The 5 Best Hair Growth Serums Backed by Science

Achieving long, gorgeous locks isn’t always easy. Years of hair damage or genetic predispositions sometimes keep people from the hairstyles they want. Compare these options to find the best hair growth serums for length and thickness. Your long hair will be bouncier and softer after a few weeks or months of use. 1. Jardient Veganic Natural Hair Growth Serum Anyone who wants long hair from a cruelty-free product can consider Jardient’s rosemary hair oil. The serum is a gentle, plant-based formula that minimizes shedding after 90 days of daily use. Apply a few drops in your hair to start the process, thanks to the amino acids in each bottle. Amino acids fortify hair follicles so they retain each strand longer, allowing more length to develop. 2. Pefamne Minoxidil Biotin Hair Growth Oil Biotin is an essential hair growth nutrient. It gets straight to your roots and makes each strand stronger, so there’s less breakage. While you can get it from whole foods like onions, Pefamne uses it to make one of the best hair growth serums. By combining biotin with five percent minoxidil, which stimulates hair growth in old follicles, Pefamne presents a powerful hair growth tool to consumers. Use it twice daily in areas with thinning hair patches to restore your thick locks. 3. Nutrafol Hair Serum With Ashwagandha Exosomes If you don’t want to add an oily product to your oil-prone scalp, consider Nutrafol’s hair serum. It’s a liquid hair growth product that won’t leave a greasy shine because it features plant-based ingredients. Specifically, the ashwagandha exosomes kickstart hair follicle growth even if you’ve lost hair in the same spots for years. Apply it once daily to get thicker, more robust locks that thrive longer between trimming appointments at the salon. 4. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Vegan Hair Growth Serum Amino acid peptides are macronutrients that assist with hair growth by making your cells stronger. The cells helping your hair follicles produce strands will deliver nutrients to solve follicle deficiencies after routine amino acid absorption. The Ordinary’s newest hair density serum doubles as one of the best hair growth serums. You’ll get silky, strong strands while soothing the cells around your scalp. Massage a few odorless drops into your scalp for a few minutes once a day to experience the best results in three months. 5. Psalmonica Rice Water Hair Growth Oil People don’t often picture rice when they think about hair growth, but it provides essential nutrients the scalp needs to grow long hair and maintain it. When applied on the scalp, rice water stimulates cell proliferation, making the hair grow back faster. Psalmonica’s hair growth oil doubles its efficacy with essential nutrients like vitamin B, amino acids, biotin and antioxidants. Spray the rosemary-scented product directly on your roots twice a day for a month to gain healthier, longer hair. Achieve Your Beauty Goals With the Best Hair Growth Serums These budget-friendly solutions are some of the best hair growth serums on the market. Try them at home to get the hairstyle you dream about without breakage or hair loss delaying your final look.

There’s no doubt that having brightly colored nails is fun, but there’s just a certain beauty to having beautiful, natural-looking nails. These nude colors can make you seem quite elegant and attractive, making them ideal for special occasions and everyday wear. And while this tiny detail can appear absolutely effortless, quite a bit of work goes into achieving the natural nail look. You can either go the nail polish route and paint your fingernails to seem natural or go with the age-old way of caring for your nails. Trending Natural Nails Natural nails have become quite the trend for people. To achieve this, you can simply use a soft pink nude nail polish to cover the whole surface of the nail. If you’re using acrylics, you can still use the same color on top. Keep in mind that there are different shades of nude colors. If you have a darker skin tone, use a dark nude color like a dusty rose. People with paler skin tones can opt for a meringue rosette. That way, you can still achieve that subtle but natural nail look. To go the extra mile, draw in the lunula, the white semi-circle on the edge of the nail plate. If you have oval or almond nails, you can create a small crescent with white polish at the end of your nail. For square nails, you can apply the nail polish in a straight line. Just follow the flow of your nail shape and finish off with a glossy or matte top coat. Caring for Your Actual Natural Nails Painted polish can give the illusion of beautiful nails. That said, it can still be quite nice to have your natural nails appear as beautiful without the extra varnish. Practice a bit of nail care to keep them smooth and pretty. 1. Keep them Clean Natural nails are attractive because they appear clean and aesthetically pleasing. Without polish, it can expose a lot of your nail plate and lunula, so keep this as clean as possible. You can start by removing the dirt under your natural nails with a manicure brush. From there, you can trim and file your fingernails to your preferred length and shape. Since your natural nails are prone to breaking and peeling, it’s important to be slow and gentle with your motions. If anything hurts, you should hit pause and inspect the skin around your nails. 2. Be Careful with Nail Cosmetics Nail cosmetics are fantastic for expressing yourself, but it’s important to take a few steps to protect your natural nails is important. Here are a few tips to remember: Be selective with products: Almost all nail polishes use pigments to achieve a certain color. These ingredients can be used quite liberally, which can stain your nails with a different color. While it’s completely natural, look for stain-free nail polish formulas. Ask around for recommendations or go through some trial and error. Add a base coat: If all nail polish seems to stain on you, the next best thing you can do is to use a base coat. Having a protective barrier between your nail plate and pigmented polish can minimize the amount of staining. You can even add nude-colored nail polish between the base coat and your actual polish to make the nail cover thicker. Use acrylics carefully: If you’re a fan of acrylics, be careful with application and removal to avoid damage. Before adding them on, use some nail primer as a protective barrier. After having the acrylics on for a couple of days, soak cotton balls in acetone, put them on your nails and wrap them in foil.  Visit reputable nail studios: A nail salon can be an easy way to get a manicure without breaking a sweat. You can even request natural nails from the experts there. Just be sure you’re going to a reputable studio that practices proper hygiene. That way, your nails will be in good hands. 3. Hydrate and Oil Them Natural nails tend to dry due to a variety of reasons. Being a regular polish wearer can contribute to it, but aging is also a key factor. Make a habit of hydrating them to add some moisture and keep them healthy. Many people recommend jojoba oil to boost the moisture in your nails, but you can also utilize almond and tea tree oil. Be sure to follow it up with a hand cream or lotion to lock in the hydration your liquids provide. 4. Avoid Applying Pressure Since your natural fingernails are prone to breaking, be cautious of chipping or breaking at all times. For instance, when you need to open a package, don’t dig your nails to tear into them. Instead, try to use scissors or ask for help from others. If you have a couple of household chores to do, you can also practice wearing gloves. This is especially helpful when handwashing dishes. Running water can weaken your nails and make them prone to splitting. 5. Watch What You Eat You should also be cautious of your diet to achieve beautifully natural nails. Not getting certain nutrients can leave your nails a little brittle and dull-looking, so review what you’re eating and see what you can change up. For instance, biotin can help with healthy cell regeneration that will strengthen your nails. Make a hearty breakfast with eggs and cheese to get your daily fix of this. You can also consider supplements upon the approval of your doctor. 6. Look at Your Nails Speaking of medication, it’s important to pay attention to your natural nails. While they can help contribute to your aesthetic appearance, this part of your body can reflect a lot about the state of your health.  For instance, maybe your nails will appear blue. Blue nails are relatively normal in low temperatures, but they should return to a natural color when you’re all warmed up. If it continues to look the same, it might be cyanosis. Cyanosis occurs when the fingers and toes aren’t getting enough oxygen due to a certain illness. If your nails seem to have an odd color or if they’re void of any hue, it’s best to seek medical attention. Getting it checked can give you some peace of mind. Plus, treatment can help you return to a better physical condition with healthier nails. Get the Natural Nail Look Candidly Natural nails can seem plain, but their simplicity is exactly what’s appealing about it. Follow the guide above to achieve this look. Whether you use polish or go the old-fashioned way, find joy in these nails’ beautiful appearance.

Everyone needs to move for various reasons throughout their lives. Whether you’re starting a great job or buying a home to start a family, moving your belongings can cost a pretty penny. Check out how to make moving on a budget easier with these tips that cover every potential expense. Make a Moving Costs Checklist You’ll know how much to budget for your upcoming move if you list potential costs. The answers to the following questions are different for everyone, depending on their phase of life, belongings and preferences. Answer the questions for yourself to determine a rough outline of what you’ll need to cover financially: Do you want to pay for a moving truck? Can you lift all of your belongings? How many boxes will you need? Will you need to buy gas for your moving vehicles? Will you need to feed any loved ones while they help? What services will you need to start once you arrive? Discuss this moving costs checklist with whoever’s moving with you and save your answers where you can easily find them. You’ll use them to break the costs down and form a budget covering everything you need. Break Your Costs Down Start working on your finances to make moving on a budget simple. These steps will ensure you’ve thought of everything before it’s time to start taping up boxes. Consider Your Moving Vehicles Preference Moving companies offer large trucks to help people with various needs. You might need to get everything out of your home quickly, making a team of movers more of a necessity. Some people also have large belongings in massive houses, so big trucks are the only way to get their things from one place to another. Consider the size of your home and your belongings. If you think you’ll need a professional team with a massive truck, you’ll need to think about where you’re going. A local moving team that finishes the drive faster will charge less than a team driving out of state to your new home. The average cost of an interstate move is around $3,500, but that number can get much higher if your move is longer or your home has multiple bedrooms. Alternatively, you could get an hourly or daily rental truck you drive by yourself. The typical fee for this kind of moving truck is nearly $60 per day, so check with local truck rental companies to see what they quote for your total mileage.  People moving on a budget can also ask their loved ones for help. If the people in your lives have flatbed trucks, you could cover their gas if they help you move. However, you’d also risk rain, wind and bugs affecting your belongings because passenger trucks don’t usually have covered storage. Determine Your Strength Can you lift all of your belongings? Would lifting everything for multiple hours risk your health? You may need to hire a professional team or ask loved ones to help move your furniture and boxes. Although you can always start getting stronger in the weeks before your move, you should never push your body beyond what it can handle. Protecting your health by paying a professional moving team might make it worth a more expensive budget. If you’d prefer to ask loved ones for help, ask if they’d like to get paid for their day of work. You’ll get to pay your loved ones less than a professional rate, but it’s still something you’ll need to add to your moving budget. Estimate Your Necessary Boxes The best tips for moving on a budget always include visualizing boxes. How many do you think you’ll need per room? You may not get an exact answer, but an estimation will help you calculate the specific sizes you’ll need to buy from a home goods or moving supply store. You can always cut down on this fee by calling local stores. Ask if they have any leftover boxes from their recent restocking efforts and if you can pick them up. Store managers might let you take them for free because it saves their team from breaking them down or paying for a recycling pickup. Don’t forget about the bags you already own too. Old suitcases, bookbags and tote bags can all help carry your smaller belongings during your move. Watch this video to learn how to pack things in a strategic way to maximize how much you move without boxes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVI4XOYuNJY Budget for Gas Even if you hire a professional moving company, your budget should include some money for gas. You’ll need to drive however many vehicles you own to your new home. If you rent a moving truck, you’ll need to get gas to keep it going on the road and likely refill the tank before returning it. Use tools to check gas prices along your intended route and calculate the amount you’ll need to save according to the miles per gallon in the necessary vehicles. You’ll find that information in your car’s manual or the rental company’s website under each truck’s specification detail listings. Plan to Feed Your Helpers Your loved ones may volunteer to help you, but how long will they need to work? You might have to provide lunch or dinner while they fill up your truck or unload it. Strategize ways to find the most affordable ingredients to make budget-friendly meals for everyone. You could get pre-made wraps while they’re on sale or sandwich supplies with coupons. As long as you know how many people you’ll have to feed, you can calculate how much it will cost to provide their meals. Save for Immediate Services There are a few fees you might have to pay immediately after your move. If you add them to your moving budget checklist, you’ll prevent financial stress later. Contact local power and water companies where you’ll live to find out how much it costs to activate the power and water at your new living space. You might also have to provide an upfront payment to start trash pickup, which is essential when you’re unpacking boxes. If you’re looking for tips for moving on a budget, this might be one of the most important steps you could take. You’ll have everything you need to start your life without extra stress. Make Moving on a Budget Simple Anyone can move on a budget, even if it feels tight. Use these checklists and questions to determine exactly how much each option could cost for your upcoming move. You’ll pick the best moving method and feel less anxious as you start packing your things. FAQs What Should Be Included in Moving Expenses? You should include many factors in your moving expenses including the cost of the vehicle, gas to get to your destination and labor fees. Other expenses like feeding loved ones who volunteer and buying boxes are adjustable depending on your plans. How Do You Calculate How Much It Will Cost to Move? Using tips for moving on a budget will help you calculate how much it will cost to move. Consider all the factors listed above to form a helpful budget for your move. What Is the Cheapest Option for Moving? The cheapest option for moving is almost always avoiding any professional services. Ask loved ones to help you move, call stores for leftover boxes and use family-owned trucks to move your belongings. Getting everything to your new home might take a couple of trips, but you’ll save more money than paying a moving company.

Viral gastroenteritis, better known as the stomach bug, is an infection that occurs in your small and large intestines that causes inflammation. As a common infection, the stomach bug spreads by consuming contaminated water or food and coming in contact with an infected individual.  Sadly, there is no treatment for the stomach bug, just ways to control symptoms for an easy recovery. A prominent way to help conquer this infection is to know what to eat when you have a stomach bug.  Symptoms of the Stomach Bug Since this infection attacks your intestines, symptoms usually involve stomach pain and the inability to consume food comfortably. However, symptoms vary from person to person and can appear one to three days after coming in contact with the infection.  Symptoms have the potential to last anywhere from two to 14 days. Signs and symptoms of the stomach bug include: Watery diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Stomach cramps or pain Occasional muscle aches Occasional headache Low-grade fever It is easy to confuse stomach bug symptoms with bacterial infections since both share common signs and symptoms. If symptoms persist or get worse, contact your doctor to schedule an appointment. Eating with the Stomach Bug Consuming food while sick is everyone’s worst nightmare, but it is necessary to recover. To fight off an infection, consuming food is vital to keep your energy levels up. By pushing yourself to eat certain foods, your immune system will gain the necessary vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids to push the infection out of your system.  When the stomach bug is present, there is a process that will help you eat and keep down the food you consume. This process includes: Letting your stomach settle Hydrate Easing back into eating Being cautious with medications  It is essential to hydrate yourself while slowly easing into consuming food. Your intestines cannot fight off an infection and harsh foods without hydration. The best liquids to incorporate into your diet while fighting the stomach bug are fluids with high electrolytes, such as Pedialyte or Gatorade to keep your symptoms from worsening. Ensuring you can keep down liquids will put less strain on your digestive system. Foods for When the Stomach Bug Hits Understanding what to eat when you have a stomach bug is the best way to fight off the infection. Foods that are bland and easy to digest provide your body with the nutrients necessary to fight off the stomach bug while slowly building up your energy. Salty Crackers These crackers are a great way to help you fight nausea and stomach pain. The salt is instrumental in helping you replace lost sodium due to vomiting and diarrhea.  Broth-Based Soups Like salty crackers, the salt in soup will help improve your sodium levels. Broth-based soups are easy to digest while having all the necessary nutrients. A plus is that it is easy to integrate solid foods into your soup, like chicken, to see if your body can handle it.  Rice, Toast, Dry Cereal and Plain Pasta These bland foods are easy to digest but include tons of carbohydrates, helping boost your energy levels to fight the stomach bug.  Eggs Eggs are easier on the stomach than red meat and chicken. Consuming eggs while down with the stomach bug will help provide those crucial nutrients your body lacks to fight the infection. The foods above are a great way to heal your body. However, it is important to slowly integrate them back into your diet to avoid an upset stomach. Once your body can withstand one food group, you can experiment with other foods.  Foods to Avoid when Battling the Stomach Bug Diarrhea is a well-known symptom of the stomach bug, and because of this, there are certain foods you will want to steer clear of. Some foods to stay away from since they have a history of increasing diarrhea and stomach pain include: Drinks with caffeine High-in-fat foods Food and drinks that contain large amounts of simple sugars Milk and milk products It is important to note that everyone’s food tolerance is different, especially when battling the stomach bug. If a particular food bothers you on a good day, avoiding it when you are sick is best.  Taking Care of Yourself with the Stomach Bug Much rest is necessary to speed the healing process like any other illness. With this highly contagious infection, staying home until all symptoms are gone and you can withstand solid foods is vital.  Eating a bland diet is a great way to care for yourself when the stomach bug hits. However, some home remedies for an upset stomach can be beneficial. With any remedy, it is essential to remember that certain things work differently for others. Always do your research before experimenting with homemade remedies for the stomach bug.  When to See a Doctor Knowing what food to eat when you have a stomach bug does not always clear up the infection. It is essential to seek medical advice from your doctor if the following is occurring: Vomiting lasts more than two days You’ve had nausea and vomiting flare-ups for longer than a month Unplanned weightloss occurs with nausea and vomiting The signs above are for adults who are experiencing stomach bug symptoms. There is a different time frame for children and infants with a stomach bug experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Food is the Way to Recovery Understanding what to eat when you have a stomach bug is the first step to giving your body the necessary tools to heal itself. Avoiding a restricted diet can lead to further complications and unnecessary doctor’s visits if you are not allowing yourself to heal. Of course, food doesn’t always solve your stomach bug problems, but it will help make the decision easier if a medical professional is necessary.  Everyone handles food differently, but you will be better in no time by easing yourself back into your diet with a bland and nutritious diet.

Intermittent fasting for weight loss is when you eat during specific times and fast the rest. It boosts your body’s fat-burning and might help control your appetite. It’s not about what you eat, but when. What is Intermittent Fasting? Intermittent fasting is a way of eating that involves alternating between periods of eating and fasting. It focuses on when you eat rather than what you eat and it’s known for potential weight loss benefits, improved insulin sensitivity and increased fat burning. Different types of intermittent fasting include: 16/8 method: Eat for 8 hours, from noon to 8 pm. Fast the rest. 5:2 method: Regular eating for five days, then cut to around 500-600 calories on two non-consecutive chill days. Alternate-day fasting: Flip between regular eating and low-cal or no-eat days. Eat-stop-eat: Take a 24-hour break from eating once or twice a week. Warrior diet: Snack on raw fruits and veggies during the day, then have a big meal in a 4-hour window in the evening. 10-14 fasting: Keep it simple. Aim 10 to 14 hours of fasting. Do what suits your vibe. How Does Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss Work? Intermittent fasting for weight loss makes your body use stored fat for energy when you’re not eating. Eating less during fasting windows can create a calorie deficit and affect genes and proteins linked to better health. When you limit the time you eat, it often leads to consuming fewer calories overall. This calorie deficit is crucial for weight loss because your body uses stored fat as an energy source when it doesn’t get enough calories from food.  Getting Started with Intermittent Fasting Easing into intermittent fasting allows for a smooth transition and better long-term adherence. For a 9-5 job, think about trying the 16/8 method, where you eat from 12 pm to 8 pm, fitting well with work hours.  If you love breakfast, consider a 14/10 method starting at 7 am. Begin with a 12-hour fast, from 7 pm to 7 am and adjust gradually.  Keep things flexible for work lunches or dinners with friends. Pay attention to your energy levels at work, adjusting your fasting windows as needed.  Schedule workouts during or just before eating times for good refueling. If work is hectic, check with a health care pro to ensure your fasting plan supports your overall well-being. The key is finding a balance that fits your lifestyle smoothly. Here’s a guideline: Choose your method: Pick a fasting style that suits your routine, like the 16/8 or 12-hour fasting. Start slow: If new to fasting, begin with a shorter fasting window, like 10-12 hours, then gradually extend as you get comfortable. Hydrate well: Drink water, herbal tea or black coffee during your fasting periods to stay hydrated and curb hunger. Plan balanced meals: Focus on nutrient-dense foods during eating windows to support overall health. Listen to your body: Pay attention to hunger and energy levels. Adjust your fasting window if needed. Be consistent: Stick to a consistent eating schedule to help your body adapt to fasting. Prioritize sleep: Ensure good quality sleep to support overall well-being during intermittent fasting. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them Overcoming challenges is part of the process and adapting the approach to your preferences and lifestyle can contribute to long-term success. Here are some tips: Hunger pangs: Combat initial hunger by staying hydrated with water, herbal tea or black coffee. Gradually, your body will adjust to the new eating schedule. Fatigue: Feeling tired at first is normal. Ensure you sleep enough and consider adjusting your fasting window if fatigue persists. Social pressure: Inform friends and family about your intermittent fasting plan so they understand and support your choices during gatherings. Meal planning: Plan balanced meals within your eating window to avoid feeling deprived. Include protein, healthy fats and fiber for sustained energy. Cravings: Gradually reduce sugary and process food during your eating window or experiment with different fasting methods to find what works best for your focus. Impatience: Weight loss takes time. Intermittent fasting usually takes about a month or less to start seeing results. Celebrate small victories and be patient with yourself as your body adapts to the new routine. Meal Planning and Nutrition Intermittent fasting for weight loss means eating nutrient-packed, balanced meals when you’re not fasting is vital for overall health. These meals, with proteins, healthy fats and fiber, give you lasting energy and help keep you focused.  They also support muscle health and prevent nutrient gaps during intermittent fasting. Prioritizing nutritious foods ensures your body works at its best, making the most of both fasting and eating periods in your intermittent fasting routine. These examples illustrate how meal planning and portion control can translate into delicious, wholesome meals: Plan ahead: Map out meals for the week, like grilled chicken with roasted veggies or a quinoa salad, to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices. Include variety: Create a balanced meal with a mix of grilled salmon, leafy greens, brown rice and colorful fruits for a diverse nutrient intake. Right portion sizes: Use smaller plates for dishes like a lean beef stir-fry with broccoli to naturally control portions and prevent overheating. Protein priority: Getting 10% of 35% of your daily calories from protein is a good practice. Include protein-rich food options like turkey, avocado wrap or lentil soup to enhance fullness and muscle support. Meal prep: Batch-cook items like baked sweet potatoes, grilled chicken and sauteed vegetables for quick, nutritious meals throughout the week. Mindful eating: Enjoy a plate of whole-grain pasta with veggies, savoring each bite and paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. Hydrate: Start your day with a smoothie made with berries, spinach and Greek yogurt for hydration and nutrient boost. Limit processed foods: Swap processed snacks for whole foods like an apple with nut butter or a handful of mixed nuts for better nutrition and sustained energy. Incorporating Exercise You might wonder how you’ll be able to work out while fasting. Still, exercise can complement your intermittent fasting routine with the right approach. Optimize your workout timing by scheduling it during or just before your eating window to ensure proper nutrient intake for recovery.  Embrace variety in your exercises, such as brisk walks, jogging or bodyweight workouts and listen to your body’s signals. Being flexible with your exercise routine, whether a home workout or hitting the gym, ensures you find a sustainable balance within your intermittent fasting lifestyle. How to Do Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss Intermittent fasting is a practical and effective method for weight loss. Just listen to your body, have patience and stay hydrated. 

The digestive system is a crucial part of everyday life. It should also go relatively unnoticed. If you’re constantly dealing with gas or bloating, gut health supplements could help you become friends with your stomach again. Check out everything you need to know about your gut health and its microbiome to learn why supplements help people heal their stomachs. You could start feeling better today by integrating something new into your daily routine. What Are Gut Flora? Gut flora are microorganisms that thrive in your digestive system. After you eat, they break the food down so your body either benefits from the nutrients or processes the unneeded food into urine or stool. They can become unbalanced for various reasons, like eating too many processed foods or chemicals. Illness might also disrupt your gut flora. What Are Gut Health Supplements? Gut health supplements are daily-use products that contain a variety of tools your stomach needs to break food down. Sometimes, supplements add new microorganisms to rebuild the digestive system, while others feed the existing gut flora what they need to strengthen themselves. They might contain prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, vitamins or minerals. Signs Your Stomach Lining Needs Support You can always drink more water to balance your stomach acid and feel better, but that might not be enough support for your gut health. Watch for these particular symptoms to understand if your stomach lining needs better support: Bloating Abdominal pain Diarrhea Constipation Gas Talk with your doctor if you have one or more of these symptoms and feel concerned. They can work with you to discuss potential diagnoses based on your health history, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They might also recommend starting gut health supplements if they suspect your comprehensive gut flora is out of balance. Best Gut Health Supplements When you’re ready to explore the world of gut health supplements, check out some of the leading products people love. You could experience greater overall comfort and digestive success by improving your gut microbiome. OLLY Probiotic + Probiotic With Fiber The top gut health supplements make self-care easy and fun. OLLY revolutionizes probiotics with the brand’s Peach Peach gummies. Enjoy one daily with or without food to deliver 500 million colony-forming units (CFUs) of live prebiotics and probiotics to your gut. Your digestive system will also improve with each gummy’s fiber, which makes bowel movements regular when processed by your gut flora. Combining all three features makes the OLLY gut health supplement a powerful tool for anyone who is healing their digestive system. Physician’s Choice Organic Prebiotics Try the Physician’s Choice prebiotics if you’re looking for a more gentle way to start your gut’s healing journey. Each capsule has 10 strains, adding to 60 billion CFUs. They fortify the stomach lining slowly throughout each day. This organic option is always on the list of anyone taking natural gut health supplements due to its gentle nature and two-month supply in each bottle. Intelligence of Nature Gut-Brain Support Swallowing capsules isn’t for everyone. If you don’t enjoy gummies or pills, Intelligence of Nature makes a liquid gut support supplement you might enjoy. Each single teaspoon serving has gluten-free, vegan prebiotics derived from whole foods. Your digestive system will get the nutrients it needs to strengthen itself without breaking down food first. Remember, healing your gut does more than make digestion easier. Efficient stomach flora also emit five essential hormones that assist with nutrient absorption and mood regulation. Supporting your digestive system with supplements leads to the gut-brain support people experience when taking things like Intelligence of Nature’s product for gut lining repair. Ora Organic Daily Essential Probiotic & Prebiotic People seeking help with their gut health often trust Ora to solve their bloating, cramping and irregular bowel movements. The company’s daily probiotic and prebiotic supplement contains 16 billion probiotics and six strains, making it extra gentle on irritated stomach lining. This product is also notable for anyone dealing with high amounts of stomach acid that leads to things like acid reflux. The intense acidic pool waiting in your gut might burn through probiotics before they can reach your stomach lining. Ora’s daily essential capsules are acid-resistant, so they survive the gut more effectively than other supplements. Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat Capsules Love Wellness makes one of the top gut health supplements for people seeking relief on a budget. The brand’s bright blue bottles contain 60 capsules packed with digestive enzymes and herbs. You’ll process water retention more effectively to banish bloating nearly overnight. The enzymes also don’t function the same way as probiotics or prebiotics. If you’ve had adverse reactions to those gut-supporting ingredients, enzymes could be a more effective way to find relief. While the enzymes start breaking down your food, herbs like fenugreek, dandelion and fennel will ease your upset stomach lining. Ritual Synbiotic 3-in-1 Vegan Capsules While prebiotics and probiotics actively help your digestive system as it breaks down food, Ritual’s vegan capsules provide postbiotics that wait on the sidelines. Once your digestive system slows, the postbiotic liquid enters the scene by supporting your gut lining. It may help repair your gut health more effectively because the gut lining doesn’t have to work and recover simultaneously.. These natural gut health supplements are also vegan, so there’s no need to worry about the manufacturing process if you live an animal-product-free lifestyle. Enjoy the subtle minty flavor with each single-capsule serving and experience long-term relief from the delayed-release synbiotics. You’ll know your new gut supplements are helping you when you feel better physically and mentally. A disrupted digestive system may increase your daily anxiety by interacting with your nervous system. Give yourself the gift of balanced gut flora and your mental health will start to thrive. Support Your Well-Being Better Taking gut health supplements could improve your quality of life. They heal and restore the microbiome in your digestive system, so symptoms like gas, bloating and aching go away. Talk with your doctor if you’re unsure about adding supplements like these to your daily routine. They’ll provide personalized advice so you make the best decision for your well-being.

Gaining muscle mass sometimes takes a multifaceted approach. While you’re lifting targeted weights and potentially working with a trainer, peptides could be the additional support you need to define your muscles faster. Check out some of the best peptides for muscle growth to learn how they work and why they’re a helpful addition to any bodybuilding routine. What Are Peptides? Peptides are amino acid chains that contain between two and 50 amino acids linked with chemical bonds. While the human body makes its own peptides, people can also get them from external sources like supplements, food or medications. Do Peptides Help With Muscle Growth? Peptides help with muscle growth by acting as signal messengers to cell receptors. When they enter the body through protein powders or supplements, they tell biomarkers to repair muscle tissue and heal more quickly. The amino acids within each peptide also increase human growth hormone (HGH) production, which is the hormone that causes muscle tissue growth. Best Peptides for Muscle Growth If you’re interested in the best peptides for muscle growth, check out some leading supplements that could support your fitness goals. They make it easy to get more of these amino acids to your muscles before, during or after your workouts. 1. Evlution Nutrition Collagen Peptides Unflavored Powder Muscle growth is much easier when you have an unflavored peptide powder in your smoothies or oatmeal. Evlution makes one that combines collagen and peptides to deliver extra muscle recovery support while making your skin healthier. As the collagen improves your joint, bone, hair, nail and skin health, your muscles will bounce back from workouts and grow faster. 2. Sports Research Hydrolyzed Unflavored Collagen Peptides People who want to get stronger sometimes throw themselves into machine-based workouts and specialized diets. Others start with a more gentle introduction to natural bodybuilding with things like compound movements and non-GMO collagen.  Sports Research makes a collagen peptide power that doesn’t include GMOs or gluten so everyone can support their physical health while building muscle. It has some of the best peptides for muscle growth because the unflavored powder is easy to digest and contains 18 amino acids. The hydroxyproline, glycine and proline will gently develop your targeted muscles as you get used to your new bodybuilding exercise routines. 3. Orgain Paleo & Keto Unflavored Collagen Peptide Powder Orgain is a popular health and fitness brand with five-star reviews for its high-quality products. The brand’s collagen peptide powder is no exception. It contains only grass-fed, pasture-raised ingredients that are both keto and dairy-free. Even bodybuilders on a paleo diet can enjoy this unflavored source of peptides without going against their dietary preferences. Try it in smoothies, baked goods or water-based recipes to see how our muscles bounce back from workouts in no time. Thanks to the cell-strengthening support of the natural collagen in each serving, you’ll even see a glow return to your skin. 4. Vital Proteins Unflavored Sugar-Free Collagen Peptides Anyone who lives an earth-friendly lifestyle has likely seen Vital Proteins products before. The brand has an NSF-certified label due to its high sanitation standards and its sustainable approach to nutrition. While you’re sipping that post-workout smoothie or hydrating while rolling your muscles to ease them into another day of growth, this peptide powder could be what your body needs to get stronger. You might also enjoy this unflavored peptides supplement because it doesn’t include single-use scoops or collagen from hormone-injected cattle. Use your own scoop to add this supplement to any paleo, gluten-free, sugar-free or dairy-free diet. You’ll help the earth and your body with one simple dietary upgrade. 5. Zeal Naturals Multi Collagen Complex The best peptides for muscle growth don’t always come as a powder supplement. If that’s not your preferred way to boost your muscle development, consider trying Zeal Naturals’ peptide capsules. They’re easy to swallow and contain the collagen and peptides people depend on for muscle growth. These capsules even support your gut microbiome, which makes it easier to maintain and digest a healthy diet.  Tips for Taking Peptides  Although you can enjoy your new peptide supplements according to the package’s directions, it’s also important to strategize when you take them. Use these tips to enhance your muscle growth while exploring the latest peptide products. 1. Stick With a Trusted Brand It’s crucial to always get supplements from a brand you trust. The FDA doesn’t regulate the supplement industry, so companies with bad intentions could sell peptide powders with little to no peptides. Research a new brand before buying from it to see if customers leave positive reviews and if the company has certifications from organizations verifying things like sanitation. 2. Try Mixing Collagen in Food Although you can always mix collagen peptide powders into smoothies, adding them to foods you need to chew could be great for your teeth. When collagen sticks to the teeth and gums, it reduces overall inflammation that leads to periodontal disease. Just prepare for the food to get thicker, like if you mix the collagen peptides into soft cheese for spreading on crackers. You might need more of your typical foods to maintain your preferred consistency. 3. Talk With Your Doctor If you have any questions about a potential peptide supplement or how it could affect your ongoing physical health, schedule a call with your doctor. They’ll consider the peptides alongside your health history and provide personalized advice for your muscle growth goals. Improve Your Muscle Growth Progress Now that you’ve discovered some of the best peptides for muscle growth, consider how they could support your exercise goals. Peptides could provide the tissue repair and growth support you need to get stronger. It all depends on which supplement you choose and which option works best with your health history.

I always believed in astrology and tarot, often pulling up charts to learn about my personality and compatibility with crushes. However, there was plenty I didn’t understand about myself — for instance, why frustration would creep in during my ruts or why I constantly made poor decisions.  There was a time when I felt stuck and overworked as an office assistant at a community college. My desire to pursue something much bigger and more fulfilling was put on the back burner as I spent days tending to my bosses’ needs with little sleep. Ironically, my saving grace was losing my job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Otherwise, I wonder if I’d ever leave. During this time, I stumbled upon the Human Design system and quickly pulled up my chart. I learned I fit the mold of Human Design Generators and everything started falling into place. It wasn’t like I was entirely shocked by the results. In fact, I was aware of most things it said about my life. However, what became suddenly clear were my motivations and reasoning in decision-making. If you aren’t aligned with your Human Design chart, you might feel like you’ve ventured off the beaten path — which I did.  Once I began honoring my innate Generator energy, life got better from the inside out. Here is how aligning my desires to Human Design Generators improved my health. What Is the Human Design? Alan Krakower — under the pen name Ra Uru Hu — published a book on Human Design in 1992. The system drew inspiration from ancient and modern teachings, such as I Ching, Hindu chakras, astrology, Meyers-Briggs and the Kabbalah, to generate awareness of one’s purpose, associations, career and growth. While astrology examines where the planets aligned when you were born, the Human Design delivers a body blueprint of your energetic centers. Your Human Design breaks down your reasoning, communication and interactions. You also learn to pay closer attention to your body’s messages, how to go with your instinct, discover and embrace your strengths and live a more fulfilling and authentic life. Like astrological charts, you must have your exact birth date, time and location to determine if you are a Generator, Manifestor, Manifesting Generator, Projector or Reflector. Remember, Human Design is strictly the insight into who you are as a person. You should only apply what you learn as you see fit. Human Design Generators: The World’s Energy Life Force Human Design Generators are movers and shakers. Accounting for 70% of the population, Generators are known as builders, creators and workhorses — the sole Human Design type able to make the world go round.  Generators know how to attain life satisfaction when aligned with their energy centers. Their approach is to wait for things to happen and respond accordingly — meaning they exude patience and rely on their intuition and sensations when making big, life-altering decisions. Other distinctive characteristics of Generators like myself include the following: Persistent mental and physical stamina Infectious optimism and an ability to inspire others  Devotion to meaningful tasks they are passionate about Preference for hands-on learning Continued determination after seeing progress and achievement Appreciate recognition for their hard work and accomplishments Rely heavily on their gut instincts The only way to step into your potential as a Generator is to nurture your energy and do what you love. This means you must find a career you enjoy and a supportive community to share your unique talents and gifts. At the same time, you must set aside time to recharge your batteries, which may quickly get depleted. One of the more eye-opening distinctions I learned about myself as a Generator was my not-self theme — frustration. The not-self indicates you’re doing life all wrong — and it made sense. Anger, bitterness and irritability often come up when I feel stuck and overwhelmed. Not listening to my gut also leads me to make the wrong choices, adding to my frustrations and moodiness.  Decoding My Generator Blueprint And so my journey to unlocking my happiness began. Armed with an awareness of my energy channels, I could let go of things no longer serving me and return to my most genuine self. There is something liberating about a significant life transformation as you learn to listen to the sacral center. In some ways, embracing being a Generator gave me a sense of coming home. However, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. Embodying your Human Design means you must cast aside past behaviors and beliefs. It’s hard work, but addressing them is growth and the key to living well on this Earth. Generators are designed to develop relationships, connect, communicate and ooze authenticity. Life should ultimately be an enriching experience. You want to feel invigorated by whatever it is you do.   I needed a long, hard look in the mirror before surrendering to the fact I wasn’t energized by my work as an assistant. I had too many incredible superpowers to unleash on the world. I was just too overworked and exhausted to do anything about it.  Energy management was foreign to me. My body was telling me it needed to rest and I wasn’t giving it the time. Something had to give. Albeit a difficult couple of years, the pandemic was my first real indication of how the Human Design system worked. Rather than force a different situation on myself — like the daunting task of finding a new job — I was suddenly aligned with the natural flow of life. As an unemployed person, things began moving in my direction and I now had my instinct to guide me. Why Must Generators Honor Their Desires? Of course, you should look for a new career opportunity if you’re unfulfilled in your current position or hope to move up professionally. At its core, this is what being a Generator is all about. However, timing is everything and taking life as it came helped me carve the right path. There’s a reason why Human Design Generators must honor their desires. For one thing, going after your life’s purpose and doing what you love makes you come alive. You are also your most passionate, creative and productive self when fully immersed in things you enjoy. Genuine pleasure then trickles into other parts of your life. You walk around with a golden aura, attracting those aligned with your energy. You feel more supported and content within your relationships. Honoring your desires is one step closer to you living out your fullest potential — to understanding the meaning of your life and why you are here. I remember when I wasn’t honoring my desires as a Generator. I felt sluggish and uninspired. My relationships were unhealthy and disconnected, even with people I had known my entire life. Worst of all, not having a clear sense of my purpose left me depressed, like I was simply wandering the Earth. How I Honored My Desires and Improved My Health Embodying what it means to be one of the Human Design Generators didn’t happen overnight. I had to work on different areas of my life one day at a time before reaching a point of contentment. However, once I arrived, I realized I had gained much more regarding my health. Here are six ways honoring my desires within my Human Design did wonders for the mind, body and soul.  Followed My Gut I knew I had outgrown my position as an office assistant when I no longer felt challenged and stimulated. Naturally, I wondered what was next after being out of a job. Little did I know I needed this time to re-evaluate my life and what I wanted to do with my life.  Figuring out the “next best thing” is a practice of trust and patience. You must listen to and trust the sacral center — your gut instinct — and surrender to the subliminal messages you receive from the inside.  Your instinct reaches you through a-ha moments, chills, a sensation of right or wrong or recurring thoughts. These wisdoms are loud enough for you alone to hear.  Once I began listening to my gut instinct, I could make better choices for my life, including decisions about my career, relationships and health.   Overhauled My Diet and Exercise Routine My good feelings from honoring my desires inspired me to make restorative lifestyle changes. My body has allowed me to do and achieve all the great things I’ve experienced thus far — why not give it the loving attention it deserves? Improving digestion by eating cleaner foods only happened when I was aligned with my Human Design. However, instead of a restrictive diet plan, I just started making healthier choices. For example, consuming foods high in antioxidants was essential for a mood boost.  I also began walking for an hour several times a week. It became an effective way to clear my head and welcome more important thoughts, ideas, dreams and clarity. Practiced Mindfulness I dabbled with meditation and mindfulness before learning I was a Generator, but I never fully understood its benefits until I stepped into alignment with my Human Design. Working a dead-end job is stressful, especially not knowing your life purpose. Stress can cause other ailments, too, such as headaches, fatigue, stomach aches, chest tightness, insomnia, weakened immunity and higher cortisol levels. Cortisol — the stress hormone — may encourage you to make poor decisions and overeat.  Doing what you love automatically reduces stress and allows you space to grow awareness and appreciate the present moment. I now consciously practice gratitude for my life every day, which gives me perspective. Learned How to Rest Generators forget to care for their energy centers — I’m no exception. I have a knack for bringing myself to the brink of exhaustion and burnout. A part of honoring my desires included giving myself time to recuperate. I now look forward to self-care, which I have seamlessly integrated into my daily routine. Nourishing your soul, body, heart and mind is showering yourself with love and admiration. Like most people, I have difficulty saying no without feeling guilty, but I’ve had to learn to embody it within my Human Design. We can’t be “on” at all times. Otherwise, we wind up overwhelmed and overworked again. Showed Myself Compassion Like self-care, self-compassion is as much of a challenge for me. Yet, Generators must learn it for several reasons. For one thing, I feel especially drained when I find little enjoyment in what I’m doing or am riding my emotions. Also, despite being resourceful and inventive, I have a knack for self-criticism — which sometimes leads to depression. Self-compassion has entailed celebrating the many gifts I contribute to the world and forgiving myself for past mistakes. I have also learned not to tear myself down when I’m not in the most positive frame of mind.  Part of my self-compassion routine is repeating affirmations for compassion to rebalance my chakra system. These could be phrases like “I love myself more every day” and “I trust and listen to my heart.” The more I say them, the more they become my truth.  Found My Community One area of my life I hadn’t realized needed alignment was my relationships. Generators enjoy interacting with others. We tend to bring vitality and energy to all our relationships, whether with friends, family or romantic partners. However, we do this by being our most authentic selves, including communicating well and responding to others openly and respectfully. The most enriching connections are with those who are supportive, trustworthy and understanding of our Human Design. Studies demonstrate the importance of community for moving and healing through difficult times. Deepening my relationships with loved ones and fostering new connections have significantly improved my mental and emotional well-being.  Generators Must Live Life to the Fullest You find happiness by discovering your purpose on Earth and living with intention and meaning. Never settle for anything less than whatever fills your heart, body and soul with joy. Regardless of your Human Design, your best chance at greater health and well-being starts by honoring your desires.  Got a question or a comment on the white moon and red moon cycles? Post it in the comments section below!

Stains are one of the concerns of makeup enthusiasts. From the face, they could transfer to the neck, arms and even your treasured outfits if you're not careful, giving you additional trouble to deal with. Mascara is harder to remove once they settle on your clothes. Fortunately, the dark streaks are washable. Find out how to get mascara out of clothes and make it seem like the smears were never there.  Why It’s Hard to Remove Mascara Out of Clothes You've probably spent hours scrubbing the mascara stain off of your favorite dress, and it hardly comes off. Some types of eye makeup are harder to erase because of their composition. For example, removing clear mascara is easier than dark, pigmented ones.   Most mascara brands are made of oil or wax as a base, which explains why it takes a long time to treat the smears on your dress. They're typically a combination of water and a carrier oil, like castor, sesame, linseed, lanolin and mineral.  Waterproof products use less water and more waxes like beeswax, carnauba and paraffin, possessing water-resistant properties. Carbon black and iron oxide give this eye makeup its pigment. Mascaras that lengthen and make your lashes full contain nylon or rayon fibers. Depending on the brand, some may add more chemicals as preservatives and enhancers.  5 Ways to Remove Mascara Out of Clothes While it's relatively easy to remove water-resistant mascara from the face using a makeup remover, eraser, micellar water and cold cream — it’s a challenge if the pigments fling onto the clothes. Since oil doesn't dissolve in water, breaking down the mascara marks can be troublesome. Treat it quickly as soon as you get it on your clothes, carpet or any fabric before the stubborn grease dries up.  If it has left a mess on your garment, pre-treat by gently scraping off the smear using a table knife or the side of a spoon. For fiber-based mascara, wait for the stain to dry before touching the fabric so the formula doesn't spread to a larger area. Follow these tips to remove mascara from clothes.  Remove Mascara From Clothes Using a Stain Solution Stain bars or sprays are concentrated versions of detergent. These undiluted compounds effectively wash off combination stains like mascara composed of oil, fiber, wax, and other chemicals.  Before you begin the treatment, pick a product that's safe for all fabric types to use. For spot stains, rinse the area to be treated with hot water, then spray or add a few drops of the solution. Let stand for a few minutes before rinsing or blotting away the residue.  Remove Mascara From Clothes Using Laundry Detergent If you don’t have a stain agent on hand, any laundry detergent can do the job. Pre-treat by adding enough detergent to break up the marks. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the mascara gently. Let it sit briefly before rinsing the stained area with hot water. Toss the dress in the washer.  Remove Mascara From Clothes Using Makeup Removing Wipe Do a pre-treatment by scraping away the residue. Then, place the cloth face down on a clean rag or paper towel. Grab a makeup wipe and push the stain out of the garment, transferring it to the rag or paper towel. Do this until the residue almost clears out. Throw away the paper towel and rinse the garment or load it in the washer with warm water.  Remove Mascara From Clothes Using a Color-Safe Bleach Another option is to use a color-safe bleaching agent to boost the strain treatment on cotton or linen material. Avoid using it on wool, leather, spandex or mohair garments as these aren't bleach-safe.  Apply a few drops of liquid color-safe bleach and allow the smudged shirt to soak in the solution for a few minutes or until you notice the stain clearing. Use a brush to scrub the area gently, then rinse it.  Get Rid of Mascara Smudge on Dry Clean Only Fabrics If the outfit tag indicates a dry-clean-only fabric, it's best to take it to a professional cleaner. They know the best methods to treat all kinds of smears, especially on expensive apparel like a wedding gown or formal attire.  Otherwise, try a DIY remedy if you're on a budget. Purchase a dry cleaning kit and follow the instructions.  Tips to Avoid Accidental Mascara Stains on Your Garments 1. Use a water-resistant mascara  It has a quick drying time, minimizing the risk of smudging on clothes during applications.  2. Comb the brush through the lashes gently Roll the comb from the root to the tip of the eyelashes slowly so the spoolie doesn't accidentally touch any head accessory or the neckline of your attire. After our initial coat, avoid blinking or touching your eyes until the mascara has dried.  3. Use a mirror Some experts can effortlessly apply mascara without it or use their dark phone's screen, but this can be difficult for those new to makeup application. Bring a small mirror so you can retouch anytime without risking clothing stains.  4. Tape a small piece of paper under the eyes It can help catch falling mascara residue so they don't reach your shirt or skirt.  5. Wipe the wand before use If you use the same wand repeatedly without cleaning, you'll notice clumping pigments that could transfer to your gorgeous outfit. Wipe this off with face tissue or a paper towel to prevent mascara from flinging onto your shirt or jeans. 6. Avoid pumping the wand Many people pump the wand in and out of the tube to mix the content or pigment. However, this only lets air inside, leading to lumps and potential splatters.  Get Mascara Out of Your Clothes With Useful Tips You can clean a mascara-smeared outfit with a detergent, stain solution and makeup remover wipe. Not all eye makeup brands are the same, so some may be harder to wash off than others. Try one remedy and then another if it fails.  A few wand strokes can transform your eye, so mascara is a must for makeup enthusiasts. Stains are inevitable when working with makeup, but you can prevent them from slinging onto your favorite outfits by applying them gently and following the tips above to sidestep accidental spills. 

Anxiety isn’t just worrying about something going wrong. It’s also an uneasy feeling in your body that occurs for various reasons. Check out some surprising triggers for anxiety that people often don’t consider when evaluating if it’s something affecting their mental health. If they’re recurring for you, use the following tips to fortify your mental well-being overnight. What Are Anxiety Triggers? Anxiety triggers are any interior or exterior factor that activates your nervous system negatively. If you experience one, your body becomes on alert to help you survive what it assumes is an emergency. Experts estimate that 31.1% of U.S. adults will have an anxiety disorder at some point during their lives, so you’re not alone if anxiety affects your daily life. How to Know if You Have Anxiety Someone might have anxiety if they feel on edge, irritable or restless. It can also keep them from sleeping or concentrating. Sometimes, anxiety appears as muscle tension that results in body aches or headaches. As you note triggers for anxiety in your life, consider how often you’ve felt those common anxiety symptoms. If they occur daily or weekly, you may be living with a higher level of anxiety than before. 5 Triggers for Anxiety That Might Affect Your Life There are numerous triggers for anxiety you might experience every day beyond stressful conversations or relationships. See if any of these influences happen to you to understand your mental health better. 1. Loud Noises Even if you love living in a city or having something playing in the background while you work, loud noises might influence your anxiety. The constant overbearing volume of noises causes overstimulation, which occurs when one or more things activate your sensory inputs for an extended period. Here are a few examples of noises that could put you on edge: Someone talking loudly for a long time Constant noise coming from your TV Emergency sirens passing your living space a few times each hour An air conditioning unit that’s impossible to ignore when it turns on Horns honking on the highway Having a physical reaction to noises could mean you need to talk to your doctor. Individuals who are more sensitive to sound may have other conditions like sensory processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder. If that’s the case for you, a diagnosis could help you and your doctor arrive at more helpful management techniques for your condition. 2. Instinctive Negative Thoughts You don’t need to actively dislike yourself to have negative thoughts influencing your anxiety. They may be so common that they’ve become a subconscious belief that erodes your self-esteem, thanks to people or traumatic events making you believe that way. Your self-image could be one of your biggest triggers for anxiety. Ask yourself important questions to get honest answers, like: How often do I focus on my shortcomings? Are my mistakes more important to me than my successes? What do I feel when I look in the mirror? How often do I compare myself to others? When someone compliments me, do I instinctively reject it as false? People can always improve their self-esteem by repeating positive self-talk or surrounding themselves with better influences in social circles. However, recognizing the negative thoughts is an important part of understanding what adds to your daily anxiety. 3. Some Medications If you take prescription medications, your doctor considered your health history before recommending them. However, some ingredients can cause anxiety even if you didn’t have the condition before. Common medications that cause anxiety include: Amphetamine salts Hydrocortisone Methylphenidate Prednisone Dexmethylphenidate Corticosteroids and stimulants like these activate the nervous system more strongly in some people than in others. If you take these types of medications, talk with your doctor about your anxiety. They may reduce your medication’s strength or start a new prescription to support your health more effectively. 4. Hot Temperatures Higher indoor or outdoor temperatures affect the brain. Feeling overheated can make people more irritable or stressed because their nervous system is more active. If reflecting on your anxiety reveals that it’s only an issue in specific warmer spaces, this could be the primary trigger for anxiety in your life. 5. Dehydration The body needs water to maintain its functions. Water fills cells and aids blood production, allowing the brain to get more oxygen. When you’re dehydrated, the brain receives less oxygen because the blood can’t flow as effectively. It may trigger anxiety symptoms because your body is trying to tell you it needs more water. Some people may deal with dehydration because they don’t want to drink more water. They might not have many bathroom breaks during the day or feel able to carry a water bottle. Either way, you can get more water by eating fruit or setting reminders to stop by a water fountain at least once an hour. Simple Ways to Manage Your Anxiety Anyone who knows they have anxiety can manage it more effectively with tips like these. See if they could improve your quality of life without much effort. 1. Go Somewhere Cool and Quiet If higher temperatures and overstimulation influence your mental health, take a daily break where it’s cool and quiet. Sit in a closet, storage room or an empty office space. You can practice deep breathing with video guides like the one below to further manage your anxiety symptoms and feel more comfortable in your body. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmt1Znux58 2. Eat a Healthier Diet You can also improve your mental health by modifying your diet to fight anxiety. Drinking the equivalent of five cups of coffee could give your body enough caffeine to induce panic attacks during your day. Sugar also activates the nervous system by causing inflammation, which results in anxiety symptoms. Try drinking caffeine-free beverages and reducing your sugar intake. Anxiety-fighting teas and less processed foods will make your body feel better and fortify your mental health. These are some of the triggers for anxiety people don’t consider but experience a significant positive difference when adjusting for them. 3. Spend More Time Outside You’ll avoid spending time around certain people, hot indoor environments and loud noises by going outside. Take breaks throughout your day to breathe fresh air. Research shows that spending time outdoors improves your overall mental health by reducing stress. Whether you take a walk or lounge on a bench, your anxiety will fade away. When to Seek Help Triggers for anxiety are mostly manageable on your own, but they can be too overwhelming for some people. You should talk with your doctor or a therapist if your anxiety prevents you from enjoying your life. If you can’t enjoy socializing, sleep through the night, digest food or go a day without a panic attack, some expert help could be just what you need to manage your unique levels of anxiety. Gain More Control Over Your Mental Health Today Use these tips to recognize and regain control over these triggers for anxiety. Your mental health doesn’t have to cause daily battles. Simple routine modifications or a chat with your doctor could be what you need to live without anxiety symptoms disrupting your life.