At my workout studio, ripping a resistance band earns you a prize. It’s a far cry from my cardio-only 20s, when "fitness" was basically code for calories burned — not strength gained.
Eat for strength. A balanced diet with enough protein, carbs, and healthy fats fuels recovery and growth. And creatine isn’t all hype — just be sure you’re taking it right.
Unless you’ve been living completely offline (in which case, congrats), therapy-speak has officially invaded Unless you’ve been living completely offline (in which case, congrats), therapy-speak has officially invaded everyday life — and so has the casual (over)use of the word trauma. Chances are, you've probably described a flight delay or awkward interview as "traumatic." Maybe you've trauma bonded with a coworker over an annoying boss, or trauma dumped on on your friend about how your ex reminds you of Jeremiah from The Summer I Turned Pretty.
So, what actually counts? It’s not just caused by extreme events like war or natural disasters. Trauma can come from big life moments you might not immediately think of — childbirth, ongoing emotional neglect, or repeated microaggressions. It can be passed down through generations, or experienced collectively. Women, in particular, face higher risks, thanks to greater exposure to “interpersonal and high-impact” trauma such as sexual assault.
The plot twist: For anyone who still has The Body Keeps the Score on their TBR list, trauma doesn’t stay neatly tucked in your past. It can rewire your brain, keep your stress response stuck on high alert, and later show up as physical issues like chronic pain, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders.
So… what now? Psychologists are recognizing trauma as far-reaching and complex. Newer diagnoses, like complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), capture the effects of chronic trauma and point toward more tailored treatments.
Get curious. Tools like the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) quiz can connect early experiences to long-term health outcomes — and help you recognize events that may have been traumatic, even if they didn’t feel like it at the time.
Let’s bypass the GRWMs and get to the point: Which retinol actually works? Derms agree this ingredient (a derivative of Vitamin A) increases cell turnover, but it can be tough on sensitive skin.
Here are their top recommended retinol products, so you can skip the guesswork and go straight for the glow…
Here’s the full list of the best retinols for every skin type, according to board-certified dermatologists.
Today's Recs For a Life Well-Lived
Cold and flu season is upon us. Before it hits your household, pick up this cult-favorite throat spray made with propolis, which can help support your immune system.
If you're as obsessed with your Speks stress ball as we are, you'll be delighted with this jumbo version. Double the size = half the stress, right?
This cult-favorite running belt is ultra-lightweight and slim, so it won't get in the way of your stride. But it's somehow big enough to fit your essentials, like your phone, earbuds, ID, and keys.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
You know the drill: you’re exhausted all day, then your brain suddenly turns into a rave the second your head hits the pillow. That “tired and wired” cycle? Sleep Fix for Longevity is a 14-day course designed to break it.
Each day, you’ll get simple, science-backed tools mixed with calming rituals to help reset your sleep clock and finally get the rest your body’s begging for. By the end, you’ll have a routine that feels realistic and a toolkit to actually stay asleep.
What you’ll learn:
Nighttime nutrition hacks. The foods that naturally boost melatonin, and when to cut off that “harmless” late-night snack.
Yoga + breathwork for sleep. Five poses and calming breath patterns that tell your nervous system it’s bedtime, not panic-scroll-time. No flexibility required.
60-minute guided bedtime meditations. Because, let’s face it, Ross yelling ‘We were on a break!’ during your current rerun routine isn’t exactly sleep-inducing.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s finding a nightly routine that works for you, so you wake up human, not a cautionary meme about needing coffee.
