February 05, 2020 at 03:00PM by CWC Melatonin supplements have had a constant home on my nightstand since I was 12 years old—so I guess you could say that sleep and I have had quite the rocky relationship over the years. And, in that regard, I’m hardly alone: When Well+Good surveyed 1,500 readers last year about their sleep habits and woes, 92 percent reported feeling fatigued more than once a week, and 53 percent said they use melatonin to remedy their tossing and turning. But in the age of personalized…everything, I decided to try a new regimen in the hopes of it helping me clock precious hours of sleep with ease. And that’s how I came to know Remrise. To be clear, when I say “personalized,” I mean that the company’s formulas are far more complex than the difference between taking, say, 3 milligrams and 10 milligrams (which is what happens when I’m deciding between different bottles of melatonin at the drugstore). Rather, Remrise asks its customers to take a quick quiz that places them in one of five different categories, or sleep profiles: “Chilled Out,” “Rise & Shine,” “Peace of Mind,” “At Ease,” and “Power Off.” Each profile is connected to a different plant-based formula, all of which are “inspired by centuries of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which recognizes that each person experiences unique sleep issues and requires a unique resolution,” says Remrise founder and CEO Veronika Lee. “We developed our sleep profiles based on the most common issues
Category: Your Healthiest Relationship
It’s time to rebrand ‘foreplay,’ which currently delegitimizes sex for many
February 05, 2020 at 02:00PM by CWC It’s unfortunate that so many people regard foreplay as if it were a flight layover—that is, the place you stop by really quickly on the way to your final destination. But, since many of us understand foreplay to be the opening act for penetrative sex, the mind-set isn’t surprising. After all, the word foreplay literally means “before play.” The problem? That understanding of the term suggests that only vaginally or anally penetrative acts constitute sex, says sex educator and sex-positivity advocate Lateef Taylor. And that’s simply not the case. “The word ‘foreplay’ is a bogus term that reinforces a penis-centric, heteronormative, cis-centric, exclusionary, and ableist understanding of what sex is,” they say, adding that the currently understood meaning of foreplay creates a hierarchy in which all other types of pleasure rank below these two forms of sex. “It delegitimizes sex acts that aren’t insertive.” Sexologist Carol Queen, PhD, also takes issue with the term because it validates rushing through certain acts with high pleasure potential to get to a designated main event. This pattern can result in people not understanding that many of these acts can be essential to arousal. In fact, rushing through or skipping foreplay acts altogether and then jumping into insertive sex can result in less pleasure or even downright pain. “Reinventing the term and ridding it of its ‘lesser-than’ connotation could help close the orgasm gap.” —sexologist Carol Queen, PhD That’s why, in the name of inclusivity and increased
The high-tech, do-it-all device that de-puffs skin in 7 minutes flat
February 05, 2020 at 01:00PM by CWC Using quality, dermatologist-recommended active ingredients in your beauty routine is a pretty clear-cut way to improve your skin. Lesser used and talked about, however, are tools that can take the results from serums and moisturizers up a notch. Electrical stimulation is becoming a more-and-more talked about way to do just that, and one brand in particular—ZIIP Ox ($480)—is out in front, putting high-tech tools, usually reserved for the derms’ office in the hands of us all. ZIIP uses both microcurrent and nanocurrent waves to stimulate your skin’s collagen and elastin. There are a total of nine treatments programmed on the device that do everything from target pigment to kill bacteria- causing breakouts to de-puff under eye bags. The latest treatment (which takes only seven minutes start-to-finish) is called “lymph and lift” is meant to promote lymphatic drainage and give you that post-facial glow. The device is able to do this through microcurrents, which help your skin to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a repairing compound your body naturally creates but diminishes as you age. Simultaneously, nanocurrent sends teeny, tiny waves that also help repair collagen and elastin, and also stimulate circulation. As this happens, the lymph fluid that has built up in your face is broken up and ushered away. “Lymphatic drainage is skin 101,” says Melanie Simon, creator and co-founder of ZIIP. “It’s something that’s very much a part of most skin-care treatments when you go to a spa.” This happens because the
Move over, carrots: 5 healthy reasons why turnips deserve a starring role in your winter cooking
February 05, 2020 at 12:00PM by CWC Have you met anyone who claims their favorite food—or vegetable, for that matter—is a turnip? Chances aren’t great. After all, its historic backstory is that it was once a “get off the stage” tomato equivalent of Roman times, and Michelle Obama’s iconic Vine asking people to “turnip for what?” can only do so much image rehab. But it’s time for the humble turnip to earn its bragging rights—and place on our tables. The hearty, winter veg has two parts: the white and purple bulb, and the green leaves. It’s actually a cruciferous vegetable, in the same vein of green leafy staples like kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower—making it one of the healthiest foods you could eat, if only you gave it a chance. Yes, eating turnips may seem like the vegetable equivalent of joining the Mathletes, but rest assured: the limits do not exist when it comes to turnip’s health benefits. We asked a few experts for the specifics. What are turnip health benefits, anyways? 1. It is high in inflammation-fighting compounds “Cruciferous vegetables are some of the healthiest foods, since they contain many antioxidants, as well as compounds known as glucosinolates,” says registered dietitian Whitney English, RDN. Antioxidants, of course, combat inflammation and other damage caused by free radicals in the body. As for glucosinolates, they have been linked to a lower risk of cancer, and support healthy cell production. 2. It’s good for your gut One cup of cubed raw turnips
4 reasons to switch to organic linens, because your bed deserves nice things, too
February 05, 2020 at 10:00AM by CWC When you’re on the hunt for a new sweater, do you opt for the scratchy, will-rip-in-six-months option, or the soft, durable, goes-with-everything one? The latter, of course. So, why in the world would you want to outfit your bed (the place you spend a third of your life) and bathroom with anything but high-quality, organic linens? Danielle Dorn, creative director for Under the Canopy, exclusively at Bed Bath and Beyond, totally agrees. “We’re constantly wrapping ourselves in comfortable, cozy layers throughout the colder months, so putting thought into what those layers are made of is more important than ever,” Dorn says. “From throw blankets to quilted coverlets, Under the Canopy features breathable organic cotton that’s perfect for layering in the winter or on its own in the summer.” Did we just find the indoor solve to transitional weather? From helping you snooze to supporting your sustainability efforts, get ready: You’re going to want to give your home a linen refresh after this (we won’t blame you). Keep scrolling for 4 more reasons to make the switch to organic linens. A sustainable move Switching to organic bedding goes beyond wanting to feel snug while you’re tucked away to sleep. It comes in handy for your eco-friendly living initiatives, too. “You’d never know by looking at it, but mattresses can be made with harmful toxins like formaldehyde,” Dorn says. “That’s why investing responsibly in a safer and cleaner alternative is so important.” Under the Canopy’s
This combo workout move burns your triceps *and* sets your lower abs on fire
February 05, 2020 at 02:00AM by CWC Who doesn’t love a good two-in-one exercise? Doubling up definitely brings on the heat in the moment, but it really pays off in the end. You save time and get great results in the process. While there are plenty of different combination exercises that will make you work up a sweat in record time (hello, burpees!), nothing quite brings on the burn like a skull crusher jackknife workout combo. Both of these exercises are already challenging when done solo. Skull crushers are a strength-training staple for building up your triceps, and jackknifes zone in on your core, targeting both your upper and lower abs in a way that no crunch could ever. So it’s no surprise that when one of our editors recently did a skull crusher jackknife combo in a group fitness class, she was sore in the best way. If you want to light up your triceps and core during your next workout, here’s exactly how to do a skull crusher jackknife combo like a pro. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIFoqyowV88] How to do a skull crusher jackknife workout combo Lie on your back on a mat. Hold a dumbbell straight above your body with your legs straight up toward the ceiling. Slowly lower your legs and arms at the same time. Your legs will hover above the mat, and your arms will stop right above your head. Slowly bring your arms and legs back to the starting position, pause, and lift your upper
6 concealer myths standing between you and flawless application
February 05, 2020 at 12:00AM by CWC Concealer is the most hardworking multitasker of all time. A product that can brighten under-eye circles and cover pimples? I’m sold. It’s likely one of the first beauty products you tried, and the one you turn to even on “no makeup” days. Everyone has their own tips and tricks for using concealer, and some are… better than others. Should I really make a big triangle under my eye when applying concealer? Do I put it on before, or after my foundation? And what even is baking? Fret not—we’ve tapped some experts to set the record straight. Myth #1: More is better Jeannie Vincent, a Boston-based makeup artist, says less is more, especially on maturing skin. “Instead of applying concealer all over the under eye in a windshield wiper motion, I like to only apply concealer to the very darkest and deepest points, usually closest to the nose (inner corner) and outer corner, or in the line that makes up the ‘bag’ of the eye,” she says. “If you have puffiness around the eye and apply concealer all over, it will magnify the issue instead of masking it. Only apply concealer in the deepest lines in order to make the whole area appear flatter.” Myth #2: All powders will set your concealer Applying powder to concealer can help it stay in place, but only if it’s the right kind, explains Neil Scibelli, New York City-based makeup artist. “While I do think it’s important to set
13 healthy reasons why chickpeas are a top dietitian’s favorite plant-based protein
February 04, 2020 at 11:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TCx91K8lNM] Chickpeas are officially the new cauliflower—here’s why they’re so damn healthy for you. In case you haven’t heard, chickpeas are the cauliflower of 2020. No longer just eaten on top of salads or in plain hummus, the legume has morphed into everything from pasta and chips to vegan ice cream and cookie dough. But of course just because something is popular doesn’t always mean it’s healthy—even in the world of wellness. In the latest episode of Well+Good’s video series You Versus Food, registered dietitian Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, shares the low-down on chickpea benefits, and if they’re really worth adding into more of your meals. (Spoiler alert: This is one trend she’s super into.) One reason why Beckerman loves this legume is because it’s a low-glycemic index food. “That means that the combo of fiber and protein helps slow carb absorption and maintain healthy blood sugar levels,” she says. By promoting even blood sugar levels (instead of spikes and crashes) throughout the day, these types of foods can help maintain energy and mood stability, too. The fiber in chickpeas—which, FYI, contain a whopping 11 grams per cup—offers up other important benefits, too. Beckerman says chickpeas are a heart-healthy food, since they’re rich in soluble fiber (the kind that helps move fatty acids and cholesterol out of the bloodstream). That fiber count makes chickpeas a gut-friendly food, too, since fiber helps keep bulk moving through the digestive tract and can feed your
The case for swapping group hangs for workouts—and why research says it’s legit
February 04, 2020 at 08:30PM by CWC In the age of “if you didn’t Instagram your workout, did it really count?” fitness can feel like an all-or-nothing proposition—but it shouldn’t. Together with Michelob ULTRA—the next-level light beer that wants to take the stress out of staying fit—we’re exploring ways to be active that you’ll actually enjoy. Because being healthy doesn’t require fitness to be your whole life, just one (fun) part of it. Not-so-breaking news: Life is busy. Between work, commuting, and the nitty gritty admin of our personal lives, it’s hard enough to make time to squeeze a workout into your jam-packed schedule, let alone spend quality time with your friends. But those social experiences shouldn’t have to take a back seat to life obligations, and science agrees. This 2010 research combined data on 308,000 people across multiple studies and found a strong correlation between deep personal relationships and increased life span, suggesting that spending time with people you trust can actually help you live a longer, healthier life. All those feelings of reward, happiness, and accomplishment science says you can get from friendship? You can get them from working out, too. Something else science agrees on? Working out is also good for your health (big shocker there). Exercise is constantly proven in scientific studies to help you lose weight, keep you healthy, boost your self-esteem, and increase your overall happiness. All those feelings of reward, happiness, and accomplishment science says you can get from friendship? You can get them
Can Finland’s 24-hour workweek *really* solve our burnout problem?
February 04, 2020 at 08:00PM by CWC I have to imagine there are few nine-to-five workers out there who’d oppose having one fewer day in the office per week or two fewer hours in the office per day. In other words, most people probably find the idea of working less to be appealing, whether that looks like a four-day workweek or a six-hour workday. And Finland’s newly appointed millennial prime minister Sanna Marin is aspiring to normalize both, simultaneously, Forbes reports. In her ideal future, Finnish citizens will work 24-hour workweeks so as to be able to spend more time with their loved ones, on their hobbies, and immersed in culture. While theoretically, reallocating nearly 50 percent of working hours to more soul-nourishing pursuits may sound like the antidote to widespread burnout plaguing some populations these days, in practice, would it actually help workers decompress and disconnect? Or would it more likely make little difference in a world where work follows you everywhere and diminished hours on the clock wouldn’t necessarily equate to a lightened up to-do list? It’s complicated: Why reduced hours are so tricky to implement “My guess is the [prime minister’s] thought pertains to workers who have to be at a particular location for a certain amount of time, like manufacturing, or the work is not getting done,” says Jeffrey Stanton, PhD, a data scientist who focuses on job satisfaction and workplace stress. If it is the case—that only those who work in these types of roles