Tag: underscored-wellness

Best weight loss apps in 2023, tested by our editors | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

A recent global study by Ipsos carried out across 30 countries found that 45% of people globally say they are currently trying to lose weight. According to the CDC, people who lose weight gradually and steadily (about 1 to 2 pounds per week) are more successful at keeping weight off. Using a weight loss app on your smartphone or laptop can help, giving you a convenient and reliable way to track your slow but steady progress.

“Weight loss apps can be a great way to help adults be aware of their nutrition and lifestyle habits,” says Jaime Coffey Martinez, a registered dietitian and owner and founder of Nutrition CPR LLC, a health and wellness center. Martinez has over 20 years of experience in the fields of medical nutrition therapy, weight loss, functional medicine, sports nutrition, corporate wellness and fitness, private nutrition coaching and pharmaceuticals. “In addition to tracking your food intake,” continues Martinez, “many offer support forums, recipes and an ability to sync with other apps such as fitness trackers and smart scales. These are all beneficial tools in an individual’s weight loss journey.”

To find the best weight loss app, we tested five candidates over the course of five weeks. On our list were the premium (paid) versions of LoseIt! Premium, MyFitnessPal Premium, MyNetDiary Premium, Noom and WW / WeightWatchers. We tested each of them for ease of setup, design, features and cost.

We learned two important things during testing. One, all of the apps can help you track your food intake and activity levels, and two, some apps are easier to use and update. After our testing was complete, we named LoseIt! Premium the winner because of its simplicity, intuitiveness and affordability.

Best weight loss app overall

We found LoseIt! Premium to be simple and intuitive, and the most affordable of the weight loss apps we tested. It offers robust support for its user community, with active nutrition- and weight loss-related user forum discussions.

LoseIt! Premium’s beauty is in its simplicity. During testing, we noted that this app’s primary focus is on losing weight. It offers personalized weight loss plans, meal and exercise planning, and food logging. Its home screen was a diary of the food we ate that day. Entering our food consumption was a simple matter of just touching the “Add” button for the meal, and then entering the details of each food item at the top of the screen.

The LoseIt! Premium app included branded food and drink items, so we were able to enter the brand name of a food — such as Wegmans Pulled Pork Barbecue — and get the number of calories in it. Likewise, we could look for something — such as Bacardi Black Dark Rum — and compare its calories with other types of dark rum. This prevented us from being in a quandary over which item to buy while we shopped.

An important, but often overlooked, capability of a great weight loss app is its ability to let a user make changes quickly and easily; the LoseIt! Premium app gave us this ability. With some other apps we tested, if we mistakenly entered the wrong food name, removing the entry was often complicated, sometimes seemingly impossible. But edits we made in the LoseIt! Premium app were simple and intuitive.

To make changes, we just clicked on an entry. To remove an entry, we just clicked the X on the right-hand side in the web app or we slid the entry to the left in the mobile app and touched “Delete.”

We were able to add activity, including exercise, manually during testing. You could also add activity through the use of a wearable device such as an Apple Watch. The app incorporated our activity in its calorie calculations, meaning we could offset what we ate through activity.

LoseIt! Premium also includes robust goal-setting features and support for a community of users. We noted its many lively discussion forums, which were nutrition- and weight loss-related rather than the random discussions we often found in the other apps.

You can use LoseIt! Premium as both a web app and a mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices. LoseIt! Premium also offers integration with running apps Runkeeper and Strava.

You can sign up for a seven-day free trial. You can stay with the free version of LoseIt!, but know that it offers fewer features than the Premium (paid) app. The Premium app costs $40 per year (billed annually), which is the least expensive of the weight loss apps we tested. There is no option to be billed monthly, but you can sign up for a lifetime Premium membership for only $100.

In a recent report from the CDC, it was found that few Americans eat close to their daily recommendations of fruits and vegetables. One of the ways you can be sure you’re eating enough fruits and vegetables is by tracking your intake in a weight loss app. While there are differences in their approach, all of the weight loss apps we tested depend on you accurately tracking your food intake and recording it in the app. This alone can be crucial to your overall weight loss journey, if only because it can be so easy to forget what and how much you ate if you don’t consistently track it.

“The main features of most apps are tracking and goal setting,” says Dr. Evan M. Forman, psychology professor and director of the Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science (the WELL Center) at Drexel University. Dr. Forman is also the author of a clinician guide and workbook called “Effective Weight Loss: An Acceptance-Based Behavioral Approach” for Oxford University Press’s “Treatments that Work” series. “Those are important features, but they are not going to be enough for most people,” continues Dr. Forman.

“For example, it takes a lot of effort to track everything you eat, and even more effort to do it accurately (which requires a good deal of weighing and measuring). So, most people will need help with motivation, whether in the form of cognitive-behavioral skills or someone to whom they are accountable. They also may need an expert coach who can review their food records for accuracy and to make suggestions.”

Martinez agrees, adding that people need to keep in mind that weight loss apps are not an exact science into your nutrition, but instead, “more of a window into your intake and habits.”

Martinez points out that some apps allow individuals to enter a food into the database and the nutrition information may not be entered correctly, causing totals and tracking to be incorrect. In our testing, the better weight loss apps did link to cloud-based databases that contained the calorie content of thousands of foods and other consumables. They showed us the value of standard servings and they even showed us the effect of differing preparation methods, such as whether a food is fried, broiled or eaten raw.

Unfortunately, some of the apps we tested did indeed have databases with errors or poorly chosen serving sizes. This is the reason why you should remain realistic about what weight loss apps can do for you.

“I recommend clients use them as a tool but not the holy grail when reviewing their nutrition,” says Martinez. “My biggest piece of advice for clients when using weight loss apps is to not get wrapped around the axle with numbers. Clients can become ‘numbers-obsessed’ and can develop an unhealthy relationship with food. Instead, use them as a guide and to help with accountability. Remember, it is about the journey, not one food or one entry.”

When it comes to choosing the right weight loss app for you, both Martinez and Dr. Forman have some advice. Martinez says to make sure it includes “the ability to sync with other apps and devices” to track physical activity.

According to Martinez, weight loss apps are particularly helpful tools because they can provide accountability, motivation and structure to help individuals achieve their overall fitness and healthy lifestyle goals.

“Apps allow tracking of not only calories but, more importantly, macronutrient balances (carbs, proteins and fats) and habits such as the timing of your meals and snacking,” explains Martinez. “In addition, many apps also track fiber, sugar, water and specific nutrients,” she continues, “which can be instrumental in a targeted approach to proper nutrition based on goals and medical history. The ability to also track lifestyle habits, and sync with other health apps and devices, addresses a multifaceted approach to weight loss.”

Dr. Forman points out that tracking everything you eat is hard work, so you want an app that makes this as easy as possible. “For instance, you should choose an app that has foods that you eat (whether branded or not) in its tracking database,” he says. “Also, you want an app that makes it easy to create and save custom foods, recipes and meals because that’s a real timesaver.”

He also advises to make sure the app you choose includes easy ways to sync your weight and physical activity, if you track those using wireless devices like a wireless scale or an activity band or watch. “In addition, many people will benefit from an app that will help you develop important cognitive-behavioral skills and strategies,” he says.

According to Dr. Forman, people should choose apps that have coaches because they “will help you be successful both in terms of guidance and in terms of accountability,” he explains. “Having regular meetings with a coach is one of the best ways to keep yourself accountable.”

When all is said and done, people need to remain realistic about what weight loss apps can do for them. These apps don’t always help bring about massive weight loss for everyone who uses them.

“Weight loss apps are the most convenient, least expensive and therefore most popular method of losing weight,” says Dr. Forman. “[But] if an app doesn’t work for you, don’t give up,” he advises. “Weight loss and weight loss maintenance are supremely difficult and you may well need professional help.”

During our pre-testing research, we found there are many different weight loss apps available for download. We selected our five candidates by making sure they were all subscription-based, either paid monthly or annually.

We made sure all five apps we selected could run on both Android or iOS devices and can be used through their respective websites from a desktop or laptop computer. The apps all needed an active connection to the internet to retrieve information such as calorie counts and to their respective cloud services to store their data.

We installed each of the five apps to our iPhone 13 Pro smartphone running iOS 15.5. The web apps were reached using a variety of browsers running on computers running Microsoft Windows 10 or 11.

We tested each of them with the following criteria in mind: ease of installation and setup, ease of use, design, features offered and cost.

To start testing, we first created an account with each app and initiated the sign-up process. Each of the apps required a sign-up process that included questions about current height, weight, gender, goals and, in some cases, more details about lifestyle and activity. Despite being provided identical information, each of the apps produced different weight loss strategies and different durations, and all suggested different goals.

We tested all five apps by recording meals over the course of five weeks, entering food items into each one at the conclusion of each meal. We depended on the nutrition information contained in each app’s database or we entered nutrition information for foods not contained in the database.

Lastly, we then checked out the user forums the apps provided, if any, and noted how helpful the topics discussed were.

MyFitnessPal is a complete calorie counter that also helps keep track of your activity. Food tracking uses a detailed and expansive database with hundreds of millions of entries. Exercise tracking, likewise, includes detailed choices such as a choice of 16 entries under the “Walking” section.

MyFitnessPal Premium offers food analysis tools, exercise tracking tools, individualized coaching, a recipe log, a food database, workout routines and smartphone meal scanning.

You can use MyFitnessPal Premium as both a web app and a mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices. MyFitnessPal Premium offers integration with running apps Runkeeper and Strava, among other apps.

You can sign up for a one-month free trial. The paid account option starts off at $20 per month (billed monthly), which adds up to $240 per year. You can also sign up for a 12-month membership — paid upfront — for $80.

Though we tested the paid version, we noticed that the free version of MyFitnessPal may be all you need. Unlike some apps where the premium version adds some significant features, the free version of MyFitnessPal can be sufficient for most users.

The premium version of MyFitnessPal eliminates pop-up ads and gives you access to a wider selection of foods. But at $20 per month, you might just decide you can deal with the free version’s ads.

MyNetDiary Premium offers personalized weight loss plans, meal and exercise planning, food logging, community support and more. Included in MyNetDiary Premium is support for several types of diets, including calorie-counting, keto, low-carb, Mediterranean, vegan, vegetarian and more.

You can use MyNetDiary Premium as both a web app and a mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices. MyNetDiary Premium also offers integration with Fitbit fitness trackers, Garmin Connect-enabled devices and with Withings Wi-Fi smart scales, blood pressure monitors and activity trackers.

It was clear to us that MyNetDiary considers itself in direct competition with MyFitnessPal, if only because of the extensive section on its website explaining the differences between the two. And there are important differences, including MyNetDiary Premium’s support for your smartwatch and extensive support for its free version.

We thought using the free version of MyNetDiary was easier than with MyFitnessPal’s free version. For one thing, we weren’t bombarded with pop-up ads and upgrade offers.

In addition, MyNetDiary claims that its database is more reliable than MyFitnessPal’s, with all of the food items in the former being verified. This means that we weren’t as likely to search for a food in MyNetDiary’s database and then get several choices back that were different each time.

MyNetDiary Premium’s account options start off at $9 per month (billed monthly) which adds up to $108 per year. You can also sign up for a 12-month membership of MyNetDiary Premium — paid upfront — for $60.

Noom offers one-on-one coaching, support groups facilitated by a group coach and daily lessons. Noom’s daily lessons were intended to help us with our weight loss journey. The lessons were aimed at the psychology of weight loss which, the company says, would help build our confidence.

Noom also offers tools for food logging and calorie and exercise tracking. Its calorie-tracking feature proved to be similar to the other weight loss apps we tested, but some of Noom’s results mystified us during testing.

For example, when we tried to track more than one cup of coffee during a meal, we got dropped into a part of the app where coffee is measured by the bowl, not the cup — and the size of the bowl is not given. It took us an extra step to track our two cups of coffee.

To us, Noom, the company, appears to have positioned itself as the alternative to WW / WeightWatchers in its ads and positioning. Noom makes a point of stressing that its app is based on psychology rather than on simply counting calories. This may be why the company has recently introduced a stress management program in addition to weight loss.

You can use Noom as both a web app on your desktop or laptop computer, and as a mobile app on Android devices or iOS mobile devices such as the Apple Watch. On iOS, Noom syncs with a wide range of health and fitness apps, but the company says the app “only syncs your steps and weight information. If you want to sync blood pressure or blood glucose data, you’ll need to use a compatible monitoring device. If the app you’re syncing with Noom only tracks step data (not weight), then the step data will show up in Noom.” The list of compatible apps it can integrate with includes Fitbit, Garmin, iHealth, Misfit, Omron, Polar, Qardio, Runkeeper, Withings and Yoo.

You can sign up for a seven-day free trial of Noom. The paid account option starts off at $60 per month (billed monthly), which adds up to $720 per year. But it’s also available in multiple-month timeframes, paid upfront. For example, you can pay for a 12-month membership — paid upfront — for $200.

WW / WeightWatchers is probably the best-known weight loss program around. The program is known for its in-person weekly meetings in which members are motivated by peer contact and advice from professional leaders. WW / WeightWatchers is now also available through a weight loss app that will lead you through the program.

The WW / WeightWatchers app offers customized food plans, meal planners, a smartphone barcode scanner for easy shopping and a restaurant and recipe database with over 11,000 recipes. It also provides on-demand workouts with the ability to sync with fitness trackers, 24/7 live chat with a coach and weekly progress reports. It also lets you track your activity, food and water intake and weight.

A significant difference is that the WW / WeightWatchers app — like the in-person program — does not count calories. Rather, the app assigns you a “PersonalPoints Budget,” with an individualized ZeroPoint foods list. The points for each food item are based on a number of criteria for each type of food. ZeroPoint foods are food items that contain zero points. Each user is assigned a daily point target within their PersonalPoints Budget, with the idea that, by staying within the recommended points budget, the user will lose weight.

However, we found the points system in the app to be confusing. This was because points assigned to a food item differed depending on factors other than the characteristics of the food itself. And those differences depended on which of the many customized plans WW / WeightWatchers uses. So, you might find that some fresh fruit contains zero points assigned in your plan but does contain points in another user’s plan. These differences in the app made choosing food while shopping or in meal preparation difficult for us.

In addition, the company seems to change its plans annually, which means you may have to relearn the program and app each year. Fortunately, though, we thought WW / WeightWatchers seems to be based on sound nutritional principles, so we thought we were healthy while using the app.

You can use WW / WeightWatchers as both a web app and a mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices. The app syncs with the WW / WeightWatchers Body Analysis Bluetooth Scale (made by Conair) and auto-tracks your weight for you. The app syncs with Fitbit, Google Fit and Withings activity trackers.

WW / WeightWatchers’s paid account option starts off at $23 per month or $276 per year (both billed monthly). The app is also included with all WW / WeightWatchers memberships.

Read more from CNN Underscored’s hands-on testing and fitness coverage:

[ad_2]

Source link

January 9, 2023
New year, new planner. These are 23 of our favorite planners to start the new year right | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

The goal of this planner is to help you feel motivated and commit to practicing self-care, and we’re sold. One of the most aesthetically pleasing planners we’ve seen, this one gives space each day to write your top three priorities, craft a to-do list and practice acts of self-care and gratitude. There are also dedicated pages for you to reflect on your week and the month ahead. Take note, though: It covers a six-month time span, so it might be worth grabbing two.

[ad_2]

Source link

January 2, 2023
Just 32 items that will make you happy in 2023 | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

The past couple of years have been rough to say the least, but we’re leaving that chaotic energy behind and welcoming good vibes in the year ahead. If you’re like us, you’re looking to surround yourself with positivity — whether that be fun things that make you happy, picking up meditation or even reconnecting with the people you surround yourself with.

For the bits of joy money can buy, we’ve rounded up some items we truly think will brighten your day. Keep reading to check them out — and wishing you all the best in 2023.

You might still be wary of congregating in theaters to watch the newest movie release. Recreate that experience at home with a portable projector like this one for a fun date or night in.

Heated potato slippers are what you didn’t know you needed in 2023. Just plug these bad boys into any USB port to keep your feet warm while you relax.

Does some shower karaoke seem to do the trick when you’re down? Put this waterproof Bluetooth speaker in your bathroom to sing your troubles away.

You’ve probably seen this pan all over your Instagram feeds, and for good reason; we tried it and loved it ourselves. The Always Pan can take the place of a whopping eight cooking devices (from a spoon rest to a steamer), and arguably most importantly, it will look ultra chic in any kitchen. Just check out those colors!

Reminiscing about the good ol’ days is sure to put a smile on your face, right? Grab this candle to remind you of Grandma’s warm apple pie whenever you need to feel close to home.

One of the reasons we love subscription services is because it’s always nice to have something to look forward to every month. Gift yourself or someone you love a floral delivery from Urban Stems to add some color and fresh air to the home on a regular basis.

Mood lighting is essential to winding down, especially after a long day. Opt for this ambient light in the shape of an adorable soup dumpling to make you smile each time you turn it on.

A good yoga mat, like this one that we named the best yoga mat of the year, will make you more excited for your yoga practice each day. We love it because it’s dual-sided, with a smooth and sticky polyurethane-coated top side and a textured natural rubber bottom side that provides loads of traction. Beyond that, though, we also loved that the mat is slightly oversized and provides ample cushion given its 5-millimeter thickness.

Planning your days can go a long way to keeping a positive attitude. This one from Ban.do is especially good at making you smile thanks to its bright and gorgeous design. If you’re looking for more planner ideas, check out our full roundup here.

This vintage-inspired record player is sure to help you set the mood with your favorite tunes. Even better, it’s housed in a chic carrier that can also serve as a little bit of retro decor when you’re not using it.

This throw pillow by designer Justina Blakeney was inspired by uplifting other people. Use it to not only remind yourself of your community but also as a creative accent to your decor.

We believe that buying a new candle can fix practically any problem. This one can transport you into a good mood, with scents like Nirvana, Fairy Moss, Lucid Dream and more.

A good floral arrangement is timeless, but unfortunately live flowers aren’t. One solution is BeautifulThingsbybec’s paper floral arrangements, handcrafted to create a vibrant bouquet that mimics the real thing and literally lasts forever.

Are baked goods the key to your heart, or does baking something new bring you immense joy? If the answer is yes to either of those questions, check out this subscription box by Red Velvet NYC that sends you two gourmet baking kits each month, sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Going through old memories is a great way to lift your spirits when you’re feeling blah. Capture each moment in an instant with the Fujifilm Instax camera to cherish the memories for years to come.

A self-care day will brighten your mood without a doubt. Incorporate one of these celebrity-loved face masks in your routine to help you leave all your worries behind, if just temporarily.

The little things can really make the biggest difference in your routine. Lather on this industry-favorite lip sleeping mask before bed to lock in moisture for supple lips each morning.

There’s something about rocking false lashes (or a really great mascara) that makes you feel like a superstar. Grab this pack of natural-looking false lashes by Kiss that even includes a tool for easy application at less than $10.

OK, sure, you don’t necessarily need a color-block fanny pack, but don’t you want it? Just think of how convenient it will be to have it slung around your waist while running errands or on an outdoor adventure.

Is anything more calming than finally going to sleep after a long day? Ensure you’re completely relaxed when you get in bed with this colorful sleep shirt from Modcloth.

If you’re looking for some new jewelry pieces, Mejuri is guaranteed to have something that’ll suit your fancy. We have our eyes on this bold ring for a little spark of joy each day.

Raise your hands if a little retail therapy can cure your sour mood. If that’s you, check out Everlane’s French Terry Crew that will be a cozy addition to your loungewear collection.

A comfy pair of quality leggings like Lululemon’s Align pair are sure to put a smile on your face when you’re picking out work-appropriate tops for your Zoom calls. We named this one the best workout leggings of the year.

Trying to drink more water in 2023? This water bottle could provide just the motivation you need.

How adorable is this AirPods case, inspired by a bag of Skittles? Choose between this and other fun cases, with options like a Fritos bag or Mountain Dew bottle, and never misplace your beloved earbuds again.

What better for an anxiety-inducing day than a stress ball in the shape of a rainbow? Likely nothing! It’s a necessity for your desk.

For some of us, practicing self-love is essential to maintaining a positive attitude. In this book, Alexandra Elle teaches how to overcome obstacles and welcome abundance into your daily life.

We hold our phones so much these days, so we might as well protect it in a case that makes us smile. This one, featuring a giraffe eating a bouquet of flowers, is at the top of our wish list.

[ad_2]

Source link

December 29, 2022
Mercury retrograde is here. Here’s everything you need to make it through | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

On Dec. 29, Mercury will go retrograde for the fourth and final time in 2022. During this stretch, which ends on Jan. 18, 2023, you may hear all sorts of things being blamed on the planet of communication’s retrograde period, from technology mishaps to misunderstandings with friends and loved ones.

But what exactly is Mercury retrograde, why do people make such a big deal about it and is there anything that can be done to avoid its pitfalls and blunders?

Constance Stellas, an astrologist and author of the Guided Astrological Journals, says, “Mercury retrograde describes a time period that comes 3 or 4 times a year when Mercury, the planet of communication, appears to be moving backwards in his orbit. In truth, it’s an optical illusion.” This illusion occurs because Mercury is the closest planet to earth, and its orbit is shorter than the earth’s orbit. “In the retrograde period,” Stellas explains, “Mercury speeds by the earth and like a fast car kicks up dust as it whizzes by. The “dust” or mental confusion can accompany this planetary motion.”

You may have heard people warn of electronics going haywire during the Mercury retrograde period, and that’s because of the planet’s connection to all things involved in communication.

“Let’s look at the meaning of Mercury and then see how we can use his mercurial power,” Stellas says. “Mercury was the messenger god and he ruled all communication and thought-filled connections between people as well as documents. Thinking clearly, thinking slowly, reaching for words, remembering names — all these functions are ruled by Mercury.

Though it may sound like cause to head inside and lock the doors, Stellas says there are some upsides to the turbulent Mercury retrograde period. “The message during retrogrades should be to slow down and take a mental vacation. Re-flect, re-do, re-imagine.”

As Mercury’s retrograde period approaches, here are our favorite gift ideas — for giving and for self-giving! — that can help you to navigate the chaos of technology gone awry and communication gone hinky, and to soothe you when inevitable disruptions occur.

“This retrograde period is in the sign of Capricorn. Pluto, god of the underworld, is also currently in Capricorn and will influence the tone of this retrograde period,” Stellas says. “Pluto urges us to transform, to uncover deep thoughts and insights into personal problems and global concerns.” The timing is spot-on, with this retrograde period falling at the start of a new year, with its “what will happen?” vibe.

To help you survive the turbulent retrograde period, “Get a personal crystal,” Stellas says. “You can find one at a mineral store or a new age shop. Go to the store and see if a quartz crystal “winks,” at you; if it feels comfortable in your left hand, or if it just appeals to you. If so, that is a personal crystal for you.” If you can’t make it to a new age shop, buy a crystal set and see which among them most speaks to you.

Manifestation candles make a nice gift — if you want to make it a gift to self, no one will argue! These 6 oz natural soy wax scented candles are hand-crafted with crystals and herbs, and are available in 5 variations: Love, Abundance, Sweet Dreams, Happiness or Healing.

“Soothing” and “calming” are key words to bear in mind during this time of upheaval. “Mercury retrograde is a great time to slow down,” says Annabel Gat, a senior astrologer at Vice and the author of “The Moon Sign Guide” and “The Astrology of Love & Sex.” “I’m not sure how bath products, pajamas or a beautiful journal to vent out your Mercury retrograde confusion could go wrong!”

A weighted blanket mimics the feeling of being held, which signals the brain that it is safe to release tension — which can be beneficial during times of stress. The Bearaby Napper’s woven design allows for airflow, making it a perfect choice for people who find standard weighted blankets too hot, or for those who are looking for a warm weather alternative; our reviewer calls it “among the best weighed blankets we’ve ever tried.”

Another entry in the “clever and useful” category of gifts is the Lost and Found Labels from Tile. Just stick them onto jackets, lunchboxes, water bottles or anything else easily left behind and loseable. Activate the labels with the Tile app, and then if anything is lost, people who have found the item can (hopefully!) scan the QR code and access the return details.

The popularity of weighted blankets inspired other uses for the anti-anxiety technology, like this weighted bathrobe for adults. The super soft, quilted robe comes in three weights — 12, 15 or 17 pounds — and a choice of soothing gray or calming navy.

To help you prepare for the year ahead, “Pick up a copy of The Llewellyn’s 2023 Daily Planetary Guide,” Stellas says. “It’s perfect for keeping track of what the planets are up to throughout the whole year.”

Space enthusiasts and astrology lovers alike will love this very cool planetarium projector, which beams accurate star patterns on a ceiling or wall for any date and time you specify. The projector can replicate more than 8,000 stars and 60 constellations, with adjustable speeds to simulate the Earth’s rotation.

Anything that makes life a little easier will be welcome during mercury’s retrograde period. This little thing is such a handy tool, anyone will thank you for it! It has a tiny ceramic blade that precisely and easily cuts through boxes and packaging tape but is safe to the touch, and a built-in magnet so you can stick it on the fridge for easy access.

It may not look like much, but our associate manager of business development, Hayley Kinne, says of this back and neck massage tool, “I truly don’t know how I endured my regular shoulder stress spasms before this magical, massaging miracle device entered my life.”

“Another great practice during Mercury retrograde is a screen fast,” Stellas says, “or at least carving out times when you are not glued to the internet, computer and phone.” One way to start making a break from screens is to use a paper planner, like this weekly planner with plenty of room to jot down to-dos, goals and notes in addition to appointments and events.

“Don’t forget the value of journaling,” Stellas says. “If you’re looking for an individual guide, check out my Guided Astrological Journals for every sun sign.”

Mercury retrograde encourages us to slow down, and for many people that means tucking into a good book. For fans of reading in bed, this handy, bendable neck light is a game-changer. Complete with three color modes (yellow, warm white and cool white), three brightness levels and up to 80 hours of light from the included rechargeable battery, it’s also great for camping or hands-free repairs.

To usher in a new perspective, as well as to calm the mind, Stellas suggests buying a kaleidoscope. “Watching the different patterns as you turn the dial calms the mind,” she says.

This particular retrograde period begins at the very end of the year, when cold weather has set in in many places. This is a good time to upgrade or replace your pajamas with a winter-weight set that can take you through to the first chilly days of spring.

Massaging beauty rollers have become wildly popular, and if you’ve had your eye on one but haven’t pulled the trigger, this is a great time to treat yourself. We especially like ice rollers, which reduce puffiness and calm inflamed skin in addition to providing a soothing, gentle facial massage.

For a turn on traditional scrapbooking, this photo album journal is a great way to revisit the past during Mercury retrograde. Choose from white inside pages or black sheets with transparent photo insert bags.

Created for anyone who needs a good excuse to light a candle when things go wrong, Anecdote Candles’ Astrological Storming candle was created to smell like full moons and Mercury in retrograde. Top notes include hints of apple and pear, with bottom notes of exotic violet, sandalwood and incense.

If you’re looking for a Mercury retrograde gift idea, pairing the photo journal with a mini instant camera makes a thoughtful and surprising present for a stressed-out friend or loved one.

As Gat says, this isn’t the time to splurge on big new purchases, but it may be the time to buy items you’ve had your eye on. If you don’t already have a portable phone charger, this is the time to get one; the Anker charger was our pick for best portable charger.

“Mercury retrograde may find us running into friends from the past, or even revisiting a retro style,” Gat says. “A book about a scene or era from the past could be fun to peruse!” This gorgeous coffee table book about the art deco era certainly fits the bill!

“Astrologers famously advise against making big purchases or electronics during Mercury retrograde,” Gat says. “But if there is a purchase you have been itching to make for a long time, now could be a good time to reconsider purchasing it. Mercury retrograde is all about the ‘re’ words, so revisiting those shoes you really wanted to buy but didn’t at the time may work out.” Record player is, of course, an “re-” word and a necessary investment if you plan to purchase a rereleased album.

Slowing down is a major theme of Mercury retrograde, and a period of quietude is also a great time to pick up a new hobby or devote yourself to the study of a new subject. “If someone who has been interested in learning more about astrology but hasn’t had the time for it decides they want to jump in during Mercury retrograde, why not check out my two books, ‘The Moon Sign Guide’ or ‘The Astrology of Love & Sex,’” Gat suggests.

A smart way to cope with the turmoil of Mercury retrograde is to slow way down. Go ahead and cancel plans you’re not that excited about, or take some items off your to-do list. Use the reclaimed time to read or listen to music while relaxing with a cup of calming tea; look for teas made from herbs like lavender, lemon balm or mint that can help to soothe tattered nerves.

If you’re looking for a Mercury in retrograde gift idea, this spa-themed gift set fits the bill. The set features bath salts, a spray and a body oil, all of which are made with essential oils and crystals — everything you’d need to keep calm during Mercury’s turbulent retrograde period.

Mercury retrograde kits come in many forms! For those with a more spiritual bent, ritual kits offer a convenient introduction to cleansing rituals; this kit contains cleansing botanicals and intention candles, plus a candle holder and abalone shell for the botanicals, and instructions for using them to create a ritual of your own during Mercury retrograde.

Of course, one of the main themes of Mercury’s retrograde period is technology mishaps — and no amount of calming teas will help when you have an accident involving an expensive piece of tech. If you’re prone to clumsiness, protect your phone with a drop-tested military-grade phone case. This slim silicone phone case offers a lot of protection without the bulkiness of similar models, and it comes in 26 color options.

Because technology mishaps are so common, another smart investment to make during Mercury retrograde is an external hard drive for backing up your important documents. Our reviewer gave My Passport high marks for storage space and its “stylish yet rugged package.”

[ad_2]

Source link

December 29, 2022
15 items you should honestly gift yourself to help ease holiday stress | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

Blame it on the entirety of this past year or just simply the holidays, but there’s a good chance you may be feeling more stressed out than usual right now.

A lot of us are already too busy, says wellness expert Dr. Ann Kulze. “Then, you add to that the added responsibilities and obligations, more social engagements, entertaining people, family coming in,” she says. “That means oh, I’ve got to clean up the yard and the house. And I have additional cooking. And if it’s Christmas, I’ve got to think about what I’m going to get for people, what presents I’m going to get.”

Fortunately, there are some ways to mitigate this stress, and we spoke with wellness and organization experts about ways to keep it all together even when you’d like to run away from it all.

$16 at Amazon

“I’m a big advocate of planners and use them to schedule both work and personal activities,” says Carolyn Kraut, founder and owner of Hands of Time Concierge. “There are also families that still hang wall calendars in their kitchens to track family activities, keeping them separate from their work calendars/planners.” While it might be too late to start a family planning calendar this year, gear up for 2023 with this pretty floral version (there are three other designs as well) that has a large grid, stickers and a magnetic hanger.

$130 at Zappos

“Exercise is a very effective way to deal with stress. Moving your body helps to release endorphins, which can balance your mood. The exercise doesn’t have to be complicated or strenuous. Something as simple as a walk can go a long way to help clear your mind,” says wellness entrepreneur Shahada Karim, founder of Habibi Body and Habibi Sport. Take a walk around the neighborhood and feel like you’re walking on air in these super-cushioned kicks that will keep your feet comfy and your body stress-free.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

~~$100~~ $70 at Amazon

CNN Underscored Best Tested

$88 at Lululemon

“Yoga is a rock star for stress resiliency, stress reduction, for reasons that are obvious and maybe some that we’re still trying to tease out,” explains Kulze. “It’s got the breathing, it’s got the stretching, it’s got the holding of these actual movements, which has this wonderful kind of tranquilizing effect on the body. And then beyond that, it’s the aerobic activity, particularly moderate to vigorous.” Do gentle stretches, a full workout or just give in to savasana with our favorite yoga mat of 2022.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

From $98 at Lululemon

Lightweight yet opaque, the Align’s buttery-soft feel and stretchiness are like no other legging. Check out our picks for the best leggings here.

From $24 at Amazon

For a more affordable option, these Lululemon lookalikes are as much a pleasure to wear during workouts as they are for lounging around the house.

$46 at Amazon

If all that stress is building up in your upper back, neck and shoulders (as it often does), this heated back massager is easy to use and simply glorious at getting out those tight knots.

From $269 at Bearaby

Sometimes all you really need is a hug, and weighted blankets like our favorite ones at Bearaby provide that calming pressure while you lie on the couch or drift off to sleep.

~~$70~~ $66 at Amazon

“I call them kind of superstar foods for stress protection,” Kulze says of stress-relieving teas. “Sipping on freshly brewed tea from camellia sinensis leaf. That’s green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea.” You’ll need something to brew all the tea you’re going to be drinking, and this highly rated, well-priced kettle has the good looks and power to deliver hot water fast.

$36 at Food52

Love loose-leaf tea? This infuser set lets you steep your tea of choice (or herbs) in hot water or broth.

$25 at Amazon

“I’m a huge fan of licorice tea. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and help with problematic digestion (a common side effect of stress),” says Karim.

From $125 at Amazon

To make sure your tea stays toasty while you sip, we can’t say enough good things about the Ember mug, which keeps your hot drinks hot for hours on end. It comes in a holiday-appropriate bright red color too.

From $30 at Amazon or Fellow

Take your soothing drink to go in this cute travel mug, available in essentially every colorway. Just sip away as traffic and the world fly by.

$58 at Uncommon Goods

“Lavender-scented products have been recommended for relaxation and stress relief for as long as I can remember,” says Kraut. This set will help you with a relaxing routine that helps soothe you into peaceful slumber with the power of aromatherapy.

$39.97 at Amazon

“So often during the holiday times, frankly, people are entertaining more and going to more parties, and their sleep is disturbed,” says Kulze. “And that will exponentially decrease your stress resiliency and increase your propensity to feel stress when you shouldn’t, if you’re sleep-deprived.” Another lavender option to de-stress, this gift set is perfect to bring home for yourself or gift to a stressed friend or family member. Luxury soap, oil and natural hand cream — all made in the US.

[ad_2]

Source link

December 22, 2022
15 items you should honestly gift yourself to help ease holiday stress | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

Blame it on the entirety of this past year or just simply the holidays, but there’s a good chance you may be feeling more stressed out than usual right now.

A lot of us are already too busy, says wellness expert Dr. Ann Kulze. “Then, you add to that the added responsibilities and obligations, more social engagements, entertaining people, family coming in,” she says. “That means oh, I’ve got to clean up the yard and the house. And I have additional cooking. And if it’s Christmas, I’ve got to think about what I’m going to get for people, what presents I’m going to get.”

Fortunately, there are some ways to mitigate this stress, and we spoke with wellness and organization experts about ways to keep it all together even when you’d like to run away from it all.

$16 at Amazon

“I’m a big advocate of planners and use them to schedule both work and personal activities,” says Carolyn Kraut, founder and owner of Hands of Time Concierge. “There are also families that still hang wall calendars in their kitchens to track family activities, keeping them separate from their work calendars/planners.” While it might be too late to start a family planning calendar this year, gear up for 2023 with this pretty floral version (there are three other designs as well) that has a large grid, stickers and a magnetic hanger.

$130 at Zappos

“Exercise is a very effective way to deal with stress. Moving your body helps to release endorphins, which can balance your mood. The exercise doesn’t have to be complicated or strenuous. Something as simple as a walk can go a long way to help clear your mind,” says wellness entrepreneur Shahada Karim, founder of Habibi Body and Habibi Sport. Take a walk around the neighborhood and feel like you’re walking on air in these super-cushioned kicks that will keep your feet comfy and your body stress-free.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

~~$100~~ $70 at Amazon

CNN Underscored Best Tested

$88 at Lululemon

“Yoga is a rock star for stress resiliency, stress reduction, for reasons that are obvious and maybe some that we’re still trying to tease out,” explains Kulze. “It’s got the breathing, it’s got the stretching, it’s got the holding of these actual movements, which has this wonderful kind of tranquilizing effect on the body. And then beyond that, it’s the aerobic activity, particularly moderate to vigorous.” Do gentle stretches, a full workout or just give in to savasana with our favorite yoga mat of 2022.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

From $98 at Lululemon

Lightweight yet opaque, the Align’s buttery-soft feel and stretchiness are like no other legging. Check out our picks for the best leggings here.

From $24 at Amazon

For a more affordable option, these Lululemon lookalikes are as much a pleasure to wear during workouts as they are for lounging around the house.

$46 at Amazon

If all that stress is building up in your upper back, neck and shoulders (as it often does), this heated back massager is easy to use and simply glorious at getting out those tight knots.

From $269 at Bearaby

Sometimes all you really need is a hug, and weighted blankets like our favorite ones at Bearaby provide that calming pressure while you lie on the couch or drift off to sleep.

~~$70~~ $66 at Amazon

“I call them kind of superstar foods for stress protection,” Kulze says of stress-relieving teas. “Sipping on freshly brewed tea from camellia sinensis leaf. That’s green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea.” You’ll need something to brew all the tea you’re going to be drinking, and this highly rated, well-priced kettle has the good looks and power to deliver hot water fast.

$36 at Food52

Love loose-leaf tea? This infuser set lets you steep your tea of choice (or herbs) in hot water or broth.

$25 at Amazon

“I’m a huge fan of licorice tea. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and help with problematic digestion (a common side effect of stress),” says Karim.

From $125 at Amazon

To make sure your tea stays toasty while you sip, we can’t say enough good things about the Ember mug, which keeps your hot drinks hot for hours on end. It comes in a holiday-appropriate bright red color too.

From $30 at Amazon or Fellow

Take your soothing drink to go in this cute travel mug, available in essentially every colorway. Just sip away as traffic and the world fly by.

$58 at Uncommon Goods

“Lavender-scented products have been recommended for relaxation and stress relief for as long as I can remember,” says Kraut. This set will help you with a relaxing routine that helps soothe you into peaceful slumber with the power of aromatherapy.

$39.97 at Amazon

“So often during the holiday times, frankly, people are entertaining more and going to more parties, and their sleep is disturbed,” says Kulze. “And that will exponentially decrease your stress resiliency and increase your propensity to feel stress when you shouldn’t, if you’re sleep-deprived.” Another lavender option to de-stress, this gift set is perfect to bring home for yourself or gift to a stressed friend or family member. Luxury soap, oil and natural hand cream — all made in the US.

[ad_2]

Source link

December 10, 2022
Don’t waste your FSA dollars: Here are 44 great ways to spend them before they expire | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

You bought new eyeglasses, squeaked in a dental appointment and stocked up on over-the-counter drugs. But if there’s still money in your flexible spending account (FSA), you better spend those pretax FSA funds quickly before they disappear.

That’s why we’ve rounded up a quick and easy list of products available in the FSA Store, offers which are offers more than 4,000 FSA eligible items.

If you’re not sure exactly what an FSA is and why it’s important that you spend your pretax dollars, we’ve got you covered with a quick guide.

A flexible spending account (FSA) is offered through many employer benefit plans and allows you to set aside pretax money for eligible health care-related, out-of-pocket expenses for you, your spouse and dependents.

With each paycheck you receive, a certain amount of money is put aside before taxes. This pretax money is for FSA spending, and is meant to be used on eligible health care expenses throughout the year. While the specific amount differs depending on your tax bracket, there are calculators available to help you estimate your savings amount.

Most FSA participants are part of a “use it or lose it” plan, which states that all the money left in your account by the end of the year must be forfeited. The unused amount left in your account can’t be paid out to you in any other way, and you can’t transfer money to any other FSA. So it’s important to keep in mind the annual Dec. 31 cutoff date.

The good news is that many employers provide a grace period of up to two and a half months into the new year for you to use the money, giving you until March 15 to spend it all. But you’ll want to check with your employer, because grace periods can be shorter.

Common purchases include everyday health care products like bandages, thermometers and glasses. Everything from medical expenses that aren’t covered by a health plan (like deductibles and co-pays to dependent day care) to over-the-counter medication can also be eligible.

The downside is that the specifics of what you can spend your FSA funds on depend on the plan your employer has in place. The upside? You can skip the extensive research by shopping at the FSA Store.

So rather than watch that hard-earned money simply go kaput, we’ve rounded up more than 35 FSA eligible expenses at the FSA Store.

Work out those kinks, whether they’re from hours spent behind the computer, an extra-tough workout or just everyday wear and tear, with this heated pain relief device that comes with multiple attachments to really target your pain points.

Fan of weighted blankets? It’s time for a weighted heating pad. This 4-pound model offers heat therapy and a massage feature and comes in either six settings (three heat, three massage) or 12 settings (three heat, nine massage).

Help prevent the risk of infection in minor cuts and scrapes with these 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes.

Band-Aid Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages, Assorted Sizes

Stock up on your medicine cabinet essentials with this 100-pack of Band-Aids for less than $9.

Fight acne even during the day with this invisible, nondrying daytime patch that protects for faster healing.

Use your FSA dollars to stock up on tampons with this box, available in 32-count, from U by Kotex.

These certified organic cotton pantiliners are lightweight and infused with essential oils.

Supergoop! Body Butter SPF 40

This broad-spectrum SPF 40 lotion protects your skin from the sun and moisturizes it at the same time.

• Related: The best sunscreens we’ve tested this year

This nongreasy and soothing ointment from Aquaphor helps treat and protect against dry skin.

There are many people who grind their teeth at night. But with many mouthguards so expensive, this one allows you to help protect your teeth for less than $25.

It’s always good to have some Neosporin on hand to help prevent infection and heal your cuts and scrapes faster.

23andMe Health Service

Learn more about your family’s history with this at-home DNA testing kit from 23andMe.

This oil-free acne spot treatment acts fast and is suitable for normal, oily and combination skin.

Revamp your daily face routine with this dermatologist-recommended acne wash from Neutrogena.

TheraBand Pain Relief Foot Roller

Treat yourself to a nightly foot massage with this small roller designed to stretch the plantar fascia and soothe tired, achy feet. Want extra relief? Pop it in the freezer for cooling pain relief.

This roll-ball massager gives you cold therapy pain relief to help ease those achy muscles.

This kit holds 35 items, including bandages, an ice pack, safety pins, small scissors and more.

Johnson & Johnson Red Cross All-Purpose First Aid Kit

If you’re in need of a bulkier first aid kit, check out this one from Johnson & Johnson Red Cross, which features 160 items.

Check your temperature quickly and accurately with this infrared no-contact thermometer. With readings in just three seconds and the ability to store up to 10 previous readings, this thermometer is handy to keep by your side.

A portable, lightweight way to measure your oxygen and pulse.

Sitting in front of a computer all day might not be the best thing for your back. If you need some pain relief, try this acupressure cushion from Kanjo.

This device uses electrical muscle stimulation to relax stiff muscles, help increase blood circulation and help reduce swollen feet and ankles.

Welly Bravery Badges Colorwash Assorted Flex Fabric Bandages, 48-Count

These premium, flexible bandages protect your small cuts and scrapes, plus they come in bold tie-dye patterns and colors.

Supergoop! Handscreen, SPF 40

Protect and hydrate dry hands with this SPF 40 moisturizing cream.

When cold and flu season hits, it hits hard. So be prepared with this handy nasal inhaler to help alleviate congestion, dryness and other symptoms.

New shoes? No problem! Whether you’re breaking in a new pair of cross-trainers or stilettos, these synthetic strips help keep blisters and chafing at bay.

Dagamma Duosmart Ear and Forehead Thermometer

This app-enabled thermometer can measure through both your ears or your forehead, with nearly instantaneous results.

Developed by the Stanford BioDesign program, this handheld device is safe for ages 3 and up and gently cleans ears, eliminating the need for cotton swabs.

Help relieve back pain and discomfort with this gadget that uses a dual inflation mechanism to lift, stretch and separate joints in your spine.

This cordless steam inhaler can help alleviate symptoms of the common cold, including congestion, sinus infections and more. The handheld device spreads steam right to your nose, throat and mouth for instant relief, plus a medical-grade HEPA filter ensures the steam is germ-free, allergen-free and pollutant-free.

This totally invisible sunscreen will keep you safe from the sun’s harmful rays without leaving white streaks on your skin.

Get subtle color with sun protection when you swipe on this moisturizing, water-resistant, paraben-free tinted lip balm.

Treat any acne flare-ups with this noninvasive battery and USB-powered device. Choose from six medical-grade LED lights to help prevent or calm acne. Bonus: It’s portable, so add it to your suitcase for treatment on the go.

This easy-to-use digital thermometer gives you measurements in just eight seconds.

Bausch and Lomb Biotrue Multipurpose Solution

Contact lens wearers: Stock up on this lubricating solution that will keep your eyes moist and healthy.

Soothe and relax aching muscles with this heating pad from Caring Mill that comes with four heat settings and a moist/dry heat application.

The dpl Oral Care Light Therapy System uses infrared blue and red light to help reduce conditions like gingival bleeding and inflammation, gingivitis, halitosis, erosion, and cold sores.

Stretch out your spine with these Chrip wheels. With three different height options, you can stretch out, massage or target knots.

And for the rest of your body, use this vibrating foam roller to relieve tightness and help your muscles recover faster.

Theraflu Night Time Severe Cold & Cough Powder

Stay on top of cold and flu season by grabbing this Theraflu Severe Cold & Cough Powder which relieves symptoms with the help of honey lemon, white tea, and chamomile flavors.

Perfect for hiking, camping or for those constantly being get feasted on by bugs, this gadget can help offer some relief and help spare you from hours of itchiness..

When the time calls for a soothing soak, grab these epsom salts to add even more healing to your self-care ritual.

Need totally blacked out and undisturbed sleep? Grab this IMAK weighted compression eye pillow, which is also freezer safe and washable.

Looking to ease tension on your neck and back? Try this acupressure mat set for at-home relief.

[ad_2]

Source link

December 1, 2022
Get the benefits of a sauna in the comfort of your home and save with an exclusive deal at HigherDose | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

If you’ve always dreamt of a sauna lifestyle but don’t happen to have the space for one in your apartment, HigherDose’s at-home sauna products are here to get you hot and sweaty in a pleasant, glowy way. Right now, you can save 20% off the brand’s lineup of wellness items, including the Underscored editor-approved sauna blankets and red light masks.

All you need? Our exclusive code, which is pretty simple. Just type CNN into the promo field when you check out and get 20% off your order. Here are two of our favorite HigherDose picks to get you started.

Better than building your own sauna at home, this blanket lets you slip into one from the comfort of your own home. It’s the brand’s flagship product, with more than 2,000 happy customers chiming in to the reviews.

It might not zap your zits, but this red light face mask uses low-level wavelengths to mimic all the good natural sunlight does for your skin minus the UV. The brand promises glowing skin and a boosted mood — the perfect at-home launchpad into sunnier spring weather and radiant skin.

Shop these and the rest of HigherDose’s wellness offerings (excluding full size saunas, bundles and subscriptions) — with our code now through March 31.

[ad_2]

Source link

April 12, 2021