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Herbalists, neuroscientists, and physical therapists might have different approaches to health care, but when it comes to starting the day, they have a lot in common. If your goal is to support, pros have a few tried and true tips for a calming morning routine that will set your day up for success.
Why should you even attempt a routine? It turns out that just the act of establishing these must-dos can bolster well-being., a sports medicine and pain physician specializing in longevity, says a relaxing routine prevents life or work tasks from hijacking the tone for the day. Routines can also help “Too many people wake up every day with a barrage of chores and responsibilities,” Dr. Chen tells Well+Good. “I try to go about asThe ingredients for this soothing schedule are simple but multifaceted. The routine should prep both the body and the mind for what’s ahead, explains Dr. Chen. You can also incorporate activities that promote a good night’s sleep since a restful slumber is the best foundation for your day., and other experts to see what they recommend across the board. These are the agreed-upon steps anyone can take for a calming morning routine.Whether you implement one or all of these tips, you’re taking steps to brighten your day. Now that’s a reason to get up in the morning!does it. While not many of us can do that —and if you are one of the lucky ones, how?!—you can choose your wake-up call method. Dr. Porter’s number one tip is to avoid anything jarring. “One of the worst things you can do to your nervous system is wake up to a blazing alarm,” Dr. Porter says.. Exposure to natural sunlight first thing in the morning also promotes a good night’s sleep by ingraining your circadian rhythm, or the natural times when your body wants to be asleep and awake.incorporating sunlight into your morning routine, so make sure to open your window coverings wide or take a few minutes to be outside.We understand the desire to mainline coffee as soon as you can, but do your brain and body a favor andfirst. Bodies wake up dehydrated, which can actually cause you to feel low on energy in the morning and throughout the day if you don’t drink up. Sleep expertthat holds that much liquid, fill it up before you go to sleep, and leave it on your bedside table so you can drink that H2O throughout your morning routine.Staying in any one position for a long time can make our bodies feel lethargic and sore. The same is true for sleeping, which is why giving a big ol’ stretch when you wake up is such a natural impulse. There’s even a name for that iconic, PhD, CSCS. It’s how your body shifts from rest to activity, arousing the nervous system and honing your attention.designed to increase blood flow. Or, if you have time, you can use the morning as a time for some movement, whether going for a walk or going hard in a HIIT class. Exercise wakes you up by releasing the stress hormone cortisol, which helps you feel alert, and neurotransmitters that make you feel good, like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Peloton instructorensures she gets the most out of those mood benefits by staying present, making her morning walks a phone-free affair.incorporating foods with pre- and pro-biotics. Additionally, making breakfast a meal you look forward to can put a spring in your step. So don’t underestimate the importance of the yum-factor!You’ve tended to your body, now it’s time to tend to your mind. Before switching to productivity mode, spend five or 10 minutes with yourself to take deep breaths and turn inward. “It’s a time to reflect, be at peace, be prepared for the day ahead, and just give myself time to connect mind and body,” herbalistStairway To Heavenas possible, tantric sex prioritizes connection over climax, pleasure over performance, and spiritual depth over penetration depth, says Dawn. “It’s sex that weaves together spirituality, sexuality, andYou’re not alone if you think tantric sounds simultaneously intimidating and sexy as heck. For tantric sex beginners, it may to be. “Tantra sex is for everyone,” says Dawn. Pleasure-seekers of all genders, sexualities, relationship structures or statuses, and experience levels can enjoy it, she says. To help make tantric sex accessible to the pleasure-seeking, we put together this comprehensive guide. Ahead, everything you need to know to do it, tantra-style.Tantric sex does not come with a set of step-by-step instructions, the way, say, a furniture purchase from Ikea does. As Dawn says, “Tantra is about connection, not rigidity.” Still, if you’re unsure how to get started, the tips ahead can serve as a helpful guide.No, you don't have to become a certified tantric sex coach to add tantric rituals to your own life. However, taking some time to become a student of the practice will help you feel more confident that you know what is tantra when exploring. This may involve diving deeper into the origins of tantra by reading books and teaching from experts. For example, if you’re a bookworm, For many people, tantric sex or not, a messy bedroom can throw off the vibe as you're trying to get in the mood. At the very least, the pile of clothes in the corner is distracting, but at worst, it makes the task of getting sexy feel impossible. This is why, if you're anything like me, with socks and stuffing from annihilated dog chew toys strewn about the floor, you need tomasturbation , also known as solo tantric sex, can be the best, most effective way to dip your toe into this wonderful world. “In a solo practice, you can proceed at your own pace and focus completely on yourself,” she says. “Consequently, you can practice various tantric techniques and actually discover what turns you on.” These techniques could include long, soft strokes to your genital region, light caresses all over your body, or even making eye contact with yourself in a mirror .If you've ever received long, suggestive stares from someone in public , you know the power of holding someone's gaze. Well, in tantric sex, there is a leveled-up form of eye contact known as . Traditionally, it involves looking into your lover’s left eye and then looking some more, says Carrellas. On paper, eye-gazing may not sound that impactful, but many pleasure-seekers are surprised by just how vulnerable it feels in practice. “Eye gazing is a trust exercise of the highest order,” she says. “It takes us to a level of intimacy we rarely experience, which can make us uncomfortable, exposed, put on the spot, and even silly,” she says. While it is common to feel the urge to look away or even to start to giggle, Carrellas recommends challenging yourself to return to your boo's eyes if your gaze shifts. tantric play. If you are going it alone, Carrellas suggests holding a hand mirror in one hand and placing your other hand on your heart. “Look into the mirror, and look into your non-dominant eye,” she says. with your partner’s is a beautiful way to connect at the start of an intimate experience or to deepen connection,” says Dawn. To try it, sit or lie with your chests touching so you can feel each other’s breathing and match the timing and rhythm of inhalations and exhalations, she suggests.might be the star of the show of middle school sex ed curricula—or, more accurately, pleas to abstain from it. But sex, especially tantric sex, goes way beyond all types of penetration, according to Carrellas“What happens during tantric sex isn’t limited to the genitals,” she says. “It’s not to say that genital sex isn’t important, but tantric sex sees the whole body as a generator of sexual energy, not just the genitals,” she adds. In practice, this means allowing pleasurable activities like Non-tantric, aka"regular," sex tends to be goal-oriented, leading sex-havers to sprint straight towards orgasm—or, at least, try to. But during tantric sex, “sexual positions and techniques are important With that, she suggests moving through tantra sex as you might through a meandering night drive with no known destination—taking in the sights, smells, sounds, and overall experiences—rather than only thinking about an orgasmic end. To be clear: Trying tantric doesn’t mean forgoing orgasm altogether, says Dawn. “It simply means letting go of the of having an explosive orgasm, which can transform the experience into a celebration and communion,” she says. And while it might sound counterintuitive, Carrellas says that in tantric practice, there is a saying that goes,"three strokes for thirty." This refers to the intentionally of slowing down each sensual act to maximize pleasure."This idea is that it is better to make three delicious strokes with precisely the right speed, pressure, and precision than thirty strokes that are sloppy and unconscious,” says Carrellas. The goal here isn’t to achieve perfection, as there is no such thing as"perfect" or"imperfect" tantric sex. Instead, it’s meant to serve as a reminder to, as they say, enjoy the journey.and spooning are popular choices for that reason. However, there is one particular sex position that has come to epitomize tantric sex: Yab yum., one partner sits cross-legged while the other straddles their lap, facing them, says Dawn. “If it feels uncomfortable, try placing a cushion under the seated partner for support,” she says. This configuration works well for eye-gazing or breath syncing, she says, but partners can also enjoy hand stuff, nipple and check stimulation, or mouth and neck kissing. to penetrate the top partner, says Carrellas. “If you’re the penetrative partner, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and visualize a circle of energy enveloping you and your partner as if you are being held in an erotic egg,” she suggests.While you may need to put away dirty laundry and clutter before tantric sex, your sex toys can definitely stay out in the open. “All sorts of pleasure aids can be used during tantric sex,” says Dawn. “I suggestno matter what kind of sex you’re having, but for tantric sex specifically, aids that increase sensitivity such as feathers, silk ties, and At the end of the day, exploring tantra sex is all about infusing life’s greatest joys—connection, pleasure, and intimacy—back into your solo, partnered, or multi-partnered sex life. If you achieve those things right from the get-go, that’s great. But if not: “Don’t forget to be patient with yourself as you adopt a tantric approach to sex, and keep practicing,” says Dawn. “Tantra, after all, is a journey and not a destination.”Tantric sex can be a great way to slow down and enjoy the pleasure of a sensual experience with your partner or yourself. Try these tips the next time you're looking to change things up, and don't be afraid to reach out for help from a professional sex expert if you're wanting to break out of your shell. They can offer tips and guidance to explore your sexuality and try new things, like tantric sex, if you so desire.There are approximately five thousand days in the month of January—and yet somehow February always creeps up on you. But don’t panic: The latest TikTok trend has you covered this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re showering your romantic partner, all your besties, or yourself with TLC.and counting, bae baskets are making a major splash, and for good reason. The concept isn’t complicated: Put together a care package of sorts, filled with simple-but-swoon-worthy goodies that feel unique and personal to your recipient. It’s a super thoughtful way to show your A team you notice and care about the things that bring them joy—and the best part? It can be totally wallet-friendly, and definitely—because nothing can beat the convenience of CVS if you’re a last-minute shopper—and rounded up eight essentials that anyone on your love list is guaranteed to appreciate and *actually* use. Think: cozy pillows for your favorite homebody, candles and beauty products for the—which you can brag about to your friends who love to budget, or keep as your best-kept secret —and with, you can get additional savings and Extrabucks back on tons of Valentine’s Day finds. So grab a wicker box, a shower caddy, or a canvas bag, and start filling bae baskets for every love in your life .Start your bae basket with a festive and romantic base . This white, faux fur pillow is a fun seasonal add to any couch, bed, or cozy chair, and serves as an understated invitation to snuggle.You can never have enough candles, and this soy blend—made with rose and tonka for a warm, sweet, and spicy scent that’ll linger in any space—serves as a reminder to relax and relish in a little self-care. Mood lighting, activated.Keep the self-care session going strong with healing bath salts that help relax the body and moisturize the skin . The hibiscus and berry extracts form a soothing foam and give the tub a red tint that feels *very* seasonally appropriate. Feeling fancy? Toss in some rose petals to really give your bath-themed basket some extra pizzazz.There’s no greater love than BFF love—and adding friendship bracelets to your bae basket is a sweet way to acknowledge that. Gift your #1 this pack of eight, dish them out to your closest crew, or stack them all on your own wrist .. Skip the investment and nestle this heart-fluttering dupe into your care package for better hydration on Valentine’s Day and beyond. Toss in a couple boxes of Sweethearts Conversation Hearts to round out the theme.A new tube of lip tint will have all your beauty-loving besties blowing kisses. This long-lasting formula from Maybelline glides on smoothly and leaves a soft, matte finish on your pout—and it comes in 10 buildable and blendable shades. From February 9 to 15, you can get $6 Extrabucks when you buy two tubes, so go ahead and grab one for yourself.they don’t like dessert). From coconut, to raspberry velvet, to sugar cookie, there’s a surprise filling for everyone in this box of 14 truffles.No need to choose between chocolate or gummies this Valentine’s Day . Instead, pair your Godiva chocolates with this heart-shaped carton of classic Haribo bears. With ExtraCare, you can buy one and get the second box 50 percent off. How sweet is that?Food Trends Come and Go, But Kombucha Is Forever—Here’s Why, According to an RD Here's what an RD has to say about the kombucha trend, why it's held such staying power, and what to look for when you're stocking up.
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