The Cult-Favorite Tool That Will Make You a Productivity Master

If you get stuck in patterns of not getting stuff done, not fixing bad habits, and putting off major life changes, then congratulations. You're human.

It's possible—and actually pretty easy—to get stuck in these kinds of ruts forever. But we both know it's better if you get out of them sooner than later and get on with your life. You could read endless self-help books, but the ultimate motivation tool is Mental Mastery, an online course from New York Times best-selling author Ramit Sethi.

By the end of his 30-day course, Sethi promises you will do that thing you've been meaning to do, whether it's as small as quitting the snooze button or as big as launching your side business.

It's not about hacks or random tactics, he says, but about updating the fundamental psychology that drives you until you become the kind of person who gets stuff done calmly and capably. Or, as Sethi calls it, "a winner."

The course is made up of 20 short videos in which Sethi explains strategies to tackle things like overcoming your fear of failure, quitting internal debates so you can make more sound decisions, and looking at your options with less negativity.

But the real magic is in the reflection exercises at the end of each lesson. They'll force you to get real with yourself, and that's when the change really happens.

At $297 (or $29 per month for one year), it's not the cheapest solution. But it's one that works.

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Why I'm Willing to Look Like a Disneyland Tourist While Running

About a year ago, I decided to take running more seriously. For some, that would mean training for an ultramarathon or finally breaking record time on a mile, but for me, it just meant running for more than five minutes at a time without wanting to die.

Clearly, I've never been a natural runner. Sure, I've gone through spurts where I'm more into running than usual, but it never sticks, and I wind up falling back to my regularly scheduled programming—the gym. And that's fine, but gets incredibly boring day in and day out. There are only so many times I can use the elliptical before my body's like, Seriously? This again?

When I did finally start running more, I knew it'd be a big commitment. I still have flashbacks to high-school soccer tryouts, where the sprints were plentiful, and my oxygen levels were... not. This time around, I worked slowly to increase mileage by even the smallest distance when I could, and tried not to rush the process. Fast forward a few months, and I found myself running about three miles "easily"—as in, I didn't desperately need to check my watch every 15 seconds. It was by no means a breeze but a huge improvement from where I started.

EDITOR'S PICK

But I wanted to find ways to make the process even more enjoyable.

I started looking for cheats to help me along, anything from playlist recommendations to sneaker suggestions and running blogs. These definitely helped, but there was something about having my keys, phone, and other belongings in hand that really distracted me. I felt like I couldn't focus on my stride or my breathing while holding things—like trying to rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time. I also found it impossible to disconnect from my phone if I was holding it. I know it sounds harmless, but all this extraneous crap really started to weigh on me.

Out on my runs, I started to notice people with dorky little fanny packs around their waists.

My inner middle-school girl would come out in full force: What is this, 1994? But myjudgmentt came to a screeching halt as I realized—they weren't holding a single thing in their hands. It seemed like the most obvious concept, but I had one big concern:

Could I swallow my pride and accept looking like a straight-up Disneyland tourist while I trotted around the local track?

If it would make me a better runner, I thought, why the hell not?

I took to the internet and stumbled across something a teensy bit less nerdy by my standards—the FlipBelt. It looked far more discreet than your average neon fanny pack, and the description claimed it could hold everything I'd need during workouts, with multiple compartments and zero slippage against my clothes and body. As it sat ominously in my Amazon cart, I realized I had no expectations of it actually changing my runs. But I figured there was nothing to lose except a few bucks (and possibly my fashion sense), so click, it was mine.

Once it arrived, I immediately started using it to hold all my usual stuff. Money and cards, keys, chapstick, maybe a snack. At first, it felt a little weird having a waistband on while I went for a jog—almost as if I was actually using my shirt pocket to hold pens. But after a few tries, I was sold. Everything stayed in place. I no longer had to worry about juggling everything while trying to stumble through songs on Spotify. I could actually focus on my pace goals—you know, the running part?—instead of on my phone.

The belt forced me, in the best way, to forget about Instagram, just blast music, and go.

Yes, I was skeptical. But since wearing the belt, I've wondered how I ever ran without it. Over the past few months, I've been able to increase my mileage and pace each week. Maybe it's all in my head, maybe I did really put the necessary work in, or maybe the belt gave me the freedom I was looking for on longer runs. Either way, I get a little more confident every time I lace up my sneakers—so much so that I recently completed my first 10K race. And of course, I had the belt on the whole time.

Sure, super-fit moms with double strollers still run laps around me in the park. But for now, I'll consider rocking a running belt with confidence, and a few steady laps a serious victory.

Nichole Fratangelo is a freelance writer and social media manager focusing on food, wellness, and entertainment. When not typing away at a coffee shop, you can find her running around Brooklyn or relaxing on the beach at the Jersey Shore.

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6 Better-for-You Baking Flours That Are Totally Gluten-Free

So, you've promised yourself you're not eating sweets for two months. Or maybe you're committing to that gluten-free life. Or you just want to try out cooking (and baking) with healthier, more nutrient-dense foods. Get your cookie, gluten-free, and healthy-cooking fix by stocking up on these six gluten-free baking flours instead of all-purpose. There are so many better-for-you flours out there (we're talking flours made from nuts, whole grains, coconuts, etc.) that you can easily find in your grocery store and have fun experimenting with.

Because we bet you're wondering: There (unfortunately) are not exact measurements for swapping these flours for all-purpose flour in recipes. Some may be 1:1, but we can't make that general promise only for you to totally eff up the outcome. What we can promise you is an eye-opening look into a world of flours that you've maybe never used. Once you got these guys in the pantry, search Pinterest for specific recipes and you'll be golden.

Almond Flour

Almond flour is considered the king of gluten-free flours. Besides giving your product a nutty, balanced flavor, the finely ground nut offers added moisture and tenderness to the recipes that use it. As with any nut, almond flour has a higher fat content than other flours plus adds in extra fiber and protein to your diet. It’s a good choice for use in baked goods with a light crumb texture: pancakes, muffins, cakes, etc.

If you're adventurous and want to try it in bread, tread lightly and only use 25 percent of almond flour in the whole percentage of your flour blend (a.k.a. the other 75 percent will be all-purpose). You can also use almond flour as a replacement for bread crumbs or to thicken sauces and soups.

It's a common belief that almond flour can be used as a 1:1 ratio with other gluten-containing flours. But, as a passionate baker myself, I'm telling you: Don't do that. Although almond flour can definitely be the sole flour in your product for some baked goods, do not use it as an exact replacement in your favorite recipe. Almond flour usually leaves a product a bit denser and sometimes calls for the necessary addition of an extra egg.

Oat Flour

What can't oats do?! They make a breakfast overnight in the fridge, they make the creamiest dairy-free milk, and now we're telling you to use the grain in baking. The best part? You can make it at home by simply blending rolled oats until a fine flour forms. Oat flour is my favorite choice when I'm looking to add a crumbly and chewy texture to baked goods that I dream about (no? just me?).

Like almond flour, oat flour should primarily be used for lighter-textured baked goods such as muffins, cakes, cookies, crepes, pancakes, and other quick breads. Oats are the best flour to make a crumbly topping your vegan, no-bake desserts too. Important to note: Oats in their purest form are gluten-free, but some are processed in a facility with wheat so cross-contamination might be a concern. To play it safe, look for "gluten-free" on the packaging.

Buckwheat Flour

Do not be fooled by the word “wheat” in this wheat-less grain. Buckwheat, and therefore, buckwheat flour, is gluten-free by nature. Buckwheat flour adds a rich, nutty taste to products, and you'll find it most commonly used in Japan to make soba noodles, galettes in France, blinis (pancakes) in Eastern Europe, and chapati in various regions of India. This flour also makes a great addition to yeast breads as well, but only when brown rice flour is thrown in the mix too.

Brown Rice Flour

The most versatile flour of the bunch, brown rice flour is definitely a smart one to have on hand. Standing alone in a recipe, brown rice flour can make things gummy, chewy, and bland. But, when added to other gluten-free flours (like buckwheat), brown rice flour adds elasticity and structure and lets the other flours’ flavor notes shine. How nice, right? It's another one that helps to give a crumbly texture to the final product.

Brown rice flour is almost always necessary for yeast bread and can be used in all baking recipes, especially with pie dough. It's also perfect for gluten-free cooking tasks, like thickening sauces, adding protein to vegan soups, crafting healthy noodles, and “breading” meats and vegetables.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is a fine flour, but it can be ultra-absorbent when used alone, usually not leaving much of a crumb texture and rather a dense one at best. Like brown rice flour, coconut flour does wonders when mixed with other gluten-free flours. Just check out these coconut flour recipes for proof. Coconut flour is great for cookies, muffins, granolas, brownies, and quick breads. When using coconut flour, only use it for up to 25 to 40 percent of your flour mix and add in an extra egg for additional binding properties.

Sorghum Flour

Sorghum flour is a mild, sweet flour that adds a soft bite to baked goods. It should be used in recipes that do not require a lot of flour; think brownies, peanut butter cookies, and soufflés. When standing alone as the sole flour, it is recommended that sorghum flour is mixed with starches, such as tapioca or potato, for better binding. When mixing sorghum with other flours, use it as 1/3 of your flour mix.

The Baker's Bottom Line

There’s a ton of better-for-you baking flours out there. Some are more nutritious, some are even better tasting, and all of the good ones are gluten-free. Yeah, it takes a little testing and getting used to, but didn’t you swear you’d be a better you in 2019?

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Does It Matter What Kind of Underwear You Wear During a Workout?

A lot of thought can go into picking the perfect running shoes and high-tech workout leggings. And while that stuff can seriously motivate you and enhance your workouts, let's not forget the age-old saying: "It's what's on the inside that counts." But we're not talking about your heart—we're talking about your skivvies.

You may not realize it, but selecting the wrong underwear for your workout can actually have an impact on the health of your lady-parts (dudes, we'll get to your parts later—women are just more at-risk for this kind of thing). If the heat, sweat, and friction generated during your workout gets trapped below the belt due to non-breathable or ill-fitting panties (hope you're cool with us saying "panties"—oh, hi, we just said it again), you're at risk for the growth of fungus that can lead to complications like yeast infections or even contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI).

"Women with pre-existing issues are particularly susceptible and should pay extra attention to their workout bottoms," says Renee Mestad, M.D., division chief of general obstetrics and gynecology at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y.

"The problem with the area around the vagina is that most women don't sit down and spread out so that the air can take water away. Areas like your chest, back, or legs are exposed to air, which helps the water (read: sweat) evaporate. It's not as easy in-between the legs."

That struggle is so real for us women (oh, let me count the ways), but if you're properly equipped with the right underwear, you can help ward off unpleasantries down under.

EDITOR'S PICK

Before we get into which drawers to wear, let's get rule No. 1 of workouts and underwear straight:

Regardless of what you wear, the best way to prevent infection is to change out of your workout clothes and take a shower right after you exercise. Hanging out in your sweaty gear can lead to a jock itch-like condition called intertrigo that is caused by trapped moisture and friction down south—and yes it is as gross and uncomfortable as it sounds.

"If you're running, doing hot yoga, or any other activities that result in a significant amount of sweating, it would benefit you to change out of your clothes, all the way down to the underwear and into something fresh," Mestad says. And if you can't jump in the shower immediately after your workout or you are exercising for extended periods of time, it's best to find breathable undies made with performance-ready fabrics.

So what makes underwear breathable? How can a fabric be performance-ready? Glad you asked.

The most breathable fabrics to work out in are those with wicking properties, like polyester, nylon, and sports wool—these materials are engineered to move moisture away from your skin. Natural materials like cotton or bamboo are acceptable for lighter exercise, like a restorative yoga class, but keep in mind that these materials are extremely absorbent and can become heavy or irritating the more sweat that's captured.

However, even moisture-wicking fabrics have their limits, Mestad warns. "A moisture-wicking fabric is better, but it doesn't last forever," Mestad says. "If women use fabric softeners in their laundry with workout gear, that messes with the wicking properties so it's probably not doing the job it needs to do."

Katharine O'Connell-White, M.D., OBGYN at Boston Medical Center and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University School of Medicine, suggests you look for at least some cotton, regardless of the primary material. "The most important thing is the actual fabric that touches the skin," O'Connell-White says. "It almost doesn't matter what kind of underwear you wear, so long as there is a cotton panel in the middle at the part that touches the vulva."

So now that you have the correct fabric selected, let's talk shape.

Classic briefs or bikini-cut underpants are best. If you're a boy-short devotee, that's fine. But keep in mind that the more material you have down there, the more opportunity for moisture absorption, which can lead to a not-so-comfortable soggy sag.

If you're afraid of the dreaded VPL (visible panty line) and typically opt for thongs, beware. When you work out in thongs, they tend to slide from back to front, which can move fecal bacteria to all the wrong places and lead to infections. Yikes. If you absolutely must wear a thong, be extra thoughtful about the fit. It should feel secure without leaving indentations or the feeling of being squeezed.

Mestad warns that improperly fitting t-strings may lead to worse issues than your VPL. "As the area gets damp, you're going to experience a lot more friction," Mestad says. "You might find yourself with small abrasions or other irritations that can then cause issues, which makes it easier for skin bacteria to penetrate the area."

If you're looking suspiciously at your underwear drawer right now, you may be thinking that the most breathable, non-infection-prone undies to wear are none at all, right? Maybe. But before you go commando, double-check the fabric in the crotch of your leggings or shorts—if that material isn't moisture-wicking, you're facing the same issues as before.

When selecting a pair of bottoms with built-in underwear, also known as a "gusseted crotch" (a super-weird term, we know), inspect the area thoroughly to be sure the surface area is smooth. Any seam or misplaced panel could cause additional irritation—and that's the last thing you want to be worried about in that final sprint of your favorite cycling class.

And gents, the rules are pretty similar for you.

Look for a pair that provides optimal support without any squeeze. Fabrics should be sweat-wicking and breathable. Look for words like antimicrobial and synthetic materials.

As a general rule, if your underwear is designed to be seen by a special someone (think: silk, lace, intricate designs), then it most likely isn't meant for working out in—even if you have a crush on your kickboxing instructor, sorry.

We understand that your workout bottom selections won't always be perfect, and it's certainly healthier to work out a few times in poor underwear than to skip the workout altogether. O'Connell-White suggests sleeping commando to counteract the damage.

"If you've spent a lot of time in restricting clothes—bike shorts, yoga pants, even bathing suits—you can balance it out by going to bed without underwear under your nightgown or boxers," O'Connell-White says. "Skipping the underwear gives you (hopefully) seven to eight hours of no constriction that might make up for that intense workout earlier in the day."

With the rise of technical fabrics in the activewear world, it shouldn't be hard to select a solid pair of underwear to workout in. Sweaty Betty, Lululemon, and Under Armour all make great pairs. Just take an extra second to think about the material and shape before diving into another one of those 5 for $45 sale bins.

Brittany Romano is a style writer, podcast producer, and golf lover, living in NYC.

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What Type of Meditation Is Right for You?

Meditation can be great for you. Research shows that meditation can help with mental health issues, relieve stress, improve your memory, help you fight insomnia and improve your sleep, and practically rewire your brain. (The verdict is still out on whether meditation can also help your hair grow faster or smash the patriarchy... personally, I wouldn't be surprised if it could.)

But many of us still haven't gotten round to incorporating meditation into our daily lives. According to a National Health Interview Survey, the percentage of Americans who actually meditated, or had even tried meditation, was about 10 percent in 2007—and this percentage has only increased to about 12 percent. Which begs the question: Why aren't most of us meditating already?

I think it all boils down to personalization—or the perceived lack of it. Take yoga, for example: We all know it's good for us, but we've also figured out that everyone has their preferred yoga practice. You wouldn't recommend a hot yoga class to someone who hasn't exercised in years, just as you wouldn't recommend slower types of yoga, such as hatha, to people who really want to sweat it out and challenge themselves physically.

But when it comes to meditation, we still have this "one-om-fits-all" idea in our heads. However, I'm happy to report that's not the case at all. There are numerous different meditation types and techniques. Finding the one that's right for you right now is the first step toward making this marvelous habit stick. And don't worry if your brain doesn't seem to shut down right away—it happens to everyone at first, no matter your meditation type.

So, what's the right type of meditation for you right now?

EDITOR'S PICK

If you struggle with positive thinking…

If negative emotions such as self-doubt, sadness, jealousy, anger, and anxiety have a way of creeping up on you, you're not the only one. As much as we know that that positive thinking is great, for some of us, it just doesn't always work. And when you're in a bad state (for any number of reasons), it's practically impossible to jump right into Pollyanna mode. What is totally possible, however, is to work with those negative emotions so that you can control them—instead of the other way around.

You should try: A guided meditation. The Insight Timer app offers guided meditations based on what you're currently struggling with. Whether you need help with acceptance, coping with loss, or handling pain, depression, or anger, you can find a session that literally speaks to you. Just make sure that the teacher has a voice you find soothing. I really like the guided meditations by Sarah Blondin: "Our Warring Self vs. Our Infinite Self" is about controlling anger, and it has saved me from quite a few furious outbursts.

If you want to exercise better...

How is standing still for several minutes going to help you with that six-pack? Glad you asked. Although exercise has a way of making us present at first, after a while, we can end up going through the motions—which can lead to dissatisfaction with your practice, or worse, injuries. Switching off your brain during (and after) exercise will help prevent that.

You should try: Mindfulness meditation and yoga. Ashley Elgatian, a yoga teacher and founder of Tyan Yoga Chicago, recommends combining yoga practice with mindfulness meditations, such as the ones found on the Headspace app for people with active minds who have trouble flipping the off switch.

"When our minds are busy, we leave our bodies and simply get lost in thought," Elgatian says. "This has an effect on our physical body—it becomes tight and tense, making relaxation a harder state to achieve. Simple mindfulness routines can help us: Practicing mindfulness once a day creates new neural pathways." Elgatian also believes that yoga is a great way to get into meditation. "In yoga, you are mindful of the breath throughout your practice, and while you are practicing, you will catch yourself when you're distracted: You don't really have a choice since your task is to focus on the physical body.

If you just want to get some sleep…

Three a.m. and still awake? There are many reasons why you may be struggling with insomnia, but one thing's for sure: Meditation can help. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can help you evoke the relaxation response necessary for you to finally sleep like a baby.

You should try: The Sleep Stories in the Calm app. Like the fairytales your grandma used to put you to bed with, these can help you fall asleep—just like when you were a kid.

If you want to devote a little time to self-care...

Based on the name alone, you may think that self-care is an inherently selfish act. But stress, depression, and anxiety aren't just personal—they're reflections of the culture we live in. When we take some time to care for ourselves and reflect on the state of the world around us, we can separate ourselves from these cultural messages and cultivate contentment.

You should try: The Awaken meditation app. Awaken works to connect the dots between our inner state and the outer world. Deconstructing patriarchy, racism, and other systems of oppression requires examining the ways we've internalized its messages about who we are.

If your job is currently crushing your soul…

Is it Friday yet? Is it payday yet? How did that deadline sneak up on you?! Even if you're lucky enough to genuinely love your job, focus and motivation aren't always easy to find.(So.many.things.happening.on.the.internet!) Guess what can actually help? Meditation.

You should try: Headspace at Work. This program by the Headspace app helps organizations "create a happier, healthier work environment" through meditation. If your boss isn't interested in making this a thing, though, you can also benefit from Headspace's meditations for focus.

If you think you have no time to meditate...

I totally get it. I never seem to have the time to mop the floors of my apartment, but I always seem to find the time to watch every superhero show on CW. We find the time for the things we like and deem important. How will you know whether you like meditation if you think you're always too busy to try it? Start small.

You should try: The '16 seconds' technique by meditation trailblazer David Ji. "Start with a long, slow, deep inhale through your nose, watch your breath slowly move into you, and follow it down deep into your belly. Then hold the breath in and witness it as it sits in your belly," Ji says. "Release your breath and observe it as it moves back up, through you, and out of your nostrils. As you continue to exhale, watch your breath as you continue releasing it out and observing it the whole time as it dissipates into the air. In. Hold. Out. Hold."

Each component takes about four seconds, so the whole experience lasts just 16 seconds. You can count along the way or simply surrender to the process and see where it leads you. Sixteen seconds is all it takes to practice presence. And you can gently increase your practice to around a minute by doing it four times or to five minutes by doing it 20 times.

"Practice throughout the day while you're stuck in traffic, standing in a line, sitting in the bathroom, attending a meeting, or even taking a shower," Ji says. "It's based on the ancient technique of mindful breathing popularized by the Buddha 2,600 years ago. This time-tested process will instantly infuse all the conversations in your head with a tiny bit of stillness—the swirl around you slows, creating an inviting aura of tranquility that others appreciate participating in. And as all of your interactions start to proceed at a slower speed, you receive information more clearly, process it more objectively, and speak with greater poise and purpose."

I'll meditate on that.

Danai is writer and editor by day, an almost-vegan baker by night, and a cat person 24/7. Born in Athens, Greece, Danai spent five years commuting in NYC before deciding to relocate to Scandinavia and learn how to forage berries and find a better work-life balance. Follow her on Instagram @accidentalscandinavian or in real life in some Swedish forest.

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7 Ways to Save Major Money on High-Quality Beauty Products

In the U.S., women spend an average of nearly $3,000 a year to keep their faces looking good, according to one survey. That's some expensive war paint we're wearing into battle with nature and the aging process—and we can absolutely do better by our wallets, thanks to a few pointers from beauty and budgeting experts. In fact, you might even discover some new favorite brands that will make you feel like a million bucks (without going broke).

1. Look for Brand Collaboration

Lindsay Ginn, founder of the popular Broke and Beautiful blog, suggests looking for high-end brands in unlikely places. Many luxury labels are reaching out to us commoners by working with the companies and stores we love (and can afford). One recent example is the collaboration between French fashion house Balmain and equally French but considerably less-fancy L'Oreal Paris. "The resulting lipsticks are both affordable and gorgeous," Ginn says.

2. Trust the Experts

There are a good number of brands run by makeup artists at the top of their field. Not only are these brands extra trustworthy, but they're frequently very accessible. Some of Ginn's favorites include Pixi by Petra and Sonia Kashuk's beauty line at Target. An added bonus: The experts behind the brands often have YouTube tutorials with tips on how best to use their products.

EDITOR'S PICK

3. Seek Out Indie Brands With Cult Followings

Indie beauty brands often have high-quality ingredients but at significantly lower costs than their big-name counterparts. "Their overhead costs are lower because they have fewer employees and no need for distribution centers, so they can focus on making better products with top-notch ingredients," Ginn says. This goes for makeup brands like Notoriously Morbid, which makes intense eyeshadow duos starting at $3, and Fyrinnae, which sells $7 pigment-packed, shimmering lip colors—as well as skin care favorites like ultra-high-quality, low-cost Mad Hippie and Knours, whose six-piece starter kit of clean skin care products is only $28.

Mary Irwin, a makeup artist in New York City, is a huge fan of The Ordinary skin care brand. "They use the best quality formulation, but they don't advertise, which means savings for the consumer," Irwin says.

Another of Irwin's favorites is makeup brand ColourPop. "They do everything themselves, from research and development to production. Because they don't advertise and they make everything in-house, you get top-of-the-line products for minimal prices," Irwin says.

4. Carefully Check Out Copycat Products

Since many brands mark up the cost of their products to make up for the money spent on marketing and fancy packaging, you'll see products with the same ingredients at very different prices. At the same time, formulation can vary greatly between products, and ingredients might work better or worse depending on how the manufacturer handled them, so you might have to experiment to find a true budget gem.

One copycat product comes with the seal of approval from dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D., author of the book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. "Roc Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is a very good retinol product at a great price. Its much more expensive counterpart is Strivectin Advanced Retinol Intensive Moisturizer—the ingredient list is very similar, but the cost to you is not," Jaliman says.

5. Do Your Research to Get What You Paid For

"You should figure out which ingredients work for best for you: Does your skin like hyaluronic acid? Squalane? Shea butter? Look for products where that's one of the top ingredients," Irwin says.

If you want to be an even savvier beauty buyer, learn how to read a product label, including which ingredients are worth splurging on (and which are a marketing gimmick). So while "the distilled essence of Swiss wildflowers dried atop the Alps by the flapping of angel wings" might sound like exactly what your face needs, sadly, it doesn't have any scientific value for said face. (See also: that trend of putting gold in your face masks… there's zero evidence that does anything other than jack the price up and look cute on Insta).

Before you look at the price, the packaging, or even the brand name, look at the ingredients. My favorite place to do research is this Ingredients Database from Truth in Aging. Look for ingredients with proven efficacy, like the moisturizing powers of hyaluronic acid and ceramides, both of which can be found in super-cheap, super-effective CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, another Jaliman favorite. "This is a great moisturizer at an excellent price that can achieve results of some much more expensive products," Jaliman says.

6. Use Online Coupon Codes and Rebates

Not only are there coupon codes for nearly every big online retailer, but many brands also offer cash back when you shop online. Ginn recommends checking sites like Ebates, TopCashBack, and RetailMeNot Cashback to get up to 15 percent cash back on high-quality (but pricey) brands like Algenist, Caudelie, and MAC. And before buying anything online, it's worth checking out sites like Honey for coupon codes you can apply when checking out. You can get anything from a discount to free samples and shipping.

7. Shop at Off-Price Stores

"If you have champagne tastes on a Coca-Cola budget, you'll be astonished at the treasures you can find at places like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls," Ginn says. You might have to dig through some crap before hitting gold (just like the rest of the store), but there are finds on these shelves at prices far lower than what you normally see. Ginn has found quality products like Stila eyeliners, Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes, and even a cache of Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kits—all hiding in the mish-mash of off-brand hand soaps.

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What's It Gonna Take to Finally Touch Your Toes?

I don't know about you, but I feel personally victimized when I'm told to sit on the floor and reach for my toes. I can run for miles and crush intense HIIT classes with ease, but when it comes to flexibility, I feel utterly defeated. So, I decided to find out what exactly makes someone flexible, why it's even important, and how I can get in on some of that stretchy goodness.

There are two things to think about when it comes to flexibility:

First is the range of motion in the joints. "Your body has joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments," says Ron Noy, M.D., of Prestige Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. "The joint is going to have a static amount of motion that it can do. The reason that shoulders have more motion than hips is because the socket is flatter in the shoulder than it is in the hip." In other words, there are areas of your body that naturally move more than others, known as range of motion. Anatomy—fun!

The second aspect that defines flexibility is tightness—and the tightness around joints is determined by the muscle, the fascia, the ligaments, and the tendons. "Those are the things that can actually be altered in adult life," Noy says.

So while the range motion in your body might vary from joint to joint, it's the tightness in the fascia and ligaments that affects the flexibility of particular joints and muscle groups in the body. When you're wondering how flexible you are (or aren't, in my case), ask yourself if the muscle you're moving is able to do its job.

What else affects flexibility?

Gender, age, genetics, and daily activity are all factors that contribute to how flexible you are. Noy says that women are typically more flexible than men just because of the way the female body's joints and muscles form in comparison to males. "The activities we engage in as children will also affect how our joints will develop," Noy says. "Ballet will stretch the joints farther than, let's say, football."

Also, as we become older, we're not as active—the majority of us spend hours of our day sitting. "If you think about how much people are hunched over their computers—that causes a lot of contraction in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments," Noy says. "If you don't constantly stretch those things out, they're going to get tighter."

But, no matter how much someone stretches or moves daily, genetics do play a factor as well. "For a dancer, I am not very flexible," says Maria Ambrose, a professional dancer and instructor at Shadowbox in New York City. "I can move really fast, which is great, but I can't lift my leg to my ear."

A study from the Journal of Applied Physiology looked at the flexibility of the human back. After assessing the lumbar range of motion of 300 pairs of fraternal and identical twins, the study found that 47 percent of the range of motion in the subjects' lumbar could be attributed to genetics. So for pros like Ambrose, it might just be the way the cookie crumbles.

Christina Jensen, a former Radio City Rockette and instructor at Rumble in New York City, says that being too flexible has led her to get hurt. "I went too far and did too much, and that's when I broke my L5. Then what do you do? You have to retract back," she says. Both women come from athletic backgrounds and practice stretching daily but have had two completely different experiences with flexibility.

Regardless of how much you want to pretzel your body, flexibility is important.

As Jensen pointed out, being flexible doesn't necessarily stop you from getting injured, but it can help prevent it.

"When you properly stretch, you change the fascia," says Sita Hagenberg, co-founder of Bendable Body. "Our muscles' ability to move and strengthen, to do anything, is determined by the fascia. So when it's dense and stiff, the muscle is strangulated—it's like wearing a straightjacket." When you work through tension in your fascia by stretching or foam rolling, it can help improve joint pain, stiffness, and the alignment of your body.

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So, what does it take to become a little more pretzel-y?

When it comes to improving flexibility, think about your end goal. "Are you wanting to do a split or are you trying to be able to help your muscles recover faster?" Ambrose says. You might feel discouraged by not being able to touch your toes or do a split, but your body doesn't necessarily need to do those things.

It's also important to realize that improving your flexibility is not going to happen overnight. Much like brushing your teeth or taking a shower, stretching is something you need to make a part of your daily routine if you want to increase your flexibility.

And if touching your toes is your goal?

Ben Lauder-Dykes, an instructor at Fhitting Room in New York City, says that with any static stretch you do, you should try holding it for two to three minutes, once a day, for 60 days. So, for example, if you want to get your nose to your knees, you need to spend some quality time in a forward fold over those hamstrings.

Sure, it doesn't sound like the most exciting endeavor, but Lauder-Dykes says that's part of the problem. "People think that if something is simple and easy, it's not effective," he says. "It's unfortunate, but sometimes people don't realize how important stretching is until they get injured."

"My best advice for people is to take time and practice good form with everything," Jensen says. "If you don't have the flexibility yet in your hamstrings to touch your toes, forcing your body into doing it isn't going to end well."

Take some tips and tricks from a pro:

As Lauder-Dykes says, if you're looking to work on a certain area, or if touching your toes is your end goal, you're going to have to stretch consistently for a consecutive number of days.

One thing he emphasizes with all of his clients is to always monitor results. "You need to identify a starting point, which can be how you feel when you're doing your exercises," he says. But while going off of how you feel is a good way to kick-start your regimen, you'll want to find a more objective way to measure your progress. The same way someone would take before-and-after photos with weight loss, try the same with your flexibility. Going by how you feel can change day to day, but if you're taking a photo, you objectively get to see your results (regardless of how you're feeling). "You might not feel like you've improved, but when you take a photo you might say, 'wow, I actually got lower.'"

Alexa Pipia is a social media editor in New York City who received her master's at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. When she's not writing, you can find her honing her boxing technique or running a race. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.

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