November 30, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC Theoretically, the era of Peak Burnout should’ve coincided seamlessly with the era of Soundly Snoozing by 11 p.m. every night. Between seeing endless social media updates from people we barely care about, long hours and endless tasks to complete at work, and about 14 million RSVP-worthy celecations that require plane tickets, we should be so exhausted every night, able to conk out, no problem. But alas, restless minds beget restless bodies. So if you have trouble falling asleep after busy days, you may be experiencing burnout-fueled insomnia. On a clinical level, burnout is characterized by a sense of exhaustion from work, and that kind of stress is certainly liable to keep you up at night. “Current research suggests that the relationship between burnout—a real syndrome, according to the World Health Organization—and insomnia is a two-way street, with burnout seeming to encourage insomnia, and insomnia increasing burnout,” says integrative medicine specialist Sally Fisher, MD. “Both [are] associated with the flight-or-fight stress hormone, cortisol. So theoretically, anything that decreases burnout should improve insomnia, and anything that decreases insomnia should improve burnout.” And, to that end, Dr. Fisher has some tips to share. Have trouble falling asleep? Here are 3 tips to make sure burnout’s not to blame. 1. Try an herbal remedy for stress relief Many of us love and live by melatonin. But if your sky-high cortisol levels are overpowering your nightly gummy supplement, shifting gears gears could be a worthy consideration. And while
Category: Travel
A germ expert explains exactly how gross it is not to shower after a flight
November 29, 2019 at 11:00PM by CWC After a long flight, before you kick off your shoes and crawl into your cozy bed, you might want to take a quick detour to the bathroom for a shower to wash away the airplane germs. According to microbiologist Jason Tetro, author of The Germ Files, airplanes are pretty gross. “Airplanes have their own microbiome and the most common types are those from human skin, which isn’t surprising considering we’re all constantly shedding bacteria,” he says. “As for the germiest place? It’s the headrest, where you’ll not only find bacteria, but also yeasts and molds.” So much for falling asleep with ease. “If it’s a short haul, you may not have to worry about it, as you’ll have the same exposure as you might in an office building. But as the flights get longer, the microbes on your skin can grow and that can get a bit smelly,” says Tetro. “If you do happen to pick up bacteria or fungi that’s not your own, this may lead to itchiness and bumps on the skin and scalp. Showering after flights is probably a good thing—regardless of the length!—if only to have that clean feel after being cooped up in a cabin.” If you don’t shower and bacteria and fungi do catch a ride back to your hotel with you, Tetro says you may end up depositing germs that aren’t your own into your new space—particularly your bed. “But showering with soap—and shampoo for the hair—removes any
Susan Miller shares her exclusive 2020 forecast for each zodiac sign
November 29, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC Not only are we in the victory-lap portion of the year, but also of the decade. And while we may well prioritize staying present and making memories with loved ones during the holiday season, fact remains that we’re human—and human nature urges us to look ahead to what’s next. To that point, we getting a peek at 2020 horoscopes is likely of interest. Will our star signs predict good fortune, or will we fall into the ’20s on our face? Well, thanks to Astrology Zone founder Susan Miller, you don’t need to wait until January 1 to get a look at those 2020 horoscopes and answer your burning questions. According to Miller’s vision of the cosmic forecast, all signs can get excited for different energies in the new year. Below, get Miller’s big predictions for the 2020 horoscopes that’ll really define your year. Take a peek at Susan Miller’s predictions for the 2020 horoscopes below. Aries Rams are keen on getting things started with absolute velocity and drive, and if you’ve feeling stagnant in your current role or impatient about a big promotion, don’t worry—the 2020 horoscopes forecast show the new year to be a great time for you to thrive. “Aries is all about spectacular career growth,” says Miller. And it makes complete sense; Aries is a fiery, Mars-ruled sign and emblem of leadership. In 2020, they can expect their natural front-of-the-line energy to propel them to the top of the chart,
Checks+Balanced: How pregnancy changed budgeting for a 25-year-old in Seattle
November 29, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC Even in a world where questions about menstrual cups and the ins and outs of sex are completely (and blessedly) normal, somehow the ever-ubiquitous use of money remains a touchy subject for many. People want to live their healthiest life ever, but—#realtalk—it can add up. Have you ever wondered how your colleague who makes less than you do (or so you think) can afford to buy a $5 matcha and a $12 chopped salad every day? Or how your friend’s budget allows her to hit up $34 fitness classes three times a week? It’s enough to make anyone want to ask, “Ummm, excuse me. How do you afford that?!?” That’s where Well+Good’s monthly series Checks+Balanced comes in. By lifting the thick, tightly drawn curtain to expose how much women of varying income brackets spend on wellness, we’re spreading transparency and hopefully providing some inspo that’s possible to copy. Because no matter how much you make, it’s possible to cultivate healthy habits that work within your budget. This month, Chelsea Foster, a 25-year-old geologist living outside Seattle, Washington, reveals exactly how much she spends on nonnegotiables (like rent and food) and healthy habits (like supplements and acupuncture) alike. Foster has PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), and says sticking to her nutrition plan is key for managing her symptoms—but costs for the foods she relies on add up. She’s also newly pregnant and says her budget has definitely changed as a result. Keep reading for an up-close-and-definitely-personal look at her finances. Here, a 25-year-old
Your breakdown of the 7 unique chakra colors and meanings
November 28, 2019 at 07:00PM by CWC Regardless of whether you fancy yourself a total spiritual phenom or you don’t feel like you have a single woo-woo-leaning cell in your body, you’ve likely at least heard about chakras. But, are you clear on the ins and outs of chakra colors and meanings? Just in case, here’s a little recap: Chakras are energy centers in the body that, as chef, nutritionist, and reiki master Serena Poon puts it, link our energetic and physical bodies with universal life-force energy. “Each chakra vibrates or spins at a particular frequency that impacts specific biological processes and organ systems in our body,” she says. “The circulation of energy in each of our chakras then influences our physical as well as our mental well-being by way of stimulation or inhibition.” In other words, if one of your seven chakras is out of whack or blocked, you may feel effects of that in other areas of your life, as well. “The circulation of energy in each of our chakras then influences our physical as well as our mental well-being by way of stimulation or inhibition.” —reiki master Serena Poon There are seven total chakras that run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, and each has a specific meaning and is associated with a specific color. The colors, you’ll notice, follow the same pattern as a rainbow. Below, several pros break down the different chakra colors and meanings, so you can understand
How a dermatologist shops Black Friday beauty deals
November 27, 2019 at 10:47PM by CWC When Black Friday rolls around, it can be tempting to throw your entire paycheck at the trendy (and now discounted!) skin products you’ve been eyeing all year. But skin pros have a message for you: Please, don’t do that. Instead, board-certified dermatologist Melissa Levin, MD, wants you to take a step back and figure out what you really need in your routine, instead of buying the things Instagram has been telling you to. “People want to play around, but a full skin cycle is six weeks, so I like people to stick to a routine instead of wasting money and buying multiple products, she says. “And, I only like people to introduce one or two products at a time.” So if you do want to try something new and exciting, just be sure to stick to one “new and exciting” product and spend the rest of your Black Friday beauty dollars on trusted faves. “If you want to have an effective Black Friday from a skin-care standpoint, go for the basics instead of trendy products,” says Dr. Levin. These “basics” may not be the sexiest members of your skin-care team, but they are the ones you need to keep in stock all year round, so she suggests going all-in on things like cleanser, moisturizer, soap and deodorant. Or rather, use the deals as an excuse to get a year’s supply of the products you use every day (keeping an eye on the expiration
‘I’m a gastroenterologist and this is the gut friendly meal I recommend to all my patients’
November 27, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC As a gastroenterologist, Will Bulsiewicz, MD, sees patients with gut health issues that run the gamut, ranging from people who find themselves heading to the restroom not enough—or the opposite, way too often. Despite the wide range of probs, his solution almost always comes back to one major nutrient: fiber. In fact, Dr. Bulsiewicz preaches the importance of fiber so often to his patients that he’s writing a book on it, Fiber Fueled, so even more people can get schooled on its role. “We know that our gut microbes absolutely thrive when they are fed prebiotic fiber from real food,” Dr. Bulsiewicz says. “The fiber passes through the intestine, unsullied, before it reaches the colon. This sets the healthy microbes into a feeding frenzy. They feast on this delicious meal, and then reward you by releasing what I consider to be the ultimate currency of gut health: short chain fatty acids.” Dr. Bulsiewicz says these short-chain fatty acids can help combat leaky gut, strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol, prevent diabetes, and protect against colon cancer. (So yeah, they’re a pretty big deal.) “They even travel as far as your brain to have their health effects,” he says. “And the only way to get them is when fiber meets healthy microbes in your colon and magic ensues.” Having this handy knowledge is one thing, but putting it into practice is a whole other. That’s why I asked Dr. Bulsiewicz for the meal idea
The top 10 Black Friday deals Well+Good’s staff is psyched to ‘add to cart’
November 27, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC It’s time to grab your wallet and kiss your last paycheck goodbye: we’re just days away from Black Friday. This year, the Well+Good staff had many wellness items on their wishlists—and many of them will go on sale in a mere 48 hours if they aren’t already. From cozy sweatsuits to oh-so-soft duvet covers to life-changing kitchen accessories, here are the 2019 Black Friday deals that have us saying “Take all my money!” The 2019 Black Friday deals not to miss this year Photo: Nordstrom 1. Superga “Cotu” Sneaker, $51 (originally $65) “As Kate Middleton has proved over and over, these chic white sneakers go with anything, from jeans to midi skirts. They’re my spring and summer wardrobe staple—and you can’t argue with that price. —Jessie Van Amburg, senior health and food editor Photo: Yummie 2. Yummie Slub Knit Midi Robe, $43 (originally $62) “This robe is the best thing I’ve ever put on my body.” —Zoe Weiner, Associate Beauty and Fitness Editor Photo: Brooklinen 3. Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set, $79 (originally $99) “Every year or so I treat myself to new sheets (and sometimes a new duvet). The Brooklinen core ones are my absolute favorite, and I love the way they feel. Add the duvet cover and shams (I like the stripes!) and tell me your life hasn’t just gotten an upgrade. Go ahead, tell me. (You can’t.)” —Samantha Leal, Managing Editor Photo: Andie 4. The Catalina Swimsuit, $29 (originally $95)
What you should eat before a flight to avoid traveler’s constipation
November 27, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC Holiday travel is stressful enough without having your G.I. tract turn against you (unless you want to hide out in the bathroom while visiting your relatives). But traveler’s constipation is real and can happen anytime you’re outside your normal routine. Time differences, not drinking enough water, and eating processed foods from an airport kiosk all mess with your digestion. One step you can do to prevent traveler’s constipation, according to Seattle-based registered dietitian Ginger Hultin, RD is starting your day out with a few digestive keys that will work in your favor. While you can’t control what you will and won’t have access to once you hit the road, the hour before you leave for the airport is your time to set your body up for success. What you should eat to avoid traveler’s constipation 1. oatmeal “A powerhouse way to start the day, oats are versatile, delicious, and great for the gut,” Hultin says. (If you think oatmeal is boring, these recipes will prove you wrong.) The reason, Hultin says, oatmeal can help prevent constipation is because it’s full of fiber. “Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which keeps things moving through the gut even when you’re traveling she says.” To increase the fiber content, add nuts, seeds, and berries. 2. chia seeds Whether you add a serving of chia seeds to your oatmeal or opt to add them into a smoothie or even on top of eggs, they’re another food
The case for taking yourself on a solo date—no matter your relationship status
November 27, 2019 at 03:00AM by CWC The crisp air of a New York City autumn screamed romance. I could feel it on the sliver of exposed skin between my tight black turtleneck dress and black suede boots while I passed leaves in hues of orange and yellow. I strolled past the famed Dakota building on Central Park West, the fluted intro of “Strawberry Fields Forever” serenading me from inside Central Park. I was with my perfect New York date, who happens to be…um, me, Mary Grace. It amazes me that amid a with “Thank U, Next” and “Truth Hurts” topping charts, we have yet to talk about how mastering the solo date is step one in learning how to be happy alone. If you find yourself unexpectedly single, there might be this drive to go bold and book a solo trip. And, if you can swing it, that’s a great option. But, if you find yourself unexpectedly single and also broke, the solo date can serves as a small-scale version of a fulfilling adventure that can help you learn how to be happy alone. First, how do go about taking myself on a date? The design and rules are simple: Think about what you’d love to do on a Perfect Date—whether that includes things you’ve never done before or tried-and-true activities you really love. For me, a great-date format is Central Park in the fall, spending an hour meandering through the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most decorative rooms, and