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    Coffee Makes Me Sick—Here’s What I Drink Every Morning Instead

    When I found out I had endometriosis, I was actually elated because everyone thought my morning stomach issues were from being lactose intolerant. I thought I had gotten away from dietary issues scot-free—I indulged in all the cereal, cheesy omelets, and bagels with cream cheese the world had to offer. Alas, the world had other things in store for me, leading me on a journey to find alternatives to coffee that could bring me the same benefits.
    Endometriosis has a habit of giving you basically every annoying symptom under the sun. But worse of all, drinking even half a Grande coffee from Starbucks will have me spending the afternoon in the bathroom (I was going to say TMI, but you clicked on the story—what did you expect?). No matter what I do, I can’t seem to drink a cup of coffee without feeling the consequences. But I love coffee, and I love the ritual and placebo of coffee most of all. Waking up and having a special drink or bringing it to a meeting makes me feel ready to be productive and get sh*t done.
    So I’ve gotten creative with the coffee alternatives I drink every morning to give me the feeling of making and drinking a cup of coffee without feeling sick.

    1. Matcha
    The second I discovered matcha, my entire world changed. For the first time, I had a drink that gave me a jolt of energy without a crash or a stomachache. It sustains my energy all day, and the ability to make it hot or iced curbs my coffee cravings big time.
    To make my matcha drink, I mix a little bit of powder with boiling water using a handheld frother. I add it to warmed almond milk mixed with a little vanilla syrup, which results in the perfect sweet matcha latte to start my day or as a midday pick-me-up.

    2. 8Greens
    I love 8Greens so much I brought it to the lake with all of my girlfriends to drink it while they had their morning coffee, and I had absolutely no regrets. It’s a super easy way to get that morning ritual I love, and it’s actually delicious thanks to the citrusy taste. Made with real greens like spinach, spirulina, aloe vera, and kale, 8Greens is filled with rich vitamins like C, B6, and B12, meaning it does more than just taste good.
    I drop 8Greens into cold water and watch it fizz, lightly stirring it with a straw. It’s truly the easiest drink you’ll ever make.

    3. Smoothie
    When I want something a little more, I make myself a smoothie. While this takes some more time to make than my other morning beverages, it’s a good way to mix in extra protein, fruits, and veggies and bulk up my breakfast. I like a tropical smoothie with spinach and kale and some added collagen or protein powder.
    The trick to making your smoothie feel like a ritual is treating it the way you would with coffee. Decant it into a pretty cup or jar, add toppings or add-ins for some flavor, and make it beautiful. Don’t suck it down like you have to run to the gym for your pilates class in 10 minutes. Actually allow yourself to enjoy it just as you would a cup of Joe.

    Premier Protein
    100% Whey Protein Powder
    Tip: Once I switched to whey protein instead of a plant-based pea alternative, my digestion improved immensely. Peas are high in FODMAPS, which can be hard to digest, especially for those with IBS.

    4. Golde Supplements
    These Golde supplements are powders you can add into your water that are filled with vitamins and herbs that are good for you, whether you’re looking to destress, boost your skin’s natural glow, or decrease bloating. They come in single-serve packets, so making a cup of this in the morning will take you no time at all. First of all, they taste great; they’re sweet, fruity, and tropical. They also make me actually feel good. When I use the Destress Ade, I get the literal opposite of a midday crash, and the Debloat Ade is great for the days that I go against my body and drink coffee and need a pick-me-up.

    5. Chlorophyll Water
    I’ve been trying chlorophyll water for a few years now. While you might expect it to taste wretched, if you get a good chlorophyll, it’s actually quite tasty. When I drink chlorophyll water, I have so much more energy, and over time, my skin looks clearer too. It blew up on TikTok with major claims like weight loss and acne-free skin, and while I haven’t necessarily noticed a big difference in those aspects, the impact this has on my energy is huge.
    I squeeze a dropper full of chlorophyll into a cup of cold water and stir, and I’m good to go. I’ll warn you that the first couple of times you use this, you’ll likely want to make sure it’s a work-from-home day or you’re near a trusty bathroom (you know what I mean). But my body got used to it pretty quickly, and now I don’t have any bowel-related issues while drinking it at all.

    What to Add to Your Water for Flawless Skin
    delicious AND tasty enough to replace your soda addiction (well, sort of) More

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    5 Ways to Actually Feel More Toned by Tomorrow

    As a holistic health coach, one of the questions (and text messages) I get most often is along the lines of “OMG, I have a wedding/first date/big event this weekend. How can I get more toned ASAP?” While we’re all playing the long game when it comes to our health (hello, healthy habits!), sometimes we want a quick fix for a little boost. Whether it’s an event you want to feel your best for or you just feel like you need a little motivation after sitting on your couch for almost two years straight (’cause same), I’ve compiled my best tips and tricks for feeling more toned by tomorrow. 
    Just so we’re clear, “toned” is not a way you look in the mirror. It doesn’t mean six-pack abs or defined biceps. At The Everygirl, we’re redefining being “toned” to mean feeling strong and healthy in your body. No matter your jeans size or how many pounds you can bench press; you deserve to feel like the strong, toned badass you are, and you deserve to feel it by tomorrow. Read on for instant tips to help you get there. 

    1. Try an at-home sculpt class
    No surprise! The easiest way to feel more toned is to actually make your muscles stronger. And how do you make your muscles stronger? By using resistance to work them. When you’re working your muscles, the tension causes microscopic tears that are then repaired, and that repairing is where the “strengthening” happens. Also, call it the placebo effect or simply the fact that muscles swell after they’re worked, but I swear I feel more toned whenever I’m sore the next day. Try a workout that targets every muscle group and works the whole body.
    We love Obé Fitness because it offers a wide variety of classes intended to sculpt and tone muscles, all from the comfort of your own home. Personally, my go-to is the sculpt classes for full body work with high reps and light weights (I’m always sore afterward!), but if heavier weights are more your jam, check out the other strength or power classes. Oh, and if you don’t have weights at home? No worries. Body resistance is enough to work the muscles too. 
    Use code “TEG50” for 50% off your first month, in addition to the 7 day free trial

    2. Drink a lot of water
    Water seems like the magical cure-all—because it really is. Water not only helps with digestion (AKA less uncomfortable bloat to let those abs pop out), but it also helps muscles feel stronger. “Drinking water is important if you want to build muscle because it’s the primary vessel for carrying the nutrients your muscles need,” recommended Tami Smith, an ACE certified personal trainer. “It also helps prevent your muscles from breaking down by avoiding the shrinking of muscle cells.” Next time you’re tempted to reach for a pre-workout supplement, remember that water is the best possible accompaniment for your strength training. Staying adequately hydrated not only helps you get the most out of your workouts, but it also helps muscles continue to grow. 

    3. Choose your nighttime snack wisely 
    Forget those rules that say you should stop eating two hours before bed or that a midnight snack is bad for you. Bottom line: Eat when you’re hungry (that’s how the body is meant to work), but just be conscious about what you reach for when you start to get those pre-bedtime hunger growls. For example, Heather Hanks, MS CAM, a medical adviser for Medical Solutions, recommended produce and lean protein. “Try fresh, whole foods and vegetables that contain de-bloating and toxin-flushing nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, and antioxidants,” she suggested. “Eating lean protein can also provide adequate amounts of amino acids that are needed for muscle synthesis.” To get more specific, try a nighttime snack like bananas when you’re hungry. Bananas are high in potassium, which reduces bloating by helping to flush excess sodium and fluid out of the body.

    4. Stretch before bed
    Stretching is one of the best health hacks, but it’s also one of the most overlooked. “Stretching out your muscles can help lengthen them back out after they’ve been in a contracted state,” Smith explained. “When your muscles are loose (instead of tight), you tend to have a more lean, toned feeling than when they are tight.” To be your healthiest, strongest self, you don’t just need to be working your muscles to strengthen, you need to be stretching them too. Stretching helps the muscles repair, but certain stretches and yoga poses can also be used to help digestion or decrease bloating to feel your most toned. Try to stretch out the muscle group you worked, do some go-to stretches for the entire body (bonus: these stretches might also help ease anxiety), or use a foam roller to get deeper into the muscle. 

    5. Get a good night of sleep
    Sleep is beneficial for recovering energy to work those muscles again tomorrow. Muscle-building hormones are also produced during sleep, which means your muscles are actually able to grow during and because of sleep–AKA the easiest way to feel more toned by tomorrow. According to Sleep.org, the growth hormone (or the hormone responsible for building muscle) is typically produced during deep sleep. “During sleep, the human growth hormones are activated, helping muscles to recover, repair, heal, grow, and rest from the micro tears occurred during the day,” agreed Dasha Einhorn, a Pilates instructor and NASM-certified fitness specialist. As if you needed more reason to shut off season two of Outer Banks and get to bed early tonight (no but really, get to bed!), muscle growth actually happens while you’re getting your beauty sleep, so rest up to help your body feel more toned. 

    10 Habits of Women Who Are Always in Shape

    This post contains a sponsored inclusion of obé, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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    How to Actually “Detox,” According to Experts

    When you think about how to detox, what comes to mind? Is it the restrictive diet Gwyneth Paltrow swears by or an intense sauna session? Maybe it’s trendy juice cleanses that became mainstream in 2010 or the detox teas that promised you’d lose a whole pant size after a couple weeks (which, like, how on earth can that possibly be healthy?). There’s no doubt that wellness trends can be confusing AF, especially when the supplement industry is doing more marketing than being a helpful resource. There’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to detoxing the body. So, for the betterment of humanity and to prevent another woman from suffering through a juice cleanse, I wanted to set the record straight on what “detoxing” really is and how we do it. 

    In this article

    What does “detox” mean?
    We throw around the words “toxins” and “detox” when it comes to food, wellness routines, and beauty products, but what do they really mean? “Toxins are toxic molecules that can be ingested by the body through external sources,” explained Dr. Alejandro Junger, MD, an LA-based cardiologist, founder, and medical director of the Clean Program and best-selling author (also commonly known as “the father of detox”). “Outside toxins are all human-made chemicals: air pollution, chemicals in water or beauty products, medications, building materials in our houses, and mostly from processed foods or non-organic produce.”
    Before you quit your current life, move out to the country, and live totally toxin-free, rest-assured that your body has a solution. “Fortunately, a majority of these toxins can be converted and expelled, thanks to the ‘detoxification system’ in the body,” Dr. Junger said. There’s also what’s known as internal toxins, like excess cholesterol, bacteria, viruses, etc., that the body fights and removes internally. It turns out that we don’t need products, cleanses, and diets to help us detoxify. The body is a powerful detoxifying machine all on its own. 

    How does the body detoxify?
    Spoiler alert: a lot of ways. Many major systems in the body are part of the detoxification process. “The body detoxifies in a few ways: the liver and kidneys play the biggest roles, but the digestive tract and skin play important roles as well,” explained Dr. Chris Airey, MD, the medical director at Optimale and a practicing physician with the NHS. “The liver removes toxins and breaks them down so that the kidneys can pass them out. The kidneys filter out waste, the digestive tract passes harmful substances out of the body through bowel movements, and the skin detoxes through sweating.”
    “Your liver does the heavy lifting when it comes to detoxifying the body of substances it sees as waste or harmful,” agreed Dr. M. Kara, MD, a longtime doctor at The Cleveland Clinic and founder of KaraMD. “It does this by metabolizing these harmful substances into less harmful ‘metabolites’ that are then eliminated via the digestive tract (bowel movements), kidneys (urine), and skin (sweat).”
    If this is all getting a little too “biology class” for you and anatomy is not your thing, the bottom line is that a healthy body is built to identify, process, and eliminate substances that are either unnecessary or harmful all on its own (no juice cleanse required). 
    Though the liver, digestive tract, kidneys, and skin are known as the MVPs in detoxification, the body gets rid of toxins in many other ways too. Dr. Junger cited the way we breathe as a form of detox as well: We breathe out CO2, which is a toxic waste product. Even with something as mindless and simple as breathing, the body knows to breathe in something useful and good for the body (oxygen) and breathe out the bad (CO2). 

    When do toxins become harmful?
    I know what you’re thinking: If the body gets rid of all the bad stuff on its own, why do we need to be aware of consuming toxins? Does that mean that clean beauty is a scam or that we can eat Taco Bell for every meal without consequences? The answer: obviously not.
    Yes, the body has an amazing detoxification system, but there’s only so much it can detox. Think of your body like a river: If a branch or boulder fall into the river, it’s no big deal. The flow of the river pushes the branch or boulder and carries it out to sea, right? But if there’s an overflow of branches and boulders, the river can no longer push through, and it creates a dam. Toxins are like branches and boulders: Your body is made to detoxify, but if there’s an overexposure, the body cannot work fast enough to get rid of them all. Plus, the liver, digestive system, and kidneys need some TLC in order to do their job. You know your body works best when you treat it well, and that goes for the detoxification system too. 

    Ways to assist the body’s natural detoxification process

    1. Get enough sleep
    As if you needed another reason to turn your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and get to bed early tonight. “Sleep gives the body a chance to essentially reset itself,” Dr. Kara said. “By having the opportunity to slow down and refresh, the body can eliminate any toxic waste that has built up during the day.” That’s right, there’s more purpose to precious shut-eye than dreaming about Regé-Jean Page. When you’re not spending energy on digesting food, moving around, or focusing on work tasks, the energy in your body can go into detoxifying. Make sure you’re getting a full 7-9 hours of deep, restful sleep to keep your body working its best. 

    2. Be aware of what you eat
    You knew this was coming. Yes, what you eat matters. Not only do processed foods contribute to the toxins put into your body, but foods that are good for you are also good for keeping the organs in the detoxification system healthy. For example, the digestive tract eliminates through bowel movements, but it needs fiber in order to make consistent bowel movements. Dr. Kara suggested limiting excess sugar or processed foods and eating antioxidant-rich foods (fruits and veggies!) and foods high in fiber. Also, shop organic whenever you can. “By purchasing organic foods, you can avoid many herbicides, pesticides, and other hormones that contribute to toxic waste,” he said.
    “Plants are filled with nutrients that are used by the liver to make enzymes that help it detox,” agreed Dr. Junger. “The more species of plants you eat in a variety of colors, the more chances you will have of getting these nutrients as well as feeding the good bacteria that do 30-40 percent of the work of detoxification needed.”

    3. Drink more water
    You already know that drinking water is the secret to great skin thanks to Gabrielle Union, but it’s also a key player in detoxification. “Drink more water and stay hydrated, as water helps the kidneys flush out toxins more easily,” Dr. Airey suggested. One of the major ways we get rid of those toxins is through—you guessed it—our urine. So not only does hydration assist the kidney’s flush of toxins, but it also makes you urine more frequently, meaning you’re eliminating more toxins (so I guess it’s not a badge of honor that you can hold it through a six-hour flight?). Forget detox teas, powders, or juices. All you need is good ol’ fashioned water to help the body get rid of what it needs to. 
     
    4. Exercise
    Exercise can help you get stronger, improve heart health, and even boost mood, so it’s no surprise that the one-stop-shop for optimal health is also good for getting rid of toxins. Dr. Airey explained that exercise promotes lymphatic circulation and sweat, both of which are crucial to the body’s detoxification process. The lymphatic system is another important part of the body’s detoxification, and one of the ways to move “waste” to the lymph nodes is through moving and working the muscles. Plus, sweat not only expends electrolytes and water, it also rids the body of toxins. BRB, going to sign up for hot yoga! 

    5. Reduce your exposure to toxins
    Besides just helping your body be healthy overall so it can work optimally, you can also make some changes to avoid exposure to toxins to reduce the amount of detoxification the body has to do on a regular basis. Many toxins are unavoidable (especially in our modern world), but be aware of where you can make simple swaps or changes that are not only better because they reduce your body’s exposure to toxins but are also better for the planet. “The simplest way to assist the body’s detox system is to reduce exposure,” Dr. Junger recommended. “Filter your water, filter your air at home, and spend time in nature breathing fresh air. Use green materials when building your home and use non-toxic/clean cosmetics, toiletries, and laundry products.” Think of these little updates as your way of telling your body, “Thanks for all you do, and I got your back!” 

    Please consult a doctor or a mental health professional before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

    How to Detox Your Sleep Routine More

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    Wellness Essentials for Your Beach Bag You Didn’t Know You Needed

    What are your pool essentials? Does your beach bag contain a pair of sandy AirPods, an old T-shirt that doubles as a cover-up, and that summery romance novel you can (and do) read over and over? No disrespect to your choice of poolside necessities, but if your beach bag isn’t stacked with wellness essentials, it should be. We’ve reclaimed “hot girl summer” to mean the summer we prioritize ourselves, feel good in our bodies, and DGAF about what size swimsuit we’re rocking. If it’s going to be our best summer ever, nobody’s got time for a bad sunburn or post-pool day yeast infection. Read on for 16 wellness essentials we’re adding to our beach bags that will transform the way you take care of yourself this summer. 

    Deodorant Face and Body Wipes
    You know that subtle layer of sweat that comes from a day spent in the sun? Or that certain stench after sweating on the beach and swimming in the water? Yeah, same. The answer to your pool day prayers: deodorant wipes. Not only is this one aluminum-free and clean (we love the superfood ingredients like tea tree oil, chamomile, and acai extract), but you can also use them for a total refresh on your entire body. The best part: These wipes clean (sweat, dirt, chlorine, etc.), nourish skin (no drying!), and prevent future odors. Now that’s a win, win, win!

    Sandwich Storage Bag
    Picture this: You’re spending a lovely day at the beach reading on the sand, swimming in the water, and maybe having a beach volleyball game going. You start getting hungry (beach volleyball will do that to you), but there’s nothing to eat except a greasy hot dog at the snack shack or a candy bar from the vending machine by the bathrooms. For the rest of the day, you feel bloated and sick. Sound familiar? These reusable and sustainable sandwich bags ensure that you’ll never deal with with a snack attack again. Pack up a meal like a sandwich (caprese, please!) for longer days out or add some sliced watermelon for a summery snack that will hit the spot. 3 colors available.

    PLAY Antioxidant SPF 50
    So you already know SPF is an essential in your wellness routine (safety is sexier than a tan!), but the kind of sunscreen you use matters too. This is my favorite because it applies easily (love a body spray over a lotion), is water-resistant (swim all you want), and is non-toxic, so you know you’re putting only the best on your body. But that’s not all! With added vitamin C, you’re not only getting antioxidant protection from the sun but also boosting glow while you keep your skin safe (we stan a multitasker).

    Warby Parker
    Dorian Sunglasses
    PSA: Your sunglasses are not just a major fashion statement (although that’s definitely true–looking at you, cat eyes!). Sun safety is crucially important for your health and goes beyond putting SPF on the skin. Your eyes also can be damaged from sun exposure, so make sure the glasses you’re wearing offer 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB rays. In my opinion, a good pair of sunglasses is well worth the splurge to not only look cute (duh!) but also to ensure you’re getting the best protection.

    Love Wellness
    The Killer
    Between sitting around in wet bathing suit bottoms, more consistent hair removal, exposure to all kinds of environments (do you ever think about what’s in a public pool?), and a summer fling or two, your vagina goes through a lot come summertime (if we don’t say it enough, thank you for all you do, vaginas!). The Killer uses boric acid to maintain healthy levels of vaginal yeast and bacteria, and it balances vaginal pH levels for less risk of yeast infections and to keep your vagina as healthy as possible. Talk to your doctor before use to decide whether or not it’s right for you, especially if you’re prone to infections.

    Vitscan/Amazon
    Motivational Water Bottle
    You know enough about your health by now to know that hydration is key. But staying hydrated in the summer (especially on days in the sun!) is much harder, thanks to sweating more and hotter body temperatures. Enter: a 64oz water bottle. When you’re packing up for your next beach or pool day, leave the little guys at home and opt for a water bottle that will keep you hydrated all day long, no refills required.

    Water-Resistant Activity Tracker
    So you’re one of those people who needs to get 10,000 steps in a day and will not work out without a tracker on? I get it—the instant gratification of a number on a screen telling you “good job!” is so satisfying. But beach or pool days can be some of your most active days and shouldn’t be discounted as exercise just because they’re “fun” and not a designated time in the gym. If you want to keep tracking, try a tracker that’s waterproof so you can head to the pool to swim laps or don’t have to think twice about going between frisbee on the beach to swimming in the ocean.

    Straw Hat
    Confused as to why a hat Jackie O would wear made it to our list of wellness essentials? Again, prioritizing your health is in style. Sometimes, even sunscreen isn’t enough to protect from the sun, whether it’s because of not reapplying enough (every hour, FYI!) or because of hard-to-get spots like the scalp or back of the ears. A hat is always a smart option for days in the sun to fully protect your head and face, which are often the most sensitive to sun exposure. Might as well look chic while protecting yourself, right?

    SPF 30 Face Sunscreen
    So you’re noticing a theme here: Sun protection is everything. But if you really want to up your wellness game, make your SPF work harder for you. This one offers mineral and organic filters for extra protection against both UVA and UVB rays and also contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to hydrate and soothe skin to avoid sun burn or irritation.

    Candice Kumai
    Kinsugi Wellness
    You’re going to pack a beach read anyway, so why not make it one that’ll inspire and help you become your best self? Nothing against a romance novel or thriller (we’re huge fans of both), but if you’re interested in spending your relaxing day in the sun to increase your wellness, consider a book like “Kinsugi Wellness,” which is full of Japanese knowledge, refreshing recipes, and tips and tricks on the art of living well, so that you can feel your best this season.

    Love Wellness
    Bye, Bye Bloat
    If there’s one enemy of a glorious beach day besides a dark storm cloud, it’s bloat. I get a lot of questions come summertime about how to avoid the dreaded feeling. While gut health is important year-round, a painful stomachache and bad gas (sorry for the TMI) after a meal can totally put a damper on your pool day. If you do experience bloating, first talk to your doctor about what the possible cause could be and ask if a supplement (like this one with digestive enzymes, ginger, and dandelion root) could help alleviate symptoms while working to improve gut health in the long run.

    Herbivore Botanicals
    Soothing Aloe Mist
    Even if you did it right and reapplied SPF consistently, your skin still might experience some post-sun effects. A non-toxic mist that combines soothing aloe with calming lavender and refreshing mint will help with dryness, redness, and post-sun irritation.

    Kosas Cosmetics
    Lipfuel Lip Balm
    So a lip balm is a necessity in every bag you pack (who isn’t addicted to lip balm?), but if you’ve been using the same drugstore brand since middle school, it might be time for an upgrade. This balm is not only non-toxic, but it also contains wild mint to help energize you (crucial before a round of laps in the pool) as well as konjac root to help protect against elements. Trust me, your lips will have never looked or felt better.

    Magic Globes
    If your skin is sensitive to heat, you might notice more puffiness in your face during days in the sun (or you might just want to buy this to be #extra like me). These mystical little globes are the secret. You might have heard of ice rollers for skin benefits, but these globes deliver a flawless glow and can also help calm rosacea or sensitive skin due to heat and irritants in chlorine. Pro tip: To keep them cold as long as possible, wrap them in saran wrap to an ice pack and keep them at the bottom of your bag.

    Cool Down Muscle Gel
    Especially if you’re sensitive to heat like me, a fun beach day can quickly turn into a painful one if you’re feeling overheated from the sun, humidity, and hot weather. This cool-down roller will instantly give you relief with the spearmint leaf extract, aloe juice, menthol, and a blend of revitalizing minerals. It’ll also help ease sore muscles (you know, that you got from kicking some ass at beach volleyball). It’s instantly refreshing and good for the body.

    10 Wellness Essentials That Will Make Your Summer Better More

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    The Wellness Products Transforming Our Editors’ Health Routines RN

    As editors, we get asked a lot of questions on a regular basis: “How can I practice more self-care?,” “What can I do to get healthier?,” and “But really, what wellness products should I actually use?” While we spend a lot of time testing products and researching everything from recipes to relationship advice so we can bring the very best to you, we’re also busy women trying to squeeze in our own workouts or de-stress after a long workday. We’re always on the lookout for tools that’ll help us fit some self-care into our days or for products that make healthy eating easier. In other words, we’ve scoured the internet for the very best wellness products so you don’t have to. Read on for the items that have been game-changers in our editors’ health routines and score some inspo for how to update your health routine right now. 

    Himalayan Lamp
    I’ve always been a fan of nighttime showers and a wind-down routine, but this little Himalayan salt night light has transformed my evenings. I turn off all the lights and only keep this on when I’m showering or even just washing my face before bed, and I swear I feel instantly relaxed. I’ve never slept better! Plus, it looks cool AF plugged into the outlet, regardless of whether the light is off or on.
    — Josie Santi, Wellness Content Manager and Associate Editor

    Weighted Bangles
    Coming from a girl who has never done a good at-home workout, these weighted bangles have really changed the game for me. Whether I want a little extra challenge during my yoga flow or to do a quick glute workout during my lunch break, these bangles have been my ride-or-die product for improving my fitness routine in the comfort of my own home.
    — Josie Santi, Wellness Content Manager and Associate Editor

    64oz Water Bottle
    After seeing time-stamped giant water bottles everywhere, I finally decided to buy one for myself. It has helped me tremendously in drinking more water and staying on top of my hydration goals. This one is 64 ounces (a half-gallon), and I find it so much easier to drink that much water in a day with concrete time goals in mind.
    — Jess Welsh, Junior Graphic Designer and Assistant Editor

    “Facial in a Glass” Tablets
    In the last few months, I have pretty much entirely stopped drinking coffee (unless it’s a one-off, on-the-go, fancy-coffee situation), as advised by my doctor because my body doesn’t handle caffeine well (I get a horrible eye twitch). But I miss the ritual and joy of having a drink—that isn’t water—every morning. I’d had 8Greens supplements in my kitchen cabinets for a while now, but once I started using them as a morning beverage, I fell in love. They taste so good, and I feel like I have more energy throughout the day (although that very well might be placebo, but I’m OK with it). I just started drinking the skin ones, and despite the fact that I haven’t washed my face before bed a few times this past week, my skin still looks good, and I’m going to credit it to my 8Greens. I’ve also used them for hangover relief because they make me feel a little energized and less disgusting. Basically, it’s my cure-all beverage at this point.
    — Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager and Associate Editor

    Hoka One One
    Running Shoes
    These running/walking shoes were a bit of an investment for me, but they’ve really proven to be worth it. They’re ultra-cushioned, making them so easy to wear for extended periods of time (like on a long walk). They are seriously one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I’ve ever worn—and they’re super cute, too.
    — Jess Welsh, Junior Graphic Designer and Assistant Editor

    Blogilates
    Booty Resistance Bands
    I’m still working out at home, which means that it’s important to have workout equipment that takes up as little space as possible. I love these booty resistance bands because they don’t slip and slide like my rubber ones do, and after I use them, I’m always sore—in a good way. They’re such a great boost to my workout routine and are great to take on the go.
    — Madeline Galassi, Fashion Content Manager and Associate Editor

    Raspberry Acai Energy Drink
    Aspire is a clean energy drink that has fully replaced coffee and soda in my daily routine. It is filled with vitamins and nutrients and has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. I’ve gotten all of my family and friends hooked on it already.
    — Jessica Jones, Social Media Editor

    Seamless Workout Set
    A new set is one of my favorite ways to stay motivated, and this one from Amazon has been my summer go-to. I have it in several colors because it’s less than $30 and the fit is great. It’s perfect for my long walks on hot days or for pilates class. Sometimes it’s perfect for running errands: I just throw on a shirt and am ready to go.
    — Keely Geist, Senior Social Media Editor

    Humidifier
    I’ve been using a humidifier as part of my sleep routine for a couple of years at this point, though super inconsistently. Refilling it was always a hassle, cleaning it was just not something I was ever interested in doing, and, if I’m being honest, I wasn’t sure the benefits outweighed the (looking back, admittedly minor) inconveniences of using it. However, after consistently using this humidifier for the past several months, I don’t think I’ll ever look back. This one is very easy to refill and clean (the two hurdles that made my last one not worth it), and I notice a huge difference when I don’t use it periodically. I wake up congested, my allergies act up all day, and my skin is dry. This humidifier assures I get a good night’s rest and wake up feeling great.
    — Garri Chaverst, Managing Editor

    Instant Vortex
    I can’t (and will never) pass up on an opportunity to talk about the one purchase that has truly revolutionized my life. After having a will-they-or-won’t-they relationship with this air fryer in my cart for several months, I finally bit the bullet and hit “Place Order.” I’m not exaggerating when I say I use this every single day. It makes cooking my favorite meals a breeze, but the biggest benefit is that vegetables actually taste good at the push of a button. Seriously. No matter what I do, frying up whatever vegetable I have lying around results in a tasty snack or side dish. I’ve never eaten more vegetables in my life than I do now, and it’s all thanks to my air fryer.
    — Garri Chaverst, Managing Editor

    Hello Eucalyptus | Etsy
    Eucalyptus Shower Bundle
    Sometime within the past three months, I became weirdly obsessed with taking showers. In order to make my time in the shower as luxurious as possible, I bought one of these amazing eucalyptus shower bundles, and I haven’t looked back since. The smell is immediately calming, and the eucalyptus clears my sinuses. Spritzing the bundle with water every few days can keep it fresh for months.
    — Emma Ginsberg, Editorial Intern More

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    8 Easy Swaps I Made This Year To Become My Healthiest Self

    For a long time, I viewed “healthy living” as unapproachable and intimidating, mostly because I felt so unbelievably far from achieving it. Up until a few months ago, I ate too much salt, went to bed super late, watched way too much TV, drank a lot of wine, and ordered McDonald’s chicken nuggets more times than I’d like to admit. Before I discovered attainable health swaps for my life, I felt like a bit of a failure in the wellness department.
    This year, I’ve put more focus on the small day-to-day choices that I make instead of becoming consumed and overwhelmed with drastic, unsustainable changes that derail me from even trying in the first place. For me, making healthy swaps for things I was already doing and eating was a great, welcoming approach for living my best life, and now, I swear by it. These eight healthier choices helped me transform the way I look at healthy living and have fueled my fire to keep this lifestyle going:

    1. Matcha instead of coffee
    Don’t get me wrong—I love my coffee and still drink it occasionally. But instead of viewing espresso as a vital necessity to life, I view it as more of a treat instead of a three-cups-a-day routine. After years of drinking almost a pot of coffee a day, I realized that it didn’t even keep me awake anymore, and I felt close to ill when I’d skip a cup. This is when I knew I needed a change. Now, I drink a teaspoon of matcha with vanilla oat milk almost every day, and I’m hooked. Not only does it give me a little bit of a caffeine buzz, but it’s also packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that actually make me feel good about drinking it. 

    2. Reading before bed instead of scrolling on my phone
    Before the last month, falling into a bottomless, deep, dark hole on TikTok or Instagram before bed was one of my most fatal flaws, and unfortunately, my most closely practiced ritual. While I didn’t completely give up scrolling through my phone, I do opt to read before bed instead of being sucked into the blue light blob. I find that reading three pages helps me wind down more quickly than I would spending an hour (or more) on TikTok and allows me to sleep at a more reasonable hour.

    3. Banza noodles instead of traditional pasta
    This is one of the easiest swaps I’ve incorporated into my meal prepping routine. If you aren’t already on the chickpea noodle train, this is your sign to hop aboard. I’ve been a pasta junkie my entire life (perks of growing up with an Italian grandmother), and while I never felt guilty for consuming it in mass amounts, I found that chickpea noodles (low carb, gluten-free, and high in protein) are just as good and so worth the healthy substitute. If I’m going to be eating pasta anyway, I might as well swap it with something that tastes just as great and is a bit healthier, right?

    4. Eating in instead of eating out
    OK, I’ll admit this is probably one of the more difficult “easy swaps” on this list. But I can finally say, now that I’m on the other side, it’s so much easier than I thought it would be. For years, I relied heavily on eating out and ordering on DoorDash, which typically left me feeling bloated, guilty, and—quite frankly—broke. 
    Two things that really helped me gain control over eating out were 1) finding a grocery schedule that worked for me and 2) recreating the meals I was craving in my own kitchen. That included mastering my favorite vodka pasta recipe, figuring out how to make my own Chick-fil-A sauce, and recreating my go-to Sweetgreen salad. From there, I realized that I can in fact cook, and beyond that, I could take the liberty of making healthier versions of some of my favorite meals to eat out. While I still do dine out, I now do it a lot less frequently, which has given me back some financial freedom, helps me make healthier choices at home, and allows me to cherish the times I eat out a bit more.

    Source: Colorjoy Stock

    5. Walks instead of binge-watching TV after dinner
    For a while, I was gridlocked into the routine of plopping down on the couch after cooking, eating, and cleaning up the disaster in my kitchen. Enter four-hour-long Netflix binge-watching sessions with intermittent naps that messed with my sleep schedule and took precedence over any night routine that would set me up for success the next day.
    Now, instead of giving in to the food coma, I engage in a light walk after dinner, which helps me beat the post-meal slump and allows me get some steps in toward the end of the day. Whether I walk and catch up with a friend or enjoy the solitude of a favorite-playlist-filled sunset walk, my post-dinner stroll has become one of my favorite self-care acts of the day.

    6. Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate
    All of my life, I looked at dark chocolate with disdain because of its bitterness—I didn’t quite get the hype. But now that I’m older, wiser, and more aware of dark chocolate’s health benefits (antioxidant-packed, flavanol-filled, and more heart-healthy than milk chocolate), I gave it another go, hoping my taste buds had changed. To my surprise, I loved it. Now, I opt for dark over milk chocolate whenever I have the chance, and like my matcha vs. coffee switch, it’s an easy swap that makes me feel a lot better.

    7. A flexible activity schedule instead of a rigid workout schedule
    Before, I’d try to hop back on the workout train—lifting five days a week, sustaining injuries, losing motivation quickly—only to fall right back off of the boat. While I kept up with this yo-yo workout situation for quite some time, it’s not until this year that I finally took a step back to reevaluate my relationship with physical activity.
    I still lift weights here and there, but if I’m not able to go to the gym four to five days a week like I used to strive for, I don’t beat myself up over it. The reality is this: Life is busy. We get tired, we don’t have time, or we can’t coordinate our strict hair-washing schedule with a day of dripping sweat at the squat rack. And that’s OK. My new fitness goals focus on moving in any capacity, and I’ve found that taking a more flexible approach has made me more motivated and excited to get moving. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a yoga class, a HIIT session at the gym, or a 10-minute affair with my weighted hula hoop, I’ve found that listening to my body and keeping activity simple and fun has been a game-changer in keeping my activity levels more consistent.
     
    8. Hydrating before reaching for caffeine 
    The number of times in my lifetime that I’ve chugged two cups of coffee before even thinking about water is an absolute tragedy. This year, I’ve really prioritized hydrating, especially in the morning after a night of sleeping and hours of not taking sips of water. Starting my day off hydrated AF helps set the tone for the day and sets me up for success before reaching for my morning caffeine choice. 
    On the days where I focus on my water intake, I find that I have more energy to power through the mid-afternoon slump, have more stamina during my workouts, and am less prone to suffer from that late-afternoon headache and/or annoying right eye twitching. It’s not groundbreaking but, now that I’ve finally hopped on board, I totally get the hype.

    7 Things Every Woman Should Change for Better Health RN More

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    7 Things Every Woman Should Change for Better Health RN

    As the wellness content manager for The Everygirl, I’m constantly on the hunt for the very best health tips to bring you, my dear readers, to help you live your best, healthiest, and happiest lives. As soon as I heard about Dr. Taz Bhatia and her mission to empower 1 million women to restore their health and well-being (we stan an ambitious woman!), I knew I had to ask her for all her best advice. Dr. Bhatia, M.D. is board-certified in integrative medicine, a certified nutrition specialist, best-selling author, and NOW Expert. She’s made medical expert appearances on The Today Show and Good Morning America and calls herself “a champion of super women worldwide.” In other words? She’s a royal badass. 
    “I think we all have unique gifts and powers, but stress, circumstances, and responsibilities can erode our ability to see or feel them,” she said. “When we are in our highest health, we attract abundance and uncover our superpowers.” I love Dr. Bhatia because she preaches that there’s a purpose to caring about your health beyond weight loss or because we’re “supposed to.” Being our healthiest gives us access to our best lives and truest selves. Now read on for seven things you can change about your health right now and uncover your superpowers. 

    1. Be in control, know your body, and educate yourself
    PSA: You are the #1 person in charge of your own health. Even with a team of doctors and experts (more on that below!), you should be the biggest advocate for your own health, trust your instincts, and fight for what you know your body needs. Dr. Bhatia wants every woman to know that she is in control of her health and that her well-being can be determined by how she treats and know her body. “Health is in your control,” she said. “It’s important to understand hormone levels, nutritional status, and long term health risks.” In other words, don’t just rely on your doctor to keep an eye out for what’s going on in your body. Educate yourself on the body’s basic functions and keep track of how certain foods make you feel. Most importantly? Trust your body. Your body knows what it needs, so if it’s communicating to you (whether it’s through symptoms, cravings, or emotions), listen. 

    2. Stop trying to “catch up” on sleep
    If you’re sleeping five hours a night on weekdays with the plans of sleeping in until noon on Saturday, it’s not evening out like you hope. “There is no such thing as catching up sleep,” Dr. Bhatia said. “Instead, get into bed at a consistent time every night (ideally before 11 p.m.), and sleep until 6-7 a.m., which helps the hormone axis and keeps hormone levels balanced.” Yes, getting enough Zzz’s is crucial for your health, but you should be getting enough sleep every night instead of aiming for a certain number of hours per week thinking you can “catch up” from shorter nights. Instead of sleeping in on weekends and sleeping less during the weekdays, aim for a consistent bedtime, sleep for a solid 7-9 hours, and wake up around the same time every morning for optimal health.

    3. Rely on whole foods
    We’re all trying to improve our diets and eat healthier, but it’s not always easy (or else we’d all be eating salads for every meal and never be tempted by a Krispy Kreme donut), so I asked Dr. Bhatia for her #1 tip when it comes to healthy eating: What’s most important for our health and what changes will give us the biggest bang for our buck? Dr. Bhatia said that lowering sugar and processed foods is the first step. But it doesn’t have to be as restrictive or as difficult as cutting out all the foods we love (which can actually lead to bingeing and an unhealthy relationship with food!). Instead, the key is focusing on eating more whole foods, which will subconsciously crowd out processed foods and give your body more of the nutrients it needs. “Learning to rely on whole foods rather than foods in a box or a package can be a health game-changer,” she suggested. Build meals around fruits, vegetables, clean proteins, and whole grains. 

    4. Vary your exercise
    So you’re a consistent runner or love your daily barre class? Good for you for moving your body and prioritizing exercise, but if you’re looking to kick your health game up a notch, consider switching up your exercise routine. “Using different muscles and challenging your body is important,” Dr. Bhatia advised. “Sometimes we focus just on cardio or muscle strength, but we have to take it all into consideration for balance.” If you’re a marathon runner and love a daily jog, consider taking a day off and adding some weight training into your routine. If you’re a gym rat who spends all your time in the weight room, consider throwing in some treadmill action from time to time. Working toward a goal and doing one type of workout is great, but we need a variety of exercise to stay challenged, work our muscles, and be our healthiest. 

    5. Get your supplement routine right
    One of the most asked questions I get as both a wellness editor and a holistic health coach is, “What supplements should I be taking?” There’s no doubt that the supplement world is confusing AF: Between probiotics, collagen, vitamins, and countless brands with pretty packaging, it seems like a new brand or supplement comes out every day that many of us feel like we need to achieve optimal health. Do we need shelves full of supplements and a budget for the latest trends? The answer: no. To simplify, Dr. Bhatia universally recommends most women could benefit from taking a methylated B vitamin, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and magnesium, as these each help women’s health pathways, but since supplement needs vary based on body, diet, and health history, it’s important to come up with a personalized plan with your doctor.

    6. Build a medical team that works with you
    Especially as women, many symptoms or issues go undiagnosed and untreated because of the fear that we’re being “dramatic” or because of a doctor who doesn’t take the time to listen. Dr. Bhatia stresses the importance of trying new doctors, nutritionists, specialists, and gynecologists until you form the care team that feels best for you. She said, “If you’re struggling to diagnosis or identify symptoms, don’t give up. It’s not in your head!” You deserve a care team that makes your well-being and feelings their #1 priority, so search around until you find a doctor that gets you, listens to you, and trusts your opinion. Finding a doctor really is like dating to find “The One!” Oh, and IDK who needs to hear this, but no, it’s not just in your head. Yes, you do know what’s best for your body, and you can find a treatment, plan, or fix to anything that doesn’t feel right. 

    7. Craft a life and routine you feel good about
    “Restoring your health means crafting a life and routine where your energy flows and your mood is consistent,” Dr. Bhatia said. After all, your physical health is integrally related to your happiness. If you have a job that’s unfulfilling, are in a relationship that doesn’t make you happy, or live in a city you’re dying to get out of, it’ll show in your physical health. Know that self confidence is just as important for your well-being as a nutritious diet and eight hours of sleep, and happiness is a key factor for optimal health. “Health starts with you,” she advised. “How you feel about yourself is the vibration or rhythm of your life, so make choices from a place of abundance instead of lack or fear, and then just go for it!” Now that’s the kind of doctor advice I can get behind. 

    50 Positive Affirmations You Should Tell Yourself More

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    15 Sunday Rituals to Set You Up for an Amazing Week

    The most unrelatable thing about me: Sundays are my favorite day of the weekend. I know that’s almost as annoying as if I said I love running or salad is my favorite food (both of which are untrue, BTW), but Sundays are no longer a sad ending to the weekend or a scary start to the weekdays (Sunday Scaries are real!). Instead, Sundays are the make-or-break day that I use to set up my entire week for happiness and success. Get rid of your Sunday Scaries and make the most of the day off with these 15 rituals that will set you up for a successful week:

    1. Meal prep
    The most basic of Sunday rituals, meal prepping is a crucial way to ensure your week is set up for success and that you have easy, healthy meals, even on your busiest days. The key is to do the kind of meal prepping that works best for you. Maybe planning out meals and grocery shopping is enough or maybe you want to prepare some basic dishes to reuse during the week, like roasted veggies or healthy breakfast muffins. You can also prepare ingredients instead of meals to make cooking easier throughout the week: boil eggs, slice lemon wedges, or wash and chop veggies.

    2. Pick a theme for the week
    We’re focused on to-do lists and goals, but what about setting an intention or a theme to focus on for the entire week? We can replace negative thoughts with phrases that are not only better for us but can also help us be more confident or feel less stressed, and we can set intentions for each week that will help us live our best lives. Every Sunday, pick an affirmation or “theme” (like staying present, moving more often, or having more fun) and write it every day in your planner so you don’t forget it. Then, live your entire week around this affirmation or theme.

    3. Go extra on self-care
    A little self-care Sunday is nothing new, but going all out on skincare, haircare, and overall TLC will not only help you feel relaxed and pampered going into the week, but you’ll also look and feel your best. First, set the mood: dim the lights, light candles, diffuse essential oils, turn on relaxing music, and put on a cozy robe. Stock up on all the luxurious products you love, whether it’s a CBD bath bomb or a high-quality hair mask, and get ready for a full day of pampering. Take a bath (or have a luxurious shower), indulge in dry brushing or exfoliating, give yourself a facial massage for relaxation and de-puffing, and finish off with a manicure or pedicure in your favorite color. 

    4. Make to-do lists (based on life goals)
    Making a to-do list is no revolutionary ritual, but are you making to-do lists with long-term goals in mind? Before making your weekly to-do list, ask yourself where you want to be in 5-10 years. Everything on your to-do list should help you take step toward achieving these goals. For example, strategize business growth, spend 30 minutes taking an online class, or work out if your goal is to be more active. In other words, to-do lists of even the simplest tasks should have a long-term perspective.
    Making your to-do list with goals in mind will show you where you should be spending time and where you can be spending less time. Of course, you’ll always have to do the mundane house chores or tedious tasks, but figure out where you can outsource these items and prioritize what will get you closer to your goals so you make sure to get it done (yes, that means doing that workout or brainstorm meeting you’ve been putting off). 

    5. Put on your favorite outfit
    The littlest rituals or habits can make the biggest difference in boosting your mood and setting the tone for the rest of the week. To beat the blues that come with the end of the weekend, save your very favorite OOTDs for Sundays. Whether that means the fancy loungewear that feels luxurious AF or the trendy sundress that makes you feel like a style star, put on the outfit that makes you feel your best from head to toe and get ready to take on the week ahead. 

    6. Get your inbox to zero
    If your Monday mornings feel like a whirlwind starting the second you wake up, set your week up for success by getting ahead. While Sundays should feel like Sundays (rather than an extension of the workweek), spending just 10-20 minutes getting some work done will help you start your week already feeling ahead. If emails are a source of stress, tackle your inbox, or if scheduling feels like a tedious task on Monday mornings, plan out your meetings and deadlines the day before. Just think about how good your Monday morning will feel when your inbox is already at zero and your calendar is planned out! 

     
    7. Read
    I’m the queen of excuses when it comes to reading more often. “I’m too tired,” “I don’t have any new books,” and “How am I expected to do anything else in my free time when all six seasons of Sex and the City are on Hulu!?” are excuses I use on a regular basis. But reading is not only enjoyable, it’s also good for you. Whether it’s winding down before bed on Sunday night, spending some time in the afternoon, or the ritual you look forward to when starting your day, fit in some more time to read. As for what to read? Start with books that will boost your mood or the most anticipated books of the season. 

    8. Tidy up your home
    Dishes in the sink or laundry piled on the chair (we all have that one chair), can prevent you from feeling fully relaxed while going to bed at night or could make you more stressed to start the next day. Clutter in your space can translate into clutter in your mind, so dedicate a short amount of time on your Sunday to run the dishwasher, wipe off kitchen counters, and put away laundry that has piled up in the bedroom. A less cluttered bedroom will help you sleep at night and a clean kitchen will make you happier the next morning. 

    9. Check your bank account and make weekly goals
    Self-care doesn’t always mean bubble baths or face masks. Sometimes, self-care means being an independent adult and doing what you can to feel in control of your finances. While having a detailed financial plan and setting goals can help you reduce money-related stress and achieve what you want in life, feeling in control of your finances doesn’t always require a lot of time and energy. At the beginning of every week, take a minute to glance over your bank account and credit card statements. Getting in the habit of frequently checking can help identify fraud early on and will also give you a good idea of where you’re spending and where you can be saving.

    10. Schedule workouts
    You schedule meetings, appointments, and plans in advance, so why not schedule your workouts too? Not only will having a 10 a.m. jog or a 5 p.m. workout class on your calendar hold you accountable to make the workouts happen, but when you prioritize you-time just as much as you prioritize a work meeting or dinner with a friend, you’re making a statement that self-care is just as important as every other aspect of your life (because it should be). Treat your scheduled workouts like any other item on your calendar: Show up on time, be prepared, and don’t cancel last minute.

    11. Detox your desk space
    For the most productive, positive start to your week, your workspace should be clean and organized (remember: clutter in your space can translate into clutter in your mind!). A messy workspace can add to the feelings of stress, overwhelm, and anxiety that comes with the start of a busy week, so minimize as much clutter as possible on Sunday. Clean out your desk drawers, organize papers or mail, and even wipe down your computer. If you don’t have a workspace, you’ll get the same benefits from detoxing your desktop (AKA deleting that folder of Christmas decor inspo that’s been sitting there since December), organizing contacts, or installing any updates (to avoid that annoying notification throughout the week).

    12. Get outside
    No Sunday Scaries here: Being in the great outdoors can boost your mood and help ease stress to feel happier and more relaxed. Even just 20 minutes sitting in a park or going on a walk can elevate your mood and help foster important skills that contribute to happiness, like confidence, kindness, and the feeling of awe. For an instant mood boost, get outside on your Sunday: Sip a morning coffee on your balcony or porch, go on a bike ride, or even sit by a window to reap some of the benefits. If you have free time, consider spending it at your local park or beach instead of on your couch, and if you’re planning to work out, take it outdoors for an instant mood booster that will make you feel good for the rest of the week.
     

    13. Pick out your outfits
    Decision fatigue is real, people! We make a lot of decisions every single day, even just within the first few minutes of waking up: whether or not to hit snooze, when to turn on the coffee pot, and what to wear (which is approximately 100 different decisions). The little decisions add up to feel so overwhelming that we become unable to make even the most basic decisions. To limit and avoid the mental exhaustion and decision fatigue many of us experience regularly, take away as many little decisions as possible before your week even starts. Picking out a week’s worth of outfits on Sunday means that your energy can go to more important things during the week, like important work projects (or, you know, what to order for lunch). 

    14. Get sexy
    No, getting sexy is not just for Saturday night. Whether it’s a little ménage-à-Moi, having a check-in with your partner about what you want to try more of this week, or just making a list of the things that brought you pleasure today (a silk nightgown, a cup of coffee, sleeping in, etc.), take some time to tap into your sensual side. Bonus: Checking yourself out in the mirror and putting on a playlist that gets you going will set up the rest of your week for more confidence, pleasure, and enjoyment, both in and out of the bedroom. 

    15. Take time to do nothing
    Sundays often come with so many “shoulds.” “I should be grocery shopping,” “I should be doing laundry,” or “I should be getting ahead with work.” While many of the rituals listed in this roundup are “shoulds” that will help you have the best week ever, there’s also another important ritual you need to set you up for a better week: doing nothing. Instead of waking up to rush from one thing to the next, make your coffee, turn on your music, and just be. More