9 Sustainable Lifestyle Changes to Make in 2025 (Updated for 2025)

If climate change news makes you tremble, taking action is calmative. You don’t need to own property you can convert to solar — small acts can make a difference. How can you improve your ecological savvy and reduce your carbon footprint this year? Here are ten sustainable lifestyle changes to make in 2024 for a healthier planet.  1. Ditch the Straw It’s an automatic reflex these days. You go through the drive-thru and expect a straw in your bag and think nothing of stripping the wrapper off one when stopping for a convenience-store pop.  People in the United States alone use up to 500 million straws every single day. Many of these don’t belong in standard recycling, nor can biological means like bacteria break them down — they stay in the environment nearly forever.  The solution? Invest in a reusable model. Many of these clip to your keychain, meaning you always have one handy when the siren song of french fries proves too much to resist on the way home from work. Some even contain a handy cleaning brush right inside the collapsable model that keeps things hygienic.  2. Bring a Bag Reusable bags stand head and shoulders above single-use versions. They don’t break, spilling your expensive eggs all over the sidewalk. They’re handy for scores of uses, from schlepping your gym clothes in from your car for a fresh shower and change, hauling laundry to the mat or, of course, safely transporting your groceries home.  Is it hard to create the habit? Not necessarily. Some people find the torture of forcing themselves to walk back to their car through the snow to retrieve forgotten bags the right stimulus to stir their memory next time. Others take a more gentle approach, putting their wallet or purse with their bags as they enter the car, linking the habits to make remembering reusables easier to remember.  However, if you are a member of the “Darn it, I left my bag in my car and don’t want to walk back,” set, take heart. You can find reusable bags that fold up and clip to your keychain, meaning that you have no more excuses for requesting plastic at the register.  3. Use Pedal Power If your nearest store is less than half a mile away, why drive when you can walk? If you mentioned the time factor, you aren’t alone. Today’s hectic schedules sometimes leave little room for making sustainable, if slower, choices.  However, you can slash your travel time with a bike while reducing your carbon footprint and getting exercise. You can even find electric models that produce a fraction of a car’s emissions and help power you up steep hills. Sometimes, commuting this way can be faster than by car when traffic piles up and you zip by in the right lane with a wave and a smile.  4. Investigate Walk Scores Are you looking for a new pad? Pay attention to your location’s walk score.  Perhaps surprisingly, urban locations often have better scores than more rural ones. Don’t automatically rule out city life — you could find, like many New Yorkers, that you don’t need a vehicle or the pesky emissions associated with it at all.  5. Add a Plant  Way back in the 1980s, NASA did a study to see how they could produce a breathable atmosphere on Mars. They discovered that the humble house plant could clean toxins like toluene from the air, albeit not as effectively as air purifiers. However, each new plant produces oxygen. A new ficus is an approved impulse buy when you want to make sustainable lifestyle changes. 6. Eat Locally Are you friends with the vendors at your farmer’s market? While grocery goods may travel thousands of miles — and produce tons of emissions during transport — these products come from close to home. You’ll reduce your emissions and feel better about serving your family fruits and veggies that you know are fresh and organic.  Farm-to-table restaurants have increased in popularity, and visiting one of these with your BFFs can be among the most sustainable lifestyle changes you can make in 2025. Many such establishments grow their fruits and vegetables onsite, and those that serve meat may raise livestock as well. These minimize transport, and increase accountability and transparency — you can’t fib about your practices when customers can observe them in action at your location.  7. Join a Crew Volunteering isn’t only a way to pad your resume if you have been out of work for a while. You can find neighborhood and highway cleanup crews seeking help nearly anywhere in America. You’ll meet new friends, stimulate feel-good neurotransmitter production and get a little exercise while making a sustainable lifestyle change.  8. Adjust Your Fans and Curtains If you run your HVAC system all the time, you go through tons of fuel. Why not save money on your utility bills while sustainably controlling your climate? Turn them counterclockwise in the summer to circulate air and reverse the direction in winter to pull warmer air up from baseboard registers.  Furthermore, make use of passive solar heating. Blackout curtains can preserve interior heat, especially on thin rental windows, during nighttime hours. However, tie them back during the day when the sun strikes them to take advantage of the free solar heat.  9. Add a Recycle Bag to Your Ride If you upped your road-trip quotient over the past months, you aren’t alone. Travel restrictions had more people shunning airports and turning to their rides for recreation. However, all that fun produces tons of waste, much of which you can recycle.  However, you probably noticed that not too many fast food joints, convenience stores or gas stations provide recycling bins. What can you do with all those empty pop cans? When selecting a garbage disposal system for your car, pick one with a separate section for reusable materials that you can sort in the correct bins when you arrive home.  10. Get Smart Adding a smart home device or two costs a fraction of the amount of a solar conversion. However, it can save you big time on your heating and cooling while slashing your carbon footprint.  Start with a smart thermostat. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% on your utility bill by adjusting that dial by seven to ten degrees during the eight hours you leave the house to work. Doing so is a snap with a smart thermostat that links to your phone. Even if you forget to program the hours, you can turn on eco mode from anywhere, instantly saving electricity and reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.  Make These 9 Sustainable Lifestyle Changes Protecting planet earth is everyone’s responsibility. Please consider making these nine sustainable lifestyle changes in 2023.  Originally published July 12, 2021. Updated December 23, 2024.

If you’re like many, you could use some solid mental health tips for managing anxiety. However, few people attend schools or have jobs that devote more than lip service to stress management, and knowing what to do can confuse even well-educated individuals.  However, anxiety is an increasing problem. The pandemic saw a substantial increase in this and other mental health disorders, and soaring inflation and economic uncertainty mean the issue hasn’t subsided for many. Worse, it prevents folks from finding the help they need, as socioeconomic factors are a leading cause of skipping care in the United States. It’s understandable if you have to manage alone, and the following tips can make a difference.  1. Get Organized  It’s the day of your big presentation — and you can’t find your phone. Panicked, you scour the house, making yourself late in the bargain. The entire ride to work, your stress levels go through the roof, worsening your anxiety symptoms.  Here’s the biological reality: it’s far harder for you to focus when you’re frantic. That leads to careless mistakes like misplacing your keys, causing further panic. Give yourself the gift of organization — your future self will thank you:  Create a place for everything: You’re far less likely to misplace essential items like your phone and keys when you always put them in the same place. It’s one reason that moving is so stressful; you have to get used to a new dedicated spot. Practice when you’re calm, so it’s second nature when crunch time hits.  Get a planner: You can go with old-fashioned paper or use an app. Each Sunday, plot a course for your week. Review your to-do list for the next day before shutting down for the evening, so you don’t accidentally forget that specialist appointment you’ve awaited for months.  Use electronic reminders: Nearly every cellphone has a built-in alarm clock that lets you set as many reminders as you like. Set them for everything to avoid regret.  2. Learn to Breathe Yoga enthusiasts know that pranayama, or breathwork, is one of the most important parts of any class. It focuses on mindfully controlling the duration, frequency and timing of each inhale and exhale.  Why is it so important? Breathing is one of the best ways to calm an overexcited nervous system and tap into your parasympathetic side, your body’s signal to relax, rest and digest. When you panic, your breathing becomes shallow. Consciously elongating each inhale and exhale gradually induces calm, although it might take a few minutes.  There are dozens of breathing techniques you can use. One of the simplest is simply using a 5:5 count. Inhale for a count of five and exhale the same length until your jitters reduce.  3. Modify Your Diet  Can the foods you eat influence your mood? Absolutely. Scientists learn more about the gut-brain connection every day, but they now believe regulating your intestinal microbiota could help improve anxiety symptoms.  What should and shouldn’t you eat? In general, it’s best to avoid ultra-processed foods. Why? Researchers suspect that overconsumption of such products often triggers systemic inflammation, a culprit behind many diseases, including those affecting your brain.  Some foods may help you battle anxiety. Why not add more of these to your plate and mindfully observe their effects?  Fatty fish: Fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce brain inflammation and promote better neurological health.  Nuts and seeds: These contain high levels of magnesium, selenium and zinc, which are all vital for brain functioning.  Yogurt: Yogurt is rich in probiotics that help support a healthy intestinal microbiome.  Turkey: This food contains tryptophan, the stuff responsible for that post-Thanksgiving dinner nap. It induces a sense of calm and relaxation.  4. Work It Out Exercise is one of the best natural remedies for anxiety. Why? It lets you mitigate excess stress hormone levels like nature intended — tapping into your “fight or flight” response. Your body doesn’t know if you’re wrestling a lion or wailing on a punching bag; the effect is the same.  However, you should keep your workouts under an hour and average in intensity for best results. Exercise also promotes a stress response, dropping adrenaline and cortisol levels when you complete your fitness routine. Excessively vigorous or prolonged activity can raise cortisol levels, provoking the opposite reaction and exacerbating existing imbalances. As in most things, moderation is key.  5. Try Calming Herbs Before modern medicine existed, people turned to nature for treatment. Many of the compounds in such plants are key components of many of today’s allopathic remedies. However, there’s nothing wrong with trying natural herbs if you don’t have meaningful access to prescriptions.  Pro-tip: Herbal medicine works much like traditional in that not every remedy works in a pinch. You have to take some long-term to appreciate the effects, so please don’t give up after one serving fails.  What are the best herbs to use for anxiety? Add some of these to your teapot.  Passionflower Valerian Chamomile Lavender Lemon Balm Additionally, you might want to add adaptogenic herbs to your mix. What are those? These plants protect against the effect of oxidative stress, battling some of the inflammation that might keep other remedies from working as effectively. Some popular ones to try include: Ashwagandha Astragalus Holy Basil (Tulsi)  Chaga mushroom  Reishi mushroom  6. Practice Yoga  Yoga is perhaps the ultimate form of exercise for people with anxiety because it unites the benefits of deep breathing with physical movement to double the perks. Please don’t think you can’t get an invigorating experience this way — step into an Ashtanga or vinyasa class, and you’ll be sweating plenty by the time your session ends.  However, you can also find less vigorous forms. Hatha is a great starting place for many beginners because it allows you to master poses without flowing through them too quickly or holding them for an extended period. Gentle yin and restorative classes are glorious when you have chronic pain or simply want to stretch yourself calm before sleep. You don’t even have to join a studio — plenty of yoga guides create free content on YouTube to spread the bendy-stretchy love.  https://youtu.be/rNVzTZcimjc?si=x04EDbVynL6pjOWC 7. Float Away  Have you heard of floatation therapy? This treatment encloses you in what’s essentially an aquatic sensory deprivation chamber where you float blissfully in warm waters, free from the excess bombardment of stimuli that ramps up anxious feelings in many. It costs between $75 and $100 on average for a 30-minute session.  However, you can imitate the effects at home in your bathtub. Close the door, light some electric candles — real ones are too risky if you fall asleep — and dim the lights. Consider adding some soul-soothing solfeggio music, as the water may amplify the effect of the frequencies. A pair of waterproof headphones helps you shut out any outside noise that might disturb your otherwise peaceful bliss.  8. Try Aromatherapy  Can inhaling your favorite fragrance ease panic? Perhaps. How does aromatherapy work? Researchers believe that the scent molecules travel from your nose to your brain, where they activate your amygdala, which impacts emotional regulation.  What are some of the best scents? Many of them are similar to the herbs you ingest:  Chamomile Lavender Rose Bergamot Jasmine Holy basil  9. Locate Low-Cost Help  Finding low-cost mental health care isn’t easy, even if you have coverage. If you’ve already visited Healthcare.gov and haven’t found a plan that fits your budget, you might have to get creative.  Support groups can be a lifeline, and many people with anxiety find online versions more manageable than entering a room full of strangers, even if they share a common problem. Members can share strategies that work for them. You might also get lucky and find a clinic that offers services on a sliding scale. Prescription drug discount plans can sometimes bridge financial gaps if you can swing a psychiatrist’s appointment but not ongoing copays or deductibles, only medication.  It’s generally best to keep your mental health woes out of the workplace, as this information is more likely to harm, even derail, your career than it is to get you the help you need — and job loss only compounds your existing angst. However, if your employer offers an assistance plan, you may investigate it, especially if the administrators take pains to maintain your confidentiality. Be aware of the risks before you leap, however, as regret can make your mental health worse.  Mental Health Tips for Anxiety Rates of anxiety continue rising. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a therapist’s couch or medication. That doesn’t make their conditions less severe.  Try these eight mental health tips for managing your anxiety. A single or combination approach may work best; experiment until you find the right treatment regimen.  Originally published December 15, 2022. Updated December 23, 2024. 

If you have naturally curly hair, you’re one of the lucky ones to have curls to frame your face. However, your curly hair after a shower needs some TLC to look and stay shiny throughout the day. Discover the secrets to having perfect curls after shower and explore tips on how to wash your hair properly. The 6-Step Curly Hair After Shower Routine Tips for Showering With Curly Hair Can I Make My Hair Curly Without Showering? 1st Step: Keep Your Hair Wet After the shower, you want your hair to remain soaking wet. Even if you didn’t use shampoo that day, run it underwater. Damp hair absorbs products better since the moisture opens your hair follicles. You can also use a spray bottle to soak your hair, making sure to get the roots.   2nd Step: Apply a Leave-in Conditioner  While your hair is wet, it’s time to add some products. This is one of the crucial steps for what to do with curly hair after a shower. Adding a leave-in conditioner gives your hair moisture and makes it appear soft and shiny. For thicker curls, separate them into sections. Then, spread a small amount of gel on your palm between both hands. Look for conditioners with lightweight hydrators, and moisture-locking oils.  Avoid using products with alcohol, parabens and sulfates that could further cause damage to your hair and health. Opt for products with naturally moisturizing properties like keratin — a protein that helps strengthen and detangle hair. 3rd Step: Use a Styling Product With Hold Once you’ve locked in moisture in your locks, it’s time to use a product with hold, like a gel or mousse. Here are various styling techniques you can perform. If you’re a first-timer, it will take some trial and error, but it will be worth it. Raking This technique is ideal if you want smaller, defined curls. Start by spreading your fingers, then rake your hair perpendicularly to how it falls. Be sure to move your curls toward the ceiling. Make this motion all through your hair. Ensure you focus on the shafts and ends of your hair. You can brush the cream throughout your hair with a detangling comb. Then, you can just leave it in without rinsing.  Scrunching Have your head upside down and shape your fingers into a claw. Then cup your hair at the bottom and scoop it upward while squeezing your fingers. You're probably doing it right if you hear a squishy sound and see water dripping. If not, you may need to add some more water or product. Start with dampening your hair first.  Watch this tutorial for more details:  https://youtu.be/pqDYQt5GJJs?feature=shared&t=205 4th Step: Let Your Hair Dry  This is the last step for your curly hair after a shower routine. Letting your hair dry helps to keep your curls defined. You can use a microfiber towel to help retain moisture for shinier hair. You can use a shirt if you don’t have a microfiber towel. Avoid using a regular towel as it can further damage your hair or render your efforts useless. 5th Step: Use a Diffuser  Before getting started, add a heat-protecting spray to your hair. This can help prevent damage by creating a barrier between the heat and your hair.  Then follow this process: Place a section of hair into the diffuser. Turn the device on a low setting. Cup the diffuser around your hair and push it around to shape the curls. Start with the ends of your hair and move toward the roots. Flip your head upside down to get hard-to-reach spots. 6th Step: Find the Right Hairstyle Once your hair looks nice and shiny, it's time to do your hairstyle. There are many fun styles you can try with curly hair. Choose one that matches your personality and complements the theme of your event. If you don’t have any products on hand, try combing your hair from the bottom up instead. Here are a few easy updo ideas to get you started: Braided bun Hair up with ringlets  Twisted low bun Half-up, half-down  Side ponytail  After styling your hair, apply a few drops of essential oil for added shine. These are the best essential oils for curly hair — give one or two of them a try: Ylang-Ylang: This works amazingly well as a detangler, especially when applied to wet hair. Geranium: The ancient Egyptians used geranium to boost their complexion before special occasions like weddings. Apply geranium oil to your crowning glory to boost keratin production and volume. Jojoba: Tighter curls will benefit the most from jojoba oil. It can help bring moisture into your locks and maintain their shine and shape. Tips for Showering With Curly Hair When you style your hair after the shower, it maintains your beautiful curls. However, the prep work can even start before then. Here are a few tips for showering with curly hair.  1. Use a Conditioning Wash After you clean your hair, use a conditioning wash. Co-washing or “conditioner washing” refers to applying conditioner only to give your hair a boost of fragrance and protect the ends from dryness. Try to stay away from creams containing sulfates, silicones and parabens. 2. Go for a Cleansing Cream This can save you time in the morning instead of washing with shampoo and conditioner. It can provide extra moisture. It also works better than a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. The product gives your hair nourishment in one simple step. That way, you have plenty of time to eat a good breakfast and head out on time.  3. Find a Deep Conditioner  Cleanse and condition your hair before rinsing if you have more defined curls. Apply small amounts of conditioner to each section of your hair. Work the cream through your hair with tension. When you’re done, end your shower with a cool rinse. It will help to provide maximum definition and maintain curls.  4. Brush Out Curls in the Shower  While you’re in the shower, take time to detangle your curls. The water can help control any frizz. Use a moisturizing conditioner to strengthen and control volume. Try to use a wide-tooth comb to brush out curls. After that, rinse your hair and pat dry with a towel to get beautiful ringlets.  5. Remember to Moisturize  Curly hair can be drier, so use a moisture-rich shampoo. Also, ensure you rinse the shampoo to prevent buildup on your scalp. After, apply the conditioner and comb it through your hair. Once it sets in, rinse it out. This process can also help keep your hair less detangled and soft.  Can I Make My Hair Curly Without Showering? Yes, but it’s only possible using a curling iron. However, as you may already know, this will be more damaging than curling your hair after showering.  Here’s how to refresh curly hair without washing: Pick a gel, mousse or cream. Emulsify the product in your wet palms. Apply all over your hair without disturbing your curls.  Spread and diffuse evenly. The 6-Step Curly Hair After Shower Routine Keeping your curls looking at their best throughout the day with these simple steps: Keep moisture in your hair. Apply leave-in conditioner for soft and shiny hair. Rake or scrunch your hair. Dry hair with a microfiber towel. Use a diffuser. Find the right hairstyle. (Optional: Apply essential oil for additional shine) Follow These Tips for What to Do With Curly Hair After a Shower Taking care of your hair keeps it looking fresh. So, having a beauty routine is critical. So, if you have curly hair, follow these steps to learn what to do with curly hair after a shower.  Originally published June 17, 2022. Updated January 10, 2025.

When your anxiety gets too high, everything feels like it’s spinning out of control. That’s a really scary experience. Prepare yourself for stressful situations by learning these grounding techniques for panic attacks. They’ll calm your nervous system and give you a sense of control over your mental health again. What Are Grounding Techniques? Grounding techniques engage your muscles or brain to distract your nervous system. Instead of telling yourself to calm down — which rarely works during an anxiety attack — these techniques keep your body busy so your nervous system realizes there isn’t a threat. It’s crucial to try both physical and mental grounding techniques for anxiety attacks as you explore what works best for your mind. One may be more effective than the other in various situations. Knowing how to do both could resolve your anxiety in times of crisis. Best Grounding Techniques for Anxiety These are some of the best grounding exercises you can try when you feel like you’ve lost control of your anxiety. Keep the steps saved on your phone or by your bedside so you always have directions to follow when you need help. 1. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Method Many people prefer the 5-4-3-2-1 method because it may feel like you’re checking things off a to-do list. If you find staying productive soothing, you might enjoy it too. Follow these directions to calm your mind: Say five things you can see, like a lamp or TV. Say four things you can hear while doing this grounding technique. Say three things you can feel, which may require touching the carpet or your chair. Say two things you can smell (if you can’t smell anything, name two smells you love and imagine inhaling their aroma). Say one thing you can taste, like a sip of water or a bite out of a cracker. Try taking deep, slow breaths between each art of this technique. Repeat it as often as needed and switch environments to engage with new sensations. You can also follow this video guide for extra help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30VMIEmA114 2. Walk Away  Mild exercise is a surefire way to quell panic. Doing so makes evolutionary sense. When you have an anxiety attack, your body releases the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol to propel your muscles into action. However, modern “attackers” seldom resemble hungry lions.  Your body hasn’t caught on to the fact that all the cortisol in the world won’t solve problems like too many bills with too little month for paying them. You might not be able to hit a sudden financial windfall, but you can burn those hormones off the way nature intended. Taking a walk around the block can also prevent you from saying something you don’t really mean in the heat of the moment. 3. Practice Box Breathing People can feel anxious anywhere. The spike in mental and physical tension occurs when people hear loud sounds, encounter social situations or smell something related to a bad memory. If anxiety affects you while you’re busy, like during your commute to work, box breathing can help. Here’s how you can do it: Breathe in through your nose while slowly counting to four. Hold your breath while counting to four at the same pace. Exhale while counting slowly to four. Wait four seconds and repeat until you feel calm. Bookmark this video to follow it when you’re too anxious to sleep or feeling nervous before a meeting. It’s also helpful if you need someone to count to four while your mind races. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoQVgJx_QN4 4. Understand What Is Happening  Your first panic attack is scary and deserves emergency care — you want to ensure an underlying health condition doesn’t lurk behind those heart palpitations. However, learning about your disorder can help quell your fears once you have a diagnosis.  Learn to recognize the symptoms of a panic attack. Sometimes, mindfully observing what is happening in the present moment is enough to gradually restore calm. Imagine yourself as a neutral scientist, taking notes on your physiological responses like increased heart rate and sweating. This is one of the grounding techniques for panic attacks that people might not think to try because viewing yourself through a clinical lens might feel strange at first. You’ll know it’s working when you feel slightly disconnected from your panic and able to think more clearly as your body calms down. 5. Use One of Your Five Senses The 5-4-3-2-1 technique has structured steps that engage all of your senses. Sometimes, anxiety attacks make following multiple instructions more difficult. If your thoughts won’t slow down enough to count things in your environment, use one of your five senses to hone your focus. Choose one and follow these general ideas: Sight: Choose one thing in your vicinity and describe it out loud to yourself, focusing on every tiny detail. Hearing: Pick something you can hear or turn on some calming audio. Describe what it sounds like and any good memories you associate with it. Smell: Choose a smell or talk out loud about an aroma you love. Touch: Touch something near you and talk about what it feels like, what temperature it is and if it’s something you enjoy feeling. Taste: Grab a water bottle, soda or a nearby snack and describe what it tastes like. Focus on every sensory experience related to tasting it. Save this tutorial in a playlist to make it part of your calming auditory input. The calming instructor and music will ease your mind and might make this technique more successful for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzDdXCrmmWM 6. Observe Your 4F Stress Response  You can also learn a lot about yourself through observing your psychological response to stress. If you have a past trauma history, you might not even recognize the sights, smells or sounds that trigger a flashback and the accompanying panic. However, your body recalls the memory.  Psychologists have identified four trauma responses to stress — fight, flight, freeze and fawn. You probably recognize fight-or-flight. Freezing creates the stereotypical deer-in-headlights pattern. You stop and watch to see what will happen next or play “dead.” It could explain the overwhelming emotions that make it impossible for depressed people to move from bed.  Fawning refers to immediately moving to please the source of the threat. It often occurs in response to childhood trauma where you tried to prevent abuse by doing everything you could to please the offending parent.  Once you observe how you typically react, you can evaluate the effectiveness of your innate response. If it isn’t appropriate to the situation, think of how you can behave differently.  7. Doodle Anxiety Away Keep a sketchbook and pencil near where you typically feel nervous. Even if you only doodle on a sticky note, drawing may reduce your anxiety by helping you focus on your creative expression. Free drawing can even reduce burnout symptoms when practiced while you’re feeling anxious. Use these inspirational ideas to start drawing next time your nervous system starts overwhelming you: Draw abstract shapes and see how you can connect them. Let your hand move over the paper in any direction. Sketch a photo of something that brings you joy, like a puppy or a flowering plant. Draw something you did the other day that made you happy. Try outlining a picture of what you’ll eat for your next meal. Many people enjoy watching this technique tutorial while they draw to avoid feeling like they’re alone. See if it helps you while trying this anxiety resource. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTHgm8wL_IE 8. Find a Focal Point  When you panic, your eyes scan your visual field, seeking impending threats. Finding a focal point on which to center your vision can help calm your physiological responses.  Fixate on an object approximately 20 feet away. It helps to make it something pleasant and natural, like your aquarium or a houseplant. Keep your attention on that spot until your heart rate begins to subside. 9. Explore Somatic Grounding Somatic techniques involve interacting with your environment with your body. You’ll stimulate your nervous system with outside things like textures and temperatures. It distracts your body from its high anxiety state, making it easier to calm down. Use these steps to ground yourself anywhere: Place your bare feet on the carpet and wiggle your toes. Notice how it feels, how the pressure distributes in your feet and what it feels like to flex your toes. Place your hands on a tree trunk and note what the bark’s texture does to your skin. Lie down on the floor until you’re fully prone. Notice where the pressure in your muscles goes and how gravity pulls you to the earth.  Sit comfortably on a chair and pay attention to how your body adjusts to the chair’s softness or firm arms. Press against the ground like you’re about to do a plank. Feel the pressure in your hands, the firmness of the floor and the strength in your body. If you’re having trouble picturing this freestyling technique, this instructional video might make it easier. You’ll know you’re doing it correctly by following each guided step. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TBoR847clE 10. Get Into Nature  Nature has the power to heal and quiet your mind. Even gazing at pictures of outdoor scenery can relax you and make you more productive. Imagine what immersing yourself in the forest can do.  If you can’t take off on an impromptu camping trip, go for a walk in the park. Even stepping outside to stroll around the block and look at the trees will soothe you. It’s one of the simpler grounding techniques for panic attacks that makes a big difference if you’re able to walk around while processing your thoughts. 11. Trace Your Hand If other resources like positive affirmations don’t ease your mind by affirming your reality, focus on what’s in front of you. Hold up your hand and follow these steps to guide yourself through another grounding technique: Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with your palm facing away. Place the pointer finger on your dominant and against the base of your thumb. Slowly trace up your thumb, over your fingernail and down the other side toward the base of your other pointer finger. As your finger rises, inhale slowly. Exhale when your finger falls down to the next finger on your non-dominant hand. Hold your hand up like the instructor below to see if this grounding technique helps you gain more control over your breathing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zhnLG3GW-8 12. Tense and Relax  It might sound contradictory, but you can relax your muscles by tensing them. Often, you unconsciously hold stress in various body parts, like your hips, lower back and shoulders. All you need to do is tighten every muscle in your body as hard as you can while you inhale. As you slowly exhale, release all that tension. You can also perform a body scan to identify problem areas and use this method to spot-treat them. Ease Your Anxiety Attacks During Tough Times Use any of these grounding techniques for anxiety attacks to ease your mind when life gets challenging. You’ll gain more control over your mental health and always know how to support your well-being in times of crisis.

Cell phones and computers are an integral part of society nowadays. People use them as tools to work and earn money, while others utilize them to seek entertainment or engage with others online. While there are perks to these forms of technology, it may be high time to take a step away from a digital detox. Digital Detox Meaning A digital detox is a voluntary break from the online world and all the devices that come with it. By tuning out anything digital, individuals can reevaluate how they spend their time and experience life without distractions.  Some people who try out a digital detox may only remove themselves from social media or the world wide web. However, others try to completely cut off screen time, which includes televisions, video game consoles and other forms of technology.  Digital Detox Benefits Deliberately taking time away from social media seems challenging at first, as most may spend more waking hours online rather than offline. However, it can make you happier through a variety of ways. Here are the benefits of a digital detox: 1. Increased Physical Activity While portable digital devices exist, most keep users glued to a chair or a sofa. A two-week social media detox study had participants relay how they had more physical activity, like walking their pets or doing chores. Boosting your exercise by regulating your time online also helps you stretch your muscles and get your bones moving. Productivity brings a sense of personal gratification, and so does prioritizing your physical health. 2. Less Stress Social media is pretty stressful at times, depending on the content you’re exposed to. There’s a constant influx of news and communities fighting with one another. Being the target of online scrutiny and hate comments is also troubling.  Another study finds people who abstained from social media completely were more successful in lowering depression and anxiety symptoms. While there is little to no effect on loneliness levels, mental health and stress levels have stabilized more. 3. More Time for Real-Life Interactions Have you ever wished you had more time during the day? The truth is Americans are spending about seven hours and three minutes online daily. You can check your own personal device to gauge the exact number of hours. A digital detox would help you reclaim that time and use it on more offline activities. You can have fulfilling real-life interactions with your friends and family more frequently. Having the awareness to enjoy your own company also brings joy. 4. Better Sleep Another way digital detox makes you happier is by improving your sleep. While some may not like to admit it, having a device to entertain you late into the night can distract you from slumber. It’s part of why many advise putting the device away when heading to bed. Nevertheless, you also need to regulate your online presence during the day. Too much social media use lessens your overall sleep quality while increasing the risk of sleep issues. Take a step back and have your circadian rhythm back to normal. How to Successfully Achieve a Digital Detox  A digital detox poses many advantages to your physical and mental well-being. However, it’s important to have the right execution, as too much restriction off the bat can make you relapse back to your digital dependency. Here are tips for forgoing your gadgets. 1. Narrow Down Your “Why” Having a specific reason to go to the digital detox help you stick with the task. Are you aiming to focus on something outside of your social media use? Do you simply want to purposefully cut back on the hours to change your habits? Narrow down the core goal and write it on a note to remember afterward.  2. Lessen Social Media Time If this is your first time running a digital detox, focus on reducing your online time rather than completely omitting it. You should use social media for about 30 minutes a day or less. However, you can extend this to an hour or so depending on your feelings. Scale it back once you get used to letting go of your phone.  3. Turn Off the Notifications One of the reasons why people gravitate toward their cell phones is because of the notifications ring. Try to make a point to turn off the unnecessary ones or turning the settings to vibrate mode instead. You can also build up a habit of checking on your phone later in the afternoon— condition yourself that the mornings are for offline activities. 4. Control What Goes on Your Screen List words or content that may trigger your stress levels and prevent them from showing up to make your device use a more positive experience. For instance, regular exposure to digitally altered images sets unreachable beauty standards and creates feelings of inadequacy. Alter your settings to keep AI-generated content out. 5. Pick Up a New Hobby As a digital detox will free up so much of your time, you’re bound to feel a little bored. Look for a fulfilling hobby to take up the space. You can get back into reading or turn to crocheting. Consider venturing into physical classes to learn how to cook, do pottery or speak a whole new language. 6. Head Outside Alone Learn to leave the house without your phone during a digital detox. To really get a break from the digital world, you can go on new adventures and immerse yourself in nature. Mountaineering helps with emotional regulation and thrill-seeking. Running the trails and scaling new heights also give you many beautiful sights to appreciate. 7. Journal Your Experience Keeping a journal about your digital detox can help you track your progress. Note down the number of times you went online and how you felt about it. You could also jot down what offline activities you engaged in. Look back to the pages when you feel a little doubtful of your tech usage. 8. Be Kind to Yourself Consistency is what makes digital detox successful. However, it’s natural to deviate from your plan 100% of the time. Be forgiving of yourself and take a deep breath. You can adopt other solutions, like physically unplugging the router or finding an accountability partner. Recall your goal and keep moving forward. Try Out a Digital Detox A digital detox reveals how often you utilize technology and its general impact on you. Don’t be afraid to shake your current routines when they feel stagnant. Step away from screens for a change to discover a new you.

Do you have brown, tan, gray or red patches on your face? You’re not alone. These are called hyperpigmentation and are very common among many individuals. While these marks are generally harmless, they can affect your self-confidence. Discover some of the common hyperpigmentation causes, effective treatments and how to prevent them. What Is Hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term for any type of skin discoloration anywhere on the skin but is most evident on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, hands, arms and legs. Depending on your skin complexion, the colors can be red, brown, tan, black or purple. It appears when melanin — the substance in your body that produces skin, hair and eye pigmentation — starts overproducing pigment. Common Types of Hyperpigmentation and Their Causes There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to hyperpigmentation. The proper treatment will depend on the type of hyperpigmentation, which may fall into any of the categories: 1.Melasma Melasma is a common skin issue characterized by patchy discoloration. It may appear on the face, neck, arms and other body parts. These spots are darker than your natural skin tone and may look like freckles. Women who are taking birth control pills or are pregnant are most susceptible to this condition. Hyperpigmentation causes: Hormonal changes and sun exposure 2. Age Spots Also known as liver spots, these patches are flat, small, and dark. They are usually common among older people, especially those who spend most of their time in the sun. These are non-cancerous marks, but people get treated for them to enhance their appearance and self-esteem.  Hyperpigmentation causes: Sun exposure and genetics 3. Freckles Freckles have long been associated with natural beauty and youthfulness. Also called ephelides, these brown or tan marks develop due to sun and heat exposure. Freckles aren’t usually a cause of insecurity. In fact, many people want to have it so much that they get semi-permanent freckle tattoos due to the desire to look more natural as influenced by beauty trends. Hyperpigmentation causes: Skin tone, sun exposure and genetics 4. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) PIH refers to patches of discoloration that develop after experiencing skin trauma. Triggers such as irritation, hormonal changes, acne breakout, wounds, medications or other skin conditions can cause PIH. This skin issue is common among people with medium to dark skin tones. Hyperpigmentation causes: Skin rashes, acne and sunburns 5. Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) Have you experienced an acne breakout only to be left with flat, red spots afterward? These marks are called PIE. There are various types of acne, including hormonal, bacterial and medication-induced. PIE happens when blood flow is disrupted during the inflammation stage, causing dilation and damage to blood vessels.  This is not to be confused with PIH, which happens when pigment skin cells are stimulated during the wound-healing process. Hyperpigmentation cause: Acne Effective Treatments for Hyperpigmentation If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of treatment options available to you. The right solution will depend on the cause of discoloration, so it’s best to assess your condition properly before purchasing skin care products. Better yet, ask your dermatologist for targeted recommendations. Generally, these are the most common effective treatments for hyperpigmentation. Topical Medications Over-the-counter medications like azelaic acid, glycolic acid and kojic acid can help fade discoloration. These acids have exfoliating properties, which help get rid of dead skin cells, making way for new, healthy cells. Niacinamide This type of B vitamin is a powerful skin care ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improve your skin tone. Niacinamide comes in different forms, such as serum and cream. Vitamin C Products containing vitamin C are scientifically proven to help treat hyperpigmentation. This ingredient has powerful antioxidants that help shield the skin from damage caused by external aggressors, including the harmful sun rays. Retinol Retinol is a type of vitamin A used to reduce acne and signs of skin aging. By boosting cell turnover, it can also help reduce the appearance of discoloration caused by sun damage, hormonal changes or acne scarring. Chemical Peels Dermatologists offer this treatment to help resurface your skin and lighten dark marks. Depending on your skin concerns, a chemical peel can be done alone or combined with another type of treatment. Microdermabrasion This minimally invasive dermatological technique involves using a hand-held device to remove the skin’s outer layer. It’s a specialized exfoliation process that helps increase collagen production, making your skin more youthful. Microneedling As its name suggests, this treatment requires using a device with tiny needles to create small wounds in the skin to stimulate collagen production. The skin can heal better as the small tears heal, leading to an even skin tone. Laser and Light Therapy This solution is often suggested to people with severe hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. The light beams help reduce discoloration by promoting collagen and new skin cell production.  How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation 1. Wear Sunscreen Sun damage is one of the primary causes of hyperpigmentation. However, less than 30% of women and 15% of men use sunscreen daily. Wearing sunscreen is the easiest way to prevent the harmful UV rays. Use a product with at least a broad-spectrum SPF 30 to ensure proper protection. When spending long hours outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or wear sunglasses. 2. Moisturize Your Skin While lightening the marks is your primary goal, protecting your skin barrier is also important. Moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can help boost cell turnover, which helps lighten the marks. 3. Eat a Balanced Diet Skin health starts from within, so nourish your body with the right foods. Nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables can help promote a healthy skin appearance. Incorporate foods with antioxidants to help aid cell turnover. For instance, avocados contain vitamin E — a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent premature aging and hair weakening. Bell peppers contain vitamin C, which helps promote the production of collagen, an essential protein for your skin and hair health. Protection Is Key Sun damage is the common cause of discoloration, and you can do wonders for your skin by applying sunscreen daily. Using products that contain lightening properties can also help in your battle against this condition. 

Are you a massive impulse spender or perhaps you simply want to save more? With plenty of budgeting hacks online, finding which ones to follow can be confusing. However, this certain “no-spend challenge” is currently making rounds online, with many people claiming to have experienced great things about it. Discover how this simple challenge can make significant changes to your finances, buying habits and your relationship with money. What Is a No-Spend Challenge? This challenge has been around for years but resurfaced this year due to TikTok trends. With around 43.5% of Gen Z searching for financial advice online, many people are turning to influencers for sound financial advice, such as this challenge. It has become viral on the platform since many people attest to its benefits. The no-spend challenge requires you to refrain from spending money on nonessential items and track your progress on a calendar. Common forbidden “splurges” include: Eating out Buying new clothes Getting a new haircut Purchasing coffee in cafes and restaurants Buying alcohol The main goal is to avoid overspending and reduce spending for a certain period, depending on your preference.  No-Spend Challenge Benefits The no-spend challenge somehow forces you to live below your means, which has plenty of benefits: 1. More Prepared for Emergencies Instead of giving into impulse purchase decisions, you can set aside money for your emergency fund. This money will provide you with peace of mind when accidents or unexpected circumstances arise, such as a major dental bill or a broken TV. 2. Financial Freedom The no-spend challenge gives you control over your finances, freeing yourself from the money stress. When you quit your unhealthy spending habits, you don’t have to worry about your credit card debt and enjoy watching your savings grow. 3. Healthier Lifestyle Spending solely on essentials makes you more mindful of your habits and lifestyle. Tracking where every penny goes may trigger healthy habits, such as limiting take-outs and cooking meals at home — a skill beneficial for your body and wallet.  4. Greater Appreciation for What You Have When you get serious about saving money, you also better appreciate what you have. It may even lead you to embrace a minimalist way of living and make you reflect deeper before making a purchase, leading to better life decisions. When you start noticing what you have, the urge to buy new, nonessential things becomes less. 5. Better Discipline Taking part in the no-money challenge is no easy feat. It requires discipline and dedication so you can succeed. This might be the right approach for you if you want to correct your unhealthy spending habits. With plenty of budgeting apps and hacks available online requiring you to log your expenses daily, you can find your footing easily. Rules of No-Spend Challenge Ready to take control of your finances? Here are the rules for the no-spend challenge:  1. Set Your Timeline Decide how long you’re going to commit to the challenge. If you’re new to saving, starting small — at least 30 days is highly recommended. Feel free to extend the duration if it goes well and you love the results.  2. Know What to and Not to Buy https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/284923113919356990/ The true challenge lies in knowing what you need and want. Usual needs include groceries, gas, transportation fees, household items, bills and rent, but depending on your living situation, this list may be more comprehensive.  However, it’s important not to get discouraged during the process. Maybe you and your partner always meet up for a movie once a month, and it’s an important time to connect and relax. Perhaps your mom is spending her birthday, and you must buy a gift. Make room for simple pleasures like that so you’re less likely to get demotivated. 3. Avoid Window Shopping Avoid going to the mall if you don’t have errands or a set purpose. That way, you can prevent the temptation of purchasing that limited-edition bag. The same goes for online window shopping. Use site and app blockers to restrict you from visiting certain sites if you must. 4. Unfollow Influencers Who Fuel Your Shopping Just as in real life, it’s essential to surround yourself with people who make you feel good. Unfollow influencers who constantly suggest items under the guise of good intentions. More often than not, these are paid promotions designed to manipulate you into spending money. Plus, excessive use of social media can cause anxiety and fear of missing out (FOMO), both of which are unhealthy for your mental wellness. 5. Replace Shopping With a Hobby There are so many things to do besides shopping. Cultivate a new skill or rekindle a lost passion. Explore activities that don’t require swiping your credit card. You can also find free events in your area, online courses, or community gardens where you can volunteer. Here are some ideas to get you started: https://ph.pinterest.com/pin/6473993210109143/ 6. Learn to Say No For some reason, people don’t want others to know that they can’t afford something. Sometimes, an individual would go to lengths because they don’t want someone to think they couldn’t afford a certain thing. If this sounds like you, it’s time to practice the art of saying no. Talk about your goals when a friend invites you to an out-of-town trip. The savings will be worth the awkward conversations. 7. Reflect This challenge can shed light on your habits. You might be surprised how often impulse buying kicks in, particularly when you’re tired or doom-scrolling online, hoping that checking out items can soothe your negative emotions in the long run. Once you reflect, you may realize that your behavior may contribute to the clutter in your space and mind. A break from this habit can give you a much-needed reset and help you recalibrate your priorities.  Try the No-Spend Challenge Today Do this challenge if you want to drastically change your spending habits. It will make you more mindful of how you treat your money and better equip you to make better financial decisions. While it may seem daunting — and even a little impossible — not to splurge for a while, it’s a productive way to get your finances back on track.

Weather the winter season by prepping your skin and putting on your favorite cosmetics. Since everyone loves a great deal, the beauty advent calendars released in 2024 are the perfect way to achieve all the necessary tools. Dive into what captivated makeup lovers and skincare enthusiasts and discover a few suggestions for what to get.  Most Anticipated Beauty Advent Calendars This 2024 Christmas calendars are high in demand, with almost all the most-awaited ones sold out already. Most people get this before the month of December to have their own countdown this holiday season. Here are some of the most anticipated beauty advent calendars of 2024, their release date and why they were so popular.  1. Space NK Advent Calendar 2024 The Space NK Advent Calendar was released on September 10. It is one of the most awaited beauty boxes ever, priced at $325 despite being worth more than four times the amount. It contained 35 beauty treats from Rare Beauty, Summer Fridays and other coveted brands, packed behind 25 doors. You could get cosmetics like mascara and primer, as well as skin care like exfoliants and sleeping masks.  2. LookFantastic Advent Calendar 2024 The Look Fantastic Iconic Beauty Advent Calendar is also such a steal, released on September 1. The 27-piece collection contains 13 full-size treats and various minis. You could have gotten best-sellers like the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette. There’s even hidden gems like the Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter. 3. Selfridges Advent Calendar 2024 The Selfridges Beauty Advent Calendar is a popular item that quickly went out of stock after being released in early October. While restocks have already happened, many beauty enthusiasts have added them to their carts. It comes as no surprise, as the package is worth over $1000 for a fraction of the price.  4. Cult Beauty Advent Calendar 2024 This year, the Cult Beauty Advent Calendar also caught plenty of attention when it released in early September. They had wonderful offerings within their package, such as Charlotte Tilbury’s infamous Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand and the Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser. They recommend signing up for the waitlist for the advent calendar in 2025. Skincare Beauty Advent Calendars While many Christmas calendars have already sold out, it’s never too late to shop for your own little package of treasures. It’s also less stressful, more convenient and you’re still getting a good deal. Here are some skincare advent calendars you can add to your cart. 1. Clarins 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar Clarins' 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is one of the best skincare sets this holiday. It contains cult classics like the One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser and Lip Oil. You can also try other options from their product line, such as the Beauty Flash Balm for tightening and radiance-boosting. $76 on Amazon 2. SpaLife Holiday 12-Day Beauty Advent Calendar The SpaLife Holiday 12-Day Beauty Advent Calendar also contains 12 pieces, containing several skincare minis. You can look forward to Christmas-themed essentials, such as body wash, scrub and lotion with a vanilla snowflake scent. There’s also a bath pouf and hair tie to get your hair up during those no-wash days.  $29.99 on Amazon 3. Body and Earth Christmas Advent Calendar The Body and Earth Christmas Advent Calendar is also quite the spectacle with 24 different Christmas gifts. You can use the hand creams to lock in hydration from your oils. Drop the adorable snowman-shaped bath bomb and salts for a warm and festive soak in the bathroom.  $41.59 on Amazon 4. Lucotiya 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar The Lucotiya 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is similar to the Body and Earth package as it contains plenty of hand and foot creams. You can look forward to opening up a few holiday items like hair pins and candles to make your skincare sessions better.  $43.99 on Amazon 5. TIRTIR Advent Calendar The TIRTIR 16-Day Advent Calendar features the Korean brand’s full-sized skincare products. Look forward to bestsellers like the Boost Enzyme Powder Wash and the Milk Skin Toner. You also receive makeup like their infamous cushion foundation and setting sprays. $214.18 on Amazon Makeup Beauty Advent Calendars After prepping your skin, it’s time to get your holiday glam going. Here are several makeup countdown calendars to give you color and glow.  1. Revolution Beauty 24-Piece Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar Revolution Beauty's Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar is an iconic collection of makeup. With the 24 lip, eye, and face products, you can create a full face. The variety can undoubtedly surprise you throughout the holiday season.  $45 on Amazon 2. JoyBright 12 Days Of Beauty JoyBright by Ulta Beauty is offering its 12-piece advent calendar. If you haven’t tried their line yet, you can sample lovely products such as their lippies, highlighter and blush. Their countdown calendar also contains a disco ball that can be turned into a Christmas ornament.  $30 on Amazon 3. Sephora Best-of-Beauty Holiday Advent Calendar Sephora countdown calendars are always a joy to unbox, and the 25 Days of Beauty Must Haves this 2024 is no exception. Achieve minis from well-known brands like Urban Decay and Milk Makeup. There’s also a mix of skincare products, such as the Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm.  $262 on Amazon 4. W7 12 Days of Beautiful Holiday Advent Calendar The W7 12 Days of Beautiful Holiday Advent Calendar is great for students and others on a budget. It includes lip gloss, blusher, eyeliner, and more at a very low price. You can also open a hair clip to put your locks out of the way during application.  $19.95 on Amazon 5. Color Nymph Makeup Advent Calendar The Color Nymph Makeup Advent Calendar is a thoughtful mystery box with cute cake-inspired packaging. Enjoy mini palettes for your eyeshadow, blush, highlight and eyebrows. You can also get face gems and falsies to be extra this holiday season.  $55.19 on Amazon Give Your Skin the Holiday Glow Brands have leveled up their beauty advent calendars this 2024, making it the prime time to try new skincare and makeup products. Share this article with a fellow enthusiast and drop us a follow on our social media!

Attachment styles have a profound impact on how we approach relationships, shaping everything from communication to emotional intimacy. Understanding these patterns can be a game-changer, especially when faced with the complexities of dating someone with an attachment style different from your own. Dating someone with a dismissive-avoidant attachment style presents its own challenges. This is what it's like. What is a Dismissive Avoidant Attachment Style? A dismissive avoidant attachment style is one of the four primary attachment styles identified in the attachment theory, alongside secure, anxious and fearful-avoidant. It develops as a defense mechanism — often during childhood — in response to caregivers who were emotionally unavailable, overly critical or dismissive of the child’s emotional needs. As a result, individuals with this attachment style learn to prioritize self-reliance and independence, avoiding vulnerability and deep emotional connections to protect themselves from potential rejection or pain.  In relationships, people with dismissive-avoidant attachment styles often struggle with intimacy. They may appear distant or uninterested in emotional closeness, even with those they care about deeply. Their emphasis on autonomy can lead them to suppress their own emotions and avoid engaging in conversations about feelings, especially when conflicts arise. This can make it difficult for their partners to feel emotionally supported or connected, creating challenges in building a secure and trusting relationship.  While dismissive-avoidant individuals may seem indifferent, their behavior is typically rooted in an underlying fear of vulnerability. They often associate closeness with discomfort or loss of control, leading them to retreat or put up emotional barriers. However, with self-awareness and effort, they can learn to balance their need for independence with the ability to form healthy, fulfilling connections. My Experience Dating a Dismissive-Avoidant When I first noticed these traits in my boyfriend, I didn’t have a label for them. I just thought, “Why are they so distant sometimes?” But once I started learning about the attachment theory, so many things began to make sense. The Early Days of Confusion and Mixed Signals When we first started dating, everything seemed perfect. He was charming, fun and attentive in his own way. But as we grew closer, I started noticing a pattern. Whenever things got emotionally intense — whether good or bad — he would pull away. For example, after a heartfelt conversation about our future, he’d go quiet for a day or two, claiming he was “busy.” At first, I thought I’d done something wrong. I’d replay every conversation, searching for clues. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon an article about attachment styles that I realized it wasn’t about me — it was about his relationship with intimacy. How His Attachment Style Showed Up Over time, I noticed several recurring patterns in my partner’s behavior. While some were subtle, others were more pronounced. Emotional walls: My boyfriend avoided discussing his feelings, even when it was clear he was upset. For example, after a stressful day at work, he’d brush it off with “It’s nothing,” instead of sharing what was on his mind. Avoiding conflict: During disagreements, he’d prefer to disengage rather than confront the issue head-on. If I wanted to discuss a problem, he’d say, “Let’s not make a big deal out of it,” and attempt to change the subject. A focus on independence: He’d often emphasize the importance of maintaining separate lives. While I value independence too, I sometimes felt like he used it as a way to avoid deeper connection. Hot-and-cold behavior: On some days, he’d surprise me with thoughtful gestures, like making my favorite meal or sending me a sweet text. On other days, he seemed distant and hard to reach, leaving me wondering where I stood. These behaviors weren’t malicious, but they were confusing and often left me feeling unsteady.  What I Struggled With Being in this relationship triggered my own attachment style — anxious attachment. I tend to seek closeness and reassurance, which clashes with my partner’s need for distance. This dynamic created a push-and-pull effect that was emotionally exhausting at times. For instance, when he’d withdraw, I’d overcompensate by trying to connect more, often overwhelming him in the process. If he didn’t respond to me quickly enough, I’d spiral into self-doubt, wondering if I’d done something wrong. It was a vicious cycle that left both of us frustrated.  One of the hardest parts was managing my feelings of rejection. Even though I intellectually understood his behavior wasn’t about me, emotionally, it still hurt. I often felt like I was walking a fine line between respecting his boundaries and suppressing my own needs. How I Learned to Adapt Navigating this relationship took a lot of effort, self-reflection and compromise from both of us. Here’s what helped me manage the challenges: Open communication: I had to learn how to express my concerns and needs without sounding accusatory. Instead of saying, “Why are you always so distant?” I’d try, “It would mean a lot to me if we could talk about what’s on your mind.” Framing things this way made it easier for him to engage without feeling pressured. Respecting boundaries: I realized that pushing him to open up before he was ready only backfired. By giving him space and showing patience, he eventually felt safer sharing with me. Therapy and self-reflection: Working with a therapist helped me understand my own attachment triggers. I learned to validate my feelings instead of relying on my partner to do it for me. Focusing on the positive: I made an effort to appreciate the moments when my boyfriend did show love and connection, rather than dwelling on his moments of distance. What I’ve Learned About Love and Growth This relationship has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve learned that love isn’t about trying to change someone — it’s about meeting them where they are and working together to grow. Through this journey, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of my own emotional needs and how to communicate with them effectively. I’ve also learned that a healthy relationship requires both partners to take responsibility for their own emotional well-being.  For my boyfriend, this meant gradually working on being more emotionally present. For me, it meant practicing self-compassion and learning to find a balance between connection and independence.  Is Dating Someone With a Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment Style Worth It? Dating someone with a dismissive-avoidant attachment style hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s been an opportunity for growth — both individually and as a couple. It requires patience, open communication and a willingness to adapt, but it also teaches invaluable lessons about love and self-awareness. Every relationship is a unique journey, and while attachment styles can create roadblocks, they don't have to define the relationship.

Chronic muscle pain is debilitating. You shouldn’t feel like you have to rely on constant over-the-counter pain medication just to ease the aches throughout your body. If you’ve talked about your pain with loved ones, they might have recommended visiting a chiropractor. Learn if chiropractors are doctors to better understand if they could improve your quality of life. What Is a Chiropractor? Chiropractors are licensed health care professionals who help the body treat itself through patient-forward care and muscle manipulation. After learning each patient’s pain level and typical symptoms, they create care plans that involve treatments like stretching and joint maneuvering. Are Chiropractors Doctors? Chiropractors are health care professionals, but not doctors. They don’t complete medical school or residencies before treating patients. However, that doesn’t mean they lack training. Anyone interested in becoming a chiropractor must earn a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree that includes a clinical internship. After passing their fourth year, they take a licensing exam provided by the state. They must maintain an active license through ongoing training throughout their career as well.  Can Chiropractors Write Prescriptions? State and federal laws restrict chiropractors from writing medical prescriptions because their education doesn’t include medical training. Their methods of treatment focus on joint, muscle and spine manipulation to relieve pressure. Some chiropractors might also offer advice on natural remedies for pain relief, but their recommendations aren’t prescriptions and don’t extend to medications. Is Chiropractic Care Scientifically Proven to Work? Research confirms that chiropractic care is a scientifically effective treatment for issues like musculoskeletal discomfort. The muscle and joint treatments relieve the tension causing the pain in many cases. Chiropractic care can also treat seven other common conditions such as: Lower back aches Migraines and headaches Range of motion stiffness Nerve pain and sciatica Spinal curvature and poor posture Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs Pain related to arthritis or aging joints While it’s important to consult your doctor about any symptoms related to these conditions, visiting a chiropractor could be a helpful addition to your treatment plan. It depends on how your body responds to the joint and muscle movements after your initial appointment. Common Myths About Chiropractors If you feel hesitant about considering chiropractic care, it might be because you’ve heard a few myths about the practice. Check out some of the most common to debunk them. 1. Chiropractic Care Creates Placebo Effects A placebo pill contains nothing that affects the body. You might be able to say chiropractors provide placebo care if they did nothing with their patients. However, they employ techniques that relieve pain through muscle tissue manipulation and joint pain relief. People who have positive results feel their treatments working in real time because their chiropractor is applying targeted movements to their chronic pain. 2. Doctors Don’t Trust or Approve of Chiropractors The American Medical Association (AMA) dealt with a lawsuit in the 1970s that accused the organization of placing systemic barriers around the practice of chiropractic care in the U.S. There was no medical evidence disproving chiropractic treatments at the time, but doctors with the AMA called them baseless. Although the lawsuit in the 1970s found evidence of barriers and allowed chiropractic research to skyrocket, the general public still held onto the notion that there wasn’t proof of its efficacy. Some people still repeat this myth today, regardless of the scientific evidence that it does relieve pain in many cases. 3. A Chiropractor Can Put People in Danger by Cracking Their Joints The loud pop of a cracking joint can feel unsettling. It’s especially a strange feeling when the pop comes from your neck or back after a chiropractor turns your joints in specific directions. It makes people think a chiropractor could cause damage — or worse — by doing so repeatedly over time. When you crack your joints, the popping sound means you’re relieving the pressure built by gases forming between the joints. Researchers call it the vacuum phenomenon and confirm it causes discomfort as the pressure grows. Some of the pain relief provided by a chiropractor comes from releasing those gases. Your joints will still work and remain connected without the gases there. 4. Kids Can’t Receive Chiropractic Care There are no laws or regulations preventing minors from receiving chiropractic care. It’s helpful at all ages. Researchers are even investigating whether chiropractic treatments can help kids with ADHD, although more time is necessary to study the topic further. For now, you can take your child or teenager to a chiropractor as long as the chiropractor confirms that they treat minors. 5. You Can Give Yourself Chiropractic Treatments at Home You might have spent your whole life cracking your knuckles and twisting your spine. If that’s all chiropractors do, can’t you copy their pain relief techniques at home? The truth is that most muscle and joint manipulation requires a relaxed position and external perspective. You won’t be able to maneuver specific body parts into place and apply effective pressure simultaneously. Things to Consider Before Making an Appointment If you’re thinking about making an appointment with a chiropractor, consider a few factors before grabbing your calendar. You’ll better understand if their treatments could be a good fit for your needs by not jumping into things. Check Your Health Insurance’s Coverage Options Some health insurance companies include chiropractic care coverage in some of their tiered plans. If you pay for monthly coverage, call to inquire about your specific deductible. You might not have to pay much out of pocket for your appointment if anything at all. Bring Notes on Your Health History If your chronic pain comes from an extensive health history, bring some notes. Your chiropractor will need to know if you have any diagnoses and which medical treatments you might have tried before. They’ll better understand how to treat you if they know the full picture. Dress in Comfortable Clothing Your chiropractor will ask you to sit in different positions to effectively treat specific joints and muscle groups. You might need to bend over completely, raise your arms above your head or twist before they apply pressure. A loose or moderately form-fitting T-shirt and comfortable pants are your best options. Get the Expert Care You Need  Asking if chiropractors are doctors is just the first step in your potential non-medical pain relief journey. Explore common myths to get answers before consulting local chiropractic offices. You might get even more pain relief alongside whatever treatments or medications your primary care provider recommends.