She acknowledged that it was normal to be pulled away from the breath by thoughts, distractions, sensations, hunger pains, boredom, etc., and that the important thing was to keep returning the focus and concentration to the breath. All very expected and normal for a meditation class. It was the directive that came next that absolutely rocked my world. I couldn’t believe what I heard! It wasn’t so much the words because the words were pretty benign, but, wow, the way I was talking to myself totally startled me....

If you’ve had a massage, you know the relaxing state it can induce—but did you know it’s actually a proven method for improving your physical and mental health? One systematic review of over 60 studies indicated that massage therapy can effectively ease pain and anxiety and improve quality of life2. The review concluded that massage therapy should be strongly recommended as a pain management option. Below, we’ve consulted with an expert to learn more about who should use a back massager and how to use these handy at-home tools....

The best vegan meal delivery services make avoiding animal byproducts—including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy—a breeze by delivering either premade entrées or meal kits directly to your door. Whether you struggle with getting enough vegan protein or simply can’t find any other creative ways to prep your tofu, these services will help you uncover the best of plant-based eating. “A vegan diet has a stricter definition, which means that it is 100% plant-based; no animal flesh, dairy products, eggs, or honey,” explains dietitian Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN....

To learn more about why dental hygiene is important and how to pick the best water flossers, we consulted two dentists, Renae Sweeney and Andrea Sarmento. But first, a quick distinction on Waterpiks, water flossers, and air flossers. As Sarmento explains, “There is no difference between them. Waterpiks and air flossers are both water flossers.” To this, Sweeney adds, “Waterpik is a brand of water flosser. Air floss is also a water flosser made by the brand Sonicare,” though it’s been discontinued....

For many, this narrowing of passageways is caused by lying down (sorry back sleepers!)—but it’s not the only factor. “Some people have anatomical[ly] narrow airways from nasal septal deviation, enlarged tonsils and adenoids,” Dr. Cacho explains. “Others snore due to seasonal allergies, alcohol consumption, [or] as a side effect of medications that relax the upper airway.” Additional aspects that can impact whether you snore include age and weight. Weakened throat muscles are part of the natural aging process, which means your throat closes naturally as you age....

With a potpourri of weight benches to consider, it’s tough to decipher which are worth adding to cart (not to mention taking up space in your home). Below, we’ve demystified the topic, rounding up the best weight benches for every exercise type and experience level, with expert advice on how to choose the best one for you. “A weight bench is very versatile. And [when you have one at home], you’ll eliminate any excuse as to why you couldn’t get your workout in,” Santucci explains, continuing that he and his clients use the weight bench at his gym almost every day of the week....

Take one 2018 survey of over 1,000 people conducted by the sleep news site Mattress Inquirer that found that people with a strict wake-up time reported being more content overall in every area of their lives. Compared to people who were looser about the time they get up each morning, people with strict wake-up times were 13% more satisfied with their personal lives, 45% more satisfied with their financial situation, and 42% more satisfied with their work-life balance....