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If you’re like many, the worry of not being able to fall asleep at night can overshadow the importance of a relaxing bedtime routine. On paper, it may sound perfect: brushing teeth, applying skincare, changing into cozy pajamas, and sipping tea while watching a relaxing show. Even after incorporating tips from sleep experts like taking melatonin, wearing a sleep mask, or listening to white noise, these "relaxing" steps can sometimes become an exhausting to-do list, ultimately increasing stress and keeping us awake. Experts confirm that many of us experience the stress-sleep cycle, where good intentions don’t always lead to better sleep outcomes. According to Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, a board-certified physician and certified sleep specialist, “A low-stress bedtime routine is a set of calming, intentional activities to gently unwind from the day. This routine should create a sense of relaxation, signaling to the brain…

Your daily horoscope is all about getting back to the grind with gusto. With the moon in solid, serious Capricorn in a helpful sextile to Saturn, we can accomplish much that fell off our to-do list during more tumultuous times last week. Plus, Mercury’s entry into analytical Aquarius brings out our inner science nerd, helping us to appreciate the most unconventional quirks in ourselves and others. Get your freak on and share that funny or weird meme without shame. Looking for even more astrology insights? Read your January 2025 horoscope and your full 2025 romance horoscope. Aries March 21–April 19 Get ‘er done, Aries. With the moon in your professional zone and Mercury moving into your social sector, you can make major moves in your career, navigating your network with ease. This is one of those days when a friend in your group…

Your weekly horoscope for January 26 to February 1, 2025, helps you find new solutions to old problems. You benefit from your intuitive mind when Mercury in Capricorn links up with Neptune in Pisces on January 26. Spending time alone or engaging in spiritual practices can lead you to new insights and ideas. Conversations are tender, healing, and vulnerable, too. People are compassionate, open-minded, and more understanding. On the same day, January 26, Venus in Pisces mingles with Uranus retrograde in Taurus, bringing new people into your life. This energy creates a social buzz and is great for spending time with friends and collaborating with others. You could take a creative or romantic risk! People also crave novelty and new experiences.Mercury, the planet of the mind, moves into Aquarius on January 27. You’re focused on the future and building community. Aquarius is concerned…

The Hoka Bondi has always been unapologetically maximalist. It’s big, bold, and has sky-high cushioning that kicked off a revolution in running shoes. But despite its standout comfort used by everyone from nurses to marathoners, past versions felt more like walking shoes than true running shoes because of their bulk. Now—with the release of the redesigned Hoka Bondi 9 ($170)—this shoe is finally living up to its full potential. With softer foam, a more responsive feel, and a stable base, this version is ready to run. Hoka Bondi 9 — $170.00 Colors: 6 | Sizes: US 4 – 12 | Weight: 9.3 oz | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm Pros: Cushioned but stable for a variety of paces Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, more responsive feel Durable for daily training Cons: Ankle cuff is relatively stiff Not the fun color selection I’ve…

On TikTok, a noteworthy trend has emerged as many users, predominantly women, announce their intentions for 2025 to embrace the concept of ‘being meaner.’ One such TikTok user, Alexus Bird, shares her resolution stating, “I try to be honest while sparing feelings but some of y’all are still pissing me off, and I’m not dealing with that this year. You’ve been warned.” These declarations often include phrases like “clearly I was not mean enough” or “I was too nice in 2024,” as first highlighted by Bustle. While many of these videos lack specific context, some users specify a target for their newfound assertiveness, particularly towards men. This movement seems to underline a collective desire to end people-pleasing behaviors, which often require individuals to place others' needs above their own. TikTokker Alex Candelario articulates this sentiment, adding, “I’ll be meaner if I have to…

When you're feeling backed up, the struggle to find relief is real. While there are plenty of medications and supplements available to help ease constipation, sometimes, you just want an easy and natural alternative. Well, we’ve got one for you: blowing bubbles. Yes, you read that right. Some say that blowing bubbles for constipation relief is legit. Karan Rajan, MRCS, MBBS, a surgeon with the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) and health and science content creator, suggests that this playful-sounding trick might actually work. In one of his recent TikTok videos, Dr. Rajan explains that changing how you breathe—whether by pretending to blow bubbles, blowing out a candle, or even making an elongated “moo” sound—can activate your vagus nerve (a main component of the nervous system) and trigger wave-like contractions (aka peristalsis) to get things moving. These gentle breathing techniques mimic the mechanics…

The best things in life are free, but the next-to-best things are on sale—and this weekend is no exception. With a host of exciting promotions from some of our favorite wellness brands, this is the perfect time to stock up on essentials or treat yourself to something special. Notable discounts are available from Patagonia, Cozy Earth, REI, and several others. Here’s a breakdown of the best deals you won’t want to miss. Shop the Best Sales This Weekend Backcountry The deal: Mega-outdoor retailer Backcountry is offering up to 40% off current and past-season styles from brands such as Mountain Hardwear and The North Face. Shop the sale. Patagonia The deal: Patagonia’s Winter Sale features hundreds of items, including fleeces and winter jackets, marked down up to 40% off. Shop the sale. REI The deal: REI is slashing prices on past-season winter and year-round…

As a health journalist, I understand the challenge of navigating the overwhelming sea of information available about women's health online. In an era dominated by AI-driven search engines, distinguishing legitimate medical advice from dubious wellness claims can be a daunting task. It's a common reality that many women face, making this topic all the more critical. From menstruation to fertility and, indeed, menopause, there remains significant ambiguity surrounding women's health. Notably, over 1 million women in the U.S. experience menopause annually, yet studies suggest that a staggering 80 percent of them have limited understanding of this natural transition. Often, they never learned about menopause during their education or harbor negative perceptions about this life phase, which contributes to discomfort in discussing their concerns with healthcare providers. Introduce Roon, an innovative application that integrates AI technology with doctor-approved advice to provide women with reliable…

It's Friday night, you're staying in, and while you’d usually wind down with a makeshift margarita, you’ve resolved to leave the liquor behind. Drinking less is always a good idea, but it’s especially true if you have a sensitive stomach. Alcohol is a toxin, and it can cause inflammation in the digestive tract that can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center. And sure, canned mocktails that are ready-to-go are great for many occasions, but if you enjoy the ritual of mixing up your own concoction, we’ve got you. With gut-healthy ingredients and tasty combinations, these gut-friendly recipes are ready to be shaken (or stirred) right at home. They bring all the flavor and fun and won’t cost you a nagging hangover the next day. Best Gut-Friendly Mocktails 1. Turmeric Tonic Alcohol’s golden days might be long gone, but…

When I started training for my first half marathon nearly 18 years ago, I didn’t even own a simple Timex watch ($35). I followed handwritten, photocopied maps to navigate group training runs through hilly Atlanta neighborhoods and had zero insight into data like my heart rate, stride length, or pace.Fast forward nearly 20 years and more than 200 races later, and I now have 24/7 access to a dizzying array of metrics—heart rate variability, stress level, sleep stages, and more—thanks to not one but two personal fitness trackers: a Garmin Fenix 6S ($700) and a Whoop band ($239). These are just two of dozens of devices designed to help consumers optimize and track wellness data—but is this gamification of our health healthy? Yes and no, says Alissa Paladino, CPT, an Atlanta-based certified personal trainer.“Fitness trackers provide accountability and motivation and can give awareness…