The Daily Check-In 6.28

When she has any fruit on the verge of turning overripe, Brooklyn-based recipe developer Beth Lipton puts together a quick jam using chia seeds. It takes just a few minutes of cooking and is far healthier than regular preserves: “Not only do chia seeds help the fruit to gel without sugar, they also add protein, fiber, healthy fats, and minerals."

A recent study suggests that comforting objects called safety signals can ease anxiety. The researchers measured people’s sweat responses (a sign of fear) after hearing loud noises. When people heard the sounds in the presence of a safety signal, the reactions were weaker.

Safety signals are highly individualized, but could include a childhood photograph, plant, or memento from a trip. Identify yours and keep it at your desk. Look at it after a stressful Zoom call or while working on a challenging project.

“Walking, up to 3 hours at a time, has been my main physical activity since day 1 of quarantine,” says Sarra Morton, yoga instructor and group fitness manager at Equinox Culver City.

A study in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity shows that moving at 3 mph counts as moderate intensity training. Raise your pace to 4 mph, and you’re likely logging a vigorous workout.

“All exercise will make you feel stronger, happier, and more connected to yourself and others,” says Morton. To make the most of the latter, Morton makes sure to say hello to everyone she passes on her walks.