The Daily Check-In 7.19

Next time you feel stressed, try this technique, from Katey Lewis’s Wherever, Whenever: Unplug Headstrong meditation on Variis.

“Start to deepen your breath, and when you think you can’t inflate any more, take in a little sip of more air. Let out a big sigh on your exhale. Feel free to make some noise and release any stress or tension you may be holding on to. Take a deeper-than-normal breath in, sip in a little more air at the top and sigh out through your mouth. Inhale, take in some more air at the top, and exhale to let it all go.”

If you’re starting to socialize with friends and family, be aware of your eating habits. In general, people eat faster when they’re with family and longer when they’re with friends, says Helen Ruddock, Ph.D., a researcher in the psychology department at the University of Birmingham in England. There may also be an evolutionary explanation for this trend: Hunter-gatherers developed the habit of matching their peers’ intake to make sure they got enough food when it was available, Ruddock explains.

Sarah Maughan, a Precision Nutrition coach, recommends using awareness to combat this behavior. "Remind yourself why you're there—to have quality social time." Practice mindful eating and focus solely on conversation (not lingering leftovers) once you're full.

Cold therapy has long been touted as a way to reduce inflammation and promote circulation. Facial massage rollers increase blood flow to the skin, according to research in the journal of Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Combine the two by storing your sheet masks and stone rollers in the refrigerator—the chilly temp will also help close pores and keep you cool.