Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2021 i Women's Health

@lizplosser I hold out my palm—the “button”—and ask them to push it hard. Kind of like a high five, but with “clean slate” vibes. Adorably, they enjoy throwing this back my way when I’m having an, ahem, moment of my own. “Mama, I think you need to press the reset button!” they’ll say. They’re always right, btw. So, I am passionately pro fresh starts and equally convinced that you don’t need a new year, a new week, or even a new day to embrace one. Literally, *this very minute* is your opportunity to clear the air, reset your intentions, and begin again. Exciting, right? This issue of Women’s Health is devoted to the power of resets, and that goes for all the things, from eating healthier to creating boundaries to…

As a kid, Domonique Panton would sit in the stands with her father at the Penn Relays—the oldest track-and-field competition in the country—cheering on Team Jamaica. Now, the Washington, D.C., resident, triple jumper, and prolific Pinterest creator (@astoldbydom) is training for a spot of her own on the world stage. Here’s what motivates her to take big leaps.… On My Vision Board Seeing my inspirations every single day is the nudge I need to do the little things—even when I don’t want to or don’t feel like it. 1 Olympic Rings I’m training to meet the Triple Jump Olympic standard, which is 14.32 meters. NBD! My season got canceled last year because of COVID, so I’m working hard toward my debut this year in the world of professional athletics. 2…

THE STEPS 1. Stand with feet hip-width apart. 2. Bend knees slightly and extend arms out at shoulder height, elbows bent and wide, palms facing floor. 3. Jump straight up, lifting knees to touch hands. 4. Land softly with knees bent. HOT TIP WARM UP Do a few bodyweight squats to prep for this more advanced move. Source: Kara Liotta, personal trainer and VP of talent at Flywheel Sports in New York City…

Source: Marissa Meshulam, RDN I’ve grown out of many things over the years—low-rise jeans, dark eyeliner, side bangs—but there’s one staple I’ll never ever retire: cereal! The breakfast classic has always been a major comfort food for me, from the time I was a little girl slurping the last bit of Cocoa Krispies out of my Mickey Mouse bowl, to when I was a college student munching on Panda Puffs with my bestie after a night out, to now. As a fellow adult, you may be thinking, But isn’t cereal super sugary? Or bland? No and no. Or at least, it doesn’t need to be. Cereal is having a resurgence, with tons of new brands and flavors on store shelves. Many are packed with fiber, protein, and whole grains, all…

Love smoothies, hate the cleanup? Meet Evive, frozen smoothie cubes you shake with water or milk to create a delicious breakfast or snack on the fly, no blender needed. Drop the little shapes into a glass or bottle with your liquid of choice, let them melt a bit, then stir or shake to mix. Most varieties include plant-based protein from peas and chia seeds, plus a dehydrated combo of spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, beets, and shiitake mushrooms. A WH fave: Sapphire, a blend featuring an antioxidant-rich algae (spirulina) that may lower blood sugar. Quick, easy, healthy, *and* photo-worthy! $5, evivenutrition.com…

Meet Mahmee, a platform and service (mahmee.com) that tracks Mom and baby’s health from pregnancy through the first year. Cofounder Linda Hanna, RN, explains why a network is so, so important: Women’s Health: In what way do women lack support during their pregnancies? Linda Hanna: Expectant parents see their obstetrician or midwife every few weeks, but as an OB nurse, I always thought, What about the moments in between—when something small happens, and you have a question? So I call Mahmee appointments the “in-betweens,” where we talk and send a quick message to your health-care provider if needed. WH: How can parents deal with the stress of taking care of a baby during an already isolating time? LH: Women receive amazing care at the hospital, then it’s like, “Bye!” You…

You make time for a workout-workout, but how ’bout a mental health workout? It’s a thing: Coa ($25 per class, joincoa.com) is a new online platform offering emotional fitness classes that teach your mind to avoid crisis mode. “Our culture encourages us to wait until things are falling apart to seek support for mental health issues,” says Emily Anhalt, PsyD, Coa cofounder and chief clinical officer. “But that’s like waiting until you’re diagnosed with early signs of heart disease to do cardio.” Let’s get you warmed up: Be blunt about your emotional needs. Community is crucial when the bad stuff creeps in, but you need to water it regularly. Think of something simple a friend could do to support you this week, and (here’s the kicker) actually ask for it.…

1. Smarter Slather “The serum-in-a-bar nixes redness and lasts for 60 days of use.” —Mara Santilli, contributing beauty editor 2. All-In-One Champ “I customized this palette—made of recycled materials—to build a kit of essential shades I’ll actually use.” —Kristina Rodulfo, beauty director 3. Secret Sauce “A bottle’s worth of ultra-hydrating coconut milk formula is packed into a concentrate. Just add water and store in your own jar at home. Brilliant!”—MS 4. Pigment Player “The tubeless, multipurpose—lips, lids, cheeks!—balm means less packaging: You simply peel back the paper and create your own masterpiece.” —MS 5. Eco Deo “The same moisturizing and smooth formula I’ve loved since I was a teen, but in a refillable stainless steel case.” —KR…

Mark our words: This will be *the* year that virtual fitness doesn’t just boom—it explodes. And that’s not merely us looking into our crystal balls, either. Over half of Americans said they are now splitting their get-sweaty time between remote and IRL workouts, according to a survey of almost 20,000 people by Mindbody (the booking platform used by thousands of gyms and studios to connect with clients). That’s a whole lotta folks looking to link up with fitness pros online, and it’s changed the way certified trainers operate when it comes to just-you-and-them sessions. Let’s unpack this a bit: The National Academy of Sports Medicine found that more than 80 percent of trainers asked last year were already providing online training, and more than half want to switch to a…

Since my days in college, when my anxiety reached a panic attack–inducing level, I’ve done lots of therapy and even more yoga to feel collected. With stress lurking around every corner this past year, though, I needed some ways to find my chill anytime, anywhere. So I added breathwork to my stay-cool tool kit. Dozens of techniques (perhaps you’ve heard terms like “box breathing” or “4-7-8 breathing”) fall under its umbrella, which includes any exercise in which you focus on the rate and depth of your breath, says Jaclyn Tolentino, DO, a senior physician at Parsley Health. The practice has been linked to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, less back pain, better mood, and more. Natural as the action may be, though, it’s often viewed as too simple…

Here’s a jaw-dropping fact for ya: More than 130 billion pounds of food go to waste in the United States Every. Single. Year. The causes are plentiful, from grocery-store standards that require food to be ditched before it’s “bad” to homes where that head of lettuce is forever getting lost in the back of the fridge. (It’s easy to see how everything adds up quickly!) But this mass disposal has extreme environmental and economic implications: Food that ends up in a landfill accounts for 8 percent of global emissions. And the average American family throws out $1,600 worth of produce annually. While these statistics are shocking—and Mother Earth is seriously stressed and in need of some self-care, stat—the good news is that companies and individuals are coming up with solutions…

ROAST This is your set-it-and-forget-it technique. Heat oven between 400’F and 450’F and place fish on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness, adding additional time if baking a whole fillet. GRILL This is for meaty fish that won’t flake apart while cooking, like salmon, halibut, and mahi. Heat grill to medium-high. Grill three to four minutes on each side per inch of thickness, making sure not to disturb during the first three minutes. Fish should release from the grill, making it easier to flip. PAN-SEAR For the texture-rich crust on even the most tender of fish, may we suggest pansearing? Heat oil in a nonstick skillet on medium-high, then cook (skin-side down first, if applicable) and wait until the color starts to change…

I was working in insurance a few years ago when I realized I needed an escape from my job, so I started creating funny videos. I try to make content that’s relatable but touches on somewhat uncomfortable topics. Lately I’ve been focused on body positivity for every body. I’m a naturally slim woman on a weight-gain journey, and I’m out here trying to normalize exercising to get bigger, and to show women you can be sexy and confident at any size. My motto is that humor is therapeutic. It can alleviate pain that medicine can’t, with zero hospital bills. I hope when people watch my videos they not only laugh and get that endorphin boost, but feel empowered to find the positivity in their life. I want to show that…

An envelope appeared in my mailbox in New York on day 2 million of COVID life (I’ve lost track). It was from my great-aunt in Florida. She had sent an Instagram DM that month saying she wanted to be pen pals. And she came through, writing in black ink, the cursive words stretching across lined pages. In her letter, she detailed the ups and downs of life during 2020, her mourning of family gatherings, our shared struggles with maintaining good mental health, and what was giving her peace of mind (hint: her anti-anxiety medication!). One of my favorite parts of the letter? Seeing the things she scratched out, the words she forgot to include and had to write in the margins. It was as if I saw her thoughts unfold,…

Imagine someone covering your eyes from behind and steering you down a dark hall. That’s what social anxiety feels like to me: daunting, terrifying, and out of my control. But thanks to therapy and new friends, I finally had mine in check. Uh, before the big bad quarantine wolf paused my progress, that is. So I had to know: Did I lose all my gains?! Will I need to start over? Thankfully, no. “You don’t forget how to socialize,” says Ellen Hendriksen, PhD, a clinical psychologist. She likens it to fitness: “It’s much easier to get back into an old routine than it is to get fit for the first time.” First off, phew. But I still felt a little rusty chatting with small groups in person after communicating exclusively…

VIVOBAREFOOT PRIMUS LITE III “I want to feel all the little muscles in my feet to execute proper lifts, and these are the closest to being barefoot.”—LAUREN KANSKI, CPT, WH advisory board member $145, vivobarefoot.com APL TECHLOOM PRO The Sculpt Society founder Megan Roup, CPT, swears by these for high-rep workouts because they’re light—which is what you want when busting out a lot of donkey kicks, no? $140, athleticpropulsionlabs.com RINGSIDE DIABLO BOXING SHOES Our undefeated girl crush Halle Berry told us that these are the boxing shoes she laces up for her MMA training sessions, which makes ’em total knockouts in our book. $80, ringside.com RYKA DYNAMIC PRO TRAINING SHOE These are our plus-ones to dance (cardio) parties because of the pivot points—tiny discs on the bottom—that make our turns…

Recently, Kate Hudson had a revelation. Gesturing furiously over Zoom, she tells me that she realized she didn’t know how to intentionally carve out moments of joy in her schedule. As someone whose work and life revolve around optimism and wellness, she certainly wasn’t blind to the irony. But flooded as she was with back-to-back meetings for her three brands and nonstop production on a new TV show—all while taking care of three kids during a pandemic—it’s not surprising that the actress and lifestyle mogul struggled to prioritize her own fulfillment. “Whenever I had nothing to do, I felt like I should be doing a million different things,” she says. “My brain just literally couldn’t stop.” Anxiety surrounding her businesses and the future of her employees plagued her. “The beginning…

CARDIOLOGY Jennifer H. Mieres, MD Professor of cardiology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; senior vice president, Center for Equity of Care, Northwell Health DERMATOLOGY Mona Gohara, MD Associate clinical professor, department of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine Ellen Marmur, MD Founder, Marmur Medical Joshua Zeichner, MD Director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City FERTILITY Sheeva Talebian, MD Fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist, CCRM New York FITNESS Ben Bruno, CFSC Certified functional strength coach and private trainer Betina Gozo, CFSC Certified functional strength coach; NASM corrective exercise specialist; Nike master trainer; creator of Women’s Health Woman’s Guide to Strength Training Lauren Kanski, CPT NASM-certified personal trainer; functional strength and conditioning specialist; kettlebell skills specialist Sohee Lee, MS, CSCS Evidence-based fitness coach…

“I’m a mental vision-boarder. I’m not the best at pausing or sitting—that’s hard for me. I need some kind of movement to process my thoughts. So I manifest goals during my daily yoga practice. In a weird way, it’s kind of like because I’m moving, and in this case, moving through a flow of poses in a specific order, that I’m moving closer to my intention, even if it’s just one for that day—finishing a story I’m writing, for example, or contacting a friend who needs a check-in.”—Mara Santilli, contributing beauty editor “I keep a running list in the Notes app on my phone with all my goals for the year. I’ll also add other stuff I accomplished that I hadn’t planned for. I like to have this info at…

You may think of compression socks only as post-injury apparel…or as something pro runners wear. But mind-blow ahead: They may help you make the most of your strength routine. Those who wore the sexy little sleeves on their calves during a lower-body workout needed less downtime between sessions than those who didn’t, says a European Journal of Applied Physiology study. Donning the coverings left lifters feeling stronger and allowed them to return to work quicker, likely ’cause the socks boosted circulation and delivered more recovery-promoting red blood cells to muscles. Try Bombas Compression Socks, $24, bombas.com. Source: János Négyesi, PhD, assistant professor at Tohoku University in Japan…

CHEERIOS With hardly any added sugar, the Os are a classic you can count on. MAGIC SPOON You’ll need to add fruit to up the fiber, but it’s delish with raspberries. EZEKIEL SPROUTED GRAIN Each serving has eight grams of protein and six grams of fiber—high! THREE WISHES (unsweetened) This one has zero grams of sugar, plus it’s fine for grainfree peeps. KASHI GO You won’t find this much protein (12 grams) in many other options. CATALINA CRUNCH Cinnamon Toast and Choc PB will remind you of your ’90s faves. Source: Amanda Baker Lemein, RD…

It’s hard to keep track of in-season produce, we feel you. But that’s when it’s tastier and cheaper! Spring’s MVPs: Artichokes After steaming or boiling, pick off the leaves (or bracts, as they’re called), dip them in Greek yogurt, and scrape your teeth along the inner side to release the tasty flesh hiding within. Radishes Whether you’re slicing these babies in slivers for a salad or transforming them into “chips” in the oven (highly recommend), you’ll score a third of your daily vitamin C, important for immunity. Oranges Certain varieties of orange thrive in the wintertime, but blood oranges and Cara Caras steal the spotlight in April. Try ’em in a seasonal salad featuring leeks, fennel, and baby carrots. Sources: Alyssa Lavy, RD, dietitian and nutritionist in Connecticut; Keri Gans,…

If you’re feeling frazzled, Nervous Energy, a book by WH advisory board member Chloe Carmichael, PhD, is here for you. In it, you’ll score tools to help you achieve the good (a.k.a.chill) life. Exhibit A: 1 PROBLEM You’re constantly in worry mode. FIX Block out 15 minutes to entertain your worries: Legit capture your fears in a calendar invite, establish doable ways to address them, and then…move on! 2 PROBLEM You self-criticize before a big meeting. FIX Try the three-part breath: Inhale from (1) the belly, then (2) the middle chest, then (3) the upper chest; exhale in reverse. Be mindful of your thoughts before and after. 3 PROBLEM When a stressful thought pops up, you can’t shake it. FIX: Write down everything you’d rather be thinking about—your kids, a…

Add to your defense team with retinoids, which help cell turnover, and antioxidants like vitamin C, which boost overall protection, says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. Green tea, amla (Indian gooseberry), and ceramides are also great for calming skin. One new serum getting a lot of buzz is the Heraux Molecular Anti-Inflammaging Serum (from $213, herauxskin.com). It’s pricey but innovative, and it was developed in part by researchers at the University of Southern California originally looking at arthritis. “Stem cells don’t function at a high level as we get older, and skin is under assault from factors such as diet,” says Amir Nobakht, MD, the brand’s cofounder. The serum blocks inflammation at a molecular level and promotes stem cell function. To sum it up, experts agree that lifestyle changes play the biggest role…

The most frustrating thing about acne is that even when it’s gone, it’s never really gone. I can have months-long streaks without a single zit, but when I look in the mirror, I see reminders of past breakouts: brown speckles on my cheeks, tiny divots along my cheekbones, flat but visible spots on my chin. Treating acne scars requires a long-term, multipronged approach and a whole lot of patience. After exhausting all the topical “fading” products along with wearing SPF daily, I felt ready to elevate my plan of attack—safely. (My derm took every precautionary measure, scheduling no overlapping patients, and I wore a KN95 mask to the office.) Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, founder of Entière Dermatology, recommended Lutronic Genius, which is a radiofrequency microneedling machine, and LaseMD Ultra, a…

WHY WE LOVE IT Squats to single-arm overhead presses are basically the exercise equivalent of Mom hiding veggies in the kids’ food: incredibly good for you in ways you don’t even realize. Sure, your arms, legs, and glutes get an amazing workout. But hoisting a dumbbell or kettlebell above you engages your core—muscles like the obliques, which keep your torso upright during this balance-challenging move. Pro tip? “Use the momentum from the squat to drive the weight up,” says Sohee Lee, CSCS, a WH advisory board member. HOW TO DO IT 1 Stand with feet slightly wider than hips, holding a weight in left hand, with elbow bent so fist is in front of shoulder. 2 Extend right arm out to side for balance, then push butt back while lowering…

TEXTURED Momofuku Chili Crunch Layers of heat from peppers and seeds meld with crunchy garlic and mushroom powder to make every bite unique. WHY IT’S OUR FAVE Its umami boost is clutch when scattered on eggs, shrimp, and cucumbers. Haven’s Kitchen Herby Chimichurri Mildest of the crew, this bright and citrusy pick packs plenty of zest. WHY IT’S OUR FAVE Light, herbaceous notes work really nicely with any protein or veg. MILD Mina Spicy Harissa Tongue-tingling chili sauce from North Africa is acidic, savory, and rich (thanks to the addition of olive oil). WHY IT’S OUR FAVE Sandwiches get an instant upgrade with a spread of this one. Mother in Law’s Gochujang Created with gochugaru (a Korean red pepper) and a blend of flours, this paste will add a kick,…

Carrot-Top Pesto In a food processor, pulse 2 cups carrot tops (the fluffy green part!) and 1 clove garlic until finely chopped. Add ½ cup each basil leaves and extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup each toasted walnuts and finely grated Parmesan, and 1 Tbsp lemon juice and pulse until smooth (it will still be thick). Sesame Broccoli Stems Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet on medium-high. Add 2 large broccoli stems (peeled and thinly sliced) and sauté until golden brown, 6 minutes. Add 1 clove garlic and one 1½-inch piece ginger (both finely chopped), 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, and ¼ tsp salt; sauté 1 minute. Top with sesame seeds. Garlicky Kale Stems Sauté 1 small onion (chopped) in 1 Tbsp olive oil on medium until tender. Add…

I spent most of last year stuck alone in my tiny apartment in three-day-old sweats, missing friends and family, clearing out my Netflix queue, and stressing about the state of the world. Look, things were bleak. But I did have one lifeline: funny people on the Internet (and no, I don’t mean the people you went to high school with who are involved in several MLM schemes on Facebook). I’m talking about folks like Caitlin Reilly, who does spot-on impressions of all the characters you love to loathe, like the self-obsessed celebrity trying to connect with her fans on Instagram Live who just keeps staring blankly into the camera and fixing her hair, or the out-of-touch mom on the verge of an emotional breakdown despite being quarantined in a mansion.…

I think of any convo with a therapist or friend about a hard time—a bad breakup, financial issues—as my “tight five,” my stand-up set. Making it funny tricks my brain into thinking everything is temporary, so I might as well laugh at it. You have to be open to finding humor in unexpected places. People I dislike are a huge inspiration for me. Thinking about an annoying person’s lack of self-awareness, or how they were trying so hard to be relatable but just epically failed, makes them funny and almost endearing to me. You can see someone you know, or even yourself, in them. I recently got into a show called Troll. Each episode is a therapy session with an Internet troll who’s also dressed as a troll. It made…

There are songs dedicated to it. Tears cried over it. And therapy hours logged because of it. Loneliness. We’ve all felt this nagging emotion at some point—most dramatically, over the past year as we avoided other humans as if life depended on it. For many, it has. Even if you dealt with the early stages of pandemic solitude relatively well—by baking sourdough, doing puzzles, knitting blankets—there is a good chance you’re over it by now. Because although vaccines are giving the world a much-needed glimmer of hope, there’s still a tough reality sinking in: We can’t go back to normal just yet. Only 8 percent of Americans had received the vaccine at press time, and the U.S. hit record-high COVID-19 cases and deaths over the winter. That, and new strains,…

NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM 1080V11 The knit booties on this pair hug your feet where it matters most (like your arches!)—while the air-injected rubber bottoms feel like fluffy pillows. $150, newbalance.com SAUCONY TRIUMPH 18 This retooled OG distance shoe is 25 percent lighter but still impossibly plush, making it perf for pounding the pavement. $150, saucony.com BROOKS GLYCERIN GTS 19 Feet get wobbly after a few miles? The support technology in the soles of this fan fave reduces side-to-side rocking so you can keep it moving with every stride. $150, brooksrunning.com SALOMON PREDICT SOC “Somehow the wizards at Salomon figured out a way to make a shoe that offers all the right stability for running on cement or gravelly paths, yet fits like a legit sock. It’s my go-to for…

ARC’TERYX NORVAN SL 2 Slips, be gone. The seriously grippy outsole on these minimalist trail runners could put Spider-Man to shame. $160, arcteryx.com MERRELL MTL LONG SKY “The combo of tight traction and bendability has totally converted me from boots for wilderness explorations.”—KRISTIN CANNING, senior health editor $130, merrell.com THE NORTH FACE VECTIV INFINITE The heart of a racing shoe wrapped up in a hard and durable exterior, this sneaker will keep you moving mile after rocky mile on trail runs. $169, thenorthface.com ALTRA OLYMPUS 4 Slick conditions are no match for the ultra-sticky rubber and grooves (a.k.a. lugs) on the bottom of these babies, which were developed to dig in…and hang on. $170, altrarunning.com…

Now that you’ve been at home long enough to try every mask in your medicine cabinet, channel that experimentation below your neck and you’ll be right on trend. “People are more focused on their wellness in general, and because of that, they’re investing more time in skin beyond the face,” says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. “My patients are interested in caring for their neck, chest, and skin below that more than ever.” A body-care approach could range from minimalist, like a little extra exfoliating on your knees, to extravagant, à la massaging yourself head to toe with a roller after slathering on a full-body serum. But it’s not just about playing with more tools and lotions for fun or a hit of selfcare. “Skin…

To kiss those slumping shoulders goodbye, Watts recommends performing abs-and-back workouts—like this one created (and demoed!) by her—three times a week to really target all of your key postural muscles. How to: Complete the prescribed number of reps for each move. Once you’ve finished, continue on to the next move without resting. After you’ve gone through the entire circuit, repeat the whole thing twice more from the top for a total of three rounds. Pro tip? Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades back and down—and keeping your neck and spine long and neutral—throughout the entire sweat session. The payoff will be grand: Each of these exercises hits your entire core in a major way while also training it to fatigue less easily, which means you’ll be able to hang on…

Keep after your #PostureGoals (let’s make it a thing, shall we?) all day long with these top tips. CHECK YOUR TECH NECK Since you’re going to be spending hours staring at a screen anyway…why not use it to remind yourself to stop slouching and sit up straighter? Keep a Post-it note or a little sticker on your computer as a gentle nudge to uncrumple your upper bod and stack your head on top of your shoulders, suggests Watts. KNOW WHEN TO CALL FOR BACKUP If you feel as if you need a massage all the time, can’t comfortably lift your arms overhead (like you’re going through the security machine at the airport), have to opt for lighter weights than usual during workouts, or experience any pain in your lower back…

After recommitting to myself over the past year, I’ve learned how to reboot and when to pivot—without throwing in the towel. There are no shortcuts to better well-being, but these habits help me stay the course and enjoy the ride: 1. NURTURE YOUR TRUTH I can’t do the same workout over and over if it’s not giving me pleasure. I have to mix things up in order to maintain interest. I also need to have fun—like, real fun—while working out. My favorite dance classes are Zumba and Socanomics (Afro-Latin beats get me in the zone). I also like Hip Hop HIITS on YouTube with a ’90s playlist. (When Missy Elliot’s “Work It” comes on, I’ll do squats or high knees like you’ve never seen!) 2. MUSIC IS POWERFUL—USE IT Good…

Blocks aren’t just for beginner yogis. They’re a game changer for practiced pros, too, and everyone in between. Yoga teacher Suki Clements, CPT, likes to place one on either side of her front foot during pyramid pose; tight hamstrings make the mat hard to reach without forcing her hips out of alignment. Plus, squeezing a block between your thighs in core-focused postures, like boat pose, challenges your abs (even more!), says Alex Silver-Fagan, CPT, a Nike master trainer. Yoga aside, placing one beneath your bum is clutch if tight hips make sitting cross-legged uncomf when you stretch after a run. Options!…

Stick to This YOUR NEWEST FEEL-GOOD BODY FIX AHEAD If your yoga mat and foam roller had a baby, it might be this acupressure mat (mylotusmat.com, $129). When in-person wellness treatments such as acupuncture became a no-no in quarantine, people looked to home gadgets (like this!) for that moment of release. The plastic spikes on the surface activate energy points on the body—or key pressure points—said to relieve pain, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety, says Maura Henninger, ND, a naturopathic doctor. While acupressure can’t always directly target specific pain points like its needle-happy alternative, acupuncture (which can run up to $200 per sesh), a noninvasive mat can still offer some at-home general relief. By stimulating one part of the bod, you can bring about comfort somewhere else (thanks to interconnected bodily…

Make room in your pantry—there’s a new lineup of oils hitting the market, according to Whole Foods’ annual report predicting food trends. Ahead, a few you can find in your local store, starting right now. Tamsin Jordan, a registered dietitian in Connecticut, tells you how to use them for max benefits. WALNUT OIL The nutty flavor makes it great for blending into smoothies or soups, but its low smoke point (320°F) means it’s not the best for stove-top stuff. PUMPKIN SEED OIL Drizzle onto your veggies or salad. The oil delivers a rich dose of phytosterols, compounds found in plants that can lower cholesterol. HEMPSEED OIL Add it to a stir-fry for an earthy element, or use it to bake your own hemp granola: This one can stand up to…

If you think sweating while on your period is uncomfortable, Thinx again. The menstrual underwear brand has a new line of activewear featuring leggings, shorts, and a leotard (from $65, shethinx.com), each with the same built-in-pad tech the company is known for (it absorbs two to five tampons’ worth of blood, plus traps odor). I’ve already made the switch to period panties in the name of being more eco-friendly, and I can vouch that these pieces offer the same level of security as my go-to pair. But since you need to wear only one garment, there’s way less bulk! And things to wash! I wore the shorts on a morning run and loved that the material was lightweight, yet still kept me dry. To be honest, I think I’d wear…

PSA: Some people’s brains naturally tend to remember an unpleasant finale more than the journey, says a November Journal of Neuroscience study. So when a thing ends badly, your noggin may log the event as “Retreat! Danger!” (Your brain wants to keep you alive, after all.) But missing the big picture can lead to notideal choices: brushing off a new love because of a past breakup; labeling camping as “bad” because it rained on the last day. Tip: Journal throughout an experience to assess the whole story—beginning to end. Source: Raven Stralow, psychotherapist at Hello Joy Therapy in New York City…

I wake up between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., and the first thing I do is meditate for 20 minutes. It centers me and helps me start the day with some much-needed perspective. I put my before I go to bed, so I check it after meditating. Next is decaf coffee (I quit caffeine cold turkey in 2017 and never looked back) and half a before I work out. I never know what curveball might be thrown at me on live TV, and I need to be calm, deliberate, and accurate. That’s why I make it a point to early in the morning. Through the years, I’ve lifted weights, run outside, and gone to Spin studios, but lately, I’ve mainly been taking a like Forward_Space, which is dance cardio, or The…

If you pay attention, your skin is trying to tell you something. It reflects everything from how much you’re sleeping to the amount of water you drink. One of the things it’s most vocal about is what you eat, and that’s especially true with sugary food. “We used to think diet didn’t affect acne, but now we know it does,” says dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, creator of Specific Beauty. (A recent study in JAMA Dermatology found a significant association between acne and sugary products.) But reimagining your interaction with the sweet stuff isn’t only good for nixing breakouts; it can have a big-picture effect on your skin. Cutting back can prevent “inflammaging,” which is chronic, low-grade inflammation that causes skin to lose elasticity and show more lines. (Hello, wrinkles!) The…

The Vitamin C Serum A 15 percent concentration of skin care’s most famous vitamin makes this bottle a total winner. The Green Tea Soother Shrink zits with this acne-fighting mask that targets redness and helps stop future pimples. The Ceramide Moisturizer Jolt dull skin by strengthening it with this lightweight option. Say hello to your dewy dreams.…

Do It All You can swipe this stick on your eyes, lips, and cheeks for allover glow. Her Evening Wind-Down 6 P.M. Wrap It Up “I try to stop working at this point. After becoming an entrepreneur, I’d sometimes go until 4 a.m. I’ve had to redefine work-life balance—I’m not fully there yet, but it’s a work in progress.” 7 P.M. Stroll and Simmer “I go on a daily sunset walk with my dad. Then we will have wine and experiment in the kitchen. I’m recently eating vegan again, so we’ve been exploring plant-based curries.” 8:30 P.M. Netflix Unwind “Living in New York and then L.A., TV and movie-watching were not part of my life. I was at social events every night. I needed to grind and hustle, but now…

Few things send me into panic mode like a vague voice mail from the doctor’s office. So you can imagine the agggh feeling I got when I received a call after a Pap smear last year. The triage nurse told me my test had shown some abnormal cells that could be the result of human papillomavirus (HPV)…and there was nothing I could do about it. When I asked her to clarify, she casually shared the fact that more than 80 percent of sexually active people will get HPV, and the infection would likely clear up on its own. Um, what? I was totally caught off guard by the nonchalant delivery of this news, considering I got the vaccine—which is key for cancer prevention (more on that later!)—as a teenager. Now,…

Coconut Chicken Cutlets With Spring Pea Salad TOTAL: 30 MIN SERVES: 4 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, plus more for drizzling1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger1 tsp grated lime zest plus 3 Tbsp juice, dividedKosher salt and pepper8 oz snap peas, sliced4 oz snow peas, thinly sliced3 scallions, thinly sliced2 8-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts1 Tbsp olive oil3 Tbsp coconut milk½ cup cilantro leaves 1. In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, ginger, 1½ Tbsp lime juice, and ½ tsp salt. Add snap peas, snow peas, and scallions, and toss to combine. 2. Cut each chicken breast horizontally in half to make 4 thin cutlets, then pound to an even thickness. 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high. Season chicken with ½ tsp each salt and pepper…

BUY BETTER FRESH If your supermarket has a seafood counter or a fishmonger, take advantage. Let them know what fish you’re interested in and get suggestions for the freshest catch. Buy fish that was delivered to the store the same day (or the day before, at the longest). Also key: Ask to smell the piece before you say okay on a purchase. Any fishy—or bad—odor means you should pass. Fish should have a mild smell, kind of like the ocean. (And not like, well, fish!) FROZEN Read packaging to look for fish labeled IQF or FAS (Individually Quick-Frozen and Frozen at Sea) for quality cuts. Avoid sodium tripolyphosphate, a compound that tricks you into thinking your fish is fresher.…

I use humor to talk about health, particularly balance…which is not a two-pound weight in each hand. It’s more like being a hermit and eating junk for five days straight and then getting it together, doing some glam, and drinking your water. You can be a healthy person who still goes through dark times. And you don’t have to hide or apologize for it. Right now, everyone is desperate to laugh. It’s a craving, like sex or hunger. If you feel like you have nothing to laugh about, dig into your trauma, find out what’s wrong with you, and start there. I’m only half joking. The funniest people just tell the truth and own that they’re a little embarrassing. What’s deranged about your life? Being able to laugh at that…

Vulnerability Sharing creates intimacy, Degges-White says, and getting personal separates friends from acquaintances. If you’re feeling low or going through some capital-S stuff, don’t worry: It’s not TMI for a true friend and may even bring you closer. Trust Vulnerability doesn’t work without it. “You need to be able to open up to a friend and trust that you won’t get burned.” Laughter A solid friendship strikes a balance between serious and silly. “A similar sense of humor can produce a strong bond,” Degges-White says. Go ahead, DM that LOL meme to a pal. Catching Up It doesn’t need to be every day or week, but staying connected is staying invested, Degges-White says. Try an old-school phone call if you’re online all day. “Screens can be distracting.” (Don’t act like…

MIZUNO TF-01 TRAINING SHOE The textured bottoms are designed so you can feel ~everything~ happening underfoot, which will up your body awareness and boost your balance. Boom! $125, mizunousa.com UNDER ARMOUR PROJECT ROCK 3 TRAINING SHOES The cushioning in the base helps reduce impact during high-intensity moves like box jumps, so you can save your joints without sacrificing power. $140, underarmour.com PUMA FUSE File these under sole goals: The low heel lift along with the rubber grip means you’ll stay grounded no matter how dynamic the workout. So let loose and jump around as much as ya want.… $90, us.puma.com INOV-8 F-LITE 235 V3 Five bands run the length of the footbed on these shoes, matching the connective tissue in your feet and ensuring you’re supported in precisely the right…

Peel-Away Pack Complete with exfoliating bodywash, body lotion, and a pouf, this kit comes highly recommended by Siso for those who want a hardcore experience that *feels* gentle. The secret weapon? Glycolic acid. Glytone KP Kit, $68, glytone-usa.com Heavy-Duty Hydrator Quench those dry, rough patches for up to 48 hours with a superthick shea butter balm, formulated with prebiotics to nourish the skin’s microbiome. It’s eczema-safe too. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Body Cream Moisturizer, $20, laroche-posay.us Allover Oil This plant-based safflower and shea oil is soothing yet not greasy. Perfect for when your skin needs a little love, and it’s even silky enough to spritz on the ends of your hair when strands are dry. Eau Thermale Avène Body Skin Care Oil, $26, amazon.com Go-To Tool Dr. Charles swears by this gadget…

Spending lots of time in a rounded-forward position tightens your chest and upper trap muscles (which connect your neck and shoulders), Esquer says. Stretching them out not only feels seriously ah-mazing but also helps you realign your upper body so you can settle back into proper posture more easily. Set an alarm to go off every hour during sedentary days to remind yourself to get up—and do the stretches below to open up and counteract that C shape you’ve been stuck in. DOORWAY CHEST STRETCH Stand in a doorway with arms bent 90 degrees, elbows wide and in line with shoulders, and forearms resting on doorframe. Gently press torso forward through the doorway until you feel a stretch across your chest. Hold for 5 to 10 slow, deep breaths. BALL…

“You can’t appreciate the good until you’ve been through the bad. I always come back stronger.” For the Las Vegas Aces’ Liz Cambage, game-day preparedness isn’t just a physical exercise—it’s a mental one too. The center, originally from Australia, has long dealt with depression and anxiety and is vocal about the assists she gets from therapy and medication. Liz is also quick to point out that she’s still figuring out what works for her. For instance, in late 2018, when under a physician’s care, she decided to go off her meds because of the side effects she was experiencing. After a celebration-heavy, whirlwind All-Star weekend, followed by a number of sleepless nights, Liz had what she describes as a “full-on breakdown.” She sat out the team’s next two games to…