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      This Celeb-Favorite Activewear Brand Is Having Its Biggest Sale of the Year

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      ICYMI, the sale of all sales that fashion and wellness stans alike save up for, have circled on their calendars, and count down to like it’s Christmas is going on now. Enter: Alo Yoga’s anniversary celebration, their biggest sale of the year.
      Its second annual Aloversary Sale, a five-day bash of all-things Alo, includes a site-wide discount of 30% off all new clothing, accessories, beauty, and equipment products and deeper discounts of up to 70% off previously marked-down styles.
      If you’re asking (for a friend, of course), “How many Alo Yoga leggings is too many?” there’s no such thing. Just ask Hailey and Kendall, AKA celebs who’ve been seen strolling the streets donning the brand’s coveted soft and contouring tights. But, of course, that’s not all Alo Yoga has to offer. From must-have sports bras to onesies to their cult-favorite yoga mats, keep scrolling to shop and snag their newest arrivals and celebrity faves before the sale ends on May 5.
       

      Tops

      Bottoms

      Dresses and Onesies

      Accessories

      Workout Clothes So Good, You’ll Want To Wear Them 24/7 More

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      Sofia Richie’s Health and Fitness Routine Leading Up to Her Wedding

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      ICYMI, Sofia Richie tied the knot in what has been dubbed this year’s star-studded “royal wedding,” and it’s all anyone on Instagram and TikTok could talk about. The 24-year-old model, fashion designer, beauty director of Nudestix, and little sister of Nicole Richie said “I do” to Elliot Grainge in the south of France. Thanks to Richie launching her TikTok just days before her nuptials, we got glimpses of her wedding prep, complete with GRWM videos. And with Vogue’s play-by-play of the day-of wedding festivities, they left no stone unturned (can we take a moment to gush over Richie’s, not one, but three custom Chanel dresses?!).
      So we got the inside scoop on her bridal beauty and fashion looks, but being the wellness diehard that I am, I had to get to the bottom of Richie’s workout and diet routines leading up to her big day. Luckily, she shared most of it on her social media. I got the lowdown on her go-to fitness regimen and eating habits (you can thank me and IG later). Read on for some major #fitspo. 

      Her workouts
      As Richie was getting into bride mode starting last December, she took to Instagram Stories to share her sweat sessions. Two three-pound hand weights and a 10-pound weight vest were all she needed for “getting snatched” before getting hitched. Courtesy of Richie’s “Fitness Journal” highlights, we can channel Richie exercise by exercise: After sprints with her hype squad—her trainer Elizabeth Vidor and two cute AF pups—she moved on to a lateral lunge and twist combo, jumping jacks with punches, a knee-pull-and-punch sequence, and squat shuffles—performing each movement for 30 seconds and completing the circuit for six rounds.
      But wait, there’s more… Then, Richie went straight into a single-leg-glute-bridge-and-crunch exercise, followed by a knee-plank-and-arm-row move, a wall-sit-hold-and-inner-thigh burner, arm circles, and tricep extensions. Finally, Richie ended her one-hour workout with a deep stretch with her trainer. As if that wasn’t already a doozy of a routine, her pre-wedding workouts didn’t stop there. She documented three other workouts (check ’em out here and give ’em a try!). Also, she’s a hot girl walk stan like the rest of us: “I try to walk for at least an hour every single day!” And as for the activewear brand she’s obsessed with? Her favorite seems to be Splits59. 

      Her diet 
      According to US Weekly, Richie shared on her Stories that she went on a “strict diet” to “get an early start” on her wedding prep. “I try my hardest to fast until 12 p.m. (with the exception of coffee),” Richie said in December. “For lunch, I have either a salad or a high-protein meal. I eat my dinner around 6:30 p.m., which is the last meal before I go to bed (no snacking).” Her high-protein go-to’s? Egg whites and bacon. She went on to say another diet staple of hers is “tons of veggies.” While Richie conveyed that she tries her hardest to avoid carbs and sugar, she sometimes left room for “a little treat.” In the same vein, she expressed: “You should do what feels best for your body. Incorporating some carbs isn’t horrible when you are training hard.” As for her fave snack? Seaweed. Hot take: Healthy eating should be flexible (read: eating and enjoying what you love), so take a cue from Richie and do you.

      @sofiarichiegrainge
      let the festivities begin ✨
      ♬ original sound – Sofia Richie Grainge

      I’m Getting Married in Six Months–Here’s How I’m Preparing My Body and Mind More

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      Unlocking Your Body’s Full Potential: A Beginner’s Guide to Biohacking

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      Full transparency: When I first heard about biohacking, my initial thought was oh no, not another wellness trend… I know firsthand what it’s like to spend money on supplements or memberships that promise drastic changes only to be disappointed by their short-term benefits (or lack thereof). The truth is wellness trends come and go because more often than not, they aren’t actually making a huge difference in our well-being. To my (pleasant) surprise, when I dug a little deeper into what biohacking is exactly, I discovered that it’s not a current wellness trend—it’s a tool everyone can use to make effective, long-lasting changes in their health.

      What is biohacking? 
      The term biohacking has been around for quite some time, first originating as a part of the molecular biology movement where people were implementing technology to enhance the human body (yep, straight out of a sci-fi movie).But in the world of wellness, biohacking is a little different. It’s defined as changing your physiology and chemistry through science and self-experimentation, with the goal of understanding what your body needs to function optimally. In other words, biohacking is literally trying different “hacks” for optimal health.
      These hacks can be as minor as slight adjustments to your nighttime routine, or as complex as cold plunging and heat therapy. Biohacking can mean purchasing a hyperbaric oxygen pod or supplements such as nootropics, or can be totally free like getting sunlight in the morning for your circadian rhythm or walking barefoot on grass or sand to reduce inflammation. While the degrees of biohacking vary by price and extremity, the goal is always the same: the optimize your health, reverse aging, and live as healthy as possible.
      Biohacking has been praised by celebrities like Tom Brady, Brooke Burke, and Tony Robbins, but what makes it so different from all the other wellness trends out there? Biohacking is really about self-improvement, but on an advanced level. If you’re looking to make incremental, highly-effective changes to your wellness routine and optimize the health of your body, biohacking may be for you. Read on for some life-changing biohacks you can try for yourself below. 

      Biohacks to try right now:

      If you want better sleep…
      Whether it’s the struggle to fall asleep, wake up, or get enough quality hours, lack of sleep is a challenge we’ve all faced, and getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for our health. Sleep is a chance for our body to detoxify from the day and it allows for healthy brain and body function. If you’re looking to biohack your way to healthier sleep routine, the key is to make changes to hack your circadian rhythm, or the internal clock that regulates the sleep–wake cycle. The first step is to ensure your environment is set up for optimal sleep, including no electronics at least an hour before bedtime and ensuring you’re sleeping in a completely dark room, or using a sleep mask if you have any light from windows or electronics. Also ensure that you’re going to bed and waking up at the same time every day so your body can become accustomed to a sleep schedule.
      If you’re looking to advance your routine a little further, try taking CBD or sleeping with a weighted blanket. Both of these tools help calm the nervous system and lower your heart rate to prepare for sleep. You can also try replacing your lightbulbs with red lightbulbs to naturally stimulate melatonin and opt for a sunrise alarm clock, which will wake you up to natural light as well as softer sounds. Don’t forget the natural sunlight first thing upon waking–open up the curtains, go for a walk, or sip your morning coffee by a window. 

      If you want to boost your workouts…
      When it comes to enhancing workouts, it will look different for everyone because our bodies are all different. But whether you prefer a fitness routine focused on cardio or one that revolves around Yoga and Pilates, there are ways to hack every workout. For starters, tracking your workouts with technology like a Fitbit or Oura Ring gives you stats such as daily steps, heart rate, and other health metrics. These products can help track your progress and guide you in making any necessary changes to boost your fitness routine.
      If you have a menstruation cycle, another way to hack your fitness routine that I personally love is implementing the Cycle Syncing® Method. When you work out according to each phase of your cycle, you are essentially biohacking your metabolism to make each workout more effective. Cycle syncing can help you burn more fat and build more muscle while aligning with your hormones and energy levels. Whether you menstruate or not, choosing a workout that gets you sweaty (i.e. hot yoga, jogging on a warm day, etc.) not only has fitness benefits, but counts as a biohack for your lymphatic system. 

      If you want to improve your nutrition…
      Important disclosure: The key to biohacking your diet isn’t focused on how to lose weight or eat less calories, but rather becoming more in tune with your body. The healthiest people don’t restrict certain foods in their eating habits—they are listening to their body’s cues and honoring them (read: intuitive eating is the ultimate biohack, and the only one you really need). Once you’re connected to what your body needs, you can evaluate whether a pescatarian versus a keto eating approach is better for you, and explore further biohacking techniques like intermittent fasting, introducing certain supplements for deficiencies or wellness goals, or adding more superfoods to meals. Another effective way to biohack your diet for people who menstruate is by cycle syncing (just like for your fitness) or eating based on the phase you’re in. 

      If you want better mental health…
      Let me start by saying there’s no easy hack to great mental health. It’s a journey—we all have good days and bad days—but there are ways you can hack your wellness routine to assist your mental health journey. Incorporating practices such as gratitude journaling, meditation, sound baths, and breathwork are all helpful for getting out of your head and into the present moment. Personally, gratitude journaling is my go-to for those days when I feel like everything is going wrong. Practicing gratitude instantly reminds us of all the good in our lives, as opposed to the negative. Biohacking your mental health can even be as simple as getting outside. Go for a walk, step into your backyard with bare feet and ground into the earth, sit on a park bench, and soak up some sun. We spend a lot of time indoors and sedentary—fresh air and movement are necessary for our wellbeing. 

      If you want glowing skin…
      In a dream world, my skin is always Hailey Bieber-level glowing, and while I’m not quite a glazed donut yet, the skin hacks I’m about to let you in on are helping me get there. You’ve probably heard it before, but the skin is the largest organ in the body, and hacks like drinking more water and using SPF really do work. Starting each morning with a large glass of water and then continuing to drink water throughout the day is a game-changer for your skin health. Another way you can hack your skin is by trying a lymphatic drainage massage. Not only will it help with de-puffing, but it also does a great job of detoxifying the body.
      Dry brushing can also help with lymphatic drainage and helps to exfoliate the skin (a double biohack!). The last hack for glowing skin is to try an elimination diet. If you are prone to breakouts or redness, there could be something in your diet that is causing it. After a recommendation from my doctor, I cut out dairy from my diet and my skin became much clearer. Work with your doctor to discuss possible food intolerances or allergies because our skin is a direct reflection of what is happening inside the body.

      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.

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      Everything You Know About Self-Care Isn’t Wrong… But It’s Not Quite Right

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      The term ‘self-care’ is having a moment, but is it the right one? When it’s not being sold to us in the form of candles or fuzzy PJs via Instagram ads, self-care is taking over our TikTok FYP with “everything shower” routines. It’s become an excuse for our every indulgence. Happy hour after a terrible day at work? That’s self-care. Brunch, followed by a Euphoria-inspired mani? It’s all self-care, baby. Splurging on a beach vacay after the hell of these past few years? Self. Care.

      But how much we seem to be focusing on self-care online doesn’t actually align with reality. Nearly half of women are struggling with burnout, according to a workplace survey by Indeed. Meanwhile, a 2022 mental health report by Liptember Foundation revealed that 69% of women are stressed and 44% are facing anxiety. 

      Stats like these raise this question: if the ‘treat yourself’ approach to self-care is working, why are we still so frazzled and worn out? Well, according to experts, we’re all somewhat missing the point. “Self-care is about taking time to understand your true needs beyond your impulses,” says Dr Chloe Carmichael, a therapist and author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety. “It’s looking at yourself on a deeper level.”

      It’s not that a vacation or a happy hour isn’t a worthy form of self-care. Sometimes ‘treating yourself’ is what’s needed, notes Carmichael. But the truth is, if that’s all you’re doing, you’re missing out on the real benefits. Keep reading for a step-by-step lesson in strengthening your relationship to caring for yourself.

      Apps That Will Change Your Life

      Peptalk

      Start your morning with a motivational pep talk from the most inspiring people in the world. You experience a simulated video call with professional athletes, celebs, and musicians. Whatever your goals PEPTALK will be your personal coach, trainer or accountability buddy.

      Streaks

      Some psychologists claim that it takes 21 days for a new habit to form; others argue it’s closer to three months. Either way, sticking to anything for that long can be tough. Streaks is a self-improvement coach that helps you ingrain those healthy behaviours by logging the good stuff you get done.

      Shine

      This app is like a cross between a supportive friend and psychologist – each day you’ll get an uplifting message. Also, you can tap into the library of resources with exercises such as mindful cooking or creating a coffee ritual and work through expert-approved challenges to upskill in areas like self-confidence and anxiety.

      Action point one: Define what self-care really means to you

      There isn’t one single meaning of the term. It’s an ever-evolving concept that’s constantly updated, for better and for worse. “Self-care” as a cultural phenomenon was first introduced by feminist author Audre Lorde in her 1988 essay collection, A Burst of Light, says Dr Omolara Thomas Uwemedimo, an assistant professor at Northwell Health in New York.

      “For her, a Black, queer woman, self-care was about self-preservation. It was about being able to see your identity outside of the white gaze and come back to yourself. It wasn’t something nice to do, but something that kept you alive.” 

      Since then, self-care has been appropriated by marketing whizzes eager to sell an idealised version – and the exxy candles that come with it. But now, finally, we’re starting to come full circle and to build upon Lorde’s original thoughts, adds Dr Catherine Cook-Cottone, a professor whose research focuses on mindful self-care. People recognise the holes in that commercialised alteration and are searching for a deeper understanding of what it can do. “Self-care isn’t something you buy,” Cook-Cottone says. “It’s an active practice of taking care of the internal aspects within the context of external pressures.” According to Dr Barbara Riegel, a University of Pennsylvania nursing professor who studies chronic illness, self-care is about “taking control of your body and taking control of what’s going on with you.” For Uwemedimo, self-care is “creating space in your life to remember who you are and what your purpose is.” 

      So in short, the semantics are up to you. Just remember that it’s a lot like parenting yourself, which means it’s your job to stay focused on what you need, not what you want in the moment. That’s not always easy. One example to drive the point home: social connection is important, but maybe you just moved and don’t know anyone, so reaching out feels scary. You can tell yourself that staying home with Netflix is self-care (and it may make you feel good at first), but Netflix won’t fill your need.

      “Self-care is about taking an honest look at what you require in order to function your best – not only today, but in the broader sense,” Carmichael explains.

      Action point two: Find ways to feed your mind, body and soul

      One of the most difficult aspects of self-care is that it’s so individual. “There isn’t a litmus test where certain behaviours always count as self-care,” Carmichael says. “It depends on the person.” So, how do you know what you need? And how do you find that balance between pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and comforting yourself when you need it?

      Remember ART

      Remember the acronym ART to help you decipher if your self-care behaviour is on point, suggests Cook-Cottone. A is ‘attunement’. As in, are you tuned in to what you really need? R stands for ‘responsive.’ Is the behaviour going to serve that need? And T is ‘taking action’. Will you follow through? If you’re having trouble with the first part, you might start including time in your routine to do nothing but reflect.

      “Taking a break is important to develop awareness,” Cook-Cottone says. That *might* mean taking a regular bubble bath, but while you’re in the water, ask yourself: what do I need to feel my best? What is working in my life right now, and what isn’t? If you’re short on time, you can accomplish the same goal by using the moments you spend on other activities – say, folding the laundry or working out – to focus on your breath and simply listen.

      Time To Pause

      Instilling a time to pause in your day should give you an idea of what, if anything, is missing from your routine. It’s also good practice for knowing what you need in the moment. You might learn that you should focus more on physical forms of self-care: getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, taking prescribed medications, and so on. Or maybe managing stress is an area that’d be good to work on, which eventually leads you to a mindfulness practice or more time outside in nature. Maybe you need to do something creative or something that contributes to your community, like volunteering for a cause you care about.

      Friendly reminder: as a complex being, you have complex needs. It’s not as if you can pick one self-care activity and call it a day. “You want a diverse portfolio of self-care,” advises Cook-Cottone. Some activities will be for your physical well-being, while others will be more for your spiritual and social sides. From there, all you have to do is make sure to make time for that self-care on the regular.

      So, yes, this means that you want to have structure, but also the leeway for spontaneity. Include small, daily practices like saying a loving thing to yourself while you brush your teeth, as well as formal practices like regular meditation. Scheduling a variety of activities (fitness classes, meet-ups with friends, whatever lights you up) can take some decision-making off the table. Creating lots of opportunities and practising varied ways of providing care for yourself will help you “be more agile and responsive in the moment,” explains Cook-Cottone. In other words, when a stressor comes up, it’ll be easier to dig into your toolbox and lean on a practice that’s already routine.

      Action point three: Set boundaries in new ways

      This can have multiple applications and implications. First, you want to set boundaries that protect your time for yourself, like saying no to a night out when what you really crave is a good sweat or some time to process a bad day with a mate. You also want to set boundaries for what you accept as appropriate for your life. That means setting rules for the types of treatment you tolerate in your relationships or at work. This second type of boundary is generally harder to set, given how our culture rewards women for being able to push through anything. The benefit is that when we set boundaries for ourselves, we’re protecting others too. We’re making it smoother for other women to set similar boundaries. “It’s easier to do that in community, so you don’t feel like the odd person out,” Uwemedimo says. 

      It’s all too simple to let self-care be last on our to-do list. But without it, you’ll lose yourself in the constant pressures – and who wants to live like that? Plus, self-care isn’t just a mental boon. If you ignore it, you’re setting yourself up for major health issues down the line, from burnout to true chronic illnesses like depression, diabetes or heart disease, Riegel says. “It’s not something that can wait.” All the more reason to start putting yourself first.

      The post Everything You Know About Self-Care Isn’t Wrong… But It’s Not Quite Right appeared first on Women’s Health. More

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      6 Easy Hacks To Eat More Protein Without Trying

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      Before sea moss gel, green powders, and celeb-backed Erewhon smoothies (hi, Hailey and Bella) became the “it” superfoods, incorporating enough protein in your diet was the name of the wellness game. Derived from the Greek word for “primary,” meaning “first place” or “in the lead,” you could call it the OG of nutrition trends.
      Hot take: Protein is making a comeback and for good reason. Eating the right amount of protein is a must for our muscles and bones to repair and grow. When protein is consumed, the body breaks it down into amino acids, absorbs it, and uses it to build muscles and organs, to make hormones and antibodies, and as an energy source. Bottom line: Protein is essential to keep your body in top-notch condition.
      So just how much protein do you need to eat? While it depends on factors such as age and activity level, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that the average individual should consume 0.35 grams per pound of body weight per day for general health. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds should consume an average of 60 grams of protein per day. Use that formula as a starting point, and then talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to find out how many grams you should aim for based on your needs, goals, activity level, and body. 
      While you may think that sticking to grilled chicken and hardboiled eggs is the only way to pack more protein in your diet, there are simple tricks to satisfy the proper macronutrient intake that aren’t so blah. Ahead are six simple tips to help you eat more protein. Spoiler: They deliver on taste and variety.

      1. Meal prep protein into every meal
      Planning your meals ahead of time ensures that every meal is built around a high-quality form of protein. Eggs or breakfast sausage may be the obvious picks for a make-ahead, protein-filled brekkie, but don’t sleep on high-protein breakfast burritos, casseroles, pancakes, and overnight oats. When it comes to lunch or dinner, season or marinate your go-to lean sources of protein, like chicken, fish, and tofu, and cook them up in bulk so you have them at the ready for bowls, salads, pasta, tacos, wraps, and stir-fries.
      If you just can’t be bothered to prep large portions of protein ahead of time, make a little more than you need when you’re making dinner and save it for lunch the next day. To up your protein consumption, don’t forget to sprinkle any (and every!) meal or snack with nutritional yeast (a seasoning high in protein), chia seeds, or nuts, like almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts. 

      2. Add a protein powder to the routine you already have
      From the ever-trendy collagen to the common whey and plant-based assortments (such as pea or hemp), you can take your pick of protein powders to give you a morning kick, afternoon zing, or post-workout recovery boost. Protein powders are one of the easiest ways to sneak protein into your routine because you can add them to pretty much anything: smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt, and more.
      Another easy way to seamlessly incorporate protein powder? #Profee, or protein coffee, ICYMI. TikTokers and wellness girlies alike are taking their morning cup of joe with protein powder to get a leg-up in protein for the day (insider tip: Starbucks fans can also take part with Protein-Blended Cold Brew–you’re welcome). Is matcha more your cup of tea? Whip up a matcha latte with a vanilla protein powder and milk of your choice for a healthy pick-me-up and hit of protein. Just make sure that the protein powder you choose is ideally organic or clean without additives and artificial sweeteners. 
       
      3. Have protein-rich snacks on hand
      Snacks are there for us when we’re hangry, the munchies strike, or we need to increase our intake of protein. You want to get the most bang for your buck, so load up on high-protein snacks like a smoothie, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, sliced turkey and cheese, smoked salmon and avocado toast, apple slices with peanut butter, and roasted edamame (I could go on and on). Bonus points: They’ll also help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent that all-too-familiar afternoon crash. If you’re always on the go, have handy snacks readily available that you can easily grab on your way out. Think: beef jerky, clean protein bars, and nuts or seeds.

      4. Incorporate more legumes 
      They say good things come in small packages, and beans are no exception. Soybeans, lentils, and white beans are chock-full of protein, and not only do they serve up a good portion of plant-based protein, but they also help meet your fiber, iron, and vitamin requirements. Other protein-packed beans to add to your grocery list: split peas and the kidney, black, navy, and pinto varieties. Stock your kitchen pantry with these protein powerhouses for an inexpensive and easy way to whip up versatile meals and snacks. Eat them on their own or make them into a soup, dip (hummus, anyone?), or bean-based veggie burger, or toss them in an omelet or salad for a healthy dose of protein that’ll keep you full and satisfied. Another hack? Replace your processed carbohydrates with legume-based options, such as chickpea or lentil pasta. 
       
      5. Add protein to baked goods and desserts
      You might think of muffins, bread, or cookies as a nutrient-void treat, but homemade options actually make for the perfect vehicles to add protein into the mix (literally). With the addition of protein powder, greek yogurt, beans, ground flaxseed, or a nut or seed butter, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and reach your protein goal in one swoop. Take a stab at these brownies complete with chocolate protein powder and almond butter, blueberry cake donuts that include almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and Greek yogurt, or red lentil cookies jam-packed with protein from red lentils, peanut butter, oats, and whole wheat flour (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!). And if no-bake desserts are more up your alley, try these lemon coconut flaxseed balls, peanut butter cups, or vegan cookie dough on your next self-care night in (now that’s my kind of multi-tasking). 

      6. Replace refined grains with whole grains
      Food for thought: Whole grains are packed with important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and–you guessed it–protein. When we process grains (turning them into refined carbohydrates, like white flour), it strips them of nutrient goodness, including removing protein. For example, whole wheat flour has 28% more protein than refined wheat flour. When purchasing bread, pasta, or other wheat products, look for whole wheat as the first ingredient for a range of benefits, including more protein.
      Better yet, opt for grains in their whole form such as quinoa, farro, barley, bulgur, brown rice, or millet. Most grains have about 25% more protein when eaten in their whole form because the protein typically gets processed out. Add whole grains to salads, make a whole-grain side dish, or whip up pilafs, stir-fries, and bowls.

      30 Superfoods You Can Sneak Into Your Go-To Meals More

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      6 Green Flags Your Body Is on the Path to Optimal Health

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      Whether it comes to a romantic partner or an interview, we often can spot red flags from a mile away, but we could all afford to put a spotlight on the green ones too. You know, the signs that give you the thumbs up that you’re heading in the right direction with your health, relationships, career, or all of the above. While we can more easily identify growth in our relationships and work, it’s not as black and white gauging our progress with our wellness (health is way more than just the number on the scale or pants size, after all). The good news is there are some general clues the body tells us that indicate good health (consider them gold stars). Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the green flags that prove you’re becoming the healthiest version of yourself. BTW, these aren’t the only green flags; we all have unique bodies and paths toward greater well-being, but these green flags can serve as a starting point. 

      1. You wake up feeling refreshed
      There’s nothing like waking up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to take on the day. And thanks to you falling asleep in under 30 minutes and sleeping solidly straight through the night without waking up more than once, feeling rested, restored, and energized upon waking up in the AM is the norm for you. Plus, you know better than to hit the hay and wake up at inconsistent times, get trapped in the hamster wheel of TikToks close to bedtime, sip on an espresso after 2 p.m. (yes, you also skip your favorite nightcap in the name of a good snooze), or keep your bedroom warmer than 72 degrees. Because PSA: Sleep is essential for our bodies and minds to release toxins and recharge, and when we have consistent nights of blissful Zzzs, we reap the benefits of better brain function, improved emotional regulation, a healthy immune system and weight, and decreased risk of developing chronic diseases. 

      2. You have consistent energy throughout the day
      Repeatedly throwing back one cup of coffee after the next ’til you’ve lost count to get you through the work day: You’ve been there, done that. But as you’re healing your body, you’ve bid adieu to needing a cat nap or your afternoon caffeine pick-me-up just to function. Instead, you’ve picked up a workout routine that you enjoy and stick to, you nosh on whole, nutritious foods (most of the time), and you meditate, journal, and call your sister and BFF on the reg to tame any stress. The best part? You have the physical and mental energy to do the things you want to do. You crush your workouts (heavier weights, who dis?), you’re able to check off a work project without any distractions (bye, bye, brain fog!), and you let the little things slide (a 20-minute wait at the doctor’s office? no biggie). Afternoon slump, who? 

      3. You have regular and healthy bowel movements
      Real talk: Your bowel movement schedule (or lack thereof) is a window into your gut health. Sure, you may have struggled with digestive drama in the past (looking at you, stomach pain, bloating, and constipation), but out with the old habits, in with the new. You’ve prioritized staying hydrated (you aim for about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day) and stick with foods rich in antioxidants, antimicrobials, prebiotic fiber, and resistant starch. You stocked your kitchen with eats like asparagus, spinach, berries, sweet potatoes, oats, barley, legumes, and fruit to help fight inflammation and support a healthy gut microbiome. 
      The result? Your bowel function is normal, AKA they are soft but solid, are easily passed, and happen regularly (at least once a day). The previous pain and bloating? Gone. And because you’re thorough AF, you keep a food journal so that in the event that abdominal pain, excessive bloating, or diarrhea rear their ugly heads after eating certain foods, you can pinpoint the culprit(s). Your new MO: Happy gut, happy life. 

      4. If you menstruate, you have regular cycles
      If there’s one telltale sign you’re in good health, it’s having Aunt Flo visit consistently with minimal symptoms (read: your hormones are healthy). You know this to be true since you were once all too familiar with the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance (such as irregular periods, weight gain, fatigue, PMS, low libido). But you took matters into your own hands when you healed your hormones naturally by syncing to your cycle (otherwise known as the Cycle Syncing Method ®)—adjusting your eating, exercising, and lifestyle habits according to the phase you’re in. For example, during your menstrual phase, you swap your HIIT workouts for walking and Pilates. Bonus points: You’ve noticed that cycle syncing not only keeps your cycle consistent, but it also helps you burn more fat and build more muscle, while encouraging you to reconnect with your body.

      5. Your mood is noticeably better
      Let’s face it: Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but because you’ve made it a point to carve out time for self-care, mindfulness, and connecting with others, you’re not in a constant funk, you don’t feel stressed out 24/7, and you feel happier overall. Whether it’s gratitude journaling, catching up with old friends over coffee, weight lifting, attending therapy, or setting social media boundaries, you notice a difference in how you handle stress and your overall mood. However, when you find yourself in a season of hardship, you feel and process all emotions without judgment, practice self-compassion, and remind yourself everything is temporary–including hard times.

      6. You have clearer skin
      J.Lo’s got nothing on you and your dewy, sun-kissed glow. That’s right: your breakouts, eczema, and rashes are a thing of the past, your complexion is even-toned, and there’s no denying your skin is hydrated and supple. The skin is a great indicator of your overall health (it’s the body’s largest organ, FYI), so you listened to what it was telling you. Your skin glow-up didn’t happen overnight, of course—it took months of nourishing your body with antioxidant and omega-3-rich superfoods (there’s no denying the gut-skin connection). Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you have green flag #1 down to a science (beauty sleep is a real thing).

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      20 Science-Backed Ways To Hack Your Happiness Hormones for Better Mood

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      When you think of being happy, you probably have a list of special memories, certain people (including four-legged BFFs), or simple pleasures (think: sipping on a good cup of coffee, cozying up to a page-turner) that comes to mind. But news flash: The state of your happiness and the emotions that come along with it is actually biological. The feeling of happiness is the result of four neurochemicals and hormones in your brain: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. In other words, you can hack your happy brain chemicals for a better mood. Read on to learn the role each of the four happiness hormones plays in our fulfillment and how to (naturally) give them a leg up on their mood-boosting power. This way to happiness…
       
      Endorphins
      Originated from the words “endogenous,” AKA within the body, and “morphine,” an opioid pain reliever, think of endorphins as your body’s innate aspirin or painkiller. As chemical messengers in the body, endorphins are produced to help relieve pain and reduce stress on the body, allowing it to experience pleasure.
       
      How to increase endorphin levels:
      1. Exercise: One surefire way to get those endorphins going is getting your heart pumping. The best part? You don’t have to get after a grueling workout to get the most bang for your buck from endorphins. Hit the streets or tread for a brisk walk, try a lazy girl workout, or do a quick Tabata sesh.
      2. Have a bite of dark chocolate: If you ever needed a good excuse to give into your sweet treat craving, consider this it. Some studies have shown that nibbling on chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins. 
      3. LOL: No joke—laughing does your mind and body good. From a chuckle to laughing so hard you cry, laughter really is the best medicine. Start a folder of funny videos to have handy on your phone (dog ones are the best, IMO), cue up your favorite comedy or TV show, prioritize time with loved ones who deliver on the pick-me-ups. 
      4. Try aromatherapy: Essential oils have been touted for helping everything from anxiety to sleep to headaches. It turns out they can contribute to our contentment, too. According to a 2012 study, lavender aromatherapy seems to help relieve anxiety by releasing endorphins, and a 2017 study suggests euphoric essential oil aromas (think: lavender and vanilla) can lead to endorphin release.
      5. Get busy: The euphoric high you feel from reaching the big “O?” You have endorphins to thank for it (FYI, they’re released when you have sex). So whether you engage in self-pleasure or sex with a partner, say hello to an improved mood and relaxation (but you already knew that). 
       
      Serotonin
      Both a hormone and neurotransmitter that relays messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout your body, serotonin has a hand in body functions such as mood, sleep, digestion, and sexual desire. Lack of enough serotonin is believed to be linked to  depression, anxiety, and other health conditions.

      How to increase serotonin levels:
      6. Get more sunlight: It turns out the sun does more for you than just leave your skin with a sun-kissed glow. Exposure to sunlight cues areas in the retina to trigger the brain’s release of serotonin. The result? Enhanced mood, better focus, and a feeling of calmness. Whether you head outdoors for a workout, lay out in the sun, or spend time in nature, you can expect to reap the happiness benefits. 
      7. Reach for tryptophan-heavy foods: While there aren’t any direct food sources of serotonin (if only), there’s tryptophan, an amino acid that’s converted to serotonin in your brain and found primarily in high-protein foods, including turkey and salmon. Hot tip: Pair your tryptophan-rich foods with carbohydrates to help more tryptophan make it to your brain.
      8. Take supplements: Speaking of tryptophan, adding some high-quality dietary supplements to your regimen may help stimulate the production and release of serotonin by increasing the amino acid. Think: tryptophan, St. John’s wort, or probiotics. But before you consume any supplement, check with your doctor. 
      9. Partake in activities that reduce stress: There’s no sugar-coating it: Chronic stress can cause low serotonin levels. So rely on your stress-relieving go-tos—be it journaling, yoga, therapy—even before the tension strikes. Bottom line: Chill vibes only. 
      10. Try massage therapy: PSA: A one-hour massage lowers cortisol in your body while also releasing serotonin (consider it an hour-long hug). By lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin, you’re fostering your body’s ability to repel pain, anxiety, and feelings of sadness. As if you needed convincing to be treated to a massage, you can’t go wrong with getting a professional treatment or DIY-ing a lymphatic drainage massage at home. 
       
      Dopamine
      Dopamine, a neurotransmitter made in your brain, stars as the “reward center” and orchestrates memory, movement, motivation, mood, attention, and more. When you experience pleasure—food, sex, check off a to-do—your brain releases dopamine in large amounts, creating oh-so-good feelings, which motivate you to repeat a specific behavior.

      How to increase dopamine levels:
      11. Carry out acts of kindness: When you volunteer your time or do something good for others, there’s no denying the feel-good sensation you get (hi there, dopamine boost!). So sign up for a shift at your local food bank, pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, or pay a compliment to a stranger. 
      12. Load up on protein: Dopamine is produced from the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine, and studies show that increasing their amounts in your diet can increase dopamine levels in the brain. Lucky for us, they’re both found in protein-rich foods, like chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, and beans.
      13. Get enough Zzzs: We all can attest to the consequences of a night of tossing and turning (irritability, anxiety, and difficulty focusing, just to name a few). On the flip side, prioritizing consistent, high-quality sleep may help regulate your body’s natural dopamine rhythms and provide alertness during the day. The formula for a sound slumber? Establish a wind-down routine, follow a consistent sleep schedule, incorporate movement in your day, and keep your sleeping environment cool.
      14. Meditate: New research has found that the improved mental and physical health benefits that meditation brings may be thanks to increased dopamine levels in the brain. One study in particular found a 65% increase in dopamine production in its participants after meditating for one hour, compared with resting quietly.
      15. Try something new: Novel experiences prompt the rush of dopamine, which in turn leads to the creation of new neurons and new neural connections (read: the process of learning). It can be as simple as taking a new route on your daily walk or picking up a new hobby (join a book club, anyone?)

      Oxytocin 
      Known as the love, cuddle, or bonding hormone, oxytocin plays an important part in human bonding. It’s released during childbirth and breastfeeding, forging a bond between mama and baby. When we fall in love, cuddle, kiss, or have sex, we encourage oxytocin production, thereby positively impacting our mood and emotions.
       
      How to increase oxytocin levels:
      16. Prioritize social connection: Can you feel the love? Your answer should be an astounding “yes” if you get a daily dose of fostering positive relationships. Spending time with loved ones fills your oxytocin cup as it can help you feel more connected and socially supported, not to mention less alone in the world. 
      17. Play tunes: We listen to music to lift our spirits, improve our focus, and motivate us through a workout, so it should come as no surprise that the act also releases oxytocin. One study inferred that 20 open-heart surgery patients who listened to music while on bed rest had higher levels of oxytocin and felt more relaxed compared to patients who didn’t listen to music.
      18. Pet a dog: Dogs are a “man’s best friend,” and for good reason. Research suggests that when dogs and humans interact with each other in a positive way (i.e. cuddling), both parties experience a surge in oxytocin. Enter: all the warm fuzzies.
      19. Hug it out: If you’re not a hugger, FOMO applies. Embrace hugging, hand-holding, and cuddling to give your oxytocin levels some love. Not convinced? A study found that the perks of oxytocin were strongest in women who had better relationships and more frequent hugs with their romantic partner. Just how many hugs do we need daily to reap the benefits? According to family therapist Virginia Satir, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
      20. Share food: From your childhood days splitting your PB&J sandwich with a classmate to cooking dinner with your besties as an adult, you’re creating bonds and spurring on oxytocin release. Be the hostess with the mostest and put on dinner parties, set cooking date nights with your S.O., and make your work lunch outings family-style.
       

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      Revolutionizing Brain Health: 8 Secrets From America’s Leading Neuroscientist

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      Some people obsess over celebrities, and others swoon over athletes or politicians, but I geek out over health professionals like Dr. Daniel Amen. As the author of 10 New York Times bestsellers, a top psychiatrist, and the founder of Amen Clinics (where he’s scanned the brains of more than 210,000 patients), Dr. Amen is the expert on how to keep your brain healthy. Why should we care about our brain health? Some of the most common diseases in the world are directly linked to your brain, including Alzheimers, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, yet the brain is not often looked at during routine medical check-ups. It’s only when more serious symptoms occur that the brain is finally addressed.
      Dr. Amen is working to change that process and shed light on why maintaining a healthy brain is just as important as maintaining a healthy body. By ensuring our brain is healthy, we may be able to avoid detrimental diseases and live a long and healthy life. Ahead, tips on how to maintain optimal brain health Dr. Amen recommends to every patient. 

      Meet the expert
      Dr. Daniel Amen
      Physician, Adult and Child Psychiatrist, and Founder of Amen Clinics
      Dr. Daniel Amen’s mission is to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. He is dedicated to providing the education, products, and services to accomplish this goal.

      1. Get 7-9 quality hours of sleep per night
      We all know what it’s like to wake up from a bad sleep versus a good one, but how exactly does sleep affect our brain? When we’re sleeping, we enhance cognitive function. Getting high-quality sleep every night fosters attention, memory, problem-solving, creativity, and numerous other aspects of thinking. On the other hand, recurring poor sleep can lead to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. One study even looked at the connection between sleep, memory, and aging and discovered that as we age, our quality of sleep deteriorates, which then leads to a decline in establishing long-term memory. Dr. Amen emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep for good brain health by eliminating anything that might interfere with your sleep, such as caffeine or alcohol. If you are still struggling, he recommends looking into supplements such as magnesium, L-theanine, and 5-HTP, or trying hypnosis. 

      2. Eat a brain-healthy diet
      Fun fact: Certain foods are better for your brain than others. In his cookbook Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, Amen provides recipes and details on how to cook for your brain. Dr. Amen emphasizes increasing omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish or fish oil as recent research has revealed that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may promote a healthy emotional balance. He also recommends drinking lots of water since your brain is 80% water and even slight dehydration can raise stress hormones, which can damage your brain over time. Lastly, he suggests loading up on antioxidants as they significantly reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. Some fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, spinach, raspberries, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, avocado, and kiwis. 

      3. Exercise your brain for 15 minutes a day
      Einstein said that if a person studies a subject for 15 minutes a day, every day for a year, they will be an expert. Dr. Amen repeatedly uses this quote as the brain is a muscle, and the more you use it, the better it will work. Learning enhances blood flow and activity in the brain, and if you go long periods without learning, you start to lose some of the connections in the brain and can struggle more with learning and memory. But learning doesn’t mean you have to sign up for a course (although that’s an option too). It can also mean reading, playing a musical instrument, speaking a new language, taking up a new hobby, practicing meditation, and playing games like Scrabble or chess. 

      4. Maintain good blood flow throughout the body
      On a recent episode of The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett podcast, Dr. Amen discussed the effects of blood flow on the brain. Healthy blood flow throughout the body is how we stay alive, and Dr. Amen shared that certain factors can affect your blood flow, including caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and a sedentary lifestyle. It’s probably not top of mind to think about healthy blood flow, but reducing your intake of certain substances and ensuring you get thirty minutes of exercise daily means you are already on the right path to getting there. If you sit at a desk most of the day, try taking short breaks for walks or investing in a desk treadmill. 

      5. Stay socially connected 
      As human beings, we are biologically social. Our survival is inherent in our connection to other people, so it’s no surprise that a lack of social connection can be a detriment to our brain health. A new study from the Journal of Gerontology showed that socialization in older adults can have an impact on healthy cognitive aging and be protective against dementia. We are constantly activating our brains when we are social through talking, listening, and learning. Loneliness, on the other hand, can lead to depression, anxiety, and even addictions. According to social-connectedness expert Julianne Holt-Lunstad, the damage associated with being lonely was found to be equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. While having some alone time is beneficial for our health, the feeling of constant loneliness is not. 

      6. Maintain healthy oral care
      It turns out that regularly flossing and brushing your teeth is good for a lot more than just oral care. Studies have recently shown that gum disease, missing teeth, and other signs of poor oral health can contribute to your brain health, particularly the risk of stroke. An analysis done by the American Stroke Foundation found that those with poor oral care (cavities, missing teeth, needing dentures) represented a 24% increase in white matter hyperintensities visible on MRI images. In other words, those with overall poor oral health had increased damage to the architecture of the brain. So if your dental hygienist can’t convince you to floss, do it for the health of your brain. 

      7. Protect your head from injury
      If you’ve seen the movie Concussion, you know why protecting your brain from injury is crucial. While the skull is thick and hard, the brain is soft, and just one injury can cause severe damage, Dr. Amen shared. There are simple steps you can take to protect your head from an injury such as wearing a helmet, wearing a seatbelt, and staying away from contact-heavy sports, but there are also other ways to avoid injury that might not be as obvious. Injuring your brain doesn’t just mean causing damage physically; emotional trauma also affects the brain and can leave long-lasting effects, so speaking with a licensed therapist to work through trauma can help to heal the brain over time. 

      8. Love your brain
      Dr. Amen shared that he first started caring about his brain when he did a scan of it and saw it for the first time. It took actually seeing his brain for him to finally start taking care of it. Of course, most of us aren’t going to have that same experience of seeing our brains (as much as I would like to), but that doesn’t mean we can’t start caring for them. Asking yourself the question, “Is this healthy for my brain?” in your day-to-day life will make following the above tips easier until one day they just become a part of your natural routine. 

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