Recent Posts

So you’re wondering how to be more confident, eh? It’s a worthwhile endeavor. Studies on the benefits of confidence show that people with high self-esteem tend to do better in multiple aspects of life, including relationships, work, school, and more. But the good news continues, my friend! Embarking on this confidence journey is itself something you can do to build self-esteem. “The simple desire to enhance your confidence is a significant first step towards self-assurance,” says behavior change specialist Asia Schmidt. That’s because “self-love” is a key component of confidence. And if you’re trying to be more confident, you are “exercising” self-love, Schmidt says. You want to be proud of the person you are, and carry that pride with you in interactions with others. High-fives all around!To build deep confidence, you’ll need a four-pronged approach: know yourself, trust yourself, develop self-love, and radiate…

The start of the new year is the perfect time to reset your healthy living goals, and Apple Fitness+ is here to help. The subscription fitness and wellness service just cranked out a massive selection of new programs and workouts, assisting users in trying new things and maintaining engagement as they dive into 2025. The new programs will roll out on January 6 on iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, and Apple Watches, providing you a little time to prepare. However, given the wide array of new offerings, it can be overwhelming to navigate, whether you’re new to the service or a seasoned user. With that in mind, here are the standout new programs to keep on your radar. ‘Three Perfect Weeks of Strength’ Strength training is having a moment right now, and this new program is designed to get you up to speed. It’s…

As he prepares to conclude his tenure as the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, MD, has issued a significant advisory regarding alcohol consumption and its relationship to cancer risk. In a statement released today, Dr. Murthy indicated that the dangers associated with alcohol consumption should be highlighted with a warning label, akin to those found on cigarette packages. This recommendation comes in light of established links between alcohol and several types of cancer, emphasizing that the issue merits urgent public attention. During an interview on NPR Morning Edition, Dr. Murthy revealed that even moderate alcohol consumption correlates with an increased risk for at least seven types of cancer, including mouth, throat, larynx, esophageal, breast, liver, colon, and rectal cancer. Alarmingly, he noted that approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths annually can be attributed to alcohol use, with alcohol consumption linked to…

Are you struggling to drift off or stay asleep? It might be time to rethink your bedtime routine. While advice like "just take deep breaths" is a great start, it often misses a big piece of the puzzle: pelvic floor tension. As Alyssa Burkitt, DPT, a pelvic floor physical therapist at Bespoke Physical Therapy in San Diego, notes, "Your pelvic floor, breathing, and sleep quality are all connected in ways that might surprise you." True relaxation goes beyond surface-level breathing; it’s about syncing your breath with your body, especially your pelvic floor. This is where a simple 10-minute pelvic floor routine can help you let go of stress and set the stage for truly restful sleep—all from the comfort of your bed. How Can Pelvic Floor Exercises Help You Sleep? Have you ever noticed how your shoulders creep up when you’re stressed? Your…

Simone Biles is officially that girl—as if we didn’t already know. The gymnastics legend has been named Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated, and honestly, no one should be surprised. Nobody else is flipping, twisting, and making history like Biles is. The year 2024 was all about her comeback, proving she’s not just the G.O.A.T. of gymnastics but also the definition of resilience and inspiration. In 2023, Biles snagged her eighth U.S. all-around title at the National Gymnastics Championships—the first person to ever earn the accomplishment. And in 2024 she became the most decorated gymnast in history with 37 World Championship and Olympic medals combined. But Biles’s legacy isn’t just about gold medals and jaw-dropping routines. She’s also the queen of putting mental health front and center. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics she stepped back to focus on her mental well-being and…

As a registered dietitian, I am acutely aware of the challenges many face in achieving adequate levels of vitamin D, particularly during the winter months. It’s estimated that over 40% of all Americans are somewhat deficient in vitamin D (also known as the sunshine vitamin), leaving many vulnerable to a range of health issues. Vitamin D deficiency goes beyond the simple issue of not getting enough sun; modern lifestyles often confine individuals indoors, significantly limiting their exposure to sunlight. This concern is especially pronounced in winter when shorter days and weaker sunlight make it harder for the body to synthesize sufficient amounts of vitamin D naturally. Additionally, the limited variety of foods rich in vitamin D compounds the problem, making it difficult for many to meet their nutritional needs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified vitamin D as a dietary component…

As a kid, Jennifer Aniston used to fall asleep with the TV on. Unfortunately, getting lulled to sleep with a comforting sitcom—like, say, Friends—can impact sleep quality. However, the iconic actress and ambassador for Pvolve (a workout method with both studios and a digital platform) is determined to work on her sleep hygiene lately. Specifically, she’s trying to cut down on screen time before bed. Her recipe for success? Not biting off more than she can chew. Jennifer Aniston’s goal-setting mindset is, frankly, goals. How ‘night owl’ Aniston is working on her ZZZs Aniston doesn’t actually believe in New Year’s resolutions. She sets general goals but thinks resolutions set people (herself included) up for failure. So, to improve her sleep hygiene, she’s approaching the goal with a series of small steps and an attitude of experimentation. Aniston is a self-described night owl. “I…

Real talk: your hairbrush is probably overdue for a cleaning. Between dead skin cells, oils, and leftover product, it’s a breeding ground for grime that can mess with your scalp. But how often should you be cleaning it? Spoiler alert: more often than you think. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your brush—and your hair—fresh and clean, including when it’s time to trade your trusty brush in for a newer model. How often to clean your hairbrush As a general rule, you should clean your hairbrush every one to two weeks, but it really depends on a few things, says Lindsey Marie Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburg, PA. Clean your hairbrush more often if: You use heavy styling products You have long hair You deal with dandruff or an oily scalp How to clean your hairbrush The…

If you’re a football fan, Erin Andrews needs no introduction. The trailblazing sportscaster and TV personality has been a staple in sports coverage for decades. You can find her on the sidelines getting exclusive interviews, reporting during Super Bowls, and co-hosting the Calm Down Podcast, a show about life, gossip, and sports, on iHeart Radio. As a longtime NFL sideline reporter, Andrews knows what it’s like to support her health on and off the field. When she’s not covering football games on FOX, she’s also tackling life as a new mom to her 1-year-old son. So it’s safe to say—her life can get pretty busy. But there are some wellness practices she sticks to that keep her in the game. We caught up with Andrews to take us through her wellness-filled morning routine, from waking up early to taking care of her body…

Running and cycling are both excellent cardio workouts that can improve your health and wellness. However, choosing between running and cycling can be a tough call. It's important to weigh the unique benefits of each activity and how they cater to different fitness goals, preferences, and health needs. Before committing to one or the other, let’s explore the pros and cons of each activity and how they align with personal fitness goals. Here, two fitness experts provide insights to help you make an informed decision. Running Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise—all you need is a pair of shoes and some open space. As a total-body workout, running offers a variety of benefits all at once. "Running improves cardiovascular health while strengthening the legs, core, and bones," says April Gatlin, CPT, ACE-certified personal trainer and senior master coach for…