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Content warning: This story contains references to suicide and physical and emotional trauma, which may be upsetting or triggering for some readers. The only thing that stopped Zoe* from taking her own life was the love she had for her two children. Yet, the chronic pain she endured was so severe that it overshadowed every aspect of her daily life. Despite visiting nearly a dozen doctors, none could provide a definitive answer for her suffering; many dismissed her complaints outright. As Zoe, now 48, recounted, "They washed their hands of me," leaving her feeling alienated amid her profound pain. After a long year of medication and consultations, Zoe sought help from a pelvic floor physical therapist. It was here she was diagnosed with a hypertonic pelvic floor, a condition characterized by overactive and tight muscles. This diagnosis opened the door to the healing…

First of all, this isn’t a New Year’s resolution takedown. To say they’re all silly or ultimately ill-fated is simply false. In fact, around 60 percent of the people who made New Year’s resolutions are still going strong one month in, per the Pew Research Center. So if you’re locked into a goal you set on January 1, keep your foot on the gas pedal and leave all the resolution cynicism and “quitter’s day” rhetoric in the dust. However, if you find yourself on the other side of those hopeful statistics—your resolution fizzled out, or you didn’t bother setting one because you figured you’d abandon it anyway—don’t despair. Maybe a traditional New Year’s resolution is not the best vehicle for you and your goals, and what you need is an entirely different approach. For ideas on resolution alternatives, we spoke with experts in…

If you’ve bought a beautiful pint of berries lately, only to open the container and find them covered in a fuzzy coat of mold, you’re not alone. It’s one of life’s small, but very irritating mysteries. You just wanted a snack or to sprinkle them on your morning oats, and instead, you’re left with a science experiment in your fridge that seemingly appeared overnight. What gives, berries? Why are your berries molding? Sadly, fuzzy moldy growth and fresh berries can be a common combo. And it’s more than frustrating when you’ve just dropped some serious cash on these tiny delicate fruits. But why does this happen so often? According to Richard Kim, PhD, plant pathology expert and Director of Pathology at RipeLocker, the culprits here are fungal spores. These microscopic troublemakers are pretty much everywhere—on trees, in the soil, floating through the air,…

Adopting a hot yoga practice doesn’t have to mean spending tons of money on a studio membership or adjusting your busy schedule to fit in a class. You can enjoy cost-effective yoga whenever you choose by transforming a bathroom or spare room into your personal hot yoga sanctuary. Imagine a space where you can flow to your favorite songs, practice freely, or immerse yourself in long-held stretches. “Yoga, for me, is the art of finding and creating space for myself—on or off of the mat,” shares Emily Taylor, yoga teacher and studio manager at Otium Studios. If you want to embrace hot yoga but either lack a nearby studio or don't have the extra cash for a membership, here’s how to create a nurturing environment right at home. But First, the Benefits of Hot Yoga Lower blood pressure, increased flexibility, and improved bone…

It’s a bit of a cruel irony that just as many of us have resolved to move more in the new year, or have recommitted to our daily step goal, the winter weather can make it so unpleasant to be outside. And while the treadmill is always an option, it has a bit of a reputation to overcome: Walking or running on the treadmill can be boring and make time drag on, while doing an actual “workout” on the treadmill can feel intimidating, or like it’s only for “serious” runners. But the treadmill doesn’t have to be boring—nor does it have to be intimidating, with the right guidance. Here’s everything treadmill beginners need to know about getting their indoor steps in—plus workouts for walkers and runners from two veteran coaches. Why run on the treadmill? There are some hard-and-fast rules when it comes…

There are approximately five thousand days in the month of January—and yet somehow February (and its mid-month celebration of *all things love*) always creeps up on you. But don’t panic: The latest TikTok trend has you covered this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re showering your romantic partner, all your besties, or yourself with TLC. With 1.2 billion TikTok views and counting, bae baskets are making a major splash, and for good reason. The concept isn't complicated: put together a care package of sorts, filled with simple-but-swoon-worthy goodies that feel unique and personal to your recipient. It’s a super thoughtful (not to mention low-effort) way to show your A-team you notice and care about the things that bring them joy—and the best part? It can be totally wallet-friendly and definitely doesn’t seem like you waited until the last possible second to grab them a gift.…

If you’ve ever left the house without your phone, you know how naked it can make you feel in those moments before you race back to reclaim your screen. But you’re not the only one experiencing phone dependency: one survey found that we spend up to 40 hours a week on our phones, and 40 percent of adults say they’re online almost constantly, per the Pew Research Center. Does that number surprise you? Then you may be one of those people wondering if it’s a good idea to spend less time on your phone. Enter Phone-Free February. This nonprofit campaign encourages people to use their screens less for 28 days, with the ultimate goal of interacting more with the real world. Doing Phone-Free February doesn’t mean you have to completely ditch your phone—that would be impossible for most people with jobs, anyway. But…

In today's world, the dietary supplement market is oversaturated and can be overwhelming for consumers. Shopping for these products, whether in-store or online, often means encountering a myriad of brands, each claiming that their supplement will resolve your every health concern. However, as a registered dietitian (RD), I can assure you that the reality is far more nuanced. A balanced diet is generally sufficient to cover most nutritional needs, but certain gaps still exist for many Americans that justify supplementation. In this article, we will explore five supplements that can genuinely support optimal health when incorporated into your daily routine. The 5 Daily Supplements for Optimum Health Before we dive into our top picks, it's essential to understand that nutritional needs are highly individualized. Factors such as age, dietary preferences, activity level, pre-existing health conditions, and personal goals all play crucial roles in…

It’s been the longest January to have ever Januaried, and the past few weeks have been a little ~weird~ to say the least. In spite of (*gestures broadly*) everything, it’s important to find joy where you find it—like spending quality time with loved ones, indulging in favorite pastimes, or of course, some retail therapy. Buying things isn’t a prerequisite for happiness, but shopping for joy-boosting products can feel like a nice sliver of normalcy amidst all of the unknown. Well+Good editors have weathered this year-long month with items that invited more joy into our lives. Winter skincare staples and nice-to-haves—like an internet-viral sweater and what might be the best white T-shirt to have landed in our closets—made it into our shopping carts. Others leaned on items that would make their mundane routines more joyful. Without further ado, scroll to see the products that…

Whether unwinding after a long day with a cocktail, toasting a celebratory moment with bubbly, or sharing a bottle with friends over dinner, alcoholic beverages—when enjoyed responsibly in moderation—have long been one of my favorite rituals for bringing people together and feeling present in the moment. However, the soaring popularity of the sober-curious movement in the past decade has led more people—including myself—to reevaluate the role alcohol plays in our lives and our health. Trends like Dry January encourage individuals to reimagine their relationship with alcohol and navigate their social lives without it. With new health guidelines in the U.S. warning that even moderate alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of cancer, the inclination to stay dry—or at least damp—beyond January is becoming increasingly common. Yet, like breaking any habit, going dry can be challenging initially. Even with the rise of…