A few weeks ago, I had to pick my daughter up from camp in the Catskills, and I figured I'd break up the drive with an overnight stay. To me, this was logistics, not luxury. But then I checked in, read by a babbling brook, had an amazing dinner that reminded me even beets can be magical, watched fireflies dot a meadow, and fell asleep to a murder documentary on Netflix (my version of a spa experience).
The next morning, I journaled at an antique desk as the sun came up. I didn't expect that to be the thing I'd bring home with me. But I’m still writing.
Not every escape needs a passport or a week off work. Scroll down for our "Well Traveled" section on how you can maximize PTO, your way.
When I was in my early 30s and single, I took seven months off to travel. I didn't know it then, but I was on a "millennial sabbatical." Trust me: You don't need to be independently wealthy to make it happen.
Meet your new nightstand staple: this retinol regimen kit (serum, cream, and pads) does the heavy lifting on your skin while you sleep. Now over 30% off.*
That girl’s night you don’t have the energy for. That neighborhood volunteer gig you got roped into. You agreed to do it anyway — and now social media wants to know: Does saying “yes” to everything make us sick?
The theory has taken off alongside conversations about the “good girl trap”: constantly suppressing your feelings, avoiding conflict, and putting everyone else first can keep your body stuck in stress mode. And, when stress rarely lets up, it can affect sleep, digestion, metabolism, inflammation, and cardiovascular health.
Getting sick doesn’t necessarily mean you were insufficiently assertive. Chronic conditions can involve genetics, infections, environmental exposures, trauma, healthcare access, and plenty else. But people-pleasing can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed.
Know why you’re saying yes. Helping because you want to is different from agreeing because you’re scared of disappointing someone.
Talk to someone. People-pleasing is often an ingrained response pattern you developed in childhood, which is why it’s so hard to stop saying, “sounds fun!” A therapist can help you unpack the why, so saying “no thanks,” feels less charged.
the more you know
Are You Well Informed?
According to the American Heart Association, how many cups of coffee are safe for adults to drink each day?
Reaching your personal goal can be its own struggle, and staying there is a whole different story.
That’s the gap Noom’s built to close. The program pairs GLP-1 medication with tools that actually fit your life, so you’re building habits while takingit — not scrambling to figure it out after you stop. Members who stuck with those habits were more likely to keep the weight off than those who didn’t. Take the quiz to find out if their program is a fit for you.
You can't massage your way out of every ache and pain, but if pickleball (or your pillow) betrayed you, these creams can help you feel a little less creaky.
We’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, and even vacation reservations keep us glued to our phones. It’s no wonder wellness trips are a bigger business than ever. But before you put down a deposit or step into that -140°F cold chamber, here are three things to consider.
Integrate wellness into your itinerary. Experts say these five habits can make your trip truly feel like a getaway… and they’re all free.
DIY it. Hiking trails and yoga classes aren't hard to find. Anchor a vacation — or staycation — around one or two of these habits, and you'll get a read on whether a full-on retreat is even your thing. Also good to know: A day pass can get you pool and spa access without the price tag of an overnight stay.
Consider "adult summer camp." Millennials are flocking to these more-rustic-than-resort options. The real draw is community: group hikes, communal meals, and activities designed to get strangers talking instead of a week of silent reflection.
Well Fed
Fro-Yo is Back and Better Than Ever
Social media is reviving a trend we didn't ask for… but we're not mad about. Fro-yo turned into a weird science experiment in the 1990s, packed with air and chemicals. TikTok made OG yogurt the main character again, and the result is protein-packed, delicious, and completely doable at home.
The classic recipe. All you need is yogurt, two pantry staples, and patience (more specifically, eight hours of it).
Make them bite size. Use a mold and add fruits for an easy dessert for a crowd.
Fro-yo bark. Add in toppings and freeze for a breakaway treat.
just one thing
The Air We Breathe
Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires recently blanketed the Midwest and Northeast. Not only is it the third major smoke event to hit the US in as many summers, but the smoke exposure in many cities was equivalent to smoking a quarter to half a pack of cigarettes. And now, with fires burning across Europe and the American West, here’s what to know:
Before you plan your day:Check the AQI. If it's unhealthy, move your workout or plans indoors.
When you're inside: Run a HEPA purifier in whatever room you're in most. No purifier? The EPA says abox fan + MERV-13 filter makes a solid DIY stand-in. Proof that sometimes the best wellness hack is a trip to the hardware store.
Also: Stock up on one of these types of masks before the sky turns apocalyptic. Experts suggest one per day per person.
No Notes
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Written by Anna Davies. Edited by Jordan Galloway and Kylie McConville.Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone and Sara Tardiff.
Photos by DupeImages.com, Brand Partners
Design by theSkimm; Photo research Madison Braithwaite
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute a medical opinion, medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment of any particular condition. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
