Over the past decade, workout classes have become popularized as a way to exercise without needing to think about crafting your own routine at the gym. Their low-maintenance, return on investment model helped create the notorious Barry’s Bootcamp, CorePower Yoga Sculpt, and Solid Core. However, not all workout classes are created equal. While the end result may leave us feeling sweaty and accomplished, research has revealed that our favorite classes can actually be adding extra stress to our bodies. Depending on the intensity and timing of an exercise, workout classes can create cortisol spikes. Cortisol is...

In the pursuit of productivity and happiness, many of us find ourselves juggling school pickup with an impromptu "Can we chat?" Slack message from our boss and a last-minute grocery order. We are feeling completely overwhelmed, overstimulated, and out of control simultaneously. And as much as this behavior is a constant in our every day, it can also be detrimental to our mental health.  So, after spending a small fortune on planners, timer apps, and productivity books, we feel defeated when we don't accomplish our daily to-do list.  First, there is absolutely no shame in that!...

While often viewed as a physical issue, infertility can have a massive impact on a person’s mental health. In one study of 200 heterosexual couples struggling with infertility, half of the women described infertility as “the most upsetting experience of their lives.” If you’re finding it hard to cope with infertility, you’re not alone. This article will break down the emotional difficulties common in infertility, the importance of finding a therapist to support you, and other ways you can cope. Understanding the emotional impact of infertility While everyone’s experiences are unique, there are several emotional struggles...

This article is sponsored by BetterHelp, the world’s largest professional therapy platform, done online.  Like many people, I was nervous to start therapy for the first time. When I started getting panic attacks in my early 20s, I finally signed up for therapy and realized that everything I knew about it was wrong. Instead of analyzing ink blots and the unconscious meaning behind my dreams, my therapist and I worked on developing coping mechanisms and stress management skills, so I could eventually manage my anxiety on my own.  I started feeling better within weeks, which I credit...

You might be familiar with the basic rules for eating during pregnancy — like avoiding raw meat or seafood, waiting to enjoy deli meats until after baby arrives, and making sure you cook those fried eggs all the way through.  Another essential nutrition tip is incorporating foods with omega-3 DHA, which can play a crucial role in a baby's development. We’ll explain why omega-3s are important, how to add foods rich in omega-3s to your diet and recommend some supplements to help ensure you’re getting enough. Because when you’ve got a baby in your belly, they...

Three days after my D&C from a missed miscarriage, I walked the beach with my mom.  It was a sunny May morning, the kind of day that tells you summer’s on the way — but all I could see were dark, heavy clouds looming overhead.  We were wading in the water and collecting shells when I found a dime with my birth year. I had no doubt it was a sign from someone or something much bigger than me… a reminder to have hope, even at my lowest point.  I’d been through a miscarriage before, and...

If you struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you have probably tried everything imaginable to help manage your symptoms. But what if an effective treatment for PCOS was already widely available, without any major side effects? It turns out that a decades-old diabetes medication has quietly emerged as a promising treatment for women with PCOS and other "off-label" conditions.  So, what is metformin, exactly, and is it truly a miracle treatment option for PCOS? Let’s discuss.  What is metformin? Metformin is no new kid on the block: it has been used as a first-line treatment for...

It’s Ramadan right now, which means many Muslims across the world are observing the holy month by fasting every day from sunrise to sunset. Because Ramadan falls according to the lunar calendar,  the month comes at different times during the calendar year, so the actual duration of that daily fast will vary from month to month (depending on the timing of sunrise and sunset). This year, people who observe the religious custom will fast for about 12 hours a day. Religious customs aside, we’ve talked a lot about the health implications of fasting — albeit in...

In the past five years, I have been to more doctor’s appointments than I can count. From multiple rounds of IVF to being diagnosed with a thyroid autoimmune condition to several (unsuccessful) attempts at getting to the bottom of my PCOS, I’ve seen my fair share of healthcare professionals in my 35 years. As a woman with various health concerns, I recognize that getting multiple medical opinions is a necessary evil in our current healthcare climate — but integrated healthcare shouldn’t be this hard. About a year ago, fed up after 5 unsuccessful embryo transfers with no baby — or...

Most of my social media feed these days is filled with advice on everything from dating rules and setting boundaries to which lip oil you should buy. There's something to be said for finding relatability with other 20-somethings navigating life alongside you, but I tend to be cautious about the advice I consume on social media. Comparison is the thief of joy, and although I try my best not to, it's only natural to compare your journey to others' when thousands of videos are showcasing their lives. This leads you to question your daily decisions based...