But around four months postpartum, I discovered I had diastasis recti. The rectus abdominis ab muscles are the band that gets split down the middle. This compromises the support of the belly contents— so the uterus, bowels, and other organs can “pooch” out, making you continue to look pregnant long after delivery. The condition can also cause constipation, low-back pain, and urine leaking. I felt like I had to go back to square one and learn how to reinforce my transverse abdominals, deepest corset layer of abs, and relearn how to breathe properly without inflating my belly....

What I love about yoga is that it provides a format to make progress toward tangible goals. You see someone do a beautiful asana, and when you try it you just can’t do it. But then you continue to come to your mat every day and practice, and you gradually get closer to your goal. Last year, I made it my goal to achieve a forearm stand (Pincha Mayurasana). It’s a fun, challenging, beautiful asana that requires building up a lot of strength in the shoulders, arms and back....

When we’re in REM sleep1, our eyes begin to move quickly behind the eyelids, our brainwaves speed up, our temperature fluctuates, and our muscle activity is suppressed. It’s also one (but not the only) sleep stage in which we dream. Since REM mimics wakefulness in certain ways, some scientists prefer to call it “active sleep.” The purpose of sleep—particularly, REM sleep—is not totally understood2, but researchers now think REM sleep may help humans: This means that it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough total sleep each night before you worry too much about time spent in REM vs....

In the book of Exodus (28:17-20), for example, it’s written that 12 gemstones were fixed on the prophet Aaron’s breastplate. “There were 12 stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the 12 tribes,” it says. And according Ashley Leavy, founder and educational director of the Love and Light School of Crystal Therapy, birthstones also have roots in Western astrology and Ayurveda....

While running may come to mind as the best cardio workout, jumping rope also has its benefits—but which one is better? Here’s what personal trainers have to say about it. “Running will build cardiovascular endurance, as well, but you need either a treadmill or space outside,” NASM-certified personal trainer Jaclyn Sklaver, M.S., CNS, CDN, LDN, tells mbg. With proper form, running can also build lower-body muscle. Studies have also linked running with longevity1, stating that “runners have a 25% to 40% reduced risk of premature mortality and live approximately three years longer than non-runners....

“The process of growth through Kundalini Yoga is a natural unfolding of your own nature,” Yogi Bhajan has said. “Like a snake, you will need to shed old skins to be more of who you are.” The ultimate goal of Kundalini is to increase your self-awareness by silencing your mind and unblocking your chakras so that your vital energy can flow freely. “The practice of kundalini is filled with really challenging breath exercises coupled with asanas and meditation,” says yoga instructor Caley Alyssa in our 28 Days To Yoga Bliss class....

Below, mental health experts share how to spot and how to cope with the Machiavellian in your life. “Machiavellianism, while not an actual clinical term, is used to describe an individual with manipulative tendencies,” says therapist Anim Aweh, LCSW. According to Chaye McIntosh, M.S., LCADC, an addictions counselor and clinical director of outpatient services at ChoicePoint, Machiavellians are “deeply centered on cunningness, selfish behavior, manipulativeness, and indifference to morality.” She says that at their worst, Machiavellians are attracted to power, money, and control and would do anything to gain all three....