Certain relaxation techniques can help us return to a parasympathetic, rest-and-digest, state. “Relaxation techniques reset and reboot the nervous system so people can feel good within their own bodies and shut down racing thoughts,” Roseann Capanna-Hodge, M.D., an integrative mental health expert, tells mbg. Learning how to curb stress responses before or when they happen can improve your quality of life. The key is turning relaxation into a practice. “Relaxation techniques only calm the brain when you do them consistently, and that means taking 10 minutes or more every day to intentionally practice them,” says Capanna-Hodge....

Although Rich’s athletic achievements are remarkable, the story of his journey to healthier living is even more inspiring. On his 40th birthday, at fifty pounds overweight and out-of-shape, Rich took a self-inventory and wasn’t satisfied. His milestone birthday triggered Rich to overhaul his diet and transform his mind and body. Whether you are looking to make small changes in your life (maybe you need motivation to skip Happy Hour and make it to the gym) or your self-assessment requires a more radical life transformation, you will be inspired by Rich’s journey of change, transformation, and fulfillment....

Although Rich’s athletic achievements are remarkable, the story of his journey to healthier living is even more inspiring. On his 40th birthday, at fifty pounds overweight and out-of-shape, Rich took a self-inventory and wasn’t satisfied. His milestone birthday triggered Rich to overhaul his diet and transform his mind and body. Whether you are looking to make small changes in your life (maybe you need motivation to skip Happy Hour and make it to the gym) or your self-assessment requires a more radical life transformation, you will be inspired by Rich’s journey of change, transformation, and fulfillment....

Glad you asked. Now we know that eating fat doesn’t necessarily mean being fat: It’s far more nuanced. As a doctor, I’m fascinated by longevity and how dietary fat affects our bodies. One thing that makes coconut oil unique is that it contains medium-chain triglyceride oil or MCT oil, and MCTs are like super fuel for your cells. Your cells burn these MCTs for energy while storing very little of them as fat, boosting metabolism and supporting your immune system in the bargain....

The reason this is happening, especially for young folks, is multifactorial. The pandemic, and its lingering effects on our daily lives, have certainly played a role. As has social media: Despite its infinite ability to connect, social media use is linked to higher feelings of loneliness1. But so has the decline of social infrastructure: Without resources to build community, folks are left to deal with the isolating consequences. And these are things we’ve known for the past few years....

Temporarily losing your ability to smell when you have a virus is normal, but sometimes this symptom can linger even after the rest of your body recovers. Patel says that age and pre-existing conditions play a role in how likely you are to develop post-viral olfactory loss—as does the aggressiveness of your virus. It’s still too early to say how likely the coronavirus is to cause long-term smell issues. However, if you, or someone you know, has recovered from the disease but still struggle to catch a whiff of your favorite scent, it’s something you should take seriously....

Telling your partner your dirty thoughts and actions over the phone is surprisingly simple, but it’s understandable that many of us aren’t inherently comfortable with reciting all of our kinkiest fantasies aloud to our smartphone screen. Enthusiastic consent is more than a “yes”—it’s a “hell, yes!” You can do this part over text if it feels safer. Here are some examples of texts you can send: For example, if your partner is worried their roommates will hear them, ask if they’re comfortable sexting....