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      Sydney Sweeney Swears By These 5 Wellness Habits

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      To say Sydney Sweeney is a rising star is an understatement. Her on-screen resume reads like a must-watch TV ad: Euphoria, The White Lotus, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Sharp Objects—just to name a few. And she made her first debut at fashion’s biggest night out (AKA the Met Gala) this year, proving she can add fashion “It Girl” to her experience. It’s not all fame and fashion for the Idaho native though—she restores cars, sweats it out in the MMA cage, spoils her rescue pup, and prioritizes her mental health (a far cry from her Cassie and Olivia characters). I turned to my trusted celebrity sources to get the details on how Sydney finds balance. Read on for five ways Sydney looks after her mental well-being. Celeb or not, we can learn a thing or two from her. 

      Make time for self-care
      Carving out me-time has never been more embraced than it is now, but I’d argue that we could all still use a little nudge every now and then. Sydney backs me up on that. She reminds us that self-care is individualized and can shift depending on the day or season in your life. “You can be OK one day and it’s totally OK if you’re not the next because I think you have to start every day new, and you have to start every day trying to appreciate and love yourself, which can be difficult sometimes,” she said. Sydney’s form of self-care? Using her nifty ice roller, getting lost in HGTV, setting relaxing vibes with candles, and chilling with her dog.
      Deciding what you need to take care of you can be a challenge (let alone finding the time to squeeze it in). But self-care can make a world of difference between feeling burned out and empowered. So whether it’s building your sense of self-worth, working on catching more Zzzs, or moving your body, prioritize your mental wellness. 

      Stretch your budget
      You probably don’t think of your finances when it comes to boosting your mental health, but Sydney encourages thinking twice about how you spend your hard-earned cash. “My family has always ingrained value in stretching a budget and the importance of money to my mind,” she told Yahoo Life. “When you don’t save correctly and you don’t spend your money on important things where it’s supposed to be spent, [I saw] what the damage can be.” Sydney was taught the value of a dollar at a young age, and that has translated into her spending habits to this day. 
      Start by creating a budget, and start tracking your expenses to see where you can save (yes, there are apps for that.) If you’re ahead of the game (kudos to you!), there are other simple money-saving tricks of the trade: Give yourself 24 hours before checking out for any impulse and gotta-have-it-now buys, use coupon sites like RetailMeNot and Honey for necessary purchases, and unplug any unused electronics (looking at you, TV). The silver lining? Save a la Sydney, and you won’t cramp your hot girl summer style. 

      Practice self-love and body acceptance
      I know, easier said than done, but take comfort in knowing this: Even celebs get self-conscious and need to be reminded to practice self-love. Sydney told Glamour that she gets nervous before every red carpet appearance because she has to put her IRL self out there, instead of a character she’s playing. In her interview with Yahoo Life, she said self-confidence is a daily process. “Some days I will feel great and some days I don’t want to get out of bed, and I think that it’s OK if you feel both ways… And sometimes I’m not happy with myself or something just doesn’t feel right. I think it’s important for everyone to know that everyone has feelings, and it’s OK if you don’t feel confident one day, but just know that you’re beautiful, no matter what.” Our bodies do so much for us, and they’re the ones we’ll have for the rest of our lives. Bottom line: Do yourself a favor and take care of your body. 
      If “I love my body,” feels out of reach, that’s OK. Take a page out of Sydney’s book and start with honing in on all that your body is capable of doing, rather than what it looks like. There’s so much more to us than physical bodies after all. Try to take judgment out of the equation, and accept that self-love is a journey (with twists and turns, U-turns, and detours), not a race.   
       
      Sweat it out
      Sydney isn’t just a badass on screen: BTS, she’s killing it in her workouts. From practicing mixed martial arts (AKA MMA) to two-a-day walks with her dog, Tank, it’s no wonder she has rock-hard abs to go with her crop top and red carpet looks. Admitting she’s not a fan of the treadmill, she takes to her neighborhood or the beach for quick runs to clear her mind. And if she has more time for a workout, she gets her heart pumping with a workout video. (Is anyone else wondering if she needs a workout buddy? Same.) To make the most of your exercise routine, mix it up like Sydney. Try a new workout you may be intimidated by, or head outdoors for a stroll, hike, or run. It’s the perfect way to switch up your current routine if you find yourself in a fitness rut. 

      Learn a new skill
      As if her acting resume isn’t impressive enough, Sydney channeled her love of academia into business school classes while filming The Handmaid’s Tale. “I want to be able to read my contracts and know what the hell they say, so I’m not getting f*ed over,” she told Cosmopolitan. In 2020, she even launched her own production company, Fifty-Fifty Films, to support first-time female authors, nascent directors, and promising screenwriters. Could she be any more lovable?
      If you’re having car troubles or find yourself stranded on the side of the road, Sydney is your girl. Taking ride-or-die to another level, she told PureWow that she has always been interested in cars. And that’s no joke—she took apart and rebuilt a Ford Bronco. Whether it’s the Virgo in her or not, she’s doing her mental health a lot of good by continuously cultivating new experiences. In fact, research shows that learning new skills improves your mental well-being by helping you raise self-esteem and build a sense of purpose. So if you’ve been contemplating picking up a new hobby (think: journaling, reading, cooking), take this as a sign to get at it. 

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      7 Hacks I Learned From ‘Atomic Habits’ That Changed My Life—and Will Change Yours Too

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      You may have come across Atomic Habits while scrolling through #BookTok or browsing Barnes & Noble looking for your next self-help read. After all, it’s been a consistent bestseller since its release in 2018. And as a book lover with a passion for books that cater to bettering oneself, I had to give this one a go. I am happy to say it lived up to the hype–I walked away with tangible tools to create better habits that I now stick with while letting go of old ones holding me back.
      Habits make up our everyday life, some as simple as brushing your teeth each morning or setting an alarm before you go to bed each night. These habits require little thought or energy and are ingrained into our routines. Starting a new habit is not always easy as keeping up with old ones, so it’s important to have the motivation and a good system in place to be able to stick with it. Atomic Habits breaks down a foolproof way to not only make sure you stick to your habits but also choose the right ones, and it even reverses theories to help break the bad ones too. So if you’re looking to build better habits, read on for the hacks that changed my life.

      James Clear
      Atomic Habits
      An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

      1. Improve by 1 percent every day
      Let’s say you want to lose weight. Your goal is to go to the gym every day and eat a healthier diet. At first, that may seem daunting, which is why the best way to start is to start small. Maybe it’s as simple as putting on your running shoes and walking outside for 10 minutes (it may not seem like much, but over time it adds up!) or adding leafy greens to one meal per day. Eventually, you can work up to 30 minutes or a workout at the gym and eat delicious, healthy foods for every meal, but focusing on the end goal will be overwhelming instead of helpful. “Breakthrough moments are often the result of many previous actions, which build up the potential required to unleash a major change,” James Clear explains in the book. Oftentimes, we look at athletes or successful business leaders and wonder how they got to where they are and how they accomplished so much. The answer is that they started small and never stopped. 

      2. Start habit stacking
      The easiest way to introduce a new habit into your daily routine is to implement it with other habits you already have. Habit stacking is a formula for ensuring that your new habits don’t fall to the wayside. For example, if you want to create the habit of meditating each morning but find yourself forgetting or not having the time, the best way to fix this is by inserting it with another habit. If your morning routine consists of waking up, brushing your teeth, and pouring a cup of coffee, insert “meditate for five minutes” before you have your coffee. Set the intention, say it aloud, and then insert the new habit into your routine. Sometimes when and where you choose to execute a habit can make a big difference. 

      3. Be aware of your environment
      We are both victims and architects of our environments—AKA the home we live in and where we go to work and exercise. All of these different spaces can affect our habits for better or worse. If every night before you go to sleep you lie in bed and watch TV, over time your bed will be associated as a place where you watch TV. Working from the comfort of your bed may sound nice but can be much more difficult if your bed is already associated with a place of rest. Once we understand the relationships we have with the spaces we occupy, we can use that knowledge to help form better habits and break unproductive ones. As Clear said, “It is easier to associate a new habit with a new context than to build a new habit in the face of competing cues.” It’s no wonder working from home can be more difficult if you don’t have a designated space to do so.

      4. Use the “Two-Minute Rule”
      Clear’s two-minute rule states that when you start a new habit, it shouldn’t take longer than two minutes to complete. The idea is to scale down a habit so that it is more attractive and you are more likely to continue repeating the habit. If the goal is to write a book, start by writing one sentence each day. If you want to read more before bed each night, start by reading one page. If you want to work out more, start with jumping jacks for two minutes, or if you want to have a meditation practice, set the timer for two minutes–you get the idea. The more the process is ritualized, the easier it will be to continue. You have to start small before you move on to bigger and better habits.

      5. Try a commitment device or accountability partner
      We all start off with the best of intentions when we decide to form a new habit, but then life gets in the way and it becomes easy to forget why we wanted to start the habit in the first place. This is where a commitment device or accountability partner comes in. A commitment device is a choice made in the present to help control your actions in the future. For example, if you want to stop buying coffee every day, you can decide to leave your wallet at home to reduce temptation. Another version of this is an accountability buddy: someone who can help keep you accountable for your actions, understands your commitment, and can check in on you (read: a friend, partner, family member, coworker, coach, etc.). We value the opinions of those around us, which is exactly why an accountability partner can work to help build better habits.

      6. Make the habit satisfying
      It’s a cardinal rule in life that we repeat actions that are satisfying: eating ice cream on a hot summer day, consistently working out and releasing endorphins, or online shopping and receiving a package in the mail. We return to these actions over and over again because we remember how satisfying they were. The same tactic is effective when forming a new habit. There’s a reason why you book your next workout class right after you finish one and then a couple of days later debate whether to go. Providing immediate reinforcement tells the brain to keep going back to an activity, whereas delayed satisfaction is not as effective. In other words, when you’re starting a new habit, make sure it’s enjoyable so it will last.

      7. Reflect on your habits and progress
      Habits are great tools to help us accomplish our goals, but as we evolve and complete certain goals or set new ones, it’s important to look back and assess our habits and progress. If you set out to write a book and haven’t finished one chapter, maybe the habits you set are not working and need to be changed. Our habits should be our motivators and keep us engaged in our goals. They should be something we look forward to doing. Taking the time to reflect on our habits (both the good and bad) is a great way to make sure we are constantly challenging ourselves to do better.

      James Clear
      Atomic Habits
      An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

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      12 Things Healthy Women Do Before 8 A.M.

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      Even if you wouldn’t call yourself a “morning person,” the wee hours before the day begins can serve as a great opportunity for self-care, wellness, creativity, reflection, and productivity. Your morning routine and what you do when you first wake up matter because how you spend your morning can set you up for success for the rest of the day. So stop scrolling through TikTok or hitting snooze, and try these 12 things right when you wake up.
      FYI, you don’t need to check every item off the list every day to be considered “healthy” (no one has time for that!). The goal is to offer inspiration for you to prioritize your health, turn happiness into a routine, and make the most of your mornings—whatever that looks like to you. Use these 12 things as inspo to experiment with or adapt to your morning routine in whatever way feels best, but above all, make your mornings work for you (yes, even before 8 a.m.). 

      1. Drink a big glass of water
      Drinking more water is one of the best things you can do for your body. Especially after sleeping all night, it’s important to rehydrate as soon as you wake up as a part of your morning routine to feel more energized. Make it a goal to drink a big glass of water in the morning right after you get out of bed (or before—no judgment). Before downing a cup of coffee, grabbing a bite to eat, or taking a shower, make it a part of your usual morning repertoire to rehydrate your body as soon as possible to avoid feeling sluggish or tired.

      2. Establish a skincare routine and stick to it
      So you work out, eat well, and drink water, but don’t forget to take care of your skin too. All you need is a quick routine, but if you have extra time or you love extra indulgence, put on a face mask or massage in oil while you brush your teeth. You’ll be taking care of your skin for the long term while reaping serious instant-glow benefits for the rest of the day. And remember that it’s not just the skin above your neckline that’s important. Take care of the rest of your body with hydrating body lotion or oil, and apply the same care as you would to your face on your neck and décolletage.

      3. Set your alarm a few minutes earlier than you need to
      If your mornings feel like a race against the clock, consider waking up a litter earlier to have a slow, calm start to your day. You might have limited control over your mornings (like an early work start time or a child to take care of), so waking up just 10-15 minutes earlier than you need to will help you feel more in control and calm throughout the entire day. Whether you spend your time meditating, indulging in a luxurious skincare routine, or simply listening to the quiet and satisfying sound of your coffee brewing, you will not miss the few extra minutes of sleep.

      4. Don’t look at your phone
      If the first thing you do after your alarm goes off is check your email or answer text messages, we need to talk. You’re starting your day off reacting to what others need from you instead of giving yourself time to focus on what you need. Give yourself a little time to be fully present instead of falling prey to a reactive, response mode from all of your notifications and alerts. Stay off social media, don’t check your email, and ignore text message alerts for at least 30 minutes after waking up.

      5. Make your bed
      Not only will it feel good to get into a made bed later at night, but it’s also important for the success of your day. Making your bed first thing every morning means one small win before you even have a cup of coffee, which subconsciously will motivate you to achieve thousands of small wins throughout the day (and you know what they say about small wins: They lead up to really big ones). Plus, Gretchen Rubin found in her research that it’s the easiest and most common daily habit you can do to boost happiness.

      6. Carve out 15-30 minutes for yourself
      Maybe you’re used to getting straight to work tasks or your to-do list, and you tell yourself you’ll meditate, move your body, or sit and read later in the day, but how often does that really happen? Place “me time” at the top of your to-do list instead of hoping you’ll have time later by setting aside 15-30 minutes every morning to do something just for you. Write, draw, paint, listen to your favorite playlist, practice French—whatever it is, make sure it’s something you’re excited to do. Another option is to spend a few minutes reflecting before beginning your day by journaling or meditating.

      7. Connect with someone you love
      We’re all about some alone time, but connecting with the people you love is a crucial part of your self-care routine too. Connecting first thing during your morning routine will give you the warm and fuzzies all day long and help you remember that the point of life is to enjoy it. Pause for a minute to pet your dog, smile at your roommate, call your mom, kiss your significant other, or write a thank you card to a coworker. All it takes is 60 seconds to check in and reconnect with the people you love most. 

      8. Eat (or prep) a healthy breakfast
      PSA for those of you who claim to not have time for breakfast: Breakfast is a crucial opportunity to fit in more nutrients and give your body energy to get through the day. If you don’t feel like eating when you first wake up, no worries. You can always eat something later in the morning when you are hungry—just try not to skip straight to lunch altogether. Not sure what to make? Try these breakfast bowls, healthy breakfast ideas, and sweet or savory options. If your mornings are usually rushed, prep your breakfast the night before to make your morning routine a little quicker.

      9. Clean one area of your home
      Ugh, we get it. Who wants to do chores before a long day of work? We’re not suggesting you pull out the mop bucket or deep clean an entire room first thing in the morning (we can’t all be Monica Gellar!). You can truly make a huge impact in less than 15 minutes by putting away laundry, wiping the counters, or unloading the dishwasher. You’ll be able to enjoy your day and feel less scattered when your space is clean. Plus, you won’t be pushing off more chores to do later. 

      10. Prep lunch or dinner
      Eating healthy requires thought and preparation. If you wait until you’re starving to think about your next meal, you’re more likely to go get fast food or heat up something from the freezer. If you only have a minute, plan what you’re going to eat for the rest of the day, much like you plan out your calendar and to-do list. It can either be a recipe based on what you’re craving or what you’re going to order from the restaurant down the road. If you have 10-20 minutes, start chopping veggies or even throw ingredients into your instant pot. It will save you time later and ensure you’re making the healthiest decisions possible. 

      11. Make a to-do list
      It’s easy to start the day with your head swimming with everything you need to do. Stop, take a breath, and start writing. Writing everything down on paper will make it easier for you to focus on one task and feel less overwhelmed. Don’t forget to also prioritize life goals. Of course, you’ll always have to do the mundane house chores or tedious tasks, but figure out where you can outsource those items and prioritize what will get you closer to your goals first.

      12. Move your body
      Aside from helping you feel accomplished, adding a workout to your morning routine will help your body feel more awake, energized, and productive throughout the day. But don’t worry: If you don’t have the time (or energy) to go on a run, do a fitness class, or get to the gym before 8 a.m., you don’t need a full workout to reap the benefits. Try going on a walk to get outside, doing a quick yoga flow to move your body, or stretching to warm up your muscles. No matter what type of movement your body craves in the morning, it will help wake you up and keep you energized all day.

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      5 Easy Things I Do to Prioritize My Mental Health on a Daily Basis

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      When I graduated college a few (OK, a little more than a few) years ago, I suddenly found myself plunged into adulthood with no direction. Up until that point, every step in my life had been laid out for me. But now, the next steps were up to me and I had no clue where to go. I started just going through the motions and hoped to fake it ‘til I made it, but it didn’t take long for that plan to completely fall apart. The days grew monotonous, I had no idea what I was doing with my life, and I started becoming incredibly anxious about the future. I overthought every decision and let my mind run away with my deepest fears. I started trying to control every aspect of my life, even though I knew deep down that was a fool’s mission. My mental health had truly never been worse—I just didn’t realize I was on a downward spiral until I was already fully in it.
      When I finally realized what was happening, it took a ton of work to get out of it. But now, I’m in a better place than I ever was before and know exactly what I need to do if I ever catch those anxious thoughts and feelings worming their way back into my mind. The key to keeping my mental health where it needs to be is consistency, but I’m not about elaborate routines that I have to build my entire life around. Instead, I focus on five simple things to make sure I prioritize my mental health on a daily basis. This is what works for me:

      1. Stick to my treatment plan
      Source: Social Squares
      I know I’m not alone in this, but I used to feel a ton of shame talking about my anxiety. I hid the fact that I went to therapy and heaven forbid anyone knew I was taking medication to help with it. But truthfully, there’s no shame in putting your mental health first. Now, I’ll be the first to recommend someone seek therapy and will happily share my experience with SSRIs (common medications used for anxiety and depression) with anyone wondering or curious. This kind of treatment only works if you stick to it, and having worked with my doctor to figure out what’s best for me, I’m now settled into a medication that actually eases my anxiety. To make it super easy for myself, I leave my prescription right on my desk so I never forget to take it in the morning. For anyone hoping to do the same, I recommend turning to Hers, a one-stop solution for all of your personalized mental health needs.

      When I first started on this journey, I had to go to a bunch of different doctors for various parts of the process: the initial referral, the prescription, talk therapy. It was so much to juggle while also not being in the best place mentally. I love that Hers offers personalized anxiety and depression treatment plans that include both counseling and prescriptions—all online. With Hers, hours spent on the phone trying to find an in-network provider and driving all over town to pick up prescriptions or sit in waiting rooms are a thing of the past. Access to care is a huge barrier when it comes to seeking help; Hers makes it so easy by providing patients treatment plans that work with their needs and schedule rather than the other way around.
      Interested in trying Hers for yourself? Click here for 70% off your first month of treatment!

      2. Move my body
      Source: Pavel Danilyuk | Pexels
      I have terrible news: Exercising regularly is good for your mental health. Prior to beginning therapy, I didn’t really have an exercise routine. Sure, I would work out here and there, but I was one of those lifelong athletes who suddenly didn’t have a clue how to stay in shape after quitting sports. When my therapist recommended I try to get a routine going, it gave me the push I needed to finally do it. I knew my body needed it physically, and setting aside the fact that exercising produces endorphins, which, thanks to Elle Woods, we know make people happy, my therapist provided this logical explanation: When you’re exercising, you can’t really focus on anything else, and afterwards, you’re too tired to.
      I try to work out at least four days a week and absolutely notice a difference in my mental health when I fall off this routine. Whenever I’m feeling particularly down or anxious, even just a little bit of movement is enough to make me start to feel better. And sticking to a consistent routine has allowed me to manage my anxiety so much better overall.

      3. Take a sleep supplement
      Source: Ketut Subiyanto | Pexels
      One of the biggest ways my anxiety affects my daily life is in my sleep. To put it simply, I don’t sleep well. No matter what time I go to bed, I always find myself struggling to fall asleep and instead just chill with nothing but my thoughts for company. In addition to a strict wind-down routine (I’m talking skincare, no phone, a good book), taking a sleep supplement is a crucial part of lulling me to a restful sleep. I usually take a simple melatonin gummy I get from the drugstore, but I have recently tried Equilibria’s CBD sleep gummies and am a true convert. They help me relieve any lingering stress and fall into a gentle sleep—but they’re not so strong that I’m super groggy in the morning.

      4. Get out of bed right when the alarm goes off
      Source: Miriam Alonso | Pexels
      This is probably the hardest adjustment I’ve made to my daily routine, but the payoff has been huge. As someone who loves a good nap and looks forward to bedtime every single day, I relish the opportunity to hit snooze and steal a few extra minutes of sleep. Sometimes, I’d even hit snooze until the minute before I needed to be logged on for work, roll out of bed without properly waking up, and get right to work. Unfortunately for my sleep-loving self, that’s not sustainable and those few extra minutes of sleep actually make me feel worse rather than more rested. When I started foregoing the snooze button (one of the hardest breakups of my life, TBH) and getting out of bed right when my alarm went off, I found myself feeling more energized after going through my morning routine, allowing my mind and body to wake up, and then getting to work. On days I sleep in a little too late, I’m sluggish, irritable, and simply not my best self.

      5. Take breaks from work
      Source: Color Joy Stock
      Repeat after me: “I do not have to be glued to my monitor for eight straight hours every single day.” This one became absolutely crucial when I started working from home. It became so easy to sit at my desk for hours at a time without getting up to go anywhere. I didn’t have coworkers to chat with, have to head to a conference room for meetings, or go out to lunch—all things that used to be part of my daily life. Since I started working from home full time, it’s just me, my desk, and my computer for eight hours a day. The “bed to desk to couch and back to bed” cycle was so real and allowed me essentially no time to actually de-stress throughout the day. To help combat this, I try to take a few-minute brain break from the screen every hour or so. And I don’t mean I look away from my laptop and scroll on TikTok for a few minutes. I’m talking about a real break. Whether I stretch for a couple of minutes, play a quick game of fetch with one of my dogs, or go for a walk, I try to give my brain short breaks throughout the day to keep stress and anxiety at bay.

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      5 Realistic Hacks to Keep Up Your Fitness Routine on Vacation

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      We’ve all been there: working out regularly to prepare for a vacation and then having a tough time getting back on track once we’re back home. If you’ve found yourself getting back from your trip feeling worse than when you left, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to the vacation conundrum: Don’t break the habit, even during an all-inclusive getaway or busy schedule. Vacation workouts don’t need to be long, intense, or even consistent with your regular training plan, but they can help to keep your mood boosted, your body feeling its best, and maintain the healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to build. Also, by following the simple tips below on how to work out on vacation, you’ll make it much easier to get back to your workout routine when you return home. 

      1. Wake up (a little) earlier 
      This might seem obvious, but waking up early to move your body while on vacation is a great way to make sure you get your body moving without missing out on any of the day’s fun. Additionally, waking up at an earlier time (instead of sleeping until noon just because you don’t have an alarm clock to answer to) makes it a lot easier for your body to get back in to your normal routine once you get home. Whether you decide to hit the hotel gym or go for a walk around the resort, giving yourself time for some movement before you start your day will help you keep a healthy sleep schedule and put you in a better frame of mind. You can try waking up a whole hour earlier for a full gym session, or you can get up 10 minutes before you you need to be up for breakfast plans to take a quick walk or get in some movement in your hotel room.

      2. Go sightseeing
      Whether you’re in a new city, on a beautiful remote island, at a resort, or visiting family back home, take the opportunity to see new things by going for a run or a “hot girl walk”. Movement is a great way to explore a new place, especially if you tend to prioritize relaxation on your trips and forgo excursions in favor of a beach chair and a good read. Prioritize your safety by going in a group, sharing your location, only traveling in daylight, staying in safe areas, and, if need be, staying on the resort. Whether you choose to hike, run, walk, bike, or roller skate, explore what your vacation spot has to offer.

      3. Do a 10-minute circuit 
      Time is of the essence while on vacation, so instead of getting overwhelmed by the idea of a long and grueling workout, simply dedicate 10 minutes to raising your heart rate. Looking for a quick hotel room-friendly circuit? Try alternating between burpees and sit-ups to work the whole body, do a few rounds of your favorite moves that don’t require equipment (planks, jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, etc.), or put on music and dance around your hotel room. Just 10 minutes will leave you feeling good, help you prioritize your fitness, and boost your endorphins so you can focus on enjoying what’s in store the rest of your day.

      4. Find a fun, local class
      When it comes to exploring new places, what could be more fun than living like a local and taking a workout class? Whether it’s a beachside yoga class offered at your resort or a  cycling sesh at a boutique studio in town, try a workout you haven’t done before or don’t have at home. By making the class an opportunity to explore what your vacation spot has to offer instead of a task on your to-do list, you’ll be much more likely to enjoy it. Bonus points for hitting up the must-try brunch spot post-class!

      5. Go easy on yourself
      Most importantly, remember that your vacation is exactly that: yours. If you don’t feel like moving, you don’t have to. The best way to honor your body is to listen to it, so if you’re feeling like you need a dose of relaxation more than sweat and movement, chill out (totally guilt-free!). The point of vacation is to come back feeling recharged and rejuvenated, so if rest and recovery is how you achieve that, by all means. Real life—and the gym—will be waiting for you when you get back.

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      My Best-Kept Secret for Days When My To-Do List is as Long as a CVS Receipt

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      Let me set the scene: It’s a Sunday morning. Your mouth is drier than the Sahara desert, your head hurts from a Saturday of dancing and sipping on margs, and you’re desperately trying to forget the horror that was you, singing a cringeworthy rendition of Celine Dion to a bunch of strangers during last night’s karaoke sesh. The only thing that will spare you from extinction? An ice-cold, blue Gatorade. You beeline through the CVS aisles, secure the bag, and head to self-checkout. The kiosk reminds you to “grab your receipt” and you find yourself baffled at the concept of how one singular item can yield 6 whole feet of paper. But then you remember—you’re too hungover to care.
      I’ve been using “CVS receipt” as a unit of measurement for as long as I can remember, and while it’s not a standardized length, it’s synonymous for “ungodly long.” There’s no better way to describe a to-do list that contains a massive number of action items including, but not limited to, responding to emails, prepping for meetings, getting a few steps in, and following up on project after project. And on days where my to-do list is CVS-receipt long, I tend to lean on my holy grail CBD products from Equilibria.
      I used to be a person who was up for the challenge of an impending deadline, straddling multiple tasks at once, and being a “yes” girl to any last-minute task that came my way. Now? A bursting-at-the-seams, busy day is enough to send me into a spiral, which can negatively impact my mood, my ability to focus, and the wind-down when it comes time for sleep. To make sure my mind and body are right on my busiest days, these are the three CBD products I lean on.

      1. To calm my nerves as anxiety creeps in:

      I have a love-hate relationship with to-do lists. They’re the only way that I can keep my life together, but, also, when it starts to get long, my anxiety tends to creep in and get to a point where it cripples me from even tackling tasks, which—you guessed it—leads to even more anxiety. Enter my Equilibria Rapid Calming Melts, which I reach for when I feel my flight-or-flight response kicking into a self-sabotaging overdrive. I love these because they have a rapid onset and help bring some zen to my inner chaos without making me sleepy.

      Equilibria
      Rapid Calming Melts
      When you need fast support from your CBD, these mint-flavored, Rapid Calming Melts have your back. With innovative technology focused on maximizing absorption, these help provide you with greater calm in little to no time at all.
      Use code theeverygirl for 20% off your first order at Equilibria!

      2. To get in a flow state that yields results:

      One of the biggest selling points that enticed me to start taking CBD in the first place was learning that it can help improve focus. And once I realized there would be a possibility that my brain wouldn’t jump from singing the Empire Carpet theme song to re-experiencing the embarrassment of the most recent time I said “you too” when the waiter told me to “enjoy my food” in a matter of 0.02 seconds, I said, say no more. I especially feel like my attention span is poor when I’m stressed (see above: anxiety) and when I have caffeine on board, which, let’s be honest, I almost always do.
      I love using the Daily Drops from Equilibria in my coffee or matcha latte in the morning to help me zone back in and get things done. My caffeine helps me perk up a bit while the CBD helps me block out the noise and focus, which has proven to be such a great solution when it comes to achieving a flow state that helps me produce results.

      Equilibria
      Daily Drops
      These editor-favorite Daily Drops are perfect for targeted, fast-acting results. Looking to regulate your mood and stress levels, manage discomfort, and increase focus? Look no further. These CBD drops have you covered.
      Use code theeverygirl for 20% off your first order at Equilibria!

      3. To wind down after working in overdrive all day long:

      By this point, it’s no secret: I’m a bit of a head case. On busy days when I’m jumping from task to task and grinding it out, it can be really hard for me to turn my brain off and carve out time for relaxation and rest. And if there’s one thing I learned over the past few years of burning myself out with work and life, it’s that finding time amongst a busy day to do things I love, recharge, and truly rest is absolutely crucial for my ability to bounce back the next day. When it comes time for bed, I love taking the Equilibria Sleep Gummies and lulling myself to sleep with a light, low-stakes read. 
      I’ve used a lot of sleep aids to help me wind down in the past, but truly, nothing works as well as Equilibria’s formula. These gummies contain 25 mg of CBD and 5 mg of cannabinol, which helps to synergistically enhance the CBD’s effectiveness. I take them one hour before bed and have such an easier time calming down, falling asleep, and staying asleep. It has been such a game-changer for me to wake up feeling rested, better able to manage my anxiety, and ready to take on whatever the day (and the CVS-receipt-esque to-do list) has in store.

      Equilibria
      Sleep Gummies
      Sleep Gummies are formulated with powerful, premium, high-quality CBD along with CBN and a botanical blend of Chamomile and L-theanine. Boasting rich notes of Bordeaux Cherry, these gummies are a delicious way to maximize calm and lull you to sleep.
      Use code theeverygirl for 20% off your first order at Equilibria!

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      Zendaya Swears by 5 Wellness Hacks—And I Tried Them All

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      She continues to slay it on the red carpet and top best-dressed lists while starring on the big and small screens. We all know her as the Type Four, marches-to-the-beat-of-her-own-drum Rue in Euphoria, for which she nabbed an Emmy Award, might I add. Of course, I’m referring to none other than Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman (AKA Zendaya).
      Courtesy of Vogue, I took a deep-dive into Zendaya’s life: a Disney star turned full-fledged celeb, singer, self-proclaimed workaholic and (Virgo) perfectionist, Auntie Daya to her nieces, painter, homebody, and true-crime podcast junkie (a girl after The Everygirl’s own heart). Between her many talents and interests, leading role in Euphoria, and starring in cinematic roles, it left me wondering how she finds the time to stay healthy. Thanks to an interview with Cosmopolitan and various other sources, I got the inside scoop. Read on for five healthy habits Zendaya swears by and my experience taking a stab at them. 

      1. Find a workout that’s fun for you
      Let’s be real: We know all too well that if a workout doesn’t bring the fun factor, we’re not sticking with it, and Zendaya agrees (we knew we loved her!). In a YouTube interview with Justine Magazine, Zendaya confessed to being gym-averse, so she gets her workouts in by doing activities she loves: dancing and choreography. When she does hit the gym, you better believe she’s making it entertaining. Case in point: Zendaya doing plank variations on a medicine ball and killer Pilates movements.
      My experience: Until a few months ago, you could say I was a gym rat, and lifting heavy weights was my happy place. But I found that I had to continue digging really deep to keep it up, and the motivation waned—it just wasn’t fun anymore. Taking a cue from Zendaya, I switched it up with some at-home workouts that deliver the perfect combo of sweat and joy (rebounding and obé Fitness classes FTW) and found my second wind. 

      2. Discover what motivates you to exercise 
      Believe it or not, celebrities sometimes need a little push to work out too. Zendaya shared her unconventional way of keeping herself accountable on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: wearing various wigs she had collected from her red carpet appearances and showing up to her gym as a different character. OK, so most of us don’t have wigs lying around, but you get the idea. Identify what helps you stay consistent with your workouts and get to it. Whether it’s a ride-or-die sweat buddy, your satisfying post-workout smoothie, or booking a non-refundable fitness class, use it to your advantage to work out on the reg.
      My experience: This was a no-brainer for me—there’s nothing like a new, flattering workout set to pull me away from a binge-watching marathon and get my body moving. While I can’t get a fresh ‘fit for every workout, I use the next must-have waiting in my shopping cart as an incentive (and, trust me, there are enough to keep me going for months). 

      3. Practice body positivity 
      A body positivity advocate through and through, Zendaya is all about self-love and being authentic. “There is no such thing as ugly—that’s a word that doesn’t really enter my vocabulary,” she said in an interview with New You. “It’s important to find out who you are and love who you are … It’s very freeing when you’re just like, ‘Yo, I’m just going to do me!’” And she does just that—and with style, no less! Zendaya called out Modeliste Magazine for retouching her photos to make her hips and torso appear slimmer than IRL. The magazine later released the issue with the original, unedited images from her cover shoot (now that’s a happy ending if there ever was one). 
      My experience: TBH, I have a lot to learn from Zendaya. I’m still working on loving myself as I am and not chasing an idea of perfection I have lingering in my head every day. My go-to practice? Catching myself when I’m nit-picking my body and flipping the script with being grateful for what my body provides: the gift to exercise, a canvas for my latest fashion finds, and the ability to enjoy (mostly) all the delicious foods. 

      4. Make your meals balanced and eat what you’re craving
      Zendaya has been a vegetarian since she was 9 years old, and she gets creative about fitting veggies into her diet. Enter: the summer rice salad recipe she shared with Seventeen that is built around a healthy mix of fats, protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. But don’t be fooled by the rice salad recipe—she’s also VIP status with Postmates (I’m not exaggerating, just read Postmates’ blog). She admitted to Harper’s Bazaar that she doesn’t cook out of laziness and dislike for following directions (that’s the kind of relatable celeb we love!). “I can have anything I want; that’s the beauty of ordering food,” she said.
      My experience: Zendaya’s diet reminded me that it’s all about balance. I tend to fall into the all-or-nothing trap, so I channeled my inner Zendaya and, alongside the rice salads I made (BTW, I’d rate it a 7/10 for flavor and ease), I finished off my lunches with DEUX Cookie Dough (my latest obsession) or a couple of chocolate peanut butter cups. I’m keeping Zendaya’s rice salad in my summer meal rotation, but when laziness strikes and the chopping of vegetables is just too much to wrap my head around, Postmates it is—no guilt or shame here.    

      5. Opt for matcha over other caffeinated beverages
      It’s no secret that The Everygirl editors are obsessed with Starbucks, and it turns out Zendaya is too. Her go-to Starbucks order? A Venti iced matcha green tea latte with coconut milk. And that’s her only source of caffeine—she told Harper’s Bazaar that she goes sans coffee, soda, and energy drinks. Zendaya may be onto something: Matcha boosts your energy at a slower pace than coffee and contains L-theanine, an amino acid found in the green tea plant that can reduce stress.
      My experience: I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a matcha snob, so I was hesitant to give what’s been dubbed “The Zendaya” a go. While it was too sweet for my liking and I usually take my matcha with oat milk, I like the coconut twist and would order it again to appease a post-meal sugar craving. Because I have Crohn’s and go without the same three beverages, this healthy hack Zendaya swears by was already part of my repertoire. But if there’s one main takeaway from Zendaya and her workout and diet tried-and-trues, it’s do what works for you.  

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      The Internet’s Latest Wellness Obsession Is All About Improving Digestion—But Does It Work?

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      As someone who has dealt with “plumbing” issues for as long as I can remember, I’m intrigued (and tempted) by any wellness hack that promises better digestion. But because I’ve researched all things gut health like it’s my job, I’m also skeptical of any sounds-too-good-to-be-true trend. So when I came across the “internal shower” on TikTok, I naturally had to dig deeper. The water, chia seed, and lemon juice concoction has been touted to “shower” your digestive tract and help move things along, but does it check out? I probed the creator of the elixir, Dr. Daryl Gioffre, and asked other health experts for their opinions on whether the “internal shower” is a fading fad or worth all the hype.

      @jacvanek
      Trying the chia seed internal shower so you don’t have to. #internalshower #constipation #ibs #travelhack
      ♬ Dua Lipa – Jack Harlow

      What is the “internal shower?” 
      Although the coined term couldn’t be more obscure, the drink itself is straightforward and simple: six ounces of water, two tablespoons of chia seeds, and a squeeze of organic lemon. You’ve probably heard of chia seeds but may have never tried the so-called superfood. The little (usually black) seeds are packed with antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, and they form a gel-like consistency when mixed with liquid. While they’re taking center stage in the latest TikTok wellness sensation, chia seeds have been a staple in the ancient Aztec and Maya diets and used for their health benefits for centuries.
      Dr. Daryl Gioffre, celebrity nutritionist, author of Get Off Your Sugar and Get Off Your Acid, and the brains behind the viral beverage, came up with the recipe after years of suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and bouts of constipation, diarrhea, and bloody stools. “I started experimenting and realized that two tablespoons of chia seeds was the perfect amount for my gut-healing tonic, as it gave me 10 grams of fiber (about 30% of our required daily intake) and the same amount of omega-3 fatty acids as four ounces of salmon, which is essential for lowering inflammation in the GI tract, a big component of constipation,” Dr. Gioffre said. To get the most out of the shot, Dr. Gioffre suggested taking it on an empty stomach: a minimum of 30 minutes before eating and at least 90 minutes after. 

      How does it work? 
      If you’re still not convinced that the chia seed is all that it’s cracked up to be, sit tight. “Chia seeds are an incredible source of both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, which makes them great for constipation,” explained Erin Judge, a registered dietitian specialized in digestive disorders and founder of Gutivate. “Soluble fiber helps with softening and forming stool so it can pass more easily through the bowels, and insoluble fiber provides roughage to the stool to increase gut motility, or the speed stool moves through the intestines.”  
      Combining the nutrient-rich supplement with water, in this case, is where the magic happens. “The internal shower trend is simply hydrating chia seeds and consuming a significant portion quickly,” Judge stated. “Not only will the chia seeds start stimulating movement in the intestines as they move through, but the water will also aid in movement. For those who are constipated, this may help stimulate movement that releases stored stool, or what’s backed up in the colon, and help with regularity as the chia seeds continue to move through the entire GI tract.” Dr. Hendriks, a board-certified physician and functional medicine practitioner at Salvo Health, added that lemon juice, the third ingredient of the beverage, contains citric acid, which can stimulate the stomach to produce gastric acid to help digestion. TikTok gimmick or not, chia seeds and lemon are going in my well-being toolkit. 

      @drlindseyschmidt
      Internal shower? Is it worth it to help with constipation!? #internalshower #constipation #ibs #travelhack #bloating
      ♬ Music For a Sushi Restaurant – Harry Styles

      Should you try it?
      The viral trend has over 189 million views and counting on TikTok, so it’s probably worth a shot (pun intended), right? “If you are looking for ways to increase your fiber and fluid intake, I see no harm in giving this a shot, but there are probably some more fun and tasty ways to achieve the same goal,” Dr. Hendriks answered. “My one caution is that an abrupt increase in fiber intake can lead to gas and bloating for some people, so gradually increasing these fiber-rich foods and monitoring for symptoms is important.” Judge cautioned that for those who have gut inflammation, damage to the gut, or diverticulitis/diverticulosis, the chia seeds may cause even more irritation, which could lead to severe pain and diarrhea.
      If the “internal shower” is not your kind of #TikTokMadeMeDoIt, Jenn Baswick, a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, body image coach, and founder of The Intuitive Nutritionist, suggested adding chia seeds (one tablespoon to start) to foods that are already part of your diet, like yogurt, oatmeal, or a smoothie, or gradually incorporating other sources of fiber to your meal rotation (think: whole grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, nuts and seeds). Dr. Hendriks recommended replacing chia seeds with flaxseed, which has a slightly lower total amount of fiber content and a greater percentage of soluble fiber, if you experience gas and bloating when consuming chia seeds. But you can’t go wrong with good ol’ fruits and veggies. “One of the best ways to increase your fiber intake is by consuming two to three more servings of colorful fruits and vegetables per day, so you not only get the gut-friendly fiber but all of the health-promoting phytonutrients as well,” Dr. Hendriks said. 
      As with any wellness hack, there’s no one-size-fits-all cure-all. Judge expressed that it may be best to consult with a registered dietitian who specializes in digestion for a more personalized approach. Baswick left us with this final piece of advice: “Take a step back, question its credibility, do some research from credible sources, like registered dietitians and doctors, and ask yourself if it’s really worth it or enjoyable for you and your body to do. Don’t force yourself to drink something just because it’s trending on TikTok.” 

      Mindfulness Is the Underrated Secret to Healthier Digestion More