“People drop their meditation practice mostly because they can’t fit it into a crowded day. I propose that your mind wants to be in a meditative state naturally, and you can access it anytime you wish. No special time needs to be set aside. You simply notice when you are distracted, upset, or stressed, and in less than a minute you can return to a calm, centered state once more. Total meditation is very simple but also very different from how people approach meditation right now, and the more you make it a habit the more you will live in a state of open, free, creative, and blissful awareness....

Over time, the stones became associated with the 12 zodiac signs, and eventually with the 12 months. In the early 1900s, the National Association of Jewelers made the 12 birthstones official. Birthstones are now popular gift options for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. Each stone is said to have a unique meaning and property, which we’ll dive into next. As Yulia Van Doren, author of Crystals: The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing and founder of Goldirocks, tells mbg, “It’s very important to have the grounding of a ‘safe space’ in order to be able to bravely explore unknown ideas and unchartered passions, which is why ultra-grounding garnet is the perfect adventure partner for both Capricorns and Aquarians....

Finding a pair of running shoes that suit your feet, offer the right amount of cushion, and help elevate your stride makes all the difference in your run (trust me, as a health and fitness editor, I’ve tried a lot of sneakers). “You want to take time to find the right fit, as the shoe can help prevent injuries and improve your performance,” running coach Emily Fayette, CPT, previously shared with mbg....

But bright, healthy skin doesn’t just happen by simply wishing it into existence. In contrast, everyone can benefit from working to achieve a glowing complexion—regardless of your skin tone, age, or gender. Skin brightening focuses on banishing dullness, reducing hyperpigmentation, and removing dry, flaky skin, which can make you look tired, with uneven tone. Thankfully, brightening your skin doesn’t have to involve questionable ingredients or practices. Depending on your overall goals, you can focus on brightening through a range of options....

Enter: scalp massagers, the handheld tools that make any hair care regimen feel salon-grade. Although, it’s not just about the feel-good sensation. These brushes can also help lift scalp buildup, deposit your shampoo, and support circulation and kick-start healthy hair growth—the possibilities are truly endless (but more on that later). Scalp Brush, Jupiter ($15) Jade Massaging Gua Sha Comb, Mount Lai ($52) Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager, Briogeo ($18) Mirror Brush, Manta ($32....

Some larger plants and trees can be quite finicky, so we split up the list based on how difficult each one is to take care of and what it needs to thrive. Whether you’re a new plant parent or a vegetation veteran, consider this your cheat sheet to the giant greenery of your dreams. Price: $60–80 for a mature plant What it needs to grow tall: Bright & indirect light, clean leaves, a snug pot A tropical tree with a unique braided stem, the Money Tree got its name from ancient Chinese folklore, where it was the answer to a poor farmer’s prayers for wealth and success....

To help keep the conversation flowing, here are a few ideas for what to talk about during this first encounter. When you first arrive on the date, try starting with a little bit of casual conversation drawing from the context you’re in. For example, if your date picked the restaurant you’re at, ask her if she’s been here before, how she discovered the place, and what she likes about it. Or if you’re at a bar that specializes in quirky cocktails, ask him questions about his go-to drink and share your own....