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      How To Do The Festive Season Sober, Plus The 14 Best Alcohol-Free Drinks

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      SoberSeptember, OcSober, DryJanuary or even going #StraightEdge (no stimulants at all!) – there’s no end to the sober bandwagons you can jump on. Whether it’s for health and fitness reasons, a way to detox and reset or manage your tolerance levels, many people are opting to ditch the booze and embrace a teetotalling lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know about having a sober festive season.

      The Sober Trend

      According to Janet Gourand, founder of Tribe Sober, a South African membership programme helping people change their relationship with alcohol, they have seen more people wanting to decrease their consumption of alcohol or cut alcohol out completely lately.

      And women are leading the charge. Gourand says that 80% of those in Tribe Sober are women with most of the women being 40+ but despite that there is still a trend for younger women to drink less. Plus, local non-alcoholic G&T brand The Duchess reported that 74% of its buyers are women between 18 and 34 years old.

      The truth is many millennials are driving a huge trend towards cutting booze completely – or never starting. Hashtags like #SoberSaturday and #SoberLife (over  two million tags on Insta) are being seen more and more and form part of what has been dubbed the “sober curious” movement. The number of alcohol drinkers in the world has decreased by nearly five percent since 2000, according to reports by the World Health Organisation.

      In fact, 49% of Women’s Health readers said they would buy non-alcoholic beers or cider (up from 34% when we asked you in 2019), while 31% said they would be choosing Castle Free over Castle Lite this festive season. 47% of Women’s Health readers said if they were offered non-alcoholic wines – that actually taste good – they’d try it.

      READ MORE: Mindful Drinking: How More And More People Are Becoming ‘Sober Curious’

      Reasons To Have A Sober Festive Season

      According to Gourand, the stress and the “working from home” impact of the pandemic has created more dependence on alcohol.  “People who would only use alcohol for ‘socialising’ have now discovered that they enjoy drinking alone and their drinking has become more about self-medicating their anxiety than having fun,” she says.

      This has been dubbed “Grey Area” drinking and it has seen an increase since the pandemic. Healthline describes “grey area” drinking as the realm between healthy levels of alcohol consumption and a diagnosed alcohol use disorder. 

      It’s no secret that South Africa is known as a drinking nation, with 2.1% of total household spending in South Africa going to beer, according to Stats SA (only 1.5% is going to veggies). And the festive season is a period that sees a dramatic increase in consumption. But many people, even South Africans, are taking the downsides of drinking alcohol more seriously.

      “People are becoming aware that drinking more than a bottle and a half of wine a week puts their mental and physical health at risk.  The wellness trend is resulting in more people eating organic, doing yoga and meditation and they are realising that drinking alcohol doesn’t really fit in with this lifestyle,” explains Gourand.

      READ MORE: 17 Super-Stylish Stocking Fillers & Gifts Under R150 – That Aren’t Socks

      The Sober Life

      “The smart people are getting sober curious.  The wine industry has been marketing directly to women for the last 25 years – and they have been stunningly successful.  Many women cannot imagine having fun or socialising without it.  As many women get older the fun turns to self medication and drinking alone,” says Gourand. 

      If you are wanting to change your relationship with alcohol, finding your tribe helps. “Community is a big part of recovery,” says Gourand. In his TED Talk, writer and journalist Johann Hari explains the science behind the fact that connection is the opposite of addiction.

      “There is so much shame around drinking (especially for women) that joining a community of others with the same issue is a huge relief and we feel less alone.  We learn so much from hearing about other people’s experiences and as we progress in our alcohol-free journey we are able to inspire others,” explains Gourand.

      “Even if people are just “sober curious” or not even sure that they want to make a change they can join a tribe, listen and learn and it will help them decide which direction to take,” she says.

      READ MORE: The Top Gifts WH Team Want Under The Tree This Season

      Tips For Going Sober

      Janet Gourand has been sober since 2015, leading her tribe at Tribe Sober and inspiring people to have an alcohol-free life. These are here three tips for people who are sober curious or looking to cut down their alcohol consumption:  

      1) “Take a look at your life”

      “What would it look like without alcohol in it?  If all your social activities involve drinking then it’s time for a change.  First step is to increase your awareness – keep a drinks diary and note your consumption.  Are you drinking more than the low risk limit of a bottle and a half of wine a week?”

      2) “Take an alcohol free challenge – at least a month.”

      “If you can get through it easily then you are probably fine.  If not (or if you can’t even contemplate taking a break) then it’s time to make some changes.  Join a group like Tribe Sober to connect with others who are looking to quit drinking and to learn to thrive in their alcohol free lives.”  

      3) “Start discovering the vast choice of alcohol free drinks.” 

      “Try everything and you will find your go-to alcohol-free choice.  Integrate that into your lifestyle.  Alternate it with alcoholic drinks when you go out and make sure you have at least 4 alcohol-free days a week.”

      The Best Alcohol-Free Drinks For Adults

      Designated driver, watching your calorie intake, fitness stole your alcohol tolerance or realising it might be time to cut back? Going booze-free is a health trend that celebs, brands and just about everyone else is getting behind! 

      Below you’ll find the best wine, gin, beer and cider 0.0 versions. With half the calories and no need for a stash of painkillers in your bedside drawer, your sober summer is sorted!

      If you like IPA, try Devil’s Peak Zero to Hero, R94.99 (six pack).

      If you like gin and tonic, try The Duchess Virgin Gin & Tonic, R75 (four pack).

      If you like Weiss beer, try Erdinger Alkoholfrei, R439 (24 pack).

      If you like a full-bodied beer, try Non-Alcoholic Super Bock 0.0%, R12.99 (available at selected Tops).

      If you’re a Heineken gal, try Heineken 0.0, R95 (six pack).

      If you like cider, try Savanna Non-Alcoholic Lemon, R375 (24 pack).

      If you like light lagers or Pilsners, try Beck’s Blue, from R239 (24 pack).

      If you like Castle, or lagers in general, try Castle Free Alcohol-Free Lager, R200 (24 pack).

      If you like white wine, try Natura De-Alcoholised Classic White, R499 (six bottles).

      If you like gin cocktails, try Seedlip Garden 108, R469.

      If you like red wine, try Van Loveren Radiant Red Almost Zero % Alcohol, R75.

      If you like bubbly, try Lautus De-Alcoholised Sparkling, R720 (six bottles).

      If you like fruity beer, try Bavaria 0.0% Pomegranate, R99.99 (six pack).

      If you like an aperitif, try Babylonstoren BitterLekker, R139 (six pack)

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      I Tried the Taylor Swift Treadmill Workout for a Week—Here’s What Happened

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      If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I hate cardio: cycling, HIIT workouts, running–you name it, I hate it. And there’s nothing in the world that can make me do it willingly…except Taylor Swift apparently. When I first saw the Taylor Swift treadmill workout trend on TikTok, I thought to myself “That looks fun,” then immediately questioned “Who am I, and since when does cardio look fun?” But because I’m a Swiftie and I do enjoy walking, I decided to ditch my usual strength training workouts to give the Taylor workout a try for a week. Read on to find out what the workout entails, what happened when I tried it, and whether it’s worth trying for yourself.  

      The workout
      The workout, created by TikTok star Allie Bennett, is simple. All you have to do is walk (or strut, according to Allie) to the beat of her carefully curated playlists. Each playlist starts off with upbeat warm-up songs, then continues with a couple faster-paced songs perfect for running or fast walking, and ends with a slow song or two for the cool down. Pro tip: Make sure the playlist isn’t on shuffle so that the songs play in the correct order. Find your pace to the first song and increase your speed by .1 MPH every time the song changes. The result is a half-hour workout with a mix of low and high-impact exercises customizable to your fitness level and music taste.

      @benntheredonethat
      Replying to @norahhlouise the treadmill strut that started it all is back and BETTER THAN EVER BABY !! this TSTS has TWO running options (bc we all know all too well deserves its own moment 🧣) – let me know if you try this one out !! @benntheredonethat #treadmillstrut #taylorswift
      ♬ hour long taylor swift treadmill strut workout – allie bennett

      My experience
      I started off with Allie Bennett’s original Taylor Swift treadmill workout playlist. At first, I was nervous to strut in front of a bunch of strangers at the gym and had trouble finding the right speed for the first few songs (because not only am I a treadmill amateur, I also have no rhythm), but once I heard “Better Than Revenge,” I started hitting my stride. Despite the fact that the running songs on this playlist—“Shake it Off” and “…Ready For It?”—are some of my favorite hype songs, I was still too nervous to try running, so I kept my pace at a fast walk. The best part of the workout? Strutting to “Style” for the final song. Talk about main character energy. 
      Allie recently released a Midnights treadmill strut playlist, so I knew I had to try that one next since I’ve been listening to the album non-stop for the last two months. I was able to find my pacing much quicker and easier this time, but I still found it hard to stay on beat when each song would slow down during the bridge. This made me think the Midnights album might not be the best to strut to, but I pushed through and even tried (emphasis on “tried”) running to “The Great War.” All the TikToks I’ve seen make it look so fun and easy to run along to Taylor Swift songs, but in full disclosure, I only lasted about two minutes before I had to go back to a fast walk. I was proud of myself for trying though, since I can’t even remember the last time I ran. 
      I rounded things out by trying Allie’s hour-long Taylor Swift treadmill strut playlist. The idea of an hour-long cardio session seemed daunting at first, but after a successful first two days I was interested to see how this workout would go. And it didn’t disappoint. Before I knew it, I was three songs in and reminiscing about high school while strutting along to “Picture To Burn.” I didn’t look at the tracks beforehand, so it was exciting to anticipate what song would come on next, especially when I was surprised with a “Delicate” remix I’d never heard before. This playlist had two different options for the running portion: either “All Too Well (10 minute version)” or “Haunted,” “Out of the Woods,” and “Mr. Perfectly Fine.” Because I’m a true Swiftie, I chose to run during “All Too Well,” but I did more of a five-minute version because, again, I’m out of practice. 

      The verdict
      While I won’t be training for a marathon anytime soon, I can confidently say I’m a cardio convert thanks to Allie Bennett and her Taylor Swift treadmill strut workout. One of the reasons I’ve shied away from the treadmill in the past is because I easily get bored on it, even if I’m watching a show or listening to my favorite podcast. After five minutes, I’d find myself checking the clock to see how much time I had left, but that wasn’t the case with this workout. Focusing on walking to the beat and singing along to some of my favorite songs helped me think about something other than the fact that I was working out. Not only did that make the workout more enjoyable, but it also made it feel like time flew by.
      I also enjoyed how customizable the workout was. Since the intention of them is to walk to the beat, there’s no pressure to walk at a specific speed because everyone’s pace will vary based on their height. Similarly, I like that the running songs can also be fast walk songs if you’d prefer. I’m looking forward to trying out some of the other treadmill strut playlists (crossing my fingers for a Reputation version), and I’ll definitely be incorporating this workout into my gym routine.

      Is Sex the New “It” Workout? Here’s What Experts Have to Say More

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      10 Festive Non-Alcoholic Cocktails to Try This Season

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      With all that celebrating this time of year comes drinks—lots and lots of drinks. And while I’ve never been one to turn down a glass of bubbly (or two), I also know it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Not only does alcohol wreak havoc on your digestive system, but it can affect mood (that dreaded hangxiety) and overall make you feel blah. It’s no wonder more and more people are becoming sober curious. The good news is there are plenty of bevvies of the booze-free variety that are full of holiday spirit. So whether you’re sober, sober curious, or just in the mood for a mocktail this holiday season, check out this list of 10 alcohol-free holiday drinks to toast with. 

      Source: Camille Styles

      Source: Ahead of Thyme

      Source: Unbound Wellness

      Source: Garnish with Lemon

       

      Everyone’s Talking About Going “Sober Curious”
      Here’s Everything You Need to Know More

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      I Have Social Anxiety–These Tips Help Me Actually Enjoy Holiday Parties

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      Watch any Hallmark Christmas movie and you’ll see a winter wonderland filled with family and friends, baking cookies, holiday shopping, and a lot of celebration. While I’m fully on board with festive movie marathons and indulging in the traditions that come with the holiday season, there is one part of it that peaks my anxiety: holiday parties. 
      Between the office holiday party, annual family get-together, Friendsmas potluck, and white elephant exchange, it can feel like every weekend is committed to a social gathering. As an introvert with social anxiety, it’s hard to keep up with the constant holiday celebrations, but I’ve learned to prepare for such events in a way that I can enjoy the night and check my anxiety at the door. Ahead, the tips I keep in my back pocket to help me get through holiday parties with ease.

      1. Meditate
      Social anxiety doesn’t just occur at social events. It usually arrives well before the party has even begun, which is why it’s important to set yourself up for success ahead of time. My getting-ready routine not only involves a good playlist and make-up tutorial, but also setting aside some time to meditate before heading out. Meditation is already a part of my daily routine, but on a night when I’m attending a big event that I know will trigger my anxiety, I’ll add a 10-20 minute guided meditation sesh (through either the Unplug or Superhuman app) beforehand to help calm my nerves and get me in the right headspace. Just by prioritizing meditation, I can walk out the door feeling ready to socialize with confidence. 

      2. Practice an affirmation
      Affirmations often go hand-in-hand with meditation practices, but I find they’re also particularly helpful on their own to repeat to yourself during situations that may cause anxiety. The benefits come from repeating the word or phrase over and over again, which creates a focal point to align yourself in the present moment. You can create your own affirmations specific to the situations that cause you social anxiety or you can try some more general sayings, like “I am a friendly person,” “I am confident,” “I enjoy meeting new people,” and “I am relaxed in social situations.” Practicing an affirmation before or during a social event can be a great aid in working through any social anxiety that may arise. 

      3. Bring a friend
      Experiencing any mental health struggles can be especially difficult during this season, but the good news is you don’t have to go it alone. Despite the common perception that we have to face our struggles around anxiety on our own, having friends by my side who understand my anxiety has made it much easier for me to navigate social events. If there’s a party I don’t feel comfortable going to alone, I bring a friend. If simply the idea of attending a social event solo causes anxiety, bring someone you trust and who can be your support system throughout the night as your plus one. You just might find yourself so wrapped up in the holiday spirit that you forget why you were even anxious about attending the event in the first place.

      4. Have a plan
      For me, the lead-up to any event is when my anxiety creeps up. My mind often races between thoughts like, “What if I have no one to talk to?” and “What if I get stuck seated next to someone I don’t know?” I obsess over what time to arrive, what to wear, who is attending, and what will happen at the event. It can become so overwhelming that oftentimes it feels easier to just not attend at all. But over the years, I’ve learned not to let my anxiety get in the way of having fun, because yes, holiday parties can be a lot of fun!  You just have to be mentally prepared with a game plan.
      Anxiety takes over when you feel a lack of control, so for starters, I think of every social anxiety-inducing situation that could happen at the party and come up with a plan. One might be standing alone and not feeling comfortable joining a conversation. In that case, make your way to a space you feel comfortable in and that will make it easier for you to socialize, like the bar/food area or even the bathroom (a lot of people love to socialize in restrooms of restaurants, bars, etc.). You can even have some questions in the back of your mind to ask people if you feel stuck, such as “What are your plans for the holidays?” 

      5. Congratulate yourself
      Living with social anxiety can feel like an ongoing battle. Sometimes you don’t know when or how it will arise. So when you do have to face it, whether at a holiday party or a work dinner, it’s important to remember that just leaving the house is a win. Congratulate yourself for putting on that LBD and spending a couple of hours in a social situation that may make you want to run home and crawl into bed. Try making a list of all the little wins you had that evening, and remember them the next time you are attending a social event. We often forget to stop and take note of what we’ve accomplished, which includes surviving social anxiety during the holiday season.

      10 Habits Women Who Are Always in Shape Adopt During the Holidays More

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      10 Immune System Boosting Recipes You’ll Make All Winter Long

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      Cold and flu season is here and the last place any of us want to be is stuck at home under the weather. When it comes to supporting the immune system, prioritizing 7-9 hours of sleep, exercising in ways that bring you joy, spending time in nature, and choosing foods that protect you at a cellular level are essential. Eating a varied diet of whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables are key to overall health, and specific nutrients found in these foods can help aid in immune function. You may have heard that vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc are star players for immunity, but some others to keep in mind are vitamin E (for antioxidants!) and compounds found in garlic, ginger, and turmeric, which may fight bacteria, viruses, and decrease inflammation. 
      If you’re looking to start supporting your immune health, consider incorporating more plants or plant-based foods to your meals. And if you’re not sure where to start, I got you. As a registered dietician, these are 10 of my favorite immune-supporting recipes to make all winter long.

      Source: Two Peas & Their Pod

      Source: Wholesome Yum

      Source: Minimalist Baker

      Source: Fit Foodie Finds

      Source: Eating Bird Food

      Source: Eating Bird Food

      Source: Fit Foodie Finds

      Source: Cookie + Kate

      30 Comfort Food Recipes for When It Gets Crisp and Cool Out More

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      9 All-Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth (Without Sensitivity)

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      Julia Roberts, Beyoncé, and Anne Hathaway all have one thing in common: a million dollar smile. Celeb or not, your smile is arguably your best accessory. And while you may not be making appearances on the red carpet, it doesn’t hurt to have those pearly whites at the ready for photo opps, especially when you’re making your way through the holiday circuit that is December. Not feeling quite photo-ready though? Same. 
      If you’re like me and you’ve sworn off the harsh whitening dental procedures (who willingly goes to the dentist?) and products that promise a movie-star smile but come at a cost (literally and figuratively), plus you aren’t ready to kick your caffeine or red wine habit, how do you achieve a white grin? Well, I did my homework and grill-ed (pun intended) dentists on how to whiten teeth sans chemicals. Read on for their best non-toxic DIY methods (spoiler: you likely already have the ingredients in your kitchen) and product recommendations for whitening your teeth safely and effectively. The best part other than a brighter smile in no time? They’re all user and budget-friendly.

      DIY methods to whiten teeth 

      Baking soda
      The kitchen staple that freshens your fridge and is an essential ingredient in your favorite holiday cookie recipe can pull triple duty polishing teeth, thanks to its scrubbing agents. “As a mild abrasive, it can lighten some tooth stains, and it can help scrub away dental plaque,” explained Dr. Selin Kılıç, a dentist at Vera Clinic Cosmetic Dentistry. “To use, first mix equal parts baking soda and water in a small bowl until you’ve created a paste. Dip your toothbrush into the soda mix and brush in gentle circles, making sure you cover each tooth thoroughly with the paste. Thoroughly rinse after.”

      Apple cider vinegar
      Another versatile must-have in the kitchen, apple cider vinegar has long been in the spotlight for its touted health benefits (the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Hilary Duff, and Kourtney Kardashian are obsessed). “Since it’s naturally acidic, it can help break down plaque or other substances stuck to the teeth,” Dr. Kılıç stated. “The pH of apple cider vinegar can remove stains from your teeth, which helps naturally whiten your teeth. To use, simply rinse apple cider vinegar diluted with water, and gently swish it around the mouth for about one minute.”

      Coconut oil
      If you’re familiar with Ayurveda, chances are you’ve heard of oil pulling. “Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil, such as coconut or sesame, around your mouth for 20 minutes each day,” described Dr. Cary Goldstein, a dentist and Founder of the Goldstein Dental Center. “This practice helps to draw out toxins and bacteria that cause discoloration.” What’s more, the natural remedy is not only said to whiten teeth, but also rid the body of toxins, freshen breath, and greatly improve oral health.

      Fruits and veggies
      As if we needed another reason to load up on fresh produce, it turns out it does more than just provide our bodies with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. “The compound D-limonene and citric acid, which is found in some citrus fruit peels, is great to help whiten your teeth,” Dr. Kılıç affirmed. “You can do this by gently rubbing the fruit peels from oranges or lemons on your teeth for a few minutes. After, make sure to thoroughly rinse out your mouth and brush your teeth.” While a diet high in fruits and vegetables is no substitute for maintaining good hygiene, Dr. Kılıç confirmed that crunchy, raw varieties (think: apples, celery, and carrots) can help rub plaque away as you chew. Consider your uneaten produce sitch resolved. 

      Non-toxic products to whiten teeth

      Whitening Strips
      Don’t get these confused with the whitening strips of the past. Made with coconut, lemon peel, and sage oils, these strips naturally lift stains and break down tough tartar without the all-too-familiar tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and unpleasant taste their less-than-natural counterparts leave. 

      Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder
      Among the all-natural teeth whitening products, this activated charcoal powder reigns supreme, and for good reason. Known for its detoxifying properties, activated charcoal binds to and draws out everything from toxins to odors. The result? It can effectively help remove plaque and discoloration from your teeth. Coffee doesn’t stand a chance. 

      Whitening Toothpaste
      Not all teeth whitening toothpastes are created equal. And if there’s one to beat, it’s this hemp oil-derived, fluoride-free alternative. Make it part of your morning and nightly routine and you’ll bid adieu to surface stains and plaque while freshening your breath. It’s no wonder this gem is called “Freakin’ Fresh.”

      Whitening Pen
      Whether you’re looking to remove old stains or keep new ones away, this gentle, yet effective pick delivers a convenient and cost-effective way to give you a gleaming smile. Did I mention it’s free of preservatives, additives, and artificial dyes and flavorings? Never leave home without it, because you never know when you might have a teeth-whitening emergency (think: a hot date or important presentation). 

      Moon Oral Care
      Blue Light Device
      If you’re looking for a fancy device without the fancy price tag, we got you. Blue LED frequency activates hydrogen peroxide in the Dissolving Whitening Strips that come with it to remove tough stains on tooth’s surface. Bonus: the strips contain antioxidants for additional oral health benefits.

      7 All-Natural Ways to Up Your Libido That You Haven’t Tried Yet More

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      Here’s EXACTLY How To Skip Your Period Every Month

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      By Laura Stampler
      It’s all about which type of birth control you choose. 
      Have you ever wished you could just skip your period? Whether you get cramps, mood swings, migraines, or just have a beach vacation on the horizon, there are many reasons why you might want to delay—if not completely eradicate—your monthly menstruation. So… why don’t you?
      “You absolutely don’t have to get a period every month,” says Dr Taraneh Shirazian, a gynae NYU Langone. “And if you’re on medication, it’s completely safe.” In fact, researchers from the University of Oregon found that 17 per cent of 1,324 surveyed women on hormonal contraceptives including the patch, pill, and vaginal ring use them to alter their bleeding patterns.
      READ MORE: 12 Contraceptives You Should Think Of Trying – Other Than The Pill
      And considering that the period you get when you’re on hormonal birth control is actually fake anyway—that’s right, Shirazian notes your so-called menstruation during your placebo week on the pill is “all manufactured,” meaning it’s facilitated by the hormones in the pills (not by ovulation)—you can actually feel free to skip it every month by changing how you take your birth control.
      Here’s how to skip your period using:
      Monthly Hormonal Birth Control Pills
      Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) typically come in four-week packs, meaning the first three weeks contain hormones and the last week is usually placebo (or sugar) pills. The body withdrawals from the hormones during that placebo week, and thus, you bleed. But if you want to skip your period, all you have to do is skip over that final row of sugar pills and go right into your next pack. But taking your OCP continuously isn’t always foolproof. “Some women will have spotting and others could notice other symptoms,” like breast tenderness, Shirazian says, depending on how sensitive a woman is to her birth control. Still, other women will feel absolutely no side effects—other than the missing period, that is.
      READ MORE: 7 Ways To Meditate For Anxiety Relief That Are *Actually* Easy To Do
      Although Shirazian says that many insurance companies will cover continuous and cyclic OCPs, it’s worth letting your doctor know that you are planning to take your birth control this way so that the prescription is written correctly—you’ll need more packs than normal in a year.
      Extended Cycle Contraceptives
      If switching to a new pack of pills every three weeks seems like too much, you can also talk to your doctor about switching to extended cycle contraceptives. Pills like Seasonale or Seasonique come in 90-day packs, and although they don’t completely get rid of your period, they do reduce your menstruation to four times a year. Lybrel is an extended cycle pill that gets rid of your period completely—although the FDA warns that women may experience unplanned breakthrough bleeding.
      The IUD
      If you want your flow to fade into a distant memory, consider a hormonal IUD like Mirena. Women with this type of IUD might get a lighter period or “may not bleed at all for five years, if you’re very lucky,” Shirazian says. That’s because the progesterone secreted by the IUD thins the lining of the uterine wall, making it shed significantly less than it would otherwise.
      READ MORE: Cycle Syncing Sex: 28 Days Of The Best Sex Of Your Life
      The Ring Or Patch
      Skipping your period on these methods of birth control is similar to the monthly pill. After three weeks of wearing the patch or the ring, you just need to swap it out for a new one instead of foregoing it for a week. Like with the pill, you might have some breakthrough bleeding, but it all just depends on your body. Just make sure you mention your plan to your doctor, so you have a new ring or patch ready to go.
      This article was originally featured on www.womenshealthmag.com More

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      8 Wellness Rituals You Can Do From Bed

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      We’re officially in the “let’s stay in” season, and I can’t think of a better excuse to cancel your plans and refresh your wellness routine. But there’s no need to dust off your yoga mat or even leave your warm, cozy bed. Yes, you read that right—it turns out your bed is not just for sleeping (and nookie). Because getting out of bed in the morning is that much harder nowadays thanks to less sunlight and colder temps, we’ve rounded up wellness rituals you can do from the comfort of your own bed. The goal? Getting your mind and body right so you’re waking up (or going to sleep) on the right side of the bed. Consider this permission to hit snooze and not crawl out from under your covers. And PJs encouraged. 
       

      1. Get it on 
      You don’t need a reason to give yourself pleasure (it’s always your right!), but a stay-in-bed-all-day kind of day especially calls for getting sexy, whether it’s a two-to-tango or solo session. Take the time to explore your sensual side, discover the positions that will deliver the most satisfaction for you, put your vibrator to good use, or better yet, do all of the above. After all, you have all day, and there’s no denying that the end result is more than just the big “O.” Sex releases those feel-good hormones (AKA endorphins and oxytocin) that can help us relax and unwind, not to mention reduce stress and anxiety, boost immunity, and get better Zzzs. Talk about getting the most bang for your buck. 

      2. Catch up on shut-eye
      Sleep may be the obvious activity to do in bed, but if your body is telling you to rest, don’t deny yourself beauty sleep. The best part? You’re already in your coziest sleepwear and your bedroom is likely at the optimal temperature for Zzzs (65°F-72°F, FYI), making it the ideal scenario to catch up on sleep. While taking a cat nap doesn’t make up for lost sleep, it can help you feel more rested during the day. And if you’re falling short on your sleep hygiene, squeezing in an extra few hours here and there can reverse the short-term damage on your well-being (think: poor decision-making, lack of energy, mood changes). Avoid dozing off close to bedtime since it can disrupt your sleep at night and, instead, shoot for an afternoon snooze no longer than 90 minutes.  
       
      3. Practice breathwork 
      Have you ever noticed yourself holding your breath while waiting for your inbox to refresh or going through the comments of your last post? With our constant state of being on high alert thanks to to-do lists, work emails, and social media, we’re inadvertently holding our breath more than we realize, further increasing stress. Enter: breathwork, or conscious breathing exercises to evoke calmness in your mind and body. Not only reserved for yoga or meditation, breathwork is linked to many health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety levels, increasing confidence, self-image, and self-esteem, boosting immunity, and developing joy and happiness.
      So how do you get a piece of the action? There are several breathwork techniques you can try, so experiment with which vibes with you the most. My go-to is the 4-7-8 method anytime I feel anxious: Empty your lungs of air, breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale out of your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat another three times for a total of four cycles. 

      4. Schedule worry time
      Let’s be real: No one is immune to worry, and although there’s no escaping it entirely, we can learn to do it effectively. It may seem counterintuitive to pencil in time to brood over what went wrong in that past relationship or how you’re going to be able to afford to buy your first home, but the idea is to limit the amount of time you spend ruminating, rather than letting it take over your entire day.
      Start with setting a timer for 15 minutes each day to pinpoint and work through the worries bogging you down, whether that means just sitting with them or journaling, and keep it consistent day after day. When you catch yourself fretting outside of your designated time, put your worries on hold until the appointed hour comes around again. Not convinced? Several studies have found that scheduling time to worry is an effective way to reduce anxiety and get better sleep. Bonus: You’re more likely to find solutions to your worrisome thoughts and have more time in the day to do things that bring you joy.

      5. Stretch it out
      Getting in movement while staying in bed may sound too good to be true, but all you need is a few stretches to fill your wellness cup before you’ve even had your coffee. Stretching prior to getting up can do wonders for your health. For starters, it can help wake up the body, improve circulation, and turn on the parasympathetic system (AKA the “rest and digest” system), which puts us in a more easy-breezy state-of-mind and sets the tone for a calm morning and day ahead. Try a series of movements like the single-knee pull, side-lying quadriceps stretch, and hamstring stretch, or channel your inner yogi with some basic poses, such as cobra and child’s pose. 

      6. Pamper yourself
      Multi-tasking in the form of putting on a face and hair mask, wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket, diffusing essential oils, all the while meditating is absolutely welcomed. In other words, pile on the self-care that speaks to, nourishes, and fulfills what your body is telling you it needs. Not only does taking care of yourself equip you to better cope with daily stressors, but research also suggests it promotes resilience, reduced stress, improved immunity, increased productivity, and higher self-esteem. Your new glow-up is just an added perk. 
       

      7. Visualize your highest self
      What better place is there to daydream about your goals than your bed? A study showed that “imagination is a neurological reality that can impact our brains and bodies in ways that matter for our well-being.” Simply put, what your brain imagines is a lot like reality, so go ahead and visualize your deepest desires into fruition. The power of visualization extends beyond imagining your future and realizing your hopes and dreams—it also helps decrease stress. Where do you see yourself in five years? Picture what you’re doing, where you are, who you’re with down to the micro-details and using all of your senses. To take it a step further, you can create your future self through guided meditation, saying or writing daily affirmations, or creating a vision board. 

      8. Just be
      There’s always something to get done, whether it be work, shopping for groceries, cleaning, laundry. How often do you just sit or lie in stillness? I don’t know about you, but there are countless mornings when I wish I could stay in bed all day and do absolutely nothing. Take this as your sign to do it (I am!). Maybe that looks like turning down the lights and spending time in silence or cueing up a soothing playlist and closing your eyes. If that’s a bit too quiet for you to relax and quiet your mind (same), try playing a mindless TV show on the background (looking at you, Love is Blind) while you read a magazine and sip on a homemade PSL. Bottom line: Being still soothes your nervous system, offers you the space to go inward, and cultivates mindfulness. 

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