Caroline Leaf, Ph.D., a neuroscientist, mental health expert, and author of Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, explains that during times of stress, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by emotions. “Sometimes, in these moments, it can be almost impossible to think clearly or do the emotional work needed to get out of the toxic stress spiral, which is why decompression activities can be so helpful.” Decompressing, Leaf explains, involves giving ourselves permission to step back and take a breather....

For a little extra guidance and inspiration that lasts all year long, we’re turning to top health and well-being experts and the titles they’re releasing throughout the year. Here, we’ve rounded up the books we’re most excited to dive into in 2021. Be: A No-Bullsh*t Guide to Increasing Your Self Worth and Net Worth by Simply Being Yourself by Jessica Zweig (Read an excerpt about how Zweig made meditation a daily habit, here....

Lycopene can be found in fresh or canned fruits and vegetables, as well as snacks that have been sun-dried—though it’s worth noting any food that has had its skin and/or seeds removed will contain less lycopene. Thermal inputs (heat) used to process tomatoes into tomato products actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene. Additionally, eating some fat with or around the time of your lycopene consumption is a win win, since this carotenoid is intrinsically lipid soluble....

Let’s dive into what neuroscientists and psychologists focused on aging well have to say about the best brain exercises for keeping your mind sharp through the decades. “When we learn something new, then we get the direct benefit of that new learning but also global benefits in the brain in our executive functioning such as emotional regulation, complex problem solving, creative thinking, etc.,” Swart adds. Elaine O’Brien, Ph.D., human movement psychology expert and co-author of The Power of Play: Optimize Your Joy Potential, cites what’s known as the “theory of multiple intelligences” to further explain how brain games work....

Whatever the reason, you’re considering giving vegetarianism a try, which is great—but you should definitely do your research first. We’ve broken down the different types of vegetarian lifestyles below and how to decide which one is right for you. Outside of diet, most vegans also eliminate animal-based products in their daily life. For example, they won’t wear leather or fur goods or use products that include any animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin....

Rosemary has been used medicinally for centuries and today, we’re unpacking the healing potential of this holiday favorite. (Even Shakespeare knew rosemary had some major mental benefits: In Hamlet, Ophelia says, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance: pray you, love, remember.”) In one 2017 study on 40 school-age children, the students in a room infused with rosemary oil scored 5 to 7 points better on a memory test. Separate research on adults2 supports these findings that rosemary essential oil can boost cognitive performance....

Unfortunately, you might notice your back or neck pain is worse when you get out of bed in the morning—starting a never-ending cycle of trying to chase higher-quality sleep. That being said, you shouldn’t rule your mattress out altogether. “You can definitely sleep in less than optimal positions, which can leave you with a stiff back or sore neck,” explains Yuen. “If your mattress or pillow is not filling in empty space while you’re sleeping or is pushing you too far out of a neutral alignment, I would absolutely recommend exploring changes in mattresses or pillows....