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Two fingers over from my wedding ring finger lies a band that seems to suggest betrothal to my AI boyfriend, but is actually a smart ring. Smart rings, for the uninitiated, are health and fitness metric trackers that slide onto your finger; they collect much of the same data as smart watches (the Apple Watch, Garmin Forerunner, Polar Grit, etc.), but do so in a bite (er, band) sized format. For the last decade, Oura Ring, which debuted their first product in 2015, has had a near-monopoly on the smart ring market. But that may be starting to change—the latter portion of 2024 alone saw Samsung launch the Galaxy Ring, Verizon tag-team with Ultrahuman to release the Ultrahuman Ring Air, and Amazon drop the Amazfit Helio. Despite an increasing number of options, however, smart rings have continued to be a rich-person game. The…

Right when I wake up, the hit of natural energy (cortisol, technically) tricks me into believing I can tackle my to-do list and hit the gym before noon. But that natural energy doesn't last very long—by the time I finish scanning my inbox and slipping on a workout set, you'll find me beelining to my Nespresso machine. That's why I'm always looking for alternative (cue: caffeine-free) ways to feel more energized. Recently, instead of reaching for a second cup, I decided to dust off my essential oil diffuser and pop in some uplifting scents. I’ve found that diffusing bright, citrusy oils, like lemon or orange, gives me that much-needed pep in my step, especially on gray, thick-of-winter days. I like my scent extra concentrated, so I pour about 10 drops of oil into my water-filled diffuser and let it work its magic while…

Herbalists, neuroscientists, and physical therapists might have different approaches to health care, but when it comes to starting the day, they have a lot in common. If your goal is to support brain health, mental health, or sleep, pros have a few tried and true tips for a calming morning routine that will set your day up for success.Why should you even attempt a routine? It turns out that just the act of establishing these must-dos can bolster well-being. Reuben Chen, MD, a sports medicine and pain physician specializing in longevity, says a relaxing routine prevents life or work tasks from hijacking the tone for the day. Routines can also help make positive lifestyle changes stick.“Too many people wake up every day with a barrage of chores and responsibilities,” Dr. Chen tells Well+Good. “I try to go about as regular a [morning routine]…

The moon remains in electric Aquarius fresh off yesterday’s new moon. And anything-goes Uranus moves direct after a five-month retrograde. Because this planet is as unconventional AF and the planetary ruler of the aforementioned sign, your daily horoscope will surely surprise you. This could mean you get a sudden wake-up call and have to spring into action. It can cause a bit of physical anxiety, so have all your comforting modalities lined up, like breathing techniques. Even if it feels like a jolt, it’s probably a signal that you’re about to start something incredibly exciting, and you want your body and mind to be ready. Looking for even more astrology insights? Read your January 2025 horoscope and your full 2025 romance horoscope. Aries March 21–April 19 Uranus comes back to life in your second house of money today, Aries. This could present a…

As a registered dietitian (RD) with more than a decade of experience, I’ve worked in a range of healthcare settings over the years—from inpatient hospitals and outpatient clinics to private practices—and the one issue that continues to plague all of these establishments is lack of insurance coverage for nutrition consultation. While patients in a hospital can typically seek the counsel of an RD as part of their stay, many won’t be able to continue that care once they go home as insurance coverage in outpatient and private practice settings is hard to come by. If clients do have coverage, it’s often for a very limited amount of sessions (around two per year maximum). Given that proper nutrition is one of the primary ways to prevent several types of chronic diseases, working with a nutritionist on healthy eating habits is something that almost all…

There’s something undeniably magical about a romantic getaway—whether it’s the chance to escape the daily grind or just the thrill of having your partner all to yourself for a few days. It’s the perfect excuse to disconnect from the outside world, forget about the laundry pile, and focus on what really matters: good food, even better company, and a setting that makes you feel like the only two people on earth. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure or just lounging in luxury, a change of scenery in a romantic Airbnb can do wonders for your relationship. (Vacation sex, anyone?!) From the rocky coast of Big Sur to the peaceful mountains of the Catskills, these hand-picked romantic Airbnbs are perfect for anyone ready to level up their escape. So, grab your partner and pack your bags (and your high expectations) for a retreat…

If you’re obsessed with all things Pilates, you already know about the best athleisure, accessories, and self-care moments to incorporate into your practice. However, you may be less familiar with a type of breathwork that can improve your practice — and help you feel more grounded. Enter hypopressive breathing, a deep breathing exercise that involves emptying your lungs completely. It’s similar to the uddiyana bandha in yoga (or an “abdominal lock”). “It involves breathing in a way that creates a vacuum-like effect in your thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities by decreasing the pressure, causing a lift and toning of the pelvic floor,” says Anouska Shenn, a certified Pilates instructor and founder of The Office Yoga Company. But before we get into how to do it, let us clear up one thing: Don’t try any breath-holding exercises during your practice, since Pilates focuses on…

The Chinese Lunar New Year starts Wednesday, and one concept will be radiating throughout the year—internal transformation. Three aspects of the Chinese astrology zodiac are converging to make this year all about introspection and change: the animal symbolism of the snake, the elemental cycle of a wood year, and the switch from “yang” to “yin” energy. So in this yin Year of the Wood Snake, get ready to shed your skin. The Chinese astrology zodiac has multiple astrological features that determine the character of a year (and a person born in that year). Here’s how three major aspects will impact what’s in store for 2025. Yin vs. Yang Years In the two-year cycle between yin and yang, yang years (or even number years) are more active, while yin years are more still and contemplative. As an odd number year, 2025 is a yin…

If you haven't personally experienced an unpleasant stomach bug this winter, you probably know someone who has: Norovirus cases have been spiking in the U.S. for months now. In early December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data showing that reported outbreaks had more than doubled compared to the same time period between 2021 and 2023. Norovirus outbreaks can be hard to contain in part because the virus is *extremely* contagious. It very easily spreads from person to person through someone who already has the virus or from contaminated food, water, or surfaces. The condition causes a flurry of gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. "Just 10 or more particles of this small virus can lead to illness, and it can live on contaminated surfaces for one to two weeks," says Sherrill Brown, M.D., medical director of…

The new moon in freedom-loving Aquarius is here at 7:36 a.m. ET, delivering a future-forward vibe for your daily horoscope. With this super analytical lunation in a friendly trine to lucky Jupiter a few hours later, this is exactly the positive vibe shift we’ve been hoping for all month. It could feel slightly jarring as lunations in this sign tend to rev up our nervous system, so have calming tools on hand if you need to relieve stress. This is also the lunar New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Wood Snake in Chinese astrology, signaling spiritual evolution and deep transformation. It’s time to shed your skin and show the world a brand new you—a little bit of soul exfoliation goes a long way. Looking for even more astrology insights? Read your January 2025 horoscope and your full 2025 romance…