The sleep trick (almost) as effective as Ambien

Breathe in 2, 3, 4 ...

Know the feeling when you subconsciously take a deep breath, and a looong exhale that you didn't know you needed?

On top of work, school drop offs, unsent emails, prescription refills (etc, etc, etc), the screens that we sit in front of all day are projecting images of horrific violence from war zones around the world. Exposure to this kind of footage — especially when you're not expecting it — is tied to early traumatic stress symptoms like poor sleep and mood swings.

And, even when you're able to volunteer or donate, it never feels like enough. It's easy to get overwhelmed.

Here are some expert-backed, free tips on learning to settle your mind, without tuning out. And, a few viral "hacks" and trends for those interested in monastic LARPing…

When you feel your breath speeding up and your chest getting tight, try the "RULER" method.
Start your morning on a positive note. #3 is insane, but effective.
The scientific adviser behind the Inside Out movies wants you to go on an "awe walk."
Little kids get the Sunday Scaries, too. Here's how to recognize it –– and three things to try with them.
First, the NY girls ran away to the monasteries. Now, the French are embracing #MonkMode.
Babe, wake up, a new Nordic wellness buzzword just dropped.

— Kate "Getting to a Nunnery" Preziosi, editor

What's Making the Rounds

We won't tell you what dust is made of. But it's making us Google: "Do I need to vacuum my mattress?"

This simple trick for falling asleep faster is almost as effective as Ambien… no Rx needed.

Zosia "Shosh" Mamet gets frank about managing anxiety and anorexia — including how she anticipates triggers before they happen.

If your screen time keeps creeping up, do your hands a solid and try this viral stretch to unclench.

A new report says that Meta, TikTok, and LinkedIn are censoring basic health info about abortion pills… even when the posts don't violate platform policies.

Feeling exhausted after lunch? Put some "clothes" on your carbs.

This week, President Donald J. Trump linked the use of acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) during pregnancy to an increased risk of kids developing autism. Trump told pregnant women to avoid the OTC pain reliever unless they can't "tough it out."

This isn't settled science. Many studies have shown a possible correlation between acetaminophen and autism. Others have found none. It's also potentially dangerous for pregnant women to let a fever go untreated.

Here's how some medical experts in the US and around the world reacted to Trump's guidance…

"Today's announcement by HHS is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children." –– American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists President Steven J. Fleischman

"This lack of replicability really calls for caution in drawing casual conclusions" — World Health Organization Spokesperson Tarik Jašarević

"The scientific studies that have been conducted so far do not support the idea that Tylenol causes autism. In fact, there were two very, very large studies that …. did not see an association." –– Autism Science Foundation Chief Science Officer Alycia Halladay

"It's not black and white, and that's part of the issue…. You should know that the risks from acetaminophen are much greater for prolonged use than [they are] for taking it a few times. And I think that we have to be very concerned that a woman… might not take it when she should, for fever or for high fever." –– University of Massachusetts epidemiologist Ann Bauer, whose work was cited by the Trump administration

The Comeback of the "Wine Mom"?

From happy hours to hangouts, it seems like everyone's sipping on a zero-proof Negroni. "Mommy juice" jokes? Mostly retired (thankfully). And with sober-curious culture on the rise, it's easy to assume we're all drinking less.

But a new study says… not so fast.

Alcohol use is up… Especially among women. Recent data shows the longstanding gender gap in alcohol intake has basically disappeared, and women in their thirties are binge drinking far more than their moms did.

What's really going on… While many women are exploring sobriety, others are quietly grappling with how alcohol fits into their lives — especially post-pandemic, when "wine o'clock" coping mechanisms met parenting stress and social pressure.

If you thought red wine was good for you… It depends on who funded the study. Past headlines hyped the benefits of a daily glass, but newer research is linking even moderate drinking to increased cancer risk and cardiovascular issues.

If This Resonates:

Get curious. The Reframe app can help you assess your relationship with alcohol. And, it doesn't have to be all or nothing: "Soberish" is an emerging mindset that embraces moderation, mindfulness, and the occasional glass.
Read up. There's a whole shelf of sober-curious lit out there. New classics include: This Naked Mind, Quit Like a Woman, and Blackout. And it might be time to bring one of the titles into your book club. A conversation about alcohol can spark real talk about how it's influenced your life, even if you've never had a glass. Unpacking that can be a surprisingly powerful way to understand yourself.
Affirm your anxiety. Sometimes, just admitting how much you have on your plate (regardless of whether you're reaching for a wine bottle) can be key. Remember: Hormones and perimenopause can also ramp up your anxiety.

Q: Hygiene-wise, which is better?

Baths

Showers

Prep your medicine cabinet now, thank us later. Earn $10 ExtraBucks at CVS through September 27 when you spend $30 on wellness products.

Read Now

Turns out, your gut plays a major role in your mood, sleep, stress levels, and immune system. Here's how to keep it happy.

Watch Now

Pit Stop

These picks keep you fresh, and maybe even shower-optional after that midday sweat session. Whether you're team roll-on, spray, or "natural but make it work," consider your pits officially handled.

Native

Native Deodorant is the best deodorant for odor protection.

Lume

Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes are the best deodorizing wipes.

Vanicream

Vanicream Deodorant for Sensitive Skin is the best fragrance-free deodorant.

Salt & Stone

Salt & Stone Deodorant Gel is the best scented deodorant.

Here's the full list of the best sports deodorants, according to experts.

Today's Recs For a Life Well-Lived

An estimated 300,000+ women in the US will be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer this year – and it's time we talk about it. Here's what to know in under 90 seconds.*

Ninja's new air fryer is made out of glass, so you can meal prep and store in one step. This one goes out to the hand-washing haters (aka us).

Here's everything you need to know about the internet's favorite boob sweat lotion. PSA: It's $20.

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

10 Minutes to a Calmer You

You know the drill: Your body goes into fight or flight mode. Except you're not about to run away from a bear, you're going to face down your expense reports.

This course, 10-Minute Exercises for Cortisol Control, by wellness expert Sadie Nardini, gives you the tools to tackle cortisol spikes, helping you feel more balanced and less stressed.

You'll Learn: