a rung where you don’t want to be). But even though being able to put networking tips into action can streamline your professional trajectory, that doesn’t mean it’ll be simple or won’t feel like work. If networking has ever left you feeling drained, exhausted, and unmotivated, you’re not alone: Networking in its traditional sense doesn’t pay off for everyone. A recent small study of 59 employees found a relationship between networking and lower work performance among people who have a low need for affiliation. That is, those who don’t crave a sense of belonging or inclusion in a social group. The researchers call this effect “network extraversion bias,” and note that those who aren’t as innately social shouldn’t try to force themselves to network. “People…who generally show less inclination and appreciation for social involvement should not force themselves to engage in networking activities,” the researchers conclude. But before introverts everywhere let out a sigh of relief and completely wipe their hands of networking obligations, a career counselor suggests considering how to approach it from a different angle. “I really
Enter a flow state to become joyfully in the moment when the world feels overwhelming
January 27, 2020 at 03:00PM by CWC Do you ever feel so immersed in something you’re currently doing that the low-stakes goings-on in your life simply don’t matter, for once? You’re so body-and-soul focused on your Muay Thai class or your wine-and-paint session or your game of Tetris that the rest of the world fades away. If this isn’t resonating and you haven’t stopped multitasking since, like, 2015, pump the breaks, because it’s high time that you’re introduced to the glorious concept of a flow state of mind. “As a concept coined by the field of positive psychology, a flow state is that space of joy and heightened focus that results from absolute immersion in a favored activity,” says clinical psychologist and author of Joy from Fear Carla Marie Manly, PhD. “Sometimes known as being ‘in the zone,’ a flow state creates a sense of oneness, with no division between the physical body, the mind, and the activity.” Being “in the zone” is obviously great for productivity at work or nailing that hard-to-hold pose during yoga (ugh, handstand press). But it’s also a state of mind that can be blissful, therapeutic, and concentrated toward inner peace. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and even tap-dancing toward the threat burnout, here’s the 101-level advice you really do need for how to go with the flow (state). How entering flow state of mind facilitates self care Research shows that flow states can be helpful for reducing stress and anxiety, which makes sense since we’re not trying
Exfoliating oils will brighten and quench dry skin *without* rubbing it raw
January 27, 2020 at 02:00PM by CWC Each and every winter, we all inevitably face the same skin-care conundrum: How can you exfoliate your skin without drying it out even more than the combination of heaters, dry air, and cold weather already are? It’s important to slough off dry skin cells all year long, but there’s a fine line between ridding your complexion of debris and compromising your skin barrier or making your face even more dry. This is where exfoliating cleansing oils come in, which have both exfoliating and nourishing properties in a single formula. Oil cleansers, generally, are known for their abilities to rid the skin of dirt and oil (think of it as a “like dissolves like” situation). They’re particularly helpful for people with dry, flaky skin because, as board-certified dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling, MD puts it, they “help clean the skin without leaving the face stripped of its natural oil and moisture.” And adding a physically exfoliating element into the mix, she says, “can be a great alternative for people who experience irritation from oil-free cleansers and harsher physical exfoliants.” These oil cleansing products are gentle, yet effective, and offer the quadruple-whammy of removing makeup, clearing pores of excess oil and debris, wiping away dead skin cells, and nourishing skin. In other words, they’re giving your double cleanse a run for its money. Got oily skin? Despite what you might think, these cleansers can work for you too. In fact, they tend to help dissolve oils from your
Check your birth chart’s north node to learn your cosmic destiny and true calling
January 27, 2020 at 01:00PM by CWC The idea of having one destiny seems at once awesome and claustrophobic to me. I’m stoked about the idea that my life (maybe?) has one purpose, but I also want to forge my own path ahead. So when an astrology-minded friend mentioned to me that the north node callout on my birth chart cosmically predicts who I’m destined to become, my interest instantly piqued, and I hopped on board a celestial journey of self-discovery with a fair bit of apprehension. True to its name, your north node is your true north or your North Star, says intuitive astrologer and healer Rachel Lang. “It’s the point of destiny you continue to follow throughout your life. When you focus your attention on following the path designated by the north node, you feel more fulfilled and more purposeful—but it’s not easy. It’s the point beyond your comfort zone,” she says. In the sky, this node is the point where the moon’s orbit intersects with the northern ecliptic hemisphere at the time of your birth. “Unlike other astrological points, it’s invisible, but that doesn’t mean it’s not significant,” says Lang. So, for example, my north node sits in my third house—or Gemini—which means my “purpose” in life is teaching, learning, writing, and spreading a certain message. “When you focus your attention on following the path designated by the north node, you feel more fulfilled and more purposeful.” —Rachel Lang, intuitive astrologer Of course, though, the jaunt to
This 4-move series is proof you can get a full-body workout in 10 minutes
January 27, 2020 at 12:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26OK3kgTtDk] If I had a dollar for every excuse I’ve ever come up with for getting out of going to the gym, I’d be a rich woman. This time of year, they run the gamut from “it’s too cold” to “it’s too dark” to “I just don’t feel like it.” But thanks to this week’s Trainer of the Month Club workout, which you can do at home with absolutely zero equipment, it makes it harder to not to get a sweat sesh in on any given day. (I know. I’m sorry.) In this 10-minute series, Body by Simone founder Simone de la Rue takes us through four moves that you can do anywhere, anytime… even on days when you don’t want to brave the cold air to make it to the gym. And even my favorite go-to for skipping at-home workouts—”Whoops! I don’t have any weights!”—is rendered obsolete, because all you need for this workout is your very own bodyweight. You’ll do each move ten times, then repeat the series three times before moving on to the next one. Make sense? Follow along with de la Rue in the video above for a workout so quick and effective you won’t even want to be making excuses to get out of it. 1. Walkout to shoulder tap: This is your warmup. Start standing, then walk your hands out in front of you onto the mat into plank position. Then, tap each hand to your
Your hands deserve a skin care routine, too—and this is the only one you need
January 27, 2020 at 12:00AM by CWC When you think of skin care, your think of your face. That’s probably what 99 percent of the beauty products on display in your bathroom are for, whether they’re melting cleansers or luxe serums. That other 1 percent? Moisturizing body lotions. The only area of your body that’s often neglected in skin care is your hands, and experts say they’re more than deserving of a routine too. The hands rarely get an adequate amount of TLC, and that’s exactly why they often end up looking much older than other areas of your body as you age. “The hands are very vulnerable because the skin is thin,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a Boston-based dermatopathologist. “We forget that we need to exfoliate our hands and moisturize them just as we would our face. Hands also tend to be dryer than our faces because they have fewer sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, an oily substance that helps protect the skin by keeping it lubricated and waterproof.” In addition, the hands aren’t protected by makeup or clothing. Because of that, Dr. Frieling says the sun’s powerful UV rays cause about 80 percent of the unsightly skin changes that are associated with aging. To make sure you’re properly taking care of your hands—from using SPF to exfoliating on the regular—here’s your expert-approved routine. The only skin-care routine your hands need 1. Use a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen every day Dr. Frieling’s go-to: Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream with
With Neptune and Venus in Pisces this week, expect a heavy dose of romance and rest
January 26, 2020 at 10:00PM by CWC As the week begins on Monday, January 27, the moon waxes through the sign of Pisces. Simultaneously, Venus, the planet of love and beauty, conjoins Neptune in Pisces, too. Amid other, more challenging astrological energy swirling through the cosmos, Neptune and Venus in Pisces coming together with the moon serves to comfort us all, as if to say “everything is going to be okay.” Pisces, the sign of dreams, compassion, and spiritual development emphasizes emotional intelligence and promotes cathartic release. With the moon, Venus, and Neptune all working together in this intuitive sign, it’s time to synthesize undigested feelings and lean into your sixth sense. Trust yourself and your intuition, and give yourself the space you need to process your feelings. How to make the most of Pisces’ sleep-enhancing potential Pisces rules sleep, which means that even though you might feel a bit groggy Monday morning, there’s a great chance you experienced a prophetic dream or two. If you remember your dreams and enjoy tracking them, get excited for your night of sleep on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, all of which offer an exceptional opportunity to tune into your subconscious this way. To level up your sleep hygiene in order to make the most of the benefits offered by the trifecta in Pisces, first create a dark and quiet atmosphere to amplify your ability to take advantage of the dream-inducing astrological moment. A few other pre-slumber tips for optimizing sleep include taking magnesium,
Your guide to healthy, easy meal prep on a plant-based diet
January 26, 2020 at 08:00PM by CWC Opening the fridge to find pre-made food is a godsend for busy healthy eaters. Investing a few hours on a Sunday to grocery shop and meal prep a few lunches or dinners at home helps make eating well throughout the week (without having to think too much) that much easier. But that planning can get tricky if you’re working on a new eating plan. The go-to recipes you may rely on for easy meal prep might not work with how you eat now, or figuring out how to build a healthy, filling meal might be harder depending on what macronutrients or ingredients are now emphasized with this particular way of eating. That certainly can be a challenge for people new to plant-based eating, which emphasizes putting vegetables, fruits, and other plants at the center of your plate. You have to get used to a different dietary style, which can make planning a week’s worth of lunches or dinners a bit more challenging than usual. The good news is that many plant-based foods and proteins are actually easy to buy and prepare in bulk—making them a meal-prepper’s dream if you know how to work with them. Here’s a starter guide to building healthy meals when you’re starting plant-based meal prep. Step one: Define what being plant-based means to you While people might think “plant based” is another way of saying “vegan,” that’s not quite the full story. A plant-based diet is a bit less
Rebuild your ravaged skin barrier with this simple 3-step formula
January 26, 2020 at 06:00PM by CWC I’ve dealt with a lot of skin conditions, ranging from hormonal acne to hyperpigmentation, but for the first time in my life I’m dealing with a totally new issue: a sabotaged skin barrier. And it is brutal. The skin barrier acts as a natural protective shield, and when it’s disrupted (the way mine is right now) it makes skin especially vulnerable to damage from pollution, winter air, sunlight, etc. TL, DR: everything hurts. Although it’s easy to confuse an impaired skin barrier with other woes like wind burn, eczema, or a sensitivity, the telltale signs are skin inflammation and redness (like… a lot of redness). As a refresher, a damaged skin barrier function means that the lipid or oil barrier of your skin is disrupted. “So the small, exposed cracks in the skin are more sensitive to products and outside agents that can get in and cause inflammation,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare. “Water is able to evaporate from the skin more, resulting in drier skin.” And since your skin is more exposed to the environment, she points out that you can experience even more sensitivity to the products you’re using. Suddenly reacting to retinol for the first time in your life? A damaged skin barrier could be to blame. Building your skin barrier back up is a process that involves a strategic regimen filled with ultra-nourishing ingredients, and absolutely nothing that can cause irritation. As