We’re talking about hormesis1, or the idea that short, intermittent bursts of certain stressors (“hormetic stressors”) can actually trigger a cascade of cellular processes that enhance overall health, slow aging, and make you more resilient to future stress (both physical and mental). It’s weird and fascinating stuff, and one of the hottest areas of longevity research right now. Hormetic stressors, on the other hand, are controlled, acute stressors that trigger healthy adaptive responses....

Here, we deep dive into what shadow work is all about, how to get started, and why it’s so important. When we’re young, we depend on our parents or main caregivers for survival. As a result, we become very attached to them and their way of doing things. So, say a caretaker scolds you for being outspoken, there’s a chance that you won’t feel safe speaking your mind from that point on, even as an adult....

What do you do if your partner doesn’t share your view about responsible distance or hygiene protocols? If they deny the seriousness of the situation, minimize the impact of the virus, or insist that they’re not at risk or a risk to you or others? To increase your chances of a conversation rather than a dispute, consider these suggestions: Once you agree on a time you’re both open to talk, temporarily shake off your worries, put away your phones and devices, and focus completely on one another....

As ecotherapist Anna Cariad-Barrett, DMin, M.S., MFT, previously explained to mbg, “Butterflies show us how we can go within ourselves to dissolve old forms and morph, rebuilding and evolving ourselves.” They’re a reminder of the importance of surrender and trust, as well, “as part of the essential process of growth and renewal,” she adds. And so to see butterflies frequently, then, is most generally thought to be a symbol or metaphor for growth and transformation, whether you’re in the midst of a transformation right now or the universe is encouraging you to level up....

Ideally, the schedule of your internal clock will sync up with your external clock and you’ll be exposed to stimulating sun during the day and calming darkness at night. Of course, this isn’t always possible—especially if you’re working night shifts, studying long hours at school1, or traveling across time zones. “Circadian misalignment also occurs when an individual’s chronotype is at odds with their environment, e.g., when someone who is an ‘owl’ and prefers to be active in the evening is forced to be at work early in the morning,” adds Sofia Axelrod, Ph....

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with choosing to take medication for anxiety and depression. But if you’re eager to take a more holistic approach to managing your depression, and you want to use diet and lifestyle rather than pharmaceuticals, there are a number supplements I’d recommend. Just make sure to always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment or medications. The best way to get the benefit of turmeric is to cook with it....

Many of us enjoy our caffeinated beverages because of their stimulating effects. There is also evidence that caffeine could help with improving energy, cognition, and exercise performance. Some sources of caffeine such as coffee and tea have also been studied for their positive effects on inflammation, cardiovascular disease1, obesity, autoimmunity, fatty liver, neurological diseases, and diabetes. That said, while we often talk about the benefits of caffeine, we don’t always talk about the potential downsides....