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      “I Tried The Latest Massage That Promises To Help With Insomnia, Pain And Fatigue.”

      by

      A magnesium massage may sound like something better suited to pro-athletes or off-the-grid wellness gurus, but there’s a growing body of research that’s showing us mere mortals should jump aboard the magnesium train. 

      To find out if you can actually massage your way to better ZZZ’s, we kneaded our way through the research before getting treated to a much-needed kneading at a Cape Town spa. Here’s everything you need to know about magnesium massages.

      What Is Magnesium?

      “Magnesium is an essential macronutrient that plays a key role in many body processes, including muscle, nerve, and bone health and mood,” according to Medical News Today. Many people don’t get enough in their diet despite it being found in a variety of different foods like nuts, beans and leafy greens, says Healthline. 

      READ MORE: Exactly How Sleep Deprivation And Weight Gain Are Linked – And How To Prevent The Spread

      The Benefits Of Magnesium:

      If you’ve spent any time on the health and wellness side of TikTok, you’ll no doubt have come across videos about magnesium and the amazing benefits people have experienced from taking supplements. But it’s not just a factless fad. Research conducted into the benefits of magnesium and magnesium supplements have shown many benefits:

      It may boost exercise performance: One 2015 study of 2 570 women associated higher magnesium intake with increased muscle mass and power.

      It may improve PMS symptoms: Some research suggests that magnesium supplements help relieve PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps and migraine attacks.

      It may combat depression: A PubMed Central study linked low levels of magnesium to an increased risk of depression.

      It may support better sleep: Research has shown a positive link between magnesium and improved sleep

      Magnesium may also be linked to supporting healthy blood sugar levels, promoting heart health, fighting inflammation, and reducing symptoms of anxiety. 

      What Is A Magnesium Massage?

      It’s usually a full-body massage that incorporates magnesium oil to help induce a state of calm, help with pain and fatigue and give you a great night’s sleep.

      Why Get A Magnesium Massage For Better Sleep?

      Like many of the above-mentioned TikTok users will tell you, magnesium supplements are a very common natural remedy for sleep problems like insomnia. And there’s a scientific reason for that; magnesium regulates many neurotransmitters that are involved with sleep. One such neurotransmitter is GABA (or gamma-aminobutyric acid) which is a neurotransmitter associated with helping with feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. And what do you know, a 2017 systematic review showed that magnesium supplementation also had a beneficial effect on mild anxiety.

      But if your problem is falling asleep, a 2021 review of older adults who had insomnia found that magnesium supplements lowered the amount of time it took them to fall asleep by an average of 17 minutes. And another study of almost 4000 adults found a link between taking magnesium and improved sleep quality and duration.

      Plus, if you find yourself nodding off in your morning meeting or needing to take a nap in the arvie, a PubMed Central study found that women who had a higher magnesium intake experience a decreased likelihood of falling asleep during the day.  

      While magnesium supplements could positively impact your sleep, like the research suggests (always consult a doc before taking anything new though), magnesium massage therapy could be an underrated sleep hack.

      READ MORE: Normal Sleep — Turns Out, There Might Be No Such Thing

      How Does It Work?

      Transdermal (through the skin) magnesium therapy has been touted online as a hero ingredient that could potentially cure many conditions. It’s said that when used topically, it’s absorbed straight into the body’s cells and tissues, raising magnesium levels in a shorter period of time. 

      However, the research is limited and there are varying opinions about your body’s ability to absorb it through the skin. One Journal of Integrative Medicine study showed that magnesium oil alleviated fibromyalgia symptoms, such as pain. And we know that many athletes love using magnesium in their routines.

      Magnesium Massage Full Review

      Between never-ending loadshedding and a Woolies avo costing a month’s rent, it’s no wonder we’re losing out on precious ZZZ’s.  And while most of us are cutting out anything that isn’t a necessity, I’m here to tell you why a magnesium massage might just be worth the investment.

      I tried the Muscle And Joint Magnesium Therapy Massage at Steenberg Spa. It’s a luxury wellness spa in the Constantia Winelands (tough job). Their massage promises to re-energise the body while treating symptoms of insomnia, pain and fatigue. According to them, their luxurious magnesium therapy induces a state of calm and promise’s a good night’s sleep.

      My treatment expert carefully kneaded away at my body, working through my problem areas (my back – thanks WFH shrimp-like posture!). And by the end of it I felt relaxed and rejuvenated. She even told me concern areas; knots along my scapula and tightness in my lower back I was unaware of. Following a delicious breakfast of fruit, yoghurt, granola and green juice, I wandered through the gardens and pool where you can lounge with a glass of bubbles and a good book.

      You can’t help but feel relaxed being surrounded by gorg gardens, buildings and mountains at Steenberg. But the real star of the show is their scented garden. You can have your massage in this secluded haven that’s punctuated by fragrant flora and a towering Oak tree. So you can soak up nature’s scenes, sounds and scents and segue into a peaceful state. 

      So Did It Help With Insomnia And Fatigue?

      Yes, the real impact happened that night. My sleep is where I suffer most when I’m stressed out. I experience late nights with my mind racing, wake up several times throughout the night and lie for hours trying to fall asleep. Bedtime becomes something I dread, anxiety building throughout the evening as I worry I will have another sleepless night. 

      I’d had a few weeks of terrible sleep so I was in serious need of a good night’s rest. And that’s exactly what happened. I fell asleep almost immediately, without any of that bedtime anxiety, and I slept through the night, not waking up once (a very rare occurrence for me). And the following nights were exactly the same.

      Of course, I can’t state how much of it was placebo or not. But it really helped with the weeks of insomnia I had been dealing with and reset my bedtime routine. Sometimes you just need to break the pattern to alleviate bedtime anxiety that accompanies an extended period of bad sleep. And this massage was exactly that. Although managing the stressors in your life so that your sleep is unaffected is first prize. 

      For me, The Muscle And Joint Magnesium Therapy Massage at Steenberg did exactly what it promised and had lasting benefits outside of what a sublime spa day already does. The massage costs R1 100 for 60 minutes, R1 210 for 75 minutes and R1 340 for 90 minutes and in my opinion it’s well worth it just for the good night’s sleep, let alone the luxe experience you receive.

      READ MORE: The 6 Greatest Recovery Tools That Ease Tight Muscles

      What To Book

      They currently have an amazing Scented Bliss package on offer that’s the ultimate spoil. You’ll have your massage in the Scented Garden. This package for two includes a side-by-side Herbal Oil Massage, Pressure Point Foot Massage and Scalp Ritual at R2450 (60 minutes) or R2970 (90 minutes).

      Alternatively, you can have one of their three unique massage treatments. There’s the CBD Wellness Journey for pain relief and immune boosting, Bellabaci Signature Massage for circulation and toxin elimination or the highly-recommended-by-me Muscle and Joint Magnesium Therapy Massage for fatigue and insomnia.

      Post-pamper, indulge with a bottle of crisp Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay Cap Classique and a refreshing dip in the pool. And it doesn’t have to end there; delight your taste buds with a Scented Garden private dining experience. At R1 250 per person, you’ll get to enjoy a three-course meal on the candlelit deck under the stars with the gentle sounds of trickling water from the garden’s water feature for ambience.

      How To Get More Magnesium In Your Diet

      Once you leave the Steenberg spa, you can still incorporate magnesium into your everyday life. These foods are rich in magnesium (click on the magnesium sources for delicious recipes using these ingredients):

      Pumpkin seeds

      Chia seeds

      Black beans

      Kidney beans

      Edamame beans

      Spinach

      Avocado

      Banana

      Potato with the skin on

      Almonds

      Cashews

      Peanut butter

      Brown rice

      Salmon

      Halibut

      Soy milk

      Whole wheat bread

      Low-fat yoghurt

      Oatmeal

      Fortified breakfast cereals

      Add These Magnesium Sources To Your Pantry

      Shop them from local brand, Faithful To Nature. You’ll have the magnesium magic sources at the ready every time you want to cook or have a snack.

      Chia seeds contain 335mg of magnesium per 100g.

      Pumpkin seeds contain 262mg of magnesium per 100g.

      Almonds contain 268mg of magnesium per 100g.

      Cashews contain 292mg of magnesium per 100g.

      1/2 cup of cooked black beans contains 60mg of magnesium.

      Kidney beans contain 140mg of magnesium per 100g.

      Peanut butter contains 154mg of magnesium per 100g.

      1 serving of instant oats contains 36mg of magnesium.

      1 cup of soy milk contains 61mg of magnesium.

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

      Kelleigh is the Managing Editor of Women’s Health. When she’s not convincing her colleagues to try the latest TikTok trends, you can find her planning a holiday that never leaves the group chat, binge-reading or eating her way through Cape Town. More

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      I Ate Like the World’s Happiest Population for a Week, and I Actually Felt Happier

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      The World Happiness Report recently released its list of the world’s happiest countries, with Finland claiming the top spot for the sixth year in a row. As someone who is always striving to live a healthier and happier life, I was curious about what the Finnish are doing that Americans aren’t (the United States ranked 15th on the list), so I decided to do a little digging into Finland’s wellness approach and eat like the world’s happiest women for a week. Read on to learn about the Nordic diet and what happened when I tried it for a week, as well as the other rituals that are supposedly responsible for Finland’s spot as the world’s happiest country. 

      The link between diet and mental health 
      Although diet isn’t one of the factors explored in the report, experts agree that what and how you eat dramatically impacts your mental wellbeing. “The gut contains 95% of the body’s serotonin, so nourishing ourselves with whole, natural foods that support digestion is integral to our mental health,” explained author and founder of wellness brand Bonberi, Nicole Berrie. “When the gut and digestive systems work optimally, the body can access serotonin.”
      Numerous studies have also highlighted the role diet plays on mental health. In fact, an entire emerging field (called nutritional psychiatry) is dedicated to the relationship between mood and food. Research shows healthy eating patterns that focus on whole foods are associated with better mental health than the standard American diet. Furthermore, one study found that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids have the power to improve and prevent depression because of their anti-inflammatory effects on the brain. 

      The Nordic diet
      The Nordic diet originated from the traditional eating patterns of Nordic countries like Finland. This eating style emphasizes locally-sourced, nutrient-dense whole foods, such as fruits (mainly berries), vegetables (especially root vegetables like beets, turnips, and carrots), whole grains (particularly rye, barley and oats), legumes, nuts, and seeds. The main pillars that distinguish the Nordic diet is that it’s rich in fermented foods, like pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, and yogurt, providing your body with a healthy dose of probiotics. While similar to the Mediterranean diet, the Nordic diet includes more cold-water fish high in omega-3, like salmon and herring. I couldn’t find a study linking the Nordic diet to their place as the world’s happiest country, but it’s no surprise their diet is full of probiotics and omega-3s, knowing how much these factors have been shown to support mood.
      The Nordic diet is relatively unrestrictive. You don’t have to count calories or track macros, but you probably won’t find a lot of heavily processed foods, added sugars, and high-fat red meat. 

      My experience
      I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed eating like the Finnish for a week. Following the Nordic diet challenged me to be more inventive with my cooking and spend more time shopping at my local farmer’s market. By ditching takeout for home-cooked meals made with locally-grown ingredients, I felt more connected with what I was eating. This helped me stay present during mealtime and enjoy each bite of food. 
      I also love how this eating style didn’t force me to track what I ate, allowing me to take an intuitive approach to my meals. This made it easy to follow and enjoy the eating approach because I could simply eat foods I loved that were Nordic diet-approved (think: plant-foods, fermented veggies/yogurt, and omega-3 rich fish) rather than doing mental gymnastics and pulling up MyFitnessPal every time I wanted a snack. Some of my favorite meals from the week included smoked salmon toast with goat cheese, lentil vegetable soup with rice, and berries with yogurt and honey. 

      Other habits I incorporated throughout the week
      Obviously there are a lot of other factors Finland attributes to its happiness ranking than diet. Many experts point to its low levels of crime and good public services, or social support and income equality. But as for habits I could replicate in a week, I found three key habits Finnish citizens do regularly that I tried to emulate as well. 

      I moved more 
      Because I physically felt more energized from all the nourishing veggies, protein, and carbs I was eating, I incorporated more movement, hitting the trail with my dog daily. Research shows that regular exercise has a positive impact on mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function. So it’s no surprise that the world’s happiest people are also some of the most fit. 56% of Finnish adults get at least one hour of moderately intense activity a day.

      I spent more time outside
      The Finns also prioritize time spent outdoors, which is one of the reasons why experts believe Finland consistently ranks high on the list of the world’s happiest countries. In fact, 87% of Finns report that nature is important to them because of its mental health benefits. Since I started walking more, I also naturally spent more time outdoors. This resulted in a huge mood boost each day that I didn’t always notice from my indoor workouts. Research shows that spending time in nature helps reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

      I focused on quality time with the people I love 
      My husband and I often get stuck in the cycle of ordering takeout and parking it on the couch for a good Netflix binge. So although we’re in the same room together, we’re not actually spending quality time together. But while I was following the Nordic diet, I took time to carefully select ingredients and cooked our meals with love. This made us more inclined to enjoy dinner at the table rather than on the couch with the TV on. By doing this, we were able to better connect at the end of the day, which also gave me a significant happiness boost. 
      Experts agree that feeling connected with others has the power to improve mental health. Having a strong sense of community provides people with social support, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. Finland is known for its strong sense of community, with a culture that values social support, cooperation, and equality, which contributes to the country’s high levels of mental wellbeing.  

      The Final Verdict 
      So, did eating like the world’s happiest women actually make me feel happier? Honestly, yes. Creating meals based around whole foods I enjoyed gave me more energy throughout the day, which led to a domino effect of healthy decisions that improved my mood. My digestion also felt amazing with all of the gut-friendly foods (fiber and probiotics offer the optimal combination), and my life felt so much simpler to focus on the whole, fresh ingredients I had. 
      While I genuinely enjoyed following the Nordic diet for a week, it’s not the magic pill for happiness. Food can have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing, but it’s only one facet of what brings us joy. Instead, take a holistic approach to happiness that emphasizes nourishing the body with wholesome foods, moving more, and fostering meaningful connections with others.

      5 Traits All of the Happiest Women Have in Common More

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      The Detailed Morning Routine of the Internet’s Supplement Queen, Siff Haider

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      Welcome to The Everygirl Podcast. Whether you’re looking for insider secrets from successful women that have your dream job, are interested in expert advice to transform your health and feel your best, or just want to be entertained and laugh along with us on your commute, we’ve got you covered.

      As someone who falls squarely into the forgets-to-take-her-vitamins-every-morning camp, there’s no morning routine that I aspire to more than that of the supplement queen herself. By supplement queen I am (of course) referring to Siff Haider, co-founder of Arrae and host of The Dream Bigger Podcast. This week on The Everygirl Podcast, we’re sitting down with Siff to learn everything there is to know about supplements, entrepreneurship, and her personal wellness hacks.
      After struggling with her immune system and digestion, Siff turned to holistic medicine and quickly found that small changes made a huge difference for her well-being. She co-founded Arrae with her husband in 2020, and has been sharing her wellness journey online for years. Read on for Siff Haider’s super-detailed morning routine, and check out this week’s episode of The Everygirl Podcast for more.

      Coffee and journaling
      After she wakes up, scrapes her tongue, brushes her teeth, and chugs a bottle of water, Siff likes to sit down with a cup of coffee and her journal. Her go-to coffee is a cinnamon Americano, and she sips it for twenty minutes while she does nothing but write. According to Siff, her journaling routine is the most important, sacred ritual of her day. “I take so much joy from it,” she said on The Everygirl Podcast.
      Siff’s favorite kind of journaling is “Future You” journaling, which is a kind of manifestation journaling where you imagine your future self and write down every little detail you can imagine about her life. It’s an aspirational ritual that is so rewarding (and easy) to work into your own morning routine.

      Get outside and walk
      Siff prioritizes getting outside first thing in the morning and taking a quick walk. “My non-negotiables are getting outside in the morning for my walk, journaling, and movement whenever I can get it in,” she said on The Everygirl Podcast. Learning the benefits of walking as an exercise was a game-changer for her, because when she was younger, she thought she needed intense HIIT workouts and cardio to feel her best. But now she knows it’s the little things like walking that have made the biggest difference in her health journey.

      Resistance training or Pilates
      Movement is another non-negotiable in Siff’s morning routine, and for her, the best ways to get active are weightlifting at the gym or taking a Pilates class. “Building muscle is what protects you from degeneration when you’re older,” she said. “It allows you to stay more vibrant for a longer period of time. I’m really interested in the longevity play.” However, Siff emphasizes that there’s no need to follow the exact workout that anyone else is doing in order to discover a morning movement that is effective for you. To her, it’s all about finding and doing what your body loves. More

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      Lazy Girl Workouts Are Having a Moment—These Are the Ones Worth Trying

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      We all have those days where we just can’t muster the energy to make it to the gym, let alone get off the couch, but still crave some movement to get those feel-good endorphins going. Enter: lazy girl workout workouts, AKA exercises you can do while you binge-watch, lie down, or sit at your desk. Yoga and fitness TikToker @blonde.ish_yogi takes it a step further, demonstrating that you can get your heart pumping without even leaving your bed. OK, so you may not break a sweat jumping on the lazy girl workout trend (that’s the extent of jumping you’ll be doing, BTW), but the end goal is just to move—gently and efficiently. Did I mention PJs are welcome? Ahead, eight routines that you can hit “play” on while remaining horizontal. No equipment necessary. 
       

      @blonde.ish_yogi
      Lazy girl workout #fitnesstiktok #nojudgement #fyp #tiktokworkout #fitness #glutes #core #fitmoms #foryou
      ♬ Body – Megan Thee Stallion

      If you don’t want to get out of bed…
      [embedded content]
      Stay in bed while Dayana Wang leads you through a full-body workout, complete with angled leg lifts, knees-to-elbows, bear planks, wide-knee squats, and more. Don’t worry—your abs won’t feel left out with all of the versions of crunches Wang throws in. Needless to say, she packs in a lot in ten short minutes. 

      If you don’t want to stop mid-way through your Hulu marathon…
      [embedded content]
      You don’t have to press “pause” on Tiny Beautiful Things just when it’s getting good to fit in a mini workout, thanks to Vicky Justiz and her 10-minute couch routine. Expect to work your booty, abs, and shoulders with a mix of glute bridges, leg raises, and arm pulses, just to name a few. Before you know it, you’ll be done and still have the rest of the episode to kick back and relax.

      If you could use a break from the bed or couch…
      [embedded content]
      Meet Fit by Lys on the floor with your mat (your couch and bed aren’t going anywhere) for an interval-based sesh. Translation: You’ll work for 40 seconds, then have 20 seconds to rest before you move on to the next exercise. Think: glute bridges, knee push-ups, cross-to-kicks (hello, booty), plank, and a few stretches woven in. By the end of the 15-minute workout, you’ll feel long and lean. 

      If you want to focus on just abs…
      [embedded content]
      Follow Audrey Koomar‘s quickie core burner for a line-up that includes exercises like dead bugs, heel taps, and a spicy adaptation of leg raises. Spoiler: You’ll be lying on your back the entire 10 minutes. No excuses here. 

      If upper body only is speaking your language…
      [embedded content]
      Start toning those arms à la Fitnessa who guides you through 15 minutes of arm movements, kicking off and ending with arm circle variations. While the routine requires you to stay sitting up throughout it, trust me—it meets the lazy girl workout criteria. The best part? Do it in bed, on the sofa, or at your desk in between meetings (or go camera-off to multitask). 

      If Pilates is your cup of tea…
      [embedded content]
      LivAligned Pilates puts the chill in Netflix and chill with her lazy girl workout, Pilates style. Join Liv in a calming leg lift and glute bridge series, finished off with a hip-opening stretch that will feel oh-so-good. The result? A burst of unexpected energy. 

      If you can’t be bothered to leave your desk…
      [embedded content]
      Give your abs, booty, and arms some love with this 7-minute chair workout from Love Sweat Fitness. Knee crunch, tricep dip, squat hold and pulse, and push up your way to a boost in your mood and brainpower. Carry out the routine to break up your work day or close out your 9-5. Bonus points: You just may notice sitting (and standing) taller after you’re done. 

      If you’re ready for more of a challenge…
      [embedded content]
      To up the ante in your lazy girl era, look no further than this 30-minute ab and booty scorcher created by Halie‘s Workout Programs. You’ll start with a warm-up, followed by everything from pulsing leg raises to lying hamstring curls to side planks. Halie demonstrates each exercise with dumbbells and just bodyweight, so pick your poison. 

      This Low-Impact Workout Is Taking Over FitTok, and All You Need Is a Wall More

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      The Books WH Editors Are Loving Right Now, Plus Must-Have Reading Tools

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      We could wax lyrical about the plethora of books at your disposal and how they’re amazing for the wellbeing of your body and mind. Or we could refer you to #booktok, where any and all book goes, with a suitable aesthetic to match (bookstore, anyone?). But we know you know all that. What you don’t know are the books WH editors are loving and turning to as we take in brief siestas in April. Without any ado, the top reads we recommend you pull from the shelf and sink your teeth into.

      The books WH Editors Are Loving RN

      How To Kill Men And Get Away With It by Katy Brent

      “Fast-paced, dark, twisted and hilarious, this will get you out of any reading rut. If you’re a fan of Gone Girl, love a good female anti-hero or just need a break from predictable romance novels, you’ll love this book.”

      – Kelleigh Korevaar, managing editor

      Almost Adulting by Arden Rose

      “Just when we think we know how to be the “perfect adult”, life happens. This book covers a wide range of topics on how to become a “proper” grown up and how to survive adulthood.”

      – Chamain van Zyl, digital editor

      Verity by Colleen Hoover

      “I hadn’t read a book in a while and wanted to get back into it. This is the exact book that did it for me. From cover to cover, I read Lowen’s journey within a day. Couldn’t put it down. I won’t say anything more but it’s a must-read for mystery lovers.”

      – Michelle October, features editor

      The Seat Of The Soul by Gary Zukav

      “There isn’t a single conversation between my baby brother and I in which he doesn’t quote this book – which naturally drew me to it. The book’s teachings – such a deeper understanding of our actions, motivations and how the Universe operates at a ‘soul’ level are truly life-altering. Be warned: Heavy focus is required – definitely not the kind of book to read when feeling distracted.”

      – Kemong Mopedi, deputy editor

      Hear The Wind Sing by Haruki Murakami

      “One of the books I keep coming to. One of his earliest novels in which he writes about himself working at a jazz bar. It’s real and gritty and beautiful.”

      – Pia Hammond, creative director

      My Year Of Rest And Relaxation By Otessa Moshfegh

      “This is a story about a woman pursuing a year of hibernation from the world. In its ramblings there is something profound to be said – or so reviewers think. I haven’t read this one yet but it’s one I’m so looking forward to.”

      – Michelle October, features editor

      You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

      “There’s just something about a self-improvement book that gives life lessons with a humourous and hilarious outlook on life, that I absolutely love. From the reviews I’ve read, this book is like your best friend who doesn’t hold back. She gives you the straight and narrow answer you don’t want to hear, but with advice on how to change your situation.”

      – Chamain van Zyl, digital editor

      A Spell of Good Things by Ayobami Adebayo

      “I have loved award-winning Nigerian author Ayọ̀bámi’s work since reading her debut offering Stay With Me in 2019 – a book whose ending had me bawling my eyes out and sealed my fandom. I’ve only heard great things about A Spell of Good Things and can’t wait to get lost in its wealth, political corruption and romantic obsession storyline.”

      – Kemong Mopedi, deputy editor

      Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

      “A moving novel of three characters trying to understand their purpose. It’s a sad and fragile read.”

      – Pia Hammond, creative director

      Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

      “This has been my favourite read of 2023 (I’ve read it almost 20) and it’s one I will gift my girlfriends whenever I get the chance. It’s perfect if you feel like you’re stumbling through your 20s/30s and shows such a raw, real and beautiful side to being a young woman. Guaranteed to be a book you pass around your friendship group.”

      – Kelleigh Korevaar, managing editor

      We rate these reading tools as suitable aides for long sessions lost in the world of your book.

      Bending Man Bookmark Light

      This bookmark is just bendy enough to fold over your current chapter but not so bendy that it collapses. It’ll hold firm over that Game Of Thrones while shining much-needed light for evening sessions.

      Memory Foam Pillow

      Convert any uncomfortable chair into your reading nook with this soft, plush cushion that creates support along the back and supports your sides. Wanna curl up on the floor? This is your pal.

      Purple Hydraulic Book Light

      This purple gadget firmly clamps down on stubborn pages and holds firm, while giving you light to get through the next gripping chapter.

      Brown Kindle cover

      If you’re the Kindle type, hurray for you! This cover holds your reader and makes it feel kind of book-ish, while holding other essentials like cards.

      Cuddly Reader

      Um, this couldn’t be any cuter! It’ll hold up your book or tablet or Kindle for those sessions spent in different positions.

      Sixth Floor Eero chair

      Every reader needs a really good chair and this fits the bill. Wide enough to cosy up with your legs draped around for extended periods lost in another world. More

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      The Happiest and Healthiest Women in the World Prioritize This Over Everything Else

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      Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what defines a happy and healthy life. Maybe it’s one made up of a morning routine, workouts you love, and a job that you’re passionate about. Or maybe it’s filled with travel and adventure, the ability to make meals that nourish you, and living in your dream home. I’m fortunate to be able to say that I’ve experienced many of the above, and they’ve all brought joy to my life in one way or another. But when reflecting on when I was truly the happiest and healthiest version of myself, it wasn’t about any of that. Rather, it was when I was spending time with the people I love and who love me—AKA experiencing social connection. 
      While factors such as exercise and eating balanced meals are still vital to living a healthy and happy life, the healthiest women aren’t healthy because they’re prioritizing a strict schedule of workouts, salads, and supplements. Instead, they’re treating their bodies well, but first and foremost prioritizing a life that includes date nights with their S.O., walks with friends, hosting dinner parties, etc. Read on for why social connection is so essential to happiness, and how to get a daily dose of it yourself.

      Why you should prioritize social connection
      Researchers define social connection as a core psychological need embedded in our biology and evolutionary history. When we experience social connection, we lower our risk of anxiety and depression, experience greater self-esteem, and have more empathy for others. Positive social relationships can impact our physical health too, lowering inflammation and aiding immune health. One study even showed that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to our health than obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.
      When we experience intimate social connections, our body releases a hormone called oxytocin (also known as the love hormone). Oxytocin–which the body releases when cuddling, laughing, having sex, talking with a loved one, holding a baby, etc.–can reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels and promote growth and healing. From mental to physical health, prioritizing social connection and human connection is essential to our entire wellbeing. 

      How to prioritize social connection

      1. Say “yes” more often
      It’s easy to live in our comfort zones and avoid the things that scare us or opportunities that may be challenging, but when I look at the happiest and healthiest women I know, they are the ones who take chances and say “yes” to change. In one of my favorite books, The Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes chronicles her year of saying “yes” to everything in order to get outside of her comfort zone more, which included giving a commencement speech to spending more time with the people she loves. Try taking an audit of your life and looking into areas where you are currently saying “no,” but could be saying “yes.” Maybe it’s plans with your friends, going to a workout class, eating lunch with colleagues, or visiting your family. If you change your mindset to be more open to opportunities for social connection, it may just lead to greater happiness.  

      2. Schedule more social outings
      Yes, you should allow for ample you-time to recharge alone, but genuine connection with people you love is another important way you should regularly be relieving stress. After a long day at work, maybe the last thing you want to is call to your mom, meet up with a new friend for dinner, or actually talk to your partner over dinner instead of eating on the couch with Netflix playing. While some time alone can be incredibly important, make sure you’re intentional about that alone time, rather than because it’s a habit or in your comfort zone. Scheduling phone calls with loved ones or plans with friends in advance can ensure you keep up with regular social connection.
      If scheduling a dinner with friends or family every week still sounds exhausting, I feel you. Scheduling a social outing doesn’t have to be something that involves a large group of friends or costs a lot of money. It can be as simple as going for a walk with your mom, FaceTiming a friend who lives far away, volunteering, joining a group fitness class, or taking a class to improve your skills where you can connect with other people with the same hobbies that you have.

      3. Try socializing more at work
      Hate to break it to you, but we spend most of our lives at work. Sometimes we see our colleagues more often than we do our friends and family. That’s why the happiest women are doing everything they can to make their jobs more fulfilling, including forming genuine connections with the people they work with. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve shied away from making friendships at work. I’ve too often been the girl with her head down at her computer, avoiding the awkward water cooler chitchat. But when I moved positions in my company a couple of years ago, I looked at it as a fresh start, a chance to socialize more with coworkers, and as a manager, set an example of what a team environment could look like.
      It turns out, socializing with co-workers makes going to work ten times more enjoyable (surprise, surprise). Making connections at work doesn’t have to just be amongst your team or during lunch. It can also be done through company events or by seeking out those who have similar interests (i.e. try starting a book club, fitness club, or after-work happy hour). If you prefer keeping your social life and work life separate, simply giving a compliment to or checking in with a colleague can go a long way. Self-employed and work by yourself? Networking with other people in your industry can not only provide more work opportunities, but help you feel a little bit of human connection every time you catch up with them them at an event, reach out to ask for advice, or bounce ideas off of each other. 

      4. Sign up for group activities
      While prioritizing social connections is vital for our health, forcing social connections definitely isn’t. If you’re struggling to connect with the people in your life, expanding your social circle may be the key to becoming happier. And signing up for group activities is an easy way to meet new people in a natural environment. If you love to cook, sign up for a cooking class. If you love animals, volunteer at an animal shelter. If you love fitness, sign up for a workout class. There are so many group activities out there for any interest, and by joining a group with people who have similar passions, you’ll be well on your way to forming new connections. 

      5. Get outside 
      It may seem simple, but half the battle of being more social is getting outside your home. The happiest and healthiest women make a consistent effort to foster connections, whether it’s chatting it up with the baristas at their local coffee shop or getting to know their neighbors when taking the dog for a walk. If we’re open to it, social connections can be made anywhere. While it may feel uncomfortable or awkward at times to make new ones, putting yourself in situations where they are possible means you’re already halfway there. So the next time you see the opportunity to start a conversation at the dog park or while sitting next to someone in a coffee shop, don’t pass it up.

      5 Traits All of the Happiest Women Have in Common More

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

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      Planning a wedding can be stressful AF regardless of how large or small your big day may be. From multiple dress fittings to coordinating with vendors to organizing every detail down to napkin colors, you may feel like you barely have a moment to breathe. On top of that, you want to look and feel your best for your wedding day. I’m six months out, and I’ve begun to dial in on managing my stress, anxiety, and physical health so I can feel my best in six months, but also so I can actually enjoy the process now. Keep reading for what I’m doing to feel my best at my wedding and health tips you can try today.

      Start a daily meditation practice
      All eyes are on you on your wedding day, which can be nerve-wracking to say the least. Aside from my tried-and-true self-care activities like yoga, journaling, and spending time in nature, I’m turning to meditation most often to help ease my anxiety. Prioritizing a daily meditation practice now will help manage the stress of wedding planning, but building up your practice will help you feel centered before all the big moments, from engagement parties to the wedding day, and everything in between. I prefer guided meditations that help me envision how the day will go. Consider it a manifestation meditation, if you will. I also find it helpful to repeat affirmations such as, “I choose calm” or “Peace begins with me” whenever I am feeling high anxiety. You can actually manifest your wedding day turning out exactly how you envisioned it. 

      Delegate tasks (no, but actually!)
      I’d like to think that I’m a cool-and-collected bride (not the stereotypical “bridezilla”), so when I realized that making the most of the major decisions and checking off all the to-dos were starting to feel a little too overwhelming, I looked for ways to delegate tasks to my friends and family. It may seem obvious, but when it comes to planning your big day it can feel challenging to hand over responsibilities to other people–even your loved ones (Will they do it “right?” What if they mess up? Will it just create more work for me?).
      So how do you decide what tasks to outsource and what ones to keep for yourself? My unsolicited advice is to make a list of the tasks that are the most important to you to complete on your own, and be realistic when determining how much time you’d actually have to spend on them and the skills and resources you have available. For example, I really wanted to design and print my own invites, but I don’t own a printer (and wasn’t going to buy one), nor did I feel like I really had the time to spend hours designing. So I decided that was a task I could outsource to my friend who works in graphic design, and I still felt like the invitations came out personal, despite not being hand designed by me. Delegating tasks has made the biggest difference in my stress levels and having more time. 

      Consistently remind yourself of what’s important
      Whether you’ve had a Pinterest wedding board for years or you obsessively started scouring the internet for inspiration after your engagement, social media makes it very easy to fall into the comparison trap. When I find myself spiraling into thoughts of, “I have to do this” or “Everything needs to be perfect,” I take a step back and remind myself of what’s actually important and realistic for my wedding. At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your relationship with your partner, not throwing an Insta-worthy party. Keeping what’s special between the two of you at the forefront of your decision making will ensure you have a day that you’ll cherish forever. 

      Make an exercise plan 
      I’m a big believer that you shouldn’t have to change your appearance for your wedding day (your partner already loves you for who you are). But I also believe that there is nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel your best on your big day, especially since you’ll be reliving it through photos for a lifetime. Consistency has always been an issue for me when it comes to working out, and having a big event (read: my wedding) to look forward to was just what I needed to make a plan and stick to it.
      My goal with exercise has always been to take care of my body and feel stronger and more confident. I prefer low-impact movement such as walking, biking, Pilates, and yoga. To hold myself accountable to a workout routine, I sit down each Sunday and look at my schedule for the week ahead. Much like making a to-do list, I write down what workouts I plan to do each day and what time of day I will do them (what can I say, I’m Virgo rising). I find that physically writing my workouts down and seeing them every day holds me more accountable than inputting them in Google calendar. The key for me is not holding myself to rigid standards, but rather embracing that life happens and knowing that some movement in my day is better than no movement at all. By scheduling workouts I enjoy, I know that I’m not only going to feel my best on my big day ,but also keep up my workout routine well beyond the wedding. 

      Upgrade your skincare regimen for optimal glow
      I have struggled with breakouts since I was a teenager, so skincare is a huge part of caring for myself and feeling my best. I’m working with my dermatologist and have found a treatment plan that works great for me: to keep my skin looking clear and bright leading up to the wedding, I’m making sure to incorporate skin-enhancing foods, such as healthy fats (found in avocados, nuts, and fish), vitamin C, and antioxidants. And while I love a glass of red wine, I find that drinking alcohol can make my skin look dull and dry the next day. So for now, I’m sticking to enjoying an occasional drink on the weekends, rather than having a drink with dinner on the weekdays. Instead, I reach for some of my other favorites such as kombucha and try to keep up with my daily hydration goals. 
      As for what I am using on my skin, I swear by this mask from Origins. I use it 1-2 times per week at night, and it always makes my skin look bright and firm the next day. I’m very prone to sunburn due to my fair complexion and a prescription retinoid I currently use, so I always wear SPF (this one is my go-to under makeup) because the last thing you want to worry about on your wedding day is a sun burn or hyperpigmentation.

      10 Things to Stop Doing to Get in the Best Shape of Your Life More

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      Here’s How To Create A Morning Routine You’ll Actually Stick To

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      Ann Stewart, Reiki therapist, Kundalini yoga and meditation student and mentor will be the first to tell you that she struggled to stick to a morning routine. It makes you feel amazing: you start your day strong and the rest of it is as productive. But come the next day, you’re exhausted, and the thought of hitting the snooze button is just so tempting…

      “For a long time I struggled to stick to my spiritual practices, even though I loved how they made me feel,” says Stewart. “We come up with all types of blocks to start our day the way we know we should. Some of the things we tell ourselves: I’m not a morning person, I deserve to sleep in, and I’m not feeling well today.”

      An inner power mentor, Stewart now helps other women empower themselves and achieve more. “A regular morning routine makes me feel more creative, focused, and my day flows without effort,” she says. “But it’s not always perfect – and that’s OK. When I miss a day, I just start again the next morning, but when I do skip I try to make quiet time for myself during the course of my workday,” says Stewart. 

      What’s a good morning routine?

      A good morning routine involves engaging in a healthful practice upon waking up. Science tells us a great deal about the benefits of waking up and having a morning routine. Successful people thrive by it. It can go a long way towards managing a healthy weight and leave you feeling focused and in charge of the day. Read on for Stewart’s tips to finally becoming a morning person.

      1. Just Begin

      The only way to change your current morning routine is to start creating new habits. The only way to create new habits is to actually start doing it. Not at the beginning of next week, next month, or next year, but now. Decide on three simple activities that make you feel more centred and connected to your soul. Reading, writing, meditation, and yoga will all create the types of positive changes you are looking for.

      2. Do it for 40 days 

      According to yogic teaching, it takes 40 days to change a habit, and 90 days to confirm that habit. Give yourself 40 days to make sure you set yourself up for success. If you skip a day, begin again at day 1. Make a challenge out of it and remember to have fun. Your subconscious, which directs about 60 per cent of your activities and responses by habit, has to get the message. By turning to your practice repeatedly day by day, choice by choice, the effects will start to seep into the deeper parts of your mind.

      3. Know your why

      Make a short list of all the reasons you want to create a new routine for yourself. Maybe it’s to gather your thoughts and become more centred. Maybe you want to incorporate exercise in your morning routine to make sure you actually get to it before you’re exhausted at the end of your day. Then list all the benefits you will receive by starting these new actions. This will help you during times when you don’t feel like it, and believe me, those times will definitely come.

      4. Keep it simple 

      When you first start, just keep your routine simple. Start by waking up 30 min earlier than usual. Drink a glass of warm water with lemon. Sit quietly for five minutes and then begin whichever activity you have chosen to engage in for the morning. If meditating for 30 minutes every morning feels impossible, start by committing to just three minutes instead. In just three minutes, you can have an effect on your blood circulation and chemistry.

      Making changes in our lives isn’t always easy, but it is possible. Remember to speak to yourself in a loving and compassionate way. Be patient. Working up to creating lasting change is part of the process and putting strategies in place to stick to your commitment will make it easier to achieve. More