The internet may be debating the reality of a ‘90s summer, but I accidentally recreated that energy last weekend in the English countryside. The agenda consisted mainly of forest walks to sit by a river and listen to birds where I mistook a wood pigeon for an owl… (I’ve spent most of my adult life in cities, OK.) Maybe that's why this trip felt so restorative: Research shows that it really doesn’t take that much time in nature to boost mental well-being. Here's how to get yours:
Road-tripping this summer? Keep this fast food cheat sheet handy for seven healthier orders to keep you full and satisfied.
If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or dehydrated, this lemonade iced tea is packed with electrolytes and a blend of antioxidants to help. Don’t believe us? Try a free sample pack.*
For months, I white-knuckled my way into icy water, convinced it was "good for me," until I read a Substack from Liz Plosser, the former editor-in-chief of Women's Health. In it, she dug into the science on cold plunges and women. The evidence, it turns out, is murkier than a freezing lake.
What stuck with me was the reminder that, as Dr. Stacy Sims says, women aren’t just small men, and studies don’t automatically apply universally. Research suggests that factors like hormonal fluctuations and reproductive status may influence how women respond to certain wellness practices, such as contrast therapy — nuances that health researchers may have historically overlooked.
The deeper I dive, the more I realize that cold plunges are part of a bigger issue: Marketing too often blurs the line between hype and help, and a few other women’s health buzzwords could use more clarity.
In Particular:
Creatine isn’t one-size-fits-all. Like cold plunges, creatine has attracted plenty of attention. The research is promising, but factors like age, goals, and physiology can influence the results. So do your homework before you load up just because an influencer swears by it.
Ovaries deserve more attention. Emerging research links their health to everything from bone density to longevity, raising new questions about what happens when ovarian function declines.
Hormone therapy has an image problem. The science has evolved, but its use remains at its lowest level in decades. If you've dismissed it based on older information, it may be worth a fresh discussion with your doctor.
— Anna Davies
Are You Well Informed?
Which vitamin did a new study tie to better brain health later in life?
Q: Financial stress is taking a real toll on my sleep, my mood, and my mental health. Where do I even start?
Financial health and your overall health are intertwined. Translation: financial stress can impact your well-being. Start by focusing on the basics, like understanding your budget, savings, and credit. Create a budget and track what comes in and out each month. Don’t be surprised if it requires some lifestyle adjustments and discipline. Next, learn to use credit wisely and build a good credit score over time. Then, start tackling debt with realistic monthly contributions. By taking small and consistent steps, you’ll feel more empowered to take control of your financial future. PS: You don’t have to do it all solo. Ask questions and get support.
SVP and Portfolio Credit Leader for PayPal and Venmo at Synchrony
“We’ve Got This”
Our favorite Olivia Benson moments are the ones where the tough-as-nails detective lets her guard down. Off-screen, Mariska Hargitay believes in doing the same.
While discussing her partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb's Investigating Myeloma campaign, the actress shared the self-care habit that helps her stay grounded when life gets overwhelming.
“I used to just power through whatever I had to do. I still do, but in a very different way now. I take little mini breaks, and most importantly, I pay attention to my body. If I can feel myself getting activated or upset, I stop and I listen. I say, ‘OK, I'm right here. I hear you. I see you.’
I acknowledge my feelings as if they were little children who need attention. If I start to get upset, I tell myself, ‘I'm not abandoning you. I'm not going to push through and ignore you. I'm going to stop, pay attention, and say, we've got this.’” Dun dun.
Is there anything more millennial-coded than rotisserie chicken? It walked so "girl dinner" could run. Once the darling of listicles, budget meal plans, and blurry Instagram photos, it's now ready for its next act: a quick desk lunch, a surprisingly fancy appetizer, or a dinner that survives picky-kid scrutiny.
Invite it to breakfast. Just add eggs for a high-protein meal that's ready when you are.
We All Scream for Sunscreen
You already know to wear sun protection. The trick is to find one that doesn’t leave your skin red, irritated, or breaking out. These brands deliver the SPF protection you need, minus any side effects.
