The Daily Check-In 9.9

Do you try to suppress discomfort or do you turn to technology as a way to distract yourself from dealing with it? “If that’s the case, it can sometimes feel like there’s an inner conflict which takes up permanent real estate in our bodies, leaving us feeling stressed and depleted,” says Katey Lewis, in her Wherever, Whenever: Finding Calm in Discomfort HeadStrong meditation on Variis. Try this:

Close your eyes. Empty all of your breath out, then fill your belly up for the count of 5. Pause, then exhale for 8 and pause again. Keep going at your own pace. Notice if any discomfort arises. “Use your breath and let yourself lean into the discomfort a little more, almost as if you were falling into an embrace,” says Lewis. You might notice your relationship with discomfort starts to change as you grant it less control over you.

Much has been said about soy’s potential negative effects, but experts agree there’s no reason to cut it out of your diet.

It's a great source of polyunsaturated fats (which improve immunity and ease inflammation) and fiber and can help with strength-building, recovery, and overall performance. For those benefits, drink eight to 16 ounces of soy milk (chocolate or plain) in the 30 minutes after your workout.

“During your next HIIT workout, rest between sets until you hit 70% of your max heart rate (HR) or lower for 30 consecutive seconds,” suggests Stan Ward, Tier X manager at Preston Hollow in Texas. 

For example, if your max heart rate is 190 BPM, do 25 squat jumps, then rest until your heart rate reaches 133 BPM or lower for 30 consecutive seconds, then repeat. “You'll find that the longer or more intense the routine, the longer the rest breaks get as the workout continues in order to allow for adequate recovery,” Ward says.

As summer draws to a close, it’s time to create your fall reading list. Consider these five non-fiction picks, all of which will be released this month. The titles include a treatise on home organization by founders of The Home Edit, a guide to the history of drag, and a celebration of iconic Canadian athlete Terry Fox.

1. Parkers’ Astrology: The Definitive Guide to Using Astrology in Every Aspect of Your Life

2. Eating Out Loud: Bold Middle Eastern Flavors for All Day, Every Day

3. Forever Terry: A Legacy in Letters

4. The Art of Drag

5. The Home Edit Life: The No-Guilt Guide to Owning What You Want and Organizing Everything