Life Style

Let's face it, it's impossible to keep up with the constant stream of beauty experiments and trends that fill every social media platform. We've seen the upside-down hair-washing trick, the "overlip"-lining hack, and the "sandwich" method to cover pimples. Recently, an influx of beauty fanatics has claimed that the secret to long, luscious hair is rosemary water. Rosemary water has been a staple in many Mediterranean culture's beauty rituals for centuries, and is purported to promote hair growth. You can brew the elixir at home by steeping rosemary leaves in water (like a tea), or you can choose from any number of rosemary-water products from your fave beauty store. You'll find that the store-bought kind is often combined with other hair and scalp nourishing ingredients like rice water and biotin. A simple DIY solution that claims to work as well as pricey over-the-counter treatments sounds almost too good to be true. So, we tapped a dermatologist and a trichologist to see if rosemary water for hair growth really works. Does Rosemary Water Help With Hair Growth? "Rosemary water has some key benefits that support a healthy scalp and hair follicles, which promote growth," board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, tells POPSUGAR. "It has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-microbial properties, which can help to reduce conditions like dandruff and scalp psoriasis." According to William Gaunitz, a certified trichologist and founder of the hair-growth brand Advanced Trichology, rosemary may help with hair growth as a cleanser and an antiseptic for the scalp. "When individuals are dealing with inflammation related to higher levels of oil and microorganisms, such as parasites, fungus, and bacteria, rosemary water may help clean the scalp and kill off some low levels of inflammatory microorganisms," he says. Research also supports the idea that rosemary water may promote hair growth. In a 2015 randomized controlled trial, rosemary oil was shown to be as effective as minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) in increasing hair growth after six months of use. How to Use Rosemary Water For Hair Growth "To impact hair growth, you have to focus on scalp care – applying actives directly to the scalp where they can be absorbed and work to improve skin and follicle health on the scalp itself," Dr. Mraz says. With rosemary water, you can do this by pouring the solution over your roots and scalp or by spritzing it onto your scalp with a spray bottle. Making your own rosemary water is a pretty easy process. First, boil about three cups of water. Then, you'll add two fresh rosemary sprigs to the water. Next, remove the pot from the heat and cover it. You'll want to let the sprigs steep for about an hour so it cools down. If you'll be using the rosemary water in a spray bottle, transfer it to that bottle. Between each use, you should keep the bottle in the fridge to help extend its shelf life. The experts believe the best time to apply rosemary water is after you've washed your hair and while it's still wet and before you've brushed it. Then, you'll want to brush your hair to help work the water from your roots to your ends. You can even use rosemary water as a mask - just apply a larger dose of it to your hair and let it soak into your hair. You can leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing it out and drying your hair. How Often Should You Use Rosemary Water on Your Hair? How often you use rosemary water on your hair depends on a few things. First, you should take into consideration how frequently you wash your hair. This is because rosemary water works best post-hair wash and when your hair is wet. So if you wash your hair three times a week, you can use rosemary water on your hair up to three times a week. Gaunitz says that it's safe to use rosemary water daily - as a post-shower rinse or as an addition to other topical serums - but that you should keep an eye out for signs of overuse. When using rosemary water on your hair, especially if your hair is on the more sensitive side, you should also keep in mind the condition of your hair and your scalp to avoid irritation and dryness. If you're noticing a dry scalp or brittle hair, Dr. Mraz says you could be using rosemary water too frequently. She says that an average of twice a week seems to be the sweet spot for many people. What Are the Benefits of Using Rosemary Water on Your Hair? "Rosemary water stimulates blood to flow to the scalp, delivering nutrients, reducing inflammation, and creating an optimal environment for growth," Dr. Mraz says. This improved circulation to the scalp and hair follicles has benefits that go beyond hair growth: when oxygenated blood and nutrients are delivered to this part of the body, it can potentially promote nerve growth as well, which can lead to hair growth. Are There Side Effects to Using Rosemary Water on Your Hair? "As with any topical ingredient, there is a risk of skin irritation," Dr. Mraz says. She suggests testing your skin's reaction to rosemary water by applying it to a small area of your inner forearm a few days in a row to see if your skin reacts negatively. Depending upon how you use rosemary water on your hair, it could lead to dryness of your scalp. If this occurs, Gaunitz recommends decreasing your usage to help restore the moisture of your scalp. If you don't experience any negative side effects, you can use it as much as you'd like to reap its benefits.

There was a lot to be gobsmacked over in the "office tour" video Kim Kardashian posted to TikTok in January (don't get us started on the custom Rick Owens furniture), but nonchalantly displaying her in-office tanning bed really took the cake. People had very strong feelings about this, but the reality star claims to have a good reason. Kardashian, who has been open about her 18-year experience with psoriasis, later clarified that she uses her tanning bed during flare-ups of the autoimmune condition. She remembers watching her mom - Kris Jenner, who also has psoriasis - visit tanning salons to alleviate her skin flare-ups, Kardashian previously wrote in an essay for Poosh. As absurd as it sounds, she's not the only one. Recently, a creator on TikTok named Jess Einaudi filmed a video before hitting a tanning bed for the same reason. "I'm about to go do something I should never do," she says in the clip. And there are plenty more where that came from. This may have you wondering, is there ever an instance where using a tanning bed is medically necessary? Most doctors and dermatologists have been warning against the dangers of tanning beds for decades because they can damage the cells' DNA, potentially causing mutations that may lead to cancer. A British Medical Journal in 2012 found that tanning before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 59 percent, squamous cell carcinoma by 67 percent, and basal cell carcinoma by 29 percent. In fact, Since 2003, UV radiation has been listed by the U.S. National Toxicology Program as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). "Tanning beds are never medically indicated," Azza Halim, MD, a board-certified physician and anesthesiologist, tells POPSUGAR. Can Tanning Beds Be Used to Treat Skin Conditions? So, where did people get this idea that tanning beds can soothe certain skin conditions? Well, because UVB - which is beamed onto your skin in a tanning bed alongside more harmful UVA rays - is sometimes used as a treatment for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema), says Jennifer Holman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Tyler, TX. It's a treatment called phototherapy. "[Phototherapy] works to decrease inflammation in the skin and slow the production of skin cells," says Dr. Holman. "Ideally, when performing phototherapy we use something called 'narrow-band UVB therapy [NBUVB],' where we expose affected skin to a very narrow spectrum of UVB light, which we know carries a much lower risk of skin cancer and is the medically effective spectrum of light." According to Dr. Holman, phototherapy is sometimes recommended instead of oral or topical medications because these other treatments come with what she calls "systemic risk." Phototherapy is targeted to a specific area of your body, while medication taken in a pill or slathered on your skin is absorbed by your bloodstream. But while phototherapy treatments are short - "only a few minutes long," according to Dr. Holman - they can be burdensome for some patients. "They have to come into the doctor's office during business hours three times a week and sometimes have to pay a copay each time. Many of my patients live over an hour from my office, have full-time employment, or can't prioritize paying three copays a week." For patients such as these who need to prioritize flexibility when it comes to their inflammatory skin condition treatments, Dr. Holman said she has recommended short-term, low-dose tanning bed exposure. "There is still a long-term skin cancer risk from even short-term tanning bed exposure, but in many medical situations, we make choices where benefits and risks are weighed," explains Dr. Holman. "For psoriasis flares and symptomatic cases of pityriasis rosea where in-office NBUVB is not feasible, I usually recommend five minutes of tanning bed exposure, increasing by one minute per session for no more than 10 minutes, three times a week for up to four weeks." And no, tanning won't help "dry out" your breakouts, as many people on TikTok also claim. "Mild exposure to UV light may improve acne based on its anti-inflammatory effects, but the risk of increased hyperpigmentation in areas of acne and downstream risks of skin cancer certainly outweigh those benefits," said Dr. Holman. While a tan may initially improve the appearance of acne by drying out sebum, the effects are temporary and it could ultimately make acne worse. While you tan, the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, becomes dry and thick. This causes the body to compensate by producing even more oil, which in turn, could lead to more acne. If that isn't enough to make you think twice before tanning, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, the sun's ultraviolet rays can make acne spots darker and take longer to fade. "We have many other effective treatments for acne that we recommend as dermatologists and UV exposure is certainly not something I would recommend as a primary strategy to treat acne," Dr. Holman says. Just because a skin condition may react positively to tanning beds or overall sun exposure isn't a get-out-of-jail-free card. "Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and cutaneous T cell lymphoma all benefit from UV exposure, but that must be weighed against the risks of skin cancer and sunburn because your skin is also exposed to the harmful spectrum of UV light," Dr. Holman says.

If you're a fan of Netflix's "Love Is Blind," then you may be curious about the engagement rings, which are either chosen on set or brought in (Kyle Abrams presented his mom's ring to Shaina Hurley during season two, for example). Knowing that on "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," the jewelry is entirely provided by Neil Lane, you have to wonder how much shopping the men on "LIB" could possibly be getting done outside of the pods while they're holed up from the outside world. What's more, if you're looking closely, you may notice similarities in some of the women's engagement rings. In fact, in season one, it appeared Lauren Speed, Jessica Batten, and Amber Pike wore identical rings following their proposals. According to "LIB" production company, Kinetic Content, all the men are presented with dozens of rings to choose from (Netflix said that in seasons four and five, they were all courtesy of Bridal Rings Co.), unless they brought their own. "Whatever they choose, we pay for. Whatever we pay for, they keep, regardless of engagement ending," a Kinetic representative told POPSUGAR. And even though you might recognize similar elements on some designs - like diamond carat size, band embellishment, and setting - no two styles are exactly the same. Kinetic even shared that in season two, the men proposing discussed their choices together, so the rings felt unique to each recipient. Of course, there are fans who have tweeted that they believe the women should be able to choose their preferred style before heading into the pods. That became a major issue in season two, when Mallory Zapata ended up with a silver ring picked by Salvador Perez, instead of her preferred choice of gold. Perhaps the producers will find a way for both contestants to join the ring-selection process in future seasons. In the meantime, keep reading for everything to know about the "Love Is Blind" engagement rings, including the similarities, the payment, and the process by which they're chosen. Then, get the story behind the "Love Is Blind" wedding dresses. - Additional reporting by Naomi Parris Related: Chelsea Regrets the Megan Fox Comment, but "Love Is Blind" Left Out Some Context

If you're on SkinTok, you may have seen a few beauty influencers raving about the benefits of using beef tallow on the skin. If you haven't, and you're not even quite sure what beef tallow is, let us assure you, you aren't alone. However, the trend has been blowing up on social media over the last few months and it's certainly piqued our interest. Is this just another TikTok claim that we should ignore or are there actual benefits to using beef tallow on your skin? Do a little Googling and you'll find a handful of different companies selling skin-care products made with beef tallow - everything from 100 percent grass-fed beef tallow skin cream to tallow eye cream. But just because it's worked for a few people on the internet doesn't mean it will work for your skin - or that it's even safe. To answer all of our burning questions about the trend, we tapped an expert. Ahead, they break down what beef tallow is, whether or not it's safe for use on the skin, and what the potential risks of using it are. What Is Beef Tallow? Let's get the biggest question out of the way: what exactly is beef tallow? "Beef tallow is rendered fat from cattle," Peter Lee, MD, at Wave Plastic Surgery, tells POPSUGAR. "It's beef fat that has had all the non-fatty components and all of the moisture removed." Beef tallow is most commonly used to make candles and soap, but users on social media have recently claimed that applying it to the skin can provide dermatologic benefits, like improving acne, soothing rashes, treating eczema, and reducing wrinkles. Sounds like a miracle product, right? Unfortunately, Dr. Lee says it isn't all it's cracked up to be. "To date, there are no accepted clinical studies that confirm the efficacy of application of beef tallow to human skin in achieving any of these benefits," he says. @thrivewithcandice Just water & beef tallow and my skin has never been better 🫶🏼 dry brush is from @Primally Pure and beef tallow from @ELA SKIN CO. #nontoxicskincareroutine #naturalskincare #naturalskincareproducts #nontoxicskincareproducts #beeftallowskincare #drybrushingskin #drybrushingbenefits ♬ original sound - Candice 🌞 Is Beef Tallow Safe For Skin? While beef tallow does technically have moisturizing properties and it also contains antioxidants, there are some downsides. The biggest one? "Beef tallow is not approved for topical application on the skin by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)," Dr. Lee says. This likely means that whatever products you're purchasing are homemade, and the regulations surrounding them are nonexistent. Although it's ultra-moisturizing due to its emollient consistency, if you have sensitive skin, the thickness of beef tallow could cause acne and breakouts when applied directly to the skin. And that's not all - there are more serious health risks to consider. "There is a theoretical possibility that people who do so may put themselves at risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly known as mad cow disease), although we are not aware of any patients who have suffered this complication at this time." OK, so, maybe skip the beef tallow for now. If your goal is to reduce wrinkles, Dr. Lee suggests embarking on a regimen using retinol under the supervision of a physician. Tretinoin is one of our favorite prescription-only retin-A products, but you can also find a variety of great products formulated with the antiaging hero ingredient in the aisles of your local drugstore. "If patients suffer from dry skin and wish to improve their skin's appearance and texture, I recommend using a pharmaceutical-grade moisturizer," Dr. Lee says. You can also add a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine or try a skin-care technique specifically meant to moisturize, like skin slugging. Just please put down the beef tallow.

Becoming a parent is a big decision, and making the decision to not parent is even larger. Rarely are adoptive parents aware that their efforts to become parents end up colluding with systems whose processes may perpetuate harm on the birth parents and the children they love. And there are few people, if any, to hold and care for those who realize they are unable to parent. I would come to learn all this through the adoption process. I am a parent to two children: a 16-year-old son who was adopted at 5 months, and a 9-year-old, conceived via the support of donor sperm. When I began the adoption process with my oldest, I understood that people often place their children for a variety of reasons. But I was angry and saddened at how common it is for birth parents to be coerced to do so by family, social workers, attorneys, and friends. Some were never given a choice at all, some were never presented with the necessary resources to believe they could parent. As the adoptive parent, I was challenged to reflect on my role in the system and within the adoption triad. I had to consider how to reconcile with the reality that I am a person in the scenario benefiting from the process. My son may have material benefits, but they will never make up for the awareness of decisions made about his life before he ever had words of his own. Material goods do not make up for not having a picture of the woman who birthed you or the siblings you may never meet, nor do they make up for the gap in medical information that can be helpful if one is living with a variety of mysterious illnesses. I had to learn to sit with the experience of having joy through another's sorrow. As an adoptive parent, I had to learn to sit with the experience of having joy through another's sorrow. I had to learn to parent a grief that was unknown to me. I had to sit with the reality that, despite the problematic systemic conditions that led to the placement of my child for adoption, he needed someone to parent him when the system, along with his parents, determined that biological family could not. As a social worker, I strived to support a placement that would have been open. I wanted the parents to be able to make an informed decision before landing on the decision to place their child. But that is not the story I hold, and it is not the story my child understands. Instead we discuss a story that is unique to us. (The remainder of the story is for my child to tell.) I was surprised when we received the paperwork from the adoption agency that, as an adoptive parent, you can denote the conditions or circumstances that you can or cannot manage in terms of health conditions, family histories, and any prenatal substance exposures. I was surprised at the way choice was presented here when so much about the process can't be easily predicted or controlled. Despite the illusion of choice that emerges, adoption, like other forms of family making, requires a capacity to embrace the unknown and accept the likelihood of some disappointments in the process. What also surprised me was the discomfort of the urgency I experienced when waiting for a child placement. I hadn't gone into the process feeling particularly anxious or urgent, but once the papers were signed, and the photo book constructed, I was surprised at the emotionality tied up in the process of waiting for a call. You enter a period of constantly dreaming of what may be, or trying to avoid dreams altogether, and get to the business of living your best life until you have a child who is anchored to you. You are awaiting a call that someone is unable to do what you can because, in many cases, you have access to certain resources they do not. You have to contend with the profound privilege that resides in being in a position to be able to adopt. I understand that there is a reason why adoption exists, and as an adoptive parent, I have to sit with the fact that many of the reasons are due to systemic barriers around parenting. As someone who is Black, lesbian, and raised with class fluctuations, for the first time in my life, I was in the position of privilege. I had to make decisions about which type of child placement was most appropriate for me and my spouse at the time. As we were contacted here and there about potential placements, I was most surprised to learn that certain children have different fees attached to the processing of their paperwork and documentation because they are more "popular children," i.e. mixed race or white. (I recommend Elizabeth Raleigh's "Selling Transracial Adoption" for further reading.) This reality was wholly unexpected. I expected that white children or biracial children were placed into adoptive homes more easily because, as a dark skinned person, I know how colorism works. I was also aware there was a disproportionate number of babies who were Black. But the various hierarchies of race some adoption agencies used was deeply disturbing and I pondered how this was at all OK. When I initiated the process for adoption, I was enthusiastic. Since I was young, I had planned on adopting. After placement occurred, however, and as my child continues to mature, my enthusiasm is blunted by a very clear understanding that adoption for many is not always a process of consent - whether the lack of consent is due to coercion or due to systemic conditions that make parenting impossible. I have had to sit with the reality that the happiness and joy I experience with my son is because someone else did not feel like they had a choice. But as I hold space for these complexities of circumstances, I'm able to support a space for my child to live into his own story of who he is and where he's come from. Related: What the Kyte Baby Drama Reveals About Paid Leave For Adoptive Parents Lisa L. Moore, LICSW, PhD, has been a social work educator and practitioner for over 25 years. Her clinical practice has been focused on working with individuals, couples, and families who are often queer and BIPOC.

Anxiety manifests differently for everyone. Whether you're healing from the past or spending hours worrying about the future, it can sometimes feel impossible to center yourself. Thankfully, when you're caught in the tight grip of anxiety, grounding techniques can help you shift your focus back to the present. To find the best grounding techniques for anxiety, we spoke to mindfulness experts and got their recommendations. Strategies include powerful breathwork techniques, visualization, and creative projects that'll help shift your focus away from worry, upset, and any other strong emotions. Grounding techniques have a lot to do with connecting to the present. "Grounding is a way to turn one's attention away from thoughts and emotions that cause physiological arousal responses in response to stress," says Anandhi Narasimhan, MD, a double board-certified adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. "For example, when someone has experienced trauma, they can have flashbacks, anxiety, and other symptoms that may be difficult to endure." When anxiety strikes, you may feel restless or overwhelmed, which makes focusing on anything else challenging. In order to ground yourself, consider taking a few deep breaths, counting to 10, or finding a quiet place to collect yourself through meditation. In mindfulness practice, grounding techniques are used to center yourself through stillness. Dr. Narasimhan also notes that while grounding techniques are useful for anxiety, they also have several additional health benefits. "Grounding can help reduce anxiety, depression, and even pain symptoms," she explains. "The body's stress response is dialed down, and this can ultimately benefit not only your mental health, but also cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure." When you make these rituals part of your routine, you can train yourself to stay centered when you're experiencing anxiety, and feel good knowing that it may benefit your health in the long run. Read on to find some of the best grounding techniques for anxiety, as recommended by experts. Related: Lil Jon Introduces Listeners to "Calm Jon" With New Meditation Album (Seriously) Grounding Techniques For Anxiety Training yourself to stay grounded takes effort, but it isn't as intimidating as it sounds. "Grounding can be done at any time and any place, and I think that's what can make it so beneficial for those experiencing anxiety and also for folks who aren't," explains Dora Kamau, a registered psychiatric nurse, mindfulness teacher, and host of "Sunday Scaries" by Headspace. Even something as simple as taking a deep breath or connecting with your surroundings can help you feel more grounded, Kamau adds. So the next time you feel anxious, see if any of these grounding techniques make a difference. You may be surprised to find how much calmer you feel. 1. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. "A classic grounding technique that's often used for anxiety is reconnecting to our five senses as a way to destimulate and re-center the mind and body," Kamau tells POPSUGAR. The 5-4-3-2-1 technique is even recommended for those who experience panic attacks. To try it for yourself, "list five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste," Dr. Narasimhan says. 2. Take deep breaths. Deep breathing is a staple in meditation, and focusing on those intentional breaths can be an effective way to bring yourself back to the present. "By breathing deeply into the stomach, you can stimulate the vagus nerve, which cues the 'rest and digest' part of the brain that calms the body and mind," Kamau explains. "It's as simple as bringing your attention to the breath and breathing deeply into the abdomen." 3. Practice the bee breath technique. Take your deep, mindful breathing to another level. "Bee breath or 'humming breath' is a breathing technique that helps to soothe and calm the body. You breathe in through the nose and exhale making a buzzing or humming sound," Kamau says. This sensation can help redirect your attention to your body and away from whatever's causing you anxiety. 4. Make meditation a regular part of your routine. Practicing meditation as part of your morning or nightly routine can help you feel more prepared to use it in a stressful situation. Dr. Narasimhan suggests practicing mindfulness meditation, where you focus on one thing (such as your breath or a mantra), and try to gently push other thoughts out of your mind. 5. Get outside. Getting some fresh air and sun really can have an impact. "Physically putting ourselves in a different space helps to also put ourselves in a different mental and emotional space," explains William Chum, LMHC, a licensed psychotherapist. 6. Relax your muscles. If you've ever owned a stress ball or found comfort in keeping your hands busy, you may want to give this technique a try the next time you start to feel anxious. "Progressive muscle relaxation helps to ease the body when it's tense or rigid," Kamau tells POPSUGAR. Try this specific strategy: "Squeeze the hands and gently release them," she says. "Squeezing the hands is one way to try this technique, but you can do this throughout the entire body." 7. Take a moment to stretch. Being aware of your body is key to remaining mindful and present. "Mindfully stretching the body to let go of any tension or tightness can invite more presence into the areas of the body that hold anxiety," Kamau says. Try a dynamic stretch routine to get the good energy flowing. 8. Practice visualization. If you're struggling to stay focused on the present, use your imagination to transport yourself somewhere else. "Practice visualizing yourself in a calming place, such as near the ocean or elsewhere that you find relaxing," Dr. Narasimhan says. It's a good way to redirect your focus. If you're struggling on your own, a guided meditation can also walk you through this technique. 9. Cuddle a pet. "If you have a furry friend, connecting with them helps to create a sense of connection and comfort, which is helpful for bringing the mind and body to a calm, centered place," Kamau explains. "If you don't have a pet, you can opt for a fuzzy or soft blanket, which is quite soothing as well!" 10. Take a cold shower. You don't need a full ice bath to reap some of the grounding cold plunge benefits. "It sounds counterintuitive, but taking ice-cold showers or even splashing the face with cold water can definitely help to redirect our thoughts, and it can also boost our moods," Kamau says. In fact, research suggests that being immersed in cold water may lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 11. Speak to a trusted friend or family member. Being vulnerable may feel scary, but voicing what's on your mind can be cathartic. "People are the best emotional equalizers," Chum tells POPSUGAR. "Talking to a trusted friend or family member that we feel safe with helps us to reconnect with our reality." 12. Listen to your all-time favorite music. When you can't drown out your thoughts, it could help to change the tone in the room by listening to artists who comfort you. "Playing your favorite songs can help with shifting the mind away from any ruminating thought patterns and even evoke uplifting feelings in the body," Kamau says. 13. Break out your craft box. Picking up a creative project like drawing or painting can help bring you back to the present. "You don't have to be Picasso, but a favorite art practice of mine is taking a pen and paper and, as you breathe in and out, tracing the breath on the paper," Kamau says. "Try drawing mountains or waves and using different colors!" 14. Throw a solo dance party. "Dancing to your favorite music helps to shake and release tension in the body and ease your mood," Kamau says. "Notice the different movements of the body parts, and take your time exploring different bends and shapes." 15. Practice gratitude. "Gratitude can help us shift our mind from focusing on what we don't have to what we do have, and this is another soothing way to ground," Kamau explains. She suggests writing down some things you're grateful for. (You might even consider keeping a regular gratitude journal.) 16. Do something mechanical. If you're struggling to stay present, it might do you good to engage in a chore, such as washing dishes, Dr. Narasimhan explains. Doing anything mechanical can help you feel more grounded. 17. Do a body scan. In meditation, one powerful way to stay focused is to do a body scan, which helps make you more aware of how you're feeling physically. "By mindfully bringing attention to different areas of the body, you can strengthen your mind-body connection," Kamau says. "As you scan the body from head to toe, just notice the different sensations in and throughout the body as if you're exploring something you've never seen before." 18. Hold onto something. Directing your awareness to an object, especially one that has a special meaning to you, can help get your mind and heart in the right place. "Holding something like a rock, crystal, or sentimental item and focusing on it is a great way to ground yourself," Dr. Narasimhan says. 19. Try this raisin (or candy) exercise. This is a common practice in meditation. "Holding a raisin, or candy, in your hand, put all your focus on all the details of the raisin, paying attention to the texture, color, shape, etc.," Chum says, adding that this will redirect your focus from any unwanted thoughts to what's right in front of you. 20. Unwind with a bath. Taking a relaxing bath can help quiet those racing thoughts. "Having a warm bath helps to soothe the body and mind. I love adding eucalyptus or lavender to my baths to help with calming the nervous system," Kamau explains. 21. Play the name game. When you're feeling overwhelmed, try this simple activity to train your mind on something else. "Naming things in a category - colors, fruits, animals - helps to redirect the thoughts," Chum says. 22. Lie down for a few minutes. A great way to stay grounded is to become one with it. "Laying down on the bed or the floor and relaxing every muscle, as if to feel like you are sinking, is a way of physically grounding the emotions in the body," Chum explains. 23. Recite a mantra. "Finding a mantra that one believes in and brings comfort is helpful to ground any unwelcome thoughts," Chum tells POPSUGAR. Try listing some positive self-affirmations you can repeat to yourself anytime you start to feel anxiety creep in. 24. Count down. "Counting backwards from 100 can help ground you. It's something that uses a lot of brainpower, and paying attention helps redirect the focus from the emotional thoughts," Chum says. 25. Take a mindful walk. "You can do this indoors or outdoors. As you walk, notice the movement of the body, pay attention to your surroundings, or even try syncing the breath with each footstep," Kamau says. "This helps to focus our attention away from any racing or ruminating thoughts." - Additional reporting by Chandler Plante

You've likely heard of e-cigarettes, vapes, Juul, and chewing tobacco, but there's a new nicotine alternative on the block, Zyn. It's marketed as a "fresh way to enjoy nicotine," but that begs the immediate question: is Zyn bad for you? First things first: Zyn is a brand of smokeless, tobacco-free nicotine pouches that are inserted between the lip and gum to release nicotine that is absorbed through the oral mucosa (the inner lining of your mouth, cheeks, and lips) into the bloodstream, says Joyce Kahng, DDS, a cosmetic dentist and the owner of Orange and Magnolia Dental Studio. The flavored pouches are intended to be a tobacco alternative, though the active ingredient is still nicotine and the purpose is to induce a buzzed or relaxed sensation, says Alexandra Kharazi, MD, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon and the author of "The Heart of Fear." Zyn's website notes that it's for those 21 and older, but the product has become increasingly popular among teens. In fact, a 2023 study conducted weekly surveys of more than 300 15- to 24-year-old Americans between December 2021 and May 2022 and found that 16 percent had tried nicotine pouches and 12 percent currently used them. The 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey, conducted by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, found that 1.5 percent of middle and high school students had used a nicotine pouch in the last 30 days. But is Zyn bad for your heart? And what about your gums? POPSUGAR talked with experts to learn more about Zyn and its health implications. What Is Zyn? According to its website, Zyn is a smoke-free, spit-free, hands-free nicotine product. The pouch contains nicotine salt and "food-grade ingredients," including granulation agents, stabilizers, fillers, pH balancers, sweeteners, and flavorings. The pouches are practically calorie-free (less than one calorie per pouch), range in strength from three to six milligrams of nicotine, and come in a variety of flavors like Cool Mint, Cinnamon, Coffee, and Citrus. Zyn is not intended to help you quit smoking but is rather an alternative to smoking or dipping. The single-use pouch is placed between your upper lip and gum for up to one hour and is said to provide a nicotine buzz or head rush. The Zyn Lawsuit Zyn is intended for adults 21 and over, per the product website, but the tobacco alternative has come under major scrutiny for how it's marketed to kids. In January, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for federal action, asking the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission to evaluate Zyn's marketing practices and negative health effects, noting the product is a "pouch packed with problems – high levels of nicotine." The Swedish brand has long been popular in Europe, but a recent spike in "Zynfluencers," (aka those who promote Zyn on their social media platforms) has skyrocketed its popularity in the United States. With millions of likes and views on TikTok and Instagram, Senator Schumer says Zyn "locks their sights on young kids – teenagers, and even lower – and then uses social media to hook 'em." As a result, the senator sent a "warning to parents" and urged the FDA to crack down and investigate Zyn's marketing tactics. Is Zyn Bad For You? Zyn is marketed as an alternative to smoking or dipping, but that doesn't mean it's good for you. The active chemical in Zyn is still nicotine, and nicotine has extremely detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system, Dr. Kharazi says. Not only does it increase heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption of the heart, but it also narrows the cardiovascular arteries and limits blood flow to the muscles, further stressing the heart, she explains. The effects of nicotine on the liver aren't as widely studied, but Dr. Kharazi says there is solid evidence to conclude that long-term nicotine consumption impairs liver function and contributes to fatty liver disease. A 2023 study also found that nicotine has serious implications on sleeping habits and can cause numerous sleep-related disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and poor sleep quality. And because sleep is inextricably linked to your overall health and immune system, the same study found that nicotine-induced lack of sleep puts you at a greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity. On top of that, because Zyn pouches are lodged between your gum and upper lip, they're not great for your oral health either, Dr. Kahng says. More research is still needed, but when the product is held against the oral tissues for prolonged periods of time, gum recession (when gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away) can occur, she explains. Depending on the placement of the pouch, it can also increase the risk of localized plaque development leading to tooth decay and cavities, she adds. The Bottom Line Any form of nicotine is extremely addictive, Zyn included, and once you start, it's difficult to break the habit, Dr. Kharazi says. "While there is no long-term data available on Zyn specifically, we do have evidence of the detrimental effects of nicotine on multiple organ systems and can therefore extrapolate that long-term and frequent use of Zyn should be avoided," she explains. Currently the marketing of Zyn is focusing on the fact that it's tobacco-free, and while that is true, "nicotine is hardly an innocent or harmless substance," Dr. Kharazi emphasizes.

Gym bags may seem unessential - until you ruin your favorite tote by stuffing it with sweaty workout clothes or having your water bottle leak all over it. When that happens, you start to see the advantages of having a designated gym bag. Plus, have a pre-packed gym duffel or gym backpack can make getting ready for your workout much less chaotic, especially if you exercise in the mornings or immediately after work, and need to bring your gym must-haves like cycling shoes, a sweat towel, and your workout clothes with you during the start of your day. Even if you work out from home, having a gym bag gives you a place to stash home gym essentials like resistance bands or ankle weights. These are the 11 gym bags worth purchasing right now. Whether you like a tote bag or duffel, there's a silhouette everyone will love, and a price point that works for every budget. These bags are must haves for the active person who's always on the go. Keep on reading to shop our top picks. Related: Sloane Stephens's Must Haves: From Body Oils to Air Jordans - Additional reporting by Mirel Zaman