The Daily Check-In 8.16
Let worries float away.
Worrying comes from the problem-solving aspect of the brain and can be productive, says Michael Gervais, creator of Equinox’s HeadStrong meditations. “It stops being functional when we get stuck thinking about a problem,” he says. Try this trick from Gervais’s Wherever, Whenever: Worry meditation on Variis to let the unhelpful thoughts float away:
Close your eyes and visualize problems as balloons being inflated with thoughts and worry. Each of these balloons gets tied to your body with a string. Now, imagine cutting those strings one by one. Sense the change in weight as the balloons float away, feeling a little lighter and more settled into the ground underneath you. You can do this exercise for as long as you need.
Bake your eggs.
This egg-based dish can be customized according to your preferences or what you have on hand. You could swap Cheddar or dairy-free cheese for feta or use cauliflower or kale instead of broccoli. For a richer dish, use half milk, half broth.
Beware brain fatigue.
During exercise, your prefrontal cortex overrides pain signals from your muscles and joints so you can continue training despite discomfort, says Bastien Blain, Ph.D., research associate at University College London who specializes in cognitive fatigue. This part of your brain is also responsible for decision-making. When it’s overworked, you’re more likely to make impulsive choices rather than deliberate ones.
The effect can kick in after a single five-hour session (like a hike or triathlon) or after increasing your exercise volume by 20 to 30 percent for at least two weeks, Blain says. If you can, avoid making decisions with long-term implications—like those about finances or relationships—after long workouts.
Use natural lube.
Women who used lubricants reported significantly higher sexual pleasure and satisfaction than those who didn’t, according to a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Prioritize those that are free of artificial fragrance, which can cause irritation.
Some to try: