Weight Loss - Three Tips to Help You Combat Mindless Eating
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This Fake Restaurant Only Serves Food You Can Instagram
If your first thought when you're served a beautiful dish at a restaurant is how good it will look on Instagram, it might be time for a reality check. This spot-on parody video from Elite Daily, which is part of its Millennials of New York series, goes behind the scenes of a restaurant named Sight, which serves incredibly photogenic meals. The kicker? You can't actually eat them; they're solely for the likes. Sadly we can imagine this restaurant existing and turning a profit. It's certainly inspiring us to put our phones away at brunch this weekend.
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Are You Stuck Trying To Lose Weight?
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An Adrenaline Boost to Lose Weight
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This Is Why You Should Bring a Friend With You to the Bar
The term wingman originated from fighter jet pilots (we're looking at you, Cougar from Top Gun), but you've probably used it to describe someone tagging along with their friend to a bar. It turns out there's science behind why having a wingman or wingwoman works. As this video from AsapSCIENCE explains, you look better in a group than you do by yourself.
Also interesting? Women help each other avoid potential partners they're not interested in. So bring your BFFL with you when you go out this weekend. Worst case scenario, you'll have someone to drink or dance with if things don't go your way.
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Applications of Oxygen in the Medical Industry
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These 8 Bug Sprays Are Useless Against Zika
By now you know to be a little concerned about mosquitos carrying the Zika virus, which means it's more important than ever to protect yourself from bug bites. We know: Most sprays leave you smelling worse than a citronella candle, but the CDC says insect repellent truly is the best defense against Zika.
However you can't just pick up any bug spray and expect it to protect you. ConsumerReports tested dozens of sprays against mosquitos that spread Zika and West Nile viruses, as well as ticks carrying lime disease, for its annual insect repellent ratings. The brands that topped the list (Sawyer Picaridin and Ben's 30 Percent Deet Wilderness Formula) protected for up to seven hours, while the loser, EcoSmart Organic, worked for only 30 minutes! In general, you want to look for repellents with deet, lemon eucalyptus oil, or picaridin.
As for brands to avoid? Check out our handy graphic of the bug sprays that failed ConsumerReport's tests:
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A Low-Impact Barre Workout That Targets Your Core and Butt
Despite the fact that barre workouts are inspired by ballet, you definitely don’t have to be a dancer to do them. This low-impact sequence doesn’t feature any complicated choreography or rhythmic footwork like Zumba®. Instead, it’s made up of very small, simple movements that will strengthen your core and butt. It’s short (only 21 minutes), effective, and easy to follow.
Barre instructor Stephanie Villegas starts off with an easy warm-up to loosen muscles and prime your spine. Then you’ll work on tiny, controlled moves, including leg lifts, pulses, and clam shells. They might not look like much, but they'll really work your muscles. You might shake or quiver, but that's totally normal—and Villegas builds in a few stretches throughout the sequence for some quick relief.
You'll need one lightweight dumbbell between 3 and 5 pounds and a chair or countertop for support. A yoga mat is optional.
Looking for more short and effective at-home workouts? Grokker has thousands of routines, so you’ll never get bored. Bonus: For a limited time, Greatist readers get 40 percent off Grokker Premium (just $9 per month) and their first 14 days free. Sign up now!
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Ashley Graham’s New Swimwear Line Proves Anyone Can Look Sexy at the Beach
Ashley Graham's new swimsuit line is making a major splash, showing that anyone can look great in a bikini, no matter your size. Need proof? BuzzFeed photographed plus-size fashion bloggers—who look like people we actually see on the beach—modeling the suits and they look fine AF, so we know they'll look good on us too.
Fair warning: The line, which comes in sizes 10-24, can get pricey (swimsuits range from $79 to $398). If you’re more of a window shopper, check out these photos:
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This Mesmerizing Video of Nude Yoga Girl Is Even Better With the Sound On
Watching a yogi glide easily through asanas is hypnotic, but that's just one reason we love this Harper's Bazaar video featuring @nude_yogagirl. Turn your sound on to hear her powerful message: Social media places so much emphasis on what people look like, but yoga is about how you feel. "The most important thing I have learned from yoga is that confidence and loving your body starts in your mind," she says. Remember that the next time you're in class.
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The Internet Is Freaking Out About This Instagram Fitness Star's Stomach Rolls
Odds are you've seen this photo of Instagram fitness star Anna Victoria. On the left is an image of her fit, posed body; on the right, she's sitting down, revealing a few stomach rolls. The surprise? The photos were taken two minutes apart, proving that angles can make all the difference. Her post has gotten a ton of press and positive comments:
"When we sit back in our beach chairs this weekend…don't forget this!"
"See belly fat doesn't matter."
"This is lovely to see, honestly."
Even though this isn't the first time Victoria has posted a photo like this, it's clear we can all still appreciate the reminder that no one looks perfect all the time.
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Amy Schumer Wears a Swimsuit Like a Normal Person, Calls Out Haters for Being D*cks
Amy Schumer is calling out body shamers yet again, and true to form, it's hilarious. Recently the comedian posted an Instagram of herself in a bathing suit with this message: She's happy and thinks she looks great—and also like Miss Trunchbull from Matilda. (LOL.)
Schumer has been on a roll lately, shutting down negativity left and right. We love that she's so outspoken and confident about her body—we should all adopt her mentality. Don't miss her empowering, hilarious caption below:
I meant to write "good morning trolls!" I hope you find some joy in your lives today in a human interaction and not just in writing unkind things to a stranger you've never met who triggers something in you that makes you feel powerless and alone. This is how I look. I feel happy. I think I look strong and healthy and also like Miss Trunchbull from Matilda. Kisses!
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Some Useful Tips For Avoiding Shoulder Injuries And Pain
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Sitting in the Office All Day: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
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Health Care Is Our Leading Cause of Death
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You Can (Rightfully) Blame Your Parents for Your Low Self-Esteem
Not confident? Blame your parents. As this video from The School of Life explains, men tend to have low self-esteem if they think their dads have achieved more than them. Same goes for women and their moms. (Yet we never see Father's Day cards that read, "Thanks, Dad, for being so successful! Now I have cripplingly low self-esteem.") Comparing ourselves to our friends doesn't help either. But this isn't license to say, "Woe is me!" Focus more on the amazing things you're doing (not what others are achieving)—it'll do wonders for your self-esteem.
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Healthy Smoothies for Weight Loss
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Healthy Smoothies for Weight Loss
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What You Need To Know About The USDOT Number
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How To Have More Energy Every Day
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Stuff All Your Sweaty Clothes Into a Bag That Fits on Your Key Chain
Matador Droplet Wet Bag
Workout clothes claim they’re moisture wicking and made from super breathable fabric. But anytime we work out, they feel more like a sponge for all of our sweat. (Pleasant!) So when we toss them in our gym bag, everything else starts to smell and get a little damp, including our phone—we learned that the hard way.
Now we can avoid frantic visits to the Apple store where we have to explain to the guy at the Genius Bar that we didn’t drop our phone in a pool, it really got that wet from being nuzzled up against our sweaty clothes. That’s because we discovered the Matador Droplet Wet Bag. It’s shaped like (you guessed it!) a drop of water, but it unravels into a pouch that’s about the size of a plastic bag you’d get at the grocery store.
The bag is totally waterproof and comes with a drawstring to stop any water from leaking out. Best of all? The Droplet easily attaches to your key chain or backpack, so you’ll always have it in a moment of need. Besides smelly gym clothes, it held our wet bathing suit after a day at the beach and notoriously leaky toiletries on a recent trip.
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This Bachelorette Spoof Nails What’s So Annoying About Dating IRL
Although it would be nice to get to know bae in glamorous locations around the world, romance isn't exactly how it appears on TV. This hilarious Bachelorette spoof from Funny or Die, which features Keke Palmer and her house full of millennial suitors, perfectly captures the annoying realities of dating today: disappearing text bubbles, Tinder, and the fact that a relationship isn't everyone's No. 1 priority. You'll feel these guys' pain as they vie to be her "one true nonexclusive soul mate."
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How to Lose Weight Safely
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Not Everyone Finds Peace and Quiet Relaxing
If a peaceful weekend in the country sounds like your worst nightmare, you're not alone. A recent study found that neurotic people find the hustle and bustle of a city less stressful than a getaway in nature. In other words, your personality determines whether something is calming for you.
Researchers evaluated the personality trait by asking people questions about how much they worry and how easily they get annoyed. It's also worth noting that the study was conducted in a lab, so participants didn't physically go the environments. But if you feel stressed out in laid-back situations, this might be why.
(h/t Quartz)
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Reasons for Choosing an Appealing Hairstyle
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The Best Foods And Exercises To Help You Grow Taller
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This Powerful Hashtag Proves We Don't Know What Depression Looks Like
Anyone who's had an experience with mental illness knows how hard it can be to spot. Recently people have taken to Twitter using the hashtag #mydepressionlookslike to show that depression has many faces—and may not look the way you think. It's an important conversation to have, not only because it helps fight the stigma but also because it helps people know they're not alone.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy: Why You Need It
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Providers Progressing Toward Pay-For-Value Have Many Needs
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What Really Causes Cellulite?
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What to Know About Whey Protein for Weight Loss
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9 Next-Level Nut Butters to Make at Home
If the only choice of nut butters you've ever made was between smooth or crunchy, you're missing out. Today, grocery store shelves are stocked with options featuring all sorts of nuts (and seeds!) melded with exotic flavor combos from chili flakes to maple syrup.
But here’s a little secret that nut butter manufacturers don’t want you to know: In as little as 15 minutes, you can turn a few handfuls of nuts into creamy, smooth, stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth goodness in your own kitchen—no industrial machines required. Plus you can customize a nut butter every which way to create flavors that you’ll never discover in a jar of Jif.
Ready to whip up your own batch? Follow our method and choose from the potential flavor combinations below for ridiculously delicious results every time.
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spread 2 cups raw, unsalted nuts or seeds on a baking sheet. Roast until golden and fragrant, about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice. (Watch closely as nuts and seeds can go from perfectly toasted to bitterly burnt in a flash.)
2. Transfer nuts or seeds to a food processor or high-powered blender while still warm. Process until finely ground and butter begins to form, about 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 to 2 tablespoons oil. (Use a neutral flavored oil, such as canola or grapeseed.*) Continue to blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. The time will vary depending on the power of your machine and the types of nuts or seeds used, from 1 to 5 minutes. Add additional oil if needed to create a smooth texture.
4. Blend in any desired flavorings. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. For a crunchier spread, pulse or stir in some chopped nuts at the end of blending.
*See note below
A Few Notes:
- The spread will last several days at room temperature (the advantage is easier spreading) or in the refrigerator for up to two months.
- Toasting your nuts or seeds before blending will guarantee that the spread is even more tasty. Grinding the nuts while still warm from the oven helps them to release more oils for easier grinding and a creamier mixture.
- *Blending in a touch of oil helps the nuts or seeds break down into a creamier spread. Use neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or grapeseed, or the same oil as the nuts or seeds being turned into butter. (If making almond butter, blend in almond oil.) Coconut oil gives butters great texture but will likely harden the spread if refrigerated, and it may require reprocessing.
- Use a powerful food processor, such as a Cuisinart, or a blender like a Vitamix, since their motors won’t burn out during processing. If using a blender, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for making nut butters. Halting the machine every minute or so is a good idea, as it gives the motor a chance to cool slightly.
- Skins can infuse butters with a bitter flavor. For almonds, look for blanched almonds that are already skinned. The skins of hazelnuts can be rubbed off with a clean dish towel after roasting.
- If adding a touch of sweetness, go with honey. It emulsifies nut butters better than other liquid sweeteners, like agave or maple syrup.
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How to Stop Feeling Desperate When You're Single
A: Everywhere you look, from movies to magazines, we’re told that being in a relationship equals being happy. The good news? That’s 100 percent not true.
You’ve probably heard it before, but the only way to put your best self out there is to first get comfortable with yourself—and your alone time.
Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, think about what is great about you and your life now. Being single has tons of perks—hello, taking spontaneous road trips and being the boss of your own life. Whenever you’re feeling sad or desperate, remember those good points. It will take some practice, but almost any negative thought about being single can be switched to a good one.
What’s more: Based on my research, I've discovered that finding love is not about wearing the right outfit, going to the right restaurant for a first date, or waiting three days after that date to text. It’s about looking inside you and asking yourself two important questions.
2 Questions to Ask Yourself
1. What parts of life are most important to me?
Think about these six areas of your life: money, family, faith, work, health, and lifestyle. How do you view each core area? Where do your values, priorities, and goals lie? Are you happy with your priorities, or do you want any of them to change?
Then ask yourself which two areas stand out the most in terms of how you want to live your life in the future. Remember that there are no right or wrong answers or opinions.
Once you’ve thought about these six areas of life, you’ll have a better understanding of what you are all about, which will also help you to identify compatibilities in a potential partner. You might be physically attracted to someone who looks nothing like what you thought was your “type,” but studies show that partners who share beliefs about these values are more likely to stay together over the long haul.
A couple can share all-important life values even when they have different interests and hobbies, and even when they are of two different races, religions, or have very dissimilar social backgrounds.
2. What do I want and/or need in a partner?
Do you know what the “right person” would look like if you met that person today? Most people don’t take the time to think about what they want in a romantic relationship (or in a partner). But in order to open yourself up to a relationship and not feel desperate, you need to decide what exactly you need or want in a relationship.
Defining the type of person you want to be with is a little like making a shopping list before you head out to the grocery store. It streamlines the process, keeps you from making random or desperate choices, and prevents you from wasting time (the last thing you want at the store—or in dating).
Defining the type of person you want to be with is a little like making a shopping list before you head out to the grocery store.
Grab a piece of paper and divide it into two columns. In the left one, list five must-have qualities that you need in a partner. Think: Does the person’s age or physical appearance matter? What about personality traits—would you like someone who’s sensitive, inquisitive, easygoing, adventurous, or smart?
In the right column, list five deal breakers. Maybe it’s smoking cigarettes, being in financial debt, having terrible manners, or generally being closed-minded. These are the five things that, as hard as you try, you just can’t tolerate or allow in a partner.
When you meet new people, this list will become an invaluable tool. It will remind you to make sure that your needs and desires are being met. Instead of worrying about what your date thinks about you, as you might have done before, your list will help you to determine if that person is going to make you happy.
In the end, by knowing your self and what is important to you—in life and in a partner—you’ll feel far less desperate and anxious. When you go out with a positive attitude, you will find the right person for you—I promise they're out there.
Dr. Terri Orbuch (a.k.a. The Love Doctor) is a professor, therapist, research scientist, and author of five best-selling books, including Finding Love Again: 6 Simple Steps to a New and Happy Relationship. Learn more about her at DrTerriTheLoveDoctor.com.
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Glee's Amber Riley Tells the Haters: When You Call Me Fat, It's Not an Insult
Amber Riley is fat, and she’s damn proud of it. While recovering from dental surgery, Riley took a stand against body shamers in an Instagram video. Most people who film these types of reaction videos (yes, there's a whole subgenre) capture themselves babbling nonsense about their childhood pets, but Riley had a message that we were pumped to hear: “When you come on here and you call me fat, it’s not an insult, dummy.” Hell yeah!
You know, there are just some things that my sober mind keeps me from sharing. That ends tonight. I've got some things I need to get off my chest: Why does me being fat offend so many people? Is it because I'm confident and I'm fly and I'm sexy? Do my thighs offend? Does my stomach offend? Does my big juicy ass offend? Why? Why? Let my big ass live. I let y'all live. I love all colors, shapes, and sizes. So just so you know, when you come on here and you call me fat, it's not an insult, dummy. My ass is fat, and the fellas love it. And so do I. So eat it.
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The Case for Keeping Your Clothes on During Sex
We're not knocking nudity. We strip down to our birthday suit to do lots of important stuff: shower, use the restroom (kinda), get hot and heavy. But this video from The School of Life argues that keeping your clothes on during sex (even for just a little bit) heightens the excitement of eventual nakedness. So next time you find yourself in a steamy situation, don’t immediately disrobe.
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These Playful Comics Nail What It’s Like to Be Anxious All the Time
Thanks to the internet, we are seeing more people speak out about mental health in creative ways. Marzi Wilson's artwork is another perfect example of this. Her comics illustrate what it's like to navigate life as an introvert and struggle with anxiety, which she herself started experiencing as a teenager. Some might make you giggle (see "Why I'd Rather Be a Cat"), but the illustrations are also pretty powerful.
Check out a few of the comics below and follow Wilson on Instagram.
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These Kids Trying Yoga Sum Up How We All Feel During Class
You never forget your first yoga class. The teacher instructs you to ease into a downward dog, and 10 seconds later your body is practically screaming from holding the so-called resting pose. Or as one of the kids in this BuzzFeed video puts it, "This is not relaxing at all!"
We identified with the newbie yogis as they worked through their first vinyasa and discovered how awkward and difficult poses can be. Luckily, yoga gets easier with practice. We just wish we'd started as early as these kids.
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The FDA’s New Food Labels Will Force Companies to Be More Honest
How much sugar is in that bag of chips you grabbed as an afternoon snack? Just look at the food label. But wait, the current nutrition facts lump added and natural sugars together, so you actually have no idea how much extra sweet stuff the manufacturers added.
That's about to change. The FDA just unveiled updates to the food nutrition label, requiring manufacturers to report total and added sugars. (A good rule of thumb: Try to avoid foods with a high percentage of added sugar.)
Other changes include larger, bolded type for calorie counts, serving size, and number of servings, so you can see how many how many calories are in that pint of ice cream without needing glasses.
Large companies have until July 26, 2018, to comply with the new standards, while smaller companies get an extra year.
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Natural Ways to Lose Weight - Tips & Recommendations
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The Importance of Carbohydrates in Fat Burning
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16 Ways to Lose Weight Fast
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How Depression Affects Weight Fluctuation
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The Facts About Chiropractic Therapy
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Common Problems That Can Be Prevented When Using Sweat Guard Or Sweat Proof Shirts
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How to Support a Partner Dealing With Depression
As a mental health counselor and someone who has battled depression for most of her life, I'm no stranger to the toll it can take on relationships.
While it differs from person to person, at its core, the illness causes people to feel lonely, inadequate, and misunderstood—even isolated. Sometimes it’s because we don't want to inflict our pain on the people we love. Other times, it's because we've been hurt by (even well-meaning) others and don't want to risk feeling even worse than we already do.
When someone with depression withdraws from loved ones without communicating why, it leaves a lot of room for misinterpretation. A partner may not understand why their S.O. is distant, distracted, or even angry. They may wonder what they did to offend the other person, or they may be frustrated that their partner is suddenly detached from them.
In addition to intense feelings of shame, sadness, and worthlessness, depression can manifest itself physically—including changes in sex drive, sleep; and appetite; energy loss; and even physical pain, such as headaches, stomach pains, and back or neck pain. This leads to more confusion for a partner, who may wonder why their loved one is often sick or generally disinterested in events and activities (including sex).
Expressing my feelings when I'm depressed has always been a challenge, especially in relationships. I'm afraid of coming across as whiny, ungrateful, or melodramatic. I have been blamed for the way I was feeling and told that I was a negative person. I have had a partner turn away from me as I was crying in bed, telling me he couldn't tolerate me when I was “like that.” Mostly, I have been ignored, or told to take a pill or go see a therapist so I could “get fixed.”
We've been able to develop a course of action that works for both of us, resulting in communication, understanding, and support.
Two years ago, I began a new relationship. Because of my previous experiences, it was difficult not to repeat the same habits—I withdrew when I was feeling depressed, closing myself off completely, which took a toll on our relationship.
But eventually, we were able to talk openly about my depression and behaviors surrounding it. Over time, we've developed a course of action that works for both of us, resulting in communication, understanding, and support. What works for us may not work for everyone, but these are methods we have found to be helpful.
5 Tips That Worked for Us
1. Make communication your highest priority.
It can be as simple as switching your language from “Gosh, I’m so upset” to “I'm depressed” to let your partner know that it's more than being annoyed about traffic or bills. Explaining your triggers, warning signs, and symptoms can help them better understand your illness and respond in a supportive and productive way.
2. Come up with code words.
For me, it can still be hard to say, “I'm depressed.” For some reason, those two words stick in my throat like cement. There are so many years of shame attached to them, and saying them sometimes feels like I'm giving in to the depression.
During times like this, my partner has worked out a way for us to continue communicating. He will ask, “Is it in the kitchen or the living room?”—meaning, how intensely are you feeling it right now? I'll respond that it's down the street, or at the door, or in bed with me.
Another way we increase communication is through more direct questions. When I say “I don't feel well,” he will ask “Physically or emotionally?” This opens up the conversation for specifics, instead of one or both of us shutting down.
Accept that this is part of your relationship with your partner, instead of trying to change or cure them.
3. Don’t try to solve the problem.
Partners of those struggling with depression tend to feel helpless and may jump to problem-solving or giving advice. Often, someone who is depressed knows what they need to do to feel better; they don't have the energy to do so in that moment. In these situations, it is very powerful to simply be with your partner. Accept that this is part of your relationship, instead of trying to change or cure them. Holding their hand, giving eye contact, and actively listening can help far more than offering suggestions for things they should be doing. Talking through thoughts and feelings can effectively reduce symptoms, and knowing that someone loves you when you're feeling at your worst is both healing and empowering.
4. Provide basic comforts.
Drawing a warm bath, whipping up a meal or a cup of tea, or even giving a back rub can be life-changing for someone suffering with depression. Because depression often makes people feel unworthy or unattractive, words of encouragement are also vital. Finding other ways to be intimate when your partner is not feeling well shows sensitivity and relieves pressure from a partner who may feel inadequate.
5. Give reminders and encouragement.
People with depression may believe the things they are feeling are a result of who they are as a person, which can result in self-loathing. They may feel shame or guilt for not being able to better control their emotions. My partner will often remind me that my depression is not me, and that I am separate from it. He also reminds me that depression is an illness, and like any other illness, the one who is sick is not to blame. When he points out my strengths and past successes, it empowers me and reminds me that I will eventually feel better again.
The Bottom Line
While a partner may not be able to take away their loved one's depression, they can provide the strong support system that is vital to a person's mental health and sense of self. Through patience, understanding, and open communication, a partner gives their loved one a space to heal and feel safe to communicate what they are feeling. Having a relationship where one or both partners experience depression can be a challenge, but if both are willing to put in the time and effort, the result can be a strong, supportive relationship built on trust and understanding.
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I Can't Lose Belly Fat, Why?
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How to Stop Your Mind From Racing in the Middle of the Night
Are you gifted with the ability to doze off instantly every night, sleeping until the moment—or just before—your alarm goes off? No? Then you can probably relate to being woken up in the middle of the night by terrifying, irrational thoughts.
“Why didn’t Sarah respond to my email? Is she upset with me?”
“What if I have an illness I don’t know about?”
“Am I spending too much money on online shopping?”
“Did I act like a jerk at work?”
“Is my mom going to be OK?”
This is a pretty precise example of my mental thought loop on nights I can’t sleep. And it’s exhausting—physically and mentally.
If you struggle with anxiety, insomnia, or a combination of the two—this will sound familiar. Lately, with multiple projects on my plate, I have been waking up around 2 a.m. and staying awake until around 5 a.m. It’s hell.
Fortunately, I've come up with some strategies to help me relax that don't involve reaching for my phone and firing up my tired mind with email and Instagram. These four tried-and-true tricks help me calm down and eventually drift back to sleep.
1. Acknowledge (most of) your worries are absurd.
There is nothing like the pitch-black silence of the middle of the night to make us see things in a totally irrational light. Nighttime doesn't offer the distractions that daytime does (such as other people, activity, and work), so our minds can easily go into overdrive unless we are careful. If your thought loop is anything like mine, you know that these thoughts simply don't arise any other time of day.
Our minds can easily go into overdrive unless we are careful.
The morning, on the other hand, brings a totally fresh perspective. When I wake up, sit up, and recall my overactive worries, I roll my eyes and shake my head at myself. I try to remember this eye roll and headshake during my next 2 a.m. panic attack.
2. Write it down.
If you come up with a million things to put on your to-do list or anything constructive (one benefit of early-morning silence is those random lightbulb moments of inspiration), simply write it down. Keep an old-school notebook and pen on your bedside table, so you don’t whip out your phone and get lured into a 45-minute social media affair. There's nothing like dumping out what’s on your mind, including important to-dos, notes, and ideas, to feel instantly calmer.
3. Take a deep breath.
Once you’ve acknowledged the illogical nature of your worries and/or emptied your mind onto paper, the next step takes some discipline. In The Sleep Revolution, Arianna Huffington says that she pictures a tranquil lake to fall asleep.
She also calls breathing the ultimate sleep hack: 25 deep breaths and visualizing an image of something calm can have magical powers, I swear. Try it and see (and not just two deep breaths and a fleeting image). Commit to it! What’s the alternative?
4. Remind yourself you'll be OK.
What’s the worst that can happen if you lose some sleep? You feel tired the next day? Buy an extra large coffee (or two) and go to sleep earlier the next night. Unless you have something like an important work event, you can probably cancel the following evening’s plans. I’ve done this a few times recently and people are surprisingly supportive when I tell them the truth: “I haven't been sleeping well. I was awake at ungodly hours last night. I’d be really terrible company tonight.” People get it. Almost everyone has experienced this at some point in their lives. It happens.
What’s the worst that can happen if you lose some sleep?
Funny enough, this final piece of advice is what really helps me fall back to sleep in the end. I picture a quieter day, a large Starbucks soy miso on my desk, and the following night spent watching trashy reality TV on my couch. And I will chuckle when I recall my midnight panic the night before.
Susie Moore is Greatist’s life coach columnist and a confidence coach in New York City. Sign up for free weekly wellness tips on her website and check back every Tuesday for her latest No Regrets column!
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This Woman's Defiant Response to Body Shamers Is Too Good
Hannah Battiste was tired of internet trolls making comments about her weight and clothing choices. So in the best response to body shamers maybe ever, the 18-year-old from Canada decided to chin up—literally. In a series of selfies she posted on Facebook, she revealed a line written on her chin aimed at her haters: "F*ck you."
In the post she wrote:
My reaction when someone judges me…"You gained weight." So what? Being thick is a choice! "Why do you wear dresses?" Why TF not? If I wanna wear a dress through all the seasons, then I'm going to! No matter what you do, whether it's right or wrong, people are going to judge you…go ahead and judge me, I know who I am, and I know my purpose in life.
As she told BuzzFeed News, "I made humor out of it because I don't really care what people think of me."
Mic drop.
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Why You Jump in Your Sleep
If you've ever been drifting off to sleep and suddenly felt your entire body freak out, you're not alone. As this video from SciShow explains, about 70 percent of the population experiences "hypnic jerks" (a.k.a. sleep starts). Scientists aren't exactly sure what causes them, but this video explores two ideas—one based on neuroscience and the other on evolution. Most experts say sleep starts aren't dangerous, but if you hate how they feel, try getting more shut-eye, limiting your caffeine intake, exercising in the morning, and managing your stress levels.
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Feeling Anxious? Add These Songs to Your Playlist
Music has the power to instantly change your mood. Listening to AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" gets us amped up to the point where standing on our desks and pounding our fists seems perfectly acceptable. In the same vein, Taylor Swift's "Out of the Woods" leaves us nostalgic for past relationships.
So it's no surprise that ambient (or instrumental) music can actually make you feel calm and serene. As this video from Noisey explains, it can help whether you suffer from anxiety or just need to calm down after a stressful day at work. We’ve been listening all day and feel totally chill. To get started, check out this Spotify playlist:
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Benefits Of Skinny Wraps
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Immigration and Medical Exams - What to Expect and Do
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The Importance of Regular Physicals - Stay Healthy and Happy
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Period Stains Suck. Here Are 3 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Them
There are more options for dealing with your period than ever—cramp blockers, reusable period products, and even a Bluetooth tampon that tells you when to change it. But let's face it: Period stains still happen. And they suck. This video from Buzzfeed teaches three easy cleaning hacks, so you don't have to throw out yet another pair of undies. Better yet, you probably have most of the ingredients—water, salt, hydrogen peroxide, and Advil—already.
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Fun and Easy Ways For Fast and Healthy Weight Loss
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Set-Point Theory: The Fat-Loss Secret No One Talks About
I’ve been journaling—somewhat consistently—since second grade. While unpacking boxes after a recent move, I found an entry from 1991 (I was 9) that read: “I don’t have to always fit into big pants.”
I was that guy. The chubby guy who needed his pants tailored for his Bar Mitzvah because they didn’t make suits for young men with a waist so big and height so… restricted. Now here I am, still not so tall, but I’m much more fit and determined to help others overcome the same battles I once fought.
If my story sounds cliché, well, it is. But it’s not too good to be true. The part missing from the fast-forwarded version is that I struggled with weight loss and body image for years. I’d go as far as telling people I was allergic to chlorine to keep my t-shirt on in the pool. (I’ll never understand how I thought this explanation would work. It’s not like the shirt protected my skin from the water, but I digress… )
My ultimate success was a byproduct of many (many) failures and learning how to overcome times of despair and lost hope. I shifted away from gimmick diets and “four-week plans” and focused on blocking out my negative thoughts and becoming happier with who I was. Once that happened, I could finally focus on building a realistic weight-loss plan for my body.
You can transform your body. Most people just do it the wrong way. Too fast. Too impatient. Too generalized. And too unrealistic.
It’s the same approach I’ve used to coach hundreds of overweight people to better health and more happiness. But it all starts with believing one simple truth that's starting to feel more like myth than reality: You can transform your body. Most people just do it the wrong way. Too fast. Too impatient. Too generalized. And too unrealistic.
I’ve worked with clients who have lost 100 to 200 pounds. And most of the time, it happens over the course of three to five years, not three to five episodes on a television show. At least, that’s the case for those who successfully keep the weight off.
This is an especially important point, because some research (and recent media coverage) is twisted to suggest that long-term weight loss is hopeless. While many people do, in fact, regain lost weight, it’s not because dropping fat is “mission impossible.” Instead, it starts with changing your definition of “success,” setting aside instant gratification, and understanding how weight loss actually works.
Weight-Loss Dreams vs. Reality
First, some bad news: All nutritional approaches or diet plans stop “working” at some point. Weight loss stops. You don’t see changes, and you believe that either you or the plan are no longer functioning.
The good news: When it appears to stop working, it’s actually still working.
Confused? Stay with me and it’ll make more sense.
We know that as you lose weight, your metabolism tends to slow down—although it’s not absolute. (This research reviewed 71 studies and didn’t find a significant drop in metabolism.) We also know that if you’re patient about it (say, focus on losing one to two pounds per week at most), then you’re more likely to keep it off for good. But most people quit before significant weight loss occurs. It usually looks something like this:
The thing is, steps two and three (stalled progress) are often an important part of the weight-loss process. Dropping one to two pounds per week is considered healthy, but it’s also the average. That means you might lose four pounds one week and zero the next. On those weeks, when the scale doesn’t change, it’s not necessarily a sign that your body has reached its weight-loss limit.
To put it another way, your plateau is a normal and necessary part of the process. You must stall in order to move forward (again). And when you understand why—or more importantly, accept this reality—it changes everything.
Ready for the Big Weight-Loss Secret?
Your body does not like change. I don’t care who you are; it’s very resistant to anything that takes it out of its comfort zone (a.k.a. homeostasis). When that change occurs—specifically when you try to lose weight—your body does everything in its power to get you “back to normal.” This is a process known as set-point theory.
If more people understood that stagnation is an expected and natural part of the weight-loss process, then they wouldn’t quit prematurely.
If you ask me, set-point theory is the reason why so many people fail on long-term weight-loss goals. If more people understood that stagnation is an expected and natural part of the process, then they wouldn’t quit prematurely. Sometimes the scale isn’t moving simply because your body is adjusting to change.
Here’s how it works: We all have a “normal” body weight. Whether we like that weight or not is a different story, but this is the weight that we’ve come to “accept” as our own. We also have a look we desire, whether it’s your college weight, your pre-baby body, or where you were that one time you got super fit a few years ago.
Your mind wants to achieve your goals, but your body wants to cling to what’s familiar. So when you try to change, physiological reactions occur to suck you back into the body you’ve known for so long.
The more weight you lose, the harder your body works to resist that change, or even pull you back to your old weight. It does this by slowing your metabolism (comparatively) and increasing your hunger. Sucks, right?
It’s not all doom and gloom. If you can hang in there and resist the urge to quit, these changes are temporary and can help ease the permanence of your weight loss.
Set points are not carved in stone. You can undo the process by changing your body and then allowing your body to adjust. This is why plateaus can be so deceiving. Your body is just adapting to its new reality. Once it does, that’s when you’re ready to take the next jump and see a "whoosh" of new weight loss.
Everyone’s set point is a little different, so there’s not one hard rule for how long you have to wait. The more weight you have to lose (say, more than 50 pounds), the quicker it can happen initially without hitting your set point. But if you want to lose closer to 15 or 20 pounds, you might hit a wall after the first 10. This is why so many magazine cover lines read “How to Lose the Last 10 Lbs.” They should really say, “How to Be Patient After You Lose the First 10 Lbs.” But that doesn’t sound as sexy.
Once you hit your set point, your body likely needs about four to eight weeks to adjust to your new weight. Then you’ll establish a new set point, and your body will respond like that’s your new normal. It doesn’t sound that exciting, but it’s better than you think.
If you go from 200 to 180 pounds or 150 to 130 pounds and wait out the set-point process, your body’s drive to move back to the old weight has changed. It becomes much easier to stay at your current weight because your body no longer thinks it’s outside its comfort zone. This is when you’re able to start losing weight again.
Long-term fat loss never occurs in 30 days or anything magical. It's a process. Almost any plan can deliver the quick results. Ignore those. Instead, focus on what you think you can do for six to 12 months. When you do, you won’t be as frustrated when you hit the set point. Instead, you’ll be buying time—not buying a new approach (literally)—until the weight loss starts again.
Adam Bornstein is a New York Times best-selling author and the founder of Born Fitness, a company on a mission to cut through the noise and share what you need to know to live a healthy, happy life. He extends that mission even further as Greatest’s Naked Truth columnist. Learn more on his profile page or follow BornFitness on Facebook.
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Feast Your Eyes on the World’s Longest Pizza
A team of more than 100 chefs congregated in Naples, Italy, last Thursday with one goal: Create the world's longest pizza. It took them 11 hours, about 4,400 pounds of flour, 3,500 pounds of tomatoes, 4,400 pounds of cheese, and 53 gallons of olive oil to make the 6,082-foot-long beast of a pizza—that's 1.15 miles of greasy goodness! Even more impressive? It was all sourced by local suppliers. The obvious follow-up question is how long does it take to eat it? (And can we help?)
Feast your eyes on the gargantuan pie:
(h/t Guinness World Records)
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These 12 Sunscreens Are Lying About Their SPF
It takes only one long day at the beach to realize the importance of sunscreen. Sunscreen protects against two types of rays: UVA and UVB. The latter causes sunburns, but any product with an SPF above 15 should protect you. Anything higher gives you marginally better protection against burns but does a better job of reflecting the UVA rays that are associated with skin cancer.
But don't breathe a sigh of relief just yet. ConsumerReports's annual sunscreen ratings found many sunblocks have a significantly lower SPF than advertised. We took the worst offenders (products whose actual SPF was less than half of what they claimed) and made this handy graphic, so you know which brands to steer clear of the next time you're shopping for sunblock.
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Common Mistakes To Avoid When Reducing Belly Fat
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Smoothie To Lose Weight Fast
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Vegetarian Diet Plan for Weight Loss You Need To Know
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7 Natural and Holistic Tips For Permanent Weight Loss
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The Anti-Aging Benefits of Argan Oil
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How to Use Tea Tree Oil Effectively
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How To Lose Belly Fat - 5 Simple and Healthy Ways To Reduce Your Waistline
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Types of Band Bariatric Surgery
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10 Best Weight Loss Pills on the Market
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How to Burn Stomach Fat Quickly and Efficiently
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Burn Belly Fat Fast With These Pro Tips
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How to Lose Weight in Only a Week
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