This time of year, I’m an early riser. No, not like that guy. And not even to “do” anything productive. But a quiet moment on my balcony with a coffee, book, or my thoughts to start the day is absolutely transformative. And that early light exposure impacts the rest of my day (and night) in positive ways.
For me, the pull is the idea that for one glorious hour, no one needs me. I can truly do whatever I want. But if choosing your own adventure makes you want to crawl back into bed, here are some science-backed ways to make the most of your mornings:
Our medicine cabinets are full of supplements that’ve left us with buyer’s remorse. One exception? Magnesium. On the contrary, it's earned a permanent spot in our rotation.
Everyone on Instagram claims the mineral changed their lives. Better sleep. Healthier skin. Less stress. Fewer muscle cramps. Maybe even weight loss. It’s a lot of hype to place on one essential nutrient, but magnesium lives up to much of it.
Check your meds. There are prescriptions (as well as this common supplement) that can interact with magnesium, so it’s safest to run it by your doc first to avoid any drug interactions.
Which drink is the most hydrating over several hours, according to research?
A liquid multivitamin that gives Mary Poppins energy. You just need a spoonful or two.
The arch sleeves our editor loves to wear while she strength trains. They provide compression and support to her flat feet.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Ashley Park on Resilience
For five seasons, Ashley Park’s Emily in Paris character, Mindy Chen, has bounced back from just about everything: family pressure, career pivots, heartbreak, and the occasional public humiliation — all while becoming the show’s emotional glue. And while the Netflix series is set to end after season six, Park herself feels like she’s just getting started.
Turns out, that resilience has roots in real life. The actress recently spoke with theSkimm as part of Bristol Myers Squibb’s Time Back campaign, which honors oncologists. She reflected on how surviving acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at 15 shaped the way she approaches ambition, adulthood, and moments where people try to limit her.
"I felt like I wasn't ‘winning the cancer battle’ if I let it affect the person I was,” she says. “As soon as I feel underestimated, I dig in. I really tried to move forward with just gratitude and trying to make the best of everything and live in the present. And I think that it's really defined how I've lived my life rather than sitting in the devastation of missing out on part of my youth.”
How do you say, “Honestly, checks out,” in French?
If bone health feels like a problem for Future You, here's the catch: Skeletal strength peaks decades before an osteoporosis diagnosis may be on your radar. Which means the habits you build now determine how much you may lose later. A good place to start is the surprisingly simple routine a physical therapist uses to keep bones strong for the long haul — no gym membership required.
And about that daily Diet Coke habit... Some research suggests that phosphoric acid in colas may interfere with calcium absorption, while caffeine can nudge your body to flush a little more of the mineral than usual. So if bone health is on your mind (it should be), these high-calcium drinks are good soda substitutes. The second one is a fridge staple for us.
You're Invited: Read With Us
This spring, we’re reading Kin by Tayari Jones, the national bestselling author of An American Marriage.
A peek into the story: Two girls grow up side by side in the 1950s South, bound by the absence of their mothers. Then life starts pulling them in different directions — one steps onto a traditional path, the other goes off-script, chasing answers in ways that break all the rules.
It's all about friendship, and how far we go for the friends we love.
What’s going on: The long list of GLP-1 drugs’ supposed benefits reads like a wellness wish list, and the newest potential perk is a big one: slowing cancer. New Cleveland Clinic research tracked more than 12,000 patients with the same early-stage cancers and comorbidities (like obesity and smoking). It found that those on a GLP-1 (compared to other diabetes medications) were 38% to 50% less likely to progress to stage IV in four cancers: breast, colorectal, liver, and certain types of lung cancers. The research hints that GLP-1 receptor-related signaling may directly influence how some cancers grow and spread. It lands on top of prior studies that have linked the drugs to lower risk of addiction, and improvements with sleep apnea and kidney disease, on top of the FDA-approved uses for diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss.
Sounds like a miracle drug: It does, but experts caution that there’s still a lot we don’t know, and say much more research needs to be done to confirm cancer-slowing benefits.These new findings are a genuinely exciting start — but the real-world, observational data hasn’t been peer-reviewed, and GLP-1s are not a current cancer treatment option. A randomized clinical trial still needs to confirm the link, and they’re no substitute for routine screenings like colonoscopies — as much as we wish we could save you from prep with that lemon-lime laxative monstrosity. So, if you’re among the one in eight adults on the meds or considering them, know that while the weight and blood-sugar benefits of GLP-1s are well established, the everything-else benefits are a science story still being written.
PS: Every weekday, the Daily Skimm breaks down the headlines that impact your world. Get our unique take on what's going on — and what it means for you. Sign up here.
Permission To Blend In
On a hot morning, a cold breakfast just makes sense. The challenge? Most smoothies either leave you hungry an hour later or taste too healthy. A few smart tweaks can solve both problems:
Need inspiration? These healthy smoothie formulas rely on affordable ingredients, freezer staples, and offer plenty of room for improvisation.
Step Up Your Sandal Game
Let’s get it out of the way: Orthopedic sandals do not equal granny gear. Instead, they offer the strong foot support regular flip-flops could never, so you can actually show off your toes all summer long.
Have a question, comment, or just want to be friends? Reach out to us at well@theskimm.com
Written by Anna Davies. Edited by Jordan Galloway and Margaret Wheeler Johnson. Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone and Sara Tardiff.
Photos by DupePhotos.com, Blanca CRUZ / AFP via Getty Images (Ashley Park)
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute a medical opinion, medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment of any particular condition. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
