November 04, 2019 at 07:30PM by CWC Get comfortable in downward dog and you’ve found the baseline for your yoga practice. The pose strengthens your shoulders, stretches your hamstrings, and melts away lower back tension. That’s not all it can do, though. Just cross one leg in front of the other and your downward dog position transforms into a hip stretch. “When you cross the legs in down dog or forward fold, you’re releasing the muscles that overcompensate and cause friction in the iliotibial (IT) band,” says Lindsay Pirozzi of New York City’s Y7 studio. The simple act of criss-crossing targets the tensor fasciae latae (TFL), a muscle that wraps around your front hip. “When we stretch our TFL, it feels like heaven for the tendon-like structure and thick fascia of the IT band.” Did you hear that? She said “like heaven.” How to turn your downward dog position into a heavenly hip stretch [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw2B2n57D68] You can also perform the crisscross position in a standing forward fold. To move into the hip stretch, start in a normal downward dog with your knees slightly bent, triceps spinning inward, and shoulders engaged. Walk your right foot over to your left, then cross the left over it so your legs are forming an “X”. If you feel open, slowly push your left foot toward the floor. Hold for three breaths and switch sides. Now for a full flow: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oU9Ob_1t7w] If you’re new to yoga, here’s how to find which type fits your personality.
Tag: Well+Good
Venting can be super healthy until 1 common pitfall gets in the way
November 04, 2019 at 06:02PM by CWC Is there anything more gratifying than leaning into a novelesque text-message venting session? Based on my own inbox and tendency to complain, the answer is probably not. But as much as we get a feel-good release when we’re grumpy with our boss, feel gossipy about your cousin’s bridal behavior, or completely over a friend’s relationship drama, venting has a major snag when it comes to getting things done. That is, there’s a strict time limit when you should stop complaining and start thinking. Let’s talk about what happens when we go on a long, unhinged, “Ma’am, this is a Wendy’s” type of rant. You’re complaining to your co-worker about how your supervisor asked you to stay late the other day. You’re going on about how they probably hate you and they’re trying to ruin your life, steeped in negativity. But while it may feel like torture to be kept late, we don’t have the full picture of what’s going on. Maybe your supervisor heard from his supervisor that you’re on the way out if your output isn’t better, in which case he totally has your back. Venting to a third party is going to paint your manager in a poor light, and it’s not going to solve the problem. That’s the key here: It’s not going to solve the problem. What happens when you lean too hard into this cycle of venting is that you become more inclined to just complain. “It feels
How to pick the right recovery tool to work out your specific soreness
November 04, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC In 2019, recovery is king. We called it as one of the top trends of the year, and have been proven right time-and-time again with the rise of recovery technology, recovery studios, and even recovery workout-wear (excuse us while we pat ourselves on the back). And of course, the old-reliables like foam rollers and massage balls have become more pertinent than ever. But with so many different recovery-related options on the market—from fascia blasters that look like multi-tentacled octopi to foam rollers that can blast your favorite Drake song while melting your muscle tension—it can be Crossfit Games-level challenging to figure out what to actually use on your recovery days. The first step in putting together a recovery gear wardrobe is to figure out what you’re looking to achieve. “The most important thing when it comes to recovery is to have a regular routine, so figure out which tool best fits your life, goals, and, to borrow from Marie Kondo, brings you the most joy. If you love the way you feel with one tool over another, you are much more likely to keep using it,” says Keren Day, DC, the founder and chief innovation officer of racked stretch. Start by evaluating what your issues are, whether it’s poor posture, tight muscles, stress, or something else, and find the tool that will give you the best bang for your buck in targeting those issues. Here, the pros lay out exactly what you need
The 1 wedding trend an event planner would cut to minimize waste (and expenses)
November 04, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC Whether you’re engaged, a professional wedding crasher, a borderline pro on Pinterest, or somewhere in between, chances are, you’ve been to a wedding (or a few), and you’ve taken notice of some of the stylistic choices made by the hosts. But no matter where you fall on the wedding continuum—spending money on your own nuptials, for the events of all your friends, or just taking note how much the world at large is spending on matrimony—it’s undeniable that the wedding industrial complex is horrifyingly real. According to WeddingWire’s 2019 Newlywed Report, the average wedding ceremony and reception costs about $29,200. It’s so easy to get sucked into the trend vortex (hello, celestial everything), but it’s also worth noting that in the process of shelling out all this cash, wedding hosts are also throwing out an estimated 400 pounds of garbage, according to The Green Bride Guide. This sustainability issue provides some context that makes a lot of details feel like…not a waste, but certainly wasteful: Everyone wants a very special day, no one wants to go broke in the process, and, also, the planet is burning. So if you’re looking to save money and also Mother Earth, look no further for intel about how to be eco-friendly at a wedding (or at least more eco-friendly). The top tip for achieving this, according to event planner Elizabeth Tulipana, founder of Chicago-based Anticipation Events, is to commit to reusing decor in one way or another. “It’s
Neptune is retrograde for another month, which is why the truth feels especially harsh
November 04, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC To quote my lord and savior (Lizzo, obviously), “truth hurts.” But if you feel you’ve been enduring an extra-heavy dose of truth lately, feel free to side-eye Neptune for that. The planet rules over the sensitive, intuitive Pisces and is associated with the subconscious mind, spiritual realm, dreams, fantasies, and inspiration. That intel is especially important to note right now since the Neptune retrograde of 2019 has been in effect since June 21 and won’t go direct until November 27—nearly another month. Before you get super worried, know that retrogrades don’t necessarily mean anything bad or menacing, despite the energy that many associate with them. That said, retrogrades do pump out different energy waves, so this long-lead Neptune retrograde that’s been in transit since the early days of summer may explain shifted feelings you’ve been noticing, says astrologer Carolyne Faulkner, author of Your Stars: An Empowering Guide for 2020. “It’s neither good or bad; it’s just different and more of a reflective than active vibe.” So, the first step to understanding the Neptune retrograde and expertly weathering its altered energy is to stay calm. It impacts us all differently, depending on our natal charts, but generally, it “presses a pause button on actualizing big-picture dreams so that they can be fine-tuned and asks that we return to our authentic paths,” Faulkner says. “[Neptune retrograde] presses a pause button on actualizing big-picture dreams so that they can be fine-tuned and asks that we return
How to create the perfect weekly workout formula, according to Charlee Atkins
November 04, 2019 at 12:00AM by CWC With so many different types of workouts to choose from, it can be tricky to fit them all in. You might be all about spin today, but you’ve gotta get your yoga and strength-training fix, too. Luckily, according to trainer Charlee Atkins, CSCS, doing it all doesn’t have to be complicated. There’s a weekly formula you can use that ensures you’re not only able to schedule in each of your favorite activities but do so in a way that does your body good. Atkins, founder of Le Sweat and a former master SoulCycle, used to do heavy cardio 6 to 7 days a week. Now that she takes a more varied approach to her weekly workouts and it’s totally changed the game. “This is the structure that I not only find works best for my body, but I’ve also seen the most results in my clients training this way,” she tells me. When putting together a balanced weekly workout schedule, Atkins recommends mixing a few different components: strength training, cardio, yoga, and rest. With this specific range of styles, you’re challenging your body, practicing proper recovery, and—most importantly—making sure you’re not overdoing it with certain movements that could hurt your body and your progress. So who’s ready to sweat? Charlee Atkins’ perfect week of workouts Day 1: Strength “Strength and resistance training (these words are interchangeable) require the most amount of energy and focus from the body when done correctly. This is why
This week’s waxing quarter moon has a message for you: Let your freak flag fly high
November 03, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC As we settle into the last Mercury retrograde period of the decade, the cosmos encourage you to review where you’ve already been before forging forward with a new path. Thankfully, the week begins with a waxing quarter moon in Aquarius at 5:22 a.m., EST, on November 4. A waxing quarter moon marks the halfway point between a new moon and a full moon. And this particular one—occurring at 11 degrees of Uranus, which is ruled by fixed air sign Aquarius—encourages you to fly your freak flag high. Why? Just to drive home the point to you that you are uniquely excellent. The real question, though, is: Can allow yourself to embrace that encouragement? Regardless of your answer, take some time on Monday to consider where in your life you are and aren’t allowing yourself to express the full range of your abilities. (Because, as self-aware as I’m sure you are, it would be rare to optimize your gifts in all facets of your being.) Where are you trying to be “normal” to fit in? Where are you holding back your voice? Take an audit of the areas where you are dimming your light to blend with the crowd or otherwise aligning with others in order to feel safe. Then, commit to honoring your uniqueness and your heartfelt goals. What is it you most want to accomplish? And how will bringing your unique special sauce to that goal help you? Write down your answer.
8 rollerball fragrances that make wearing scent super subtle
November 03, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC As a newfound fragrance convert (thank you, Dedcool Taunt!), I’ve become somewhat of a perfume aficionado, and nothing makes it easier to lightly scent my wrists than a rollerball perfume. “Rollerballs have been trending for quite a while now,” says Merrady Wickes, beauty director at The Detox Market. “The idea of having one signature fragrance you wear forever has slowly been replaced by having a variety of fragrances to suit the season, your mood, or a specific occasion. Rollerballs work for this mindset, allowing someone to have a few fragrances in rotation, or even to layer their favorites.” They also keep fragrance contained to a small area, versus feeling as though you’re dousing yourself in scent with just a few spritzes. Plus, many times they’re oil-based, so they meld into skin and disappear naturally versus clinging on all day. This makes the ritual of reapplication a reminder to slow down and take care of yourself. Really, they serve as a mark of self-care and how you can add it into your day in little ways. “As your fragrance fades, you can apply a little more,” says Wickes. Oh, and the best part of all: Fragrance rollerballs are less costly than perfume bottles of the stuff, so knock yourself out and start a smell-so-good fragrance wardrobe. Here, some of our favorites you can buy right now. Photo: Leahlani Leahlani Skincare Mahana Perfume Oil, $28 Wickes recommended this one to me, and I agree—it’s “liquid
These $9 lip balms make the perfect gloss, so get ready to shine
November 03, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC First the world fell in love with Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask ($14)—one sells every minute. Now, it’s time for the Korean brand’s Lip Glowy Balm ($9) to shine. Literally. While the mask is a nighttime must-have, the balm and gloss hybrid has been getting stellar reviews as its perfect daytime counterpart. Aside from being super lightweight and free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, the pocket-sized is beloved for providing the perfect hint of color and making your lips extra kissable with hydrating ingredients like murumuru and shea butter. Best of all, you get a high-shine, glossy look without any stickiness whatsoever. It’s a miracle. The balm currently comes in four colors: berry (pink), peach (peachy-orange), pear (clear), and grapefruit (coral). And if you want to get all of the above, no judgements here. A girl can never have enough gloss, right? Whether you prefer lip stick or gloss, here’s how to instantly plump your pout. Then you might want to check out Beyonce’s no-budge lip gloss that’s a $10 drugstore diamond. Continue Reading… Author Tehrene Firman | Well and Good Selected by CWC
The simultaneously challenging but ‘joyful’ realities of being a parent with a chronic illness
November 03, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC There are no days off when it comes to being a parent. It doesn’t matter if you have a huge deadline looming at work or were up all night because someone had a stomach bug—there are still lunches to pack, homework to check, and bedtime stories to read. Even if you have a chronic illness that leaves your body aching and it difficult to even get out of bed. Chronic illnesses—defined as a disease that lasts longer than a year—vary significantly in terms of symptoms and severity. The umbrella term includes mental health conditions like clinical depression as well as physical ailments like Type 1 diabetes and fibromyalgia. Even people with the same chronic illness may experience it differently. Here, two women living with chronic illness—both past guests of Made Visible, a podcast about living with chronic illness—share what working, parenting, and managing their symptoms looks like for them. “Yes, they’re exhausting, but they’re so joyful” Rachel Trobman had been living with non-specific connective tissue disease (an autoimmune disease with symptoms including arthritis, joint pain, mouth ulcers, and photosensitivity) since high school—more than a decade before becoming a parent was even a thought in her mind. “I have a lot of various antibodies that appear in my blood and work against various parts of my body, but none have risen to a particular level to impact how my organs function,” Trobman says. “It means that when I do get sick, it can trigger