This time of year, I’m an early riser. No, not like that guy. And not even to “do” anything productive. But a quiet moment on my balcony with a coffee, book, or my thoughts to start the day is absolutely transformative. And that early light exposure impacts the rest of my day (and night) in positive ways.
For me, the pull is the idea that for one glorious hour, no one needs me. I can truly do whatever I want. But if choosing your own adventure makes you want to crawl back into bed, here are some science-backed ways to make the most of your mornings:
Our medicine cabinets are full of supplements that’ve left us with buyer’s remorse. One exception? Magnesium. On the contrary, it's earned a permanent spot in our rotation.
Everyone on Instagram claims the mineral changed their lives. Better sleep. Healthier skin. Less stress. Fewer muscle cramps. Maybe even weight loss. It’s a lot of hype to place on one essential nutrient, but magnesium lives up to much of it.
Check your meds. There are prescriptions (as well as this common supplement) that can interact with magnesium, so it’s safest to run it by your doc first to avoid any drug interactions.
Which drink is the most hydrating over several hours, according to research?
A liquid multivitamin that gives Mary Poppins energy. You just need a spoonful or two.
The arch sleeves our editor loves to wear while she strength trains. They provide compression and support to her flat feet.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Ashley Park on Resilience
For five seasons, Ashley Park’s Emily in Paris character, Mindy Chen, has bounced back from just about everything: family pressure, career pivots, heartbreak, and the occasional public humiliation — all while becoming the show’s emotional glue. And while the Netflix series is set to end after season six, Park herself feels like she’s just getting started.
Turns out, that resilience has roots in real life. The actress recently spoke with theSkimm as part of Bristol Myers Squibb’s Time Back campaign, which honors oncologists. She reflected on how surviving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at 15 shaped the way she approaches ambition, adulthood, and moments where people try to limit her.
"I felt like I wasn't ‘winning the cancer battle’ if I let it affect the person I was,” she says. “As soon as I feel underestimated, I dig in. I really tried to move forward with just gratitude and trying to make the best of everything and live in the present. And I think that it's really defined how I've lived my life rather than sitting in the devastation of missing out on part of my youth.”
How do you say, “Honestly, checks out,” in French?
If bone health feels like a problem for Future You, here's the catch: Skeletal strength peaks decades before an osteoporosis diagnosis may be on your radar. Which means the habits you build now determine how much you may lose later. A good place to start is the surprisingly simple routine a physical therapist uses to keep bones strong for the long haul — no gym membership required.
And about that daily Diet Coke habit... Some research suggests that phosphoric acid in colas may interfere with calcium absorption, while caffeine can nudge your body to flush a little more of the mineral than usual. So if bone health is on your mind (it should be), these high-calcium drinks are good soda substitutes. The second one is a fridge staple for us.
You're Invited: Read With Us
This spring, we’re reading Kin by Tayari Jones, the national bestselling author of An American Marriage.
A peek into the story: Two girls grow up side by side in the 1950s South, bound by the absence of their mothers. Then life starts pulling them in different directions — one steps onto a traditional path, the other goes off-script, chasing answers in ways that break all the rules.
It's all about friendship, and how far we go for the friends we love.
What’s going on: The long list of GLP-1 drugs’ supposed benefits reads like a wellness wish list, and the newest potential perk is a big one: slowing cancer. New Cleveland Clinic research tracked more than 12,000 patients with the same early-stage cancers and comorbidities (like obesity and smoking). It found that those on a GLP-1 (compared to other diabetes medications) were 38% to 50% less likely to progress to stage IV in four cancers: breast, colorectal, liver, and certain types of lung cancers. The research hints that
