A few weeks ago, I had to pick my daughter up from camp in the Catskills, and I figured I'd break up the drive with an overnight stay. To me, this was logistics, not luxury. But then I checked in, read by a babbling brook, had an amazing dinner that reminded me even beets can be magical, watched fireflies dot a meadow, and fell asleep to a murder documentary on Netflix (my version of a spa experience).
The next morning, I journaled at an antique desk as the sun came up. I didn't expect that to be the thing I'd bring home with me. But I’m still writing.
Not every escape needs a passport or a week off work. Scroll down for our "Well Traveled" section on how you can maximize PTO, your way.
When I was in my early 30s and single, I took seven months off to travel. I didn't know it then, but I was on a "millennial sabbatical." Trust me: You don't need to be independently wealthy to make it happen.
Meet your new nightstand staple: this retinol regimen kit (serum, cream, and pads) does the heavy lifting on your skin while you sleep. Now over 30% off.*
That girl’s night you don’t have the energy for. That neighborhood volunteer gig you got roped into. You agreed to do it anyway — and now social media wants to know: Does saying “yes” to everything make us sick?
The theory has taken off alongside conversations about the “good girl trap”: constantly suppressing your feelings, avoiding conflict, and putting everyone else first can keep your body stuck in stress mode. And, when stress rarely lets up, it can affect sleep, digestion, metabolism, inflammation, and cardiovascular health.
Getting sick doesn’t necessarily mean you were insufficiently assertive. Chronic conditions can involve genetics, infections, environmental exposures, trauma, healthcare access, and plenty else. But people-pleasing can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed.
Know why you’re saying yes. Helping because you want to is different from agreeing because you’re scared of disappointing someone.
Talk to someone. People-pleasing is often an ingrained response pattern you developed in childhood, which is why it’s so hard to stop saying, “sounds fun!” A therapist can help you unpack the why, so saying “no thanks,” feels less charged.
the more you know
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That’s the gap Noom’s built to close. The program pairs GLP-1 medication with tools that actually fit your life, so you’re building habits while takingit — not scrambling to figure it out after you stop. Members who stuck with those habits were more likely to keep the weight off than those who didn’t. Take the quiz to find out if their program is a fit for you.
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We’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, and even vacation reservations keep us glued to our phones. It’s no wonder wellness trips are a bigger business than ever. But before you put down a deposit or step into that -140°F cold chamber, here are three things to consider.
Integrate wellness into your itinerary. Experts say these five habits can make your trip truly feel like a getaway… and they’re all free.
DIY it. Hiking trails and yoga classes aren't hard to find. Anchor a vacation — or staycation — around one or two of these habits, and you'll get a read on whether a full-on retreat is even your thing. Also good to know: A day pass can get you pool and spa access without the price tag of an overnight stay.
Consider "adult summer camp." Millennials are flocking to these more-rustic-than-resort options. The real draw is community: group hikes, communal meals, and activities designed to get strangers talking instead of a week of silent reflection.
